Felmer walked into the arena and stood in front of his opponent. His opponent was a two-time runner-up in this competition. His name was Ramsis. He was known for his brutal way of fighting. He was tall and had a big figure. He was a difficult opponent.
The competition never had proper rules. It was just survive. It was the last man standing wins, as told before. Though killing was prohibited.
Felmer and Ramsis stood in front of each other and stared deep into each other's eyes. The people were again grim when they saw Felmer. Felmer clenched his fists. He was angry.
"The match begins," The umpire signalled.
Just as the match began, Ramsis rushed at Felmer like a bull and gave him a big hit. Felmer was thrown backwards. He rolled backwards and eventually hit the wall. Felmer had no time to react.
Elna stood from her chair and began to look at Felmer with a worried face.
"Princess, please sit." A guard said to her.
She nodded and sat back.
Felmer slowly came to his senses. The world around him was fading. But he shook his head and hit his head with his palm. When his sight became clear, he saw Ramsis rush at him again. This time, Felmer barely avoided his attack. He kicked Ramsis's knee and rushed to the centre of the arena. He immediately took out his sword and took his stance. He was shaking. The gaze of the people and his opponent was splitting his focus.
Ramsis again rushed at Felmer. This time, Felmer defended. He defended the second strike as well. But the third strike had magic, which again threw Felmer back. This time, however, Felmer didn't lose his balance and stood still. He took a different stance and looked at Ramsis.
Ramsis again rushed at him, but this time Felmer moved aside and again retreated. He didn't want to risk anything.
Ramsis looked at Felmer and smiled. He was mocking Felmer. He imbued his sword with magic and rushed at Felmer with increased speed. This time, Felmer focused his magic and manifested his sword with it. But the unexpected happened. The sword broke. More like the blade shattered into unseen fragments.
"Seriously!?!?" Felmer shouted and then stood in front of him, Ramsis.
Felmer immediately stepped and barely avoided the attack. He threw the remaining sword aside and rushed at Ramsis for hand-to-hand combat. He ran, jumped, and tried to land a flying kick at his opponent. But Ramsis grabbed his other leg and bashed him on the ground.
"Ugh!!" Felmer said in pain.
Ramsis then stomped on his abdomen. Felmer again groaned in pain. Ramsis then held the grip and the pommel faced Felmer.
The people became more disheartened. They were already worried, and now this. Victory and defeat here would mean nothing in the arena of politics. But the pain and worry of the people would be eased with victory in this arena. Felmer spotted this. It was going opposite to what he wanted it to be.
Ramsis was about hit the pommel when suddenly the magical lights again sparked in Felmer's mind. His mind was cleared. At the very climax, he focused. Everyone thought he had lost. But Felmer wasn't going to lose easily.
Felmer tilted his head and avoided the attack. Then he kicked the feet of Ramsis, and he lost control. Just as Ramsis fell, Felmer moved aside, stood aside and kicked his head with full force. The force from his kick and the hit on the pommel made Ramsis lose consciousness.
Felmer won. The people erupted in cheers. They began to clap and cheer.
"Damn…That was hard." Felmer said to himself and breathed heavily. "Somehow, I won."
Felmer then slowly walked back to the room. He entered the room and sat beside Melfer.
"That was…good," Melfer said.
"Yeah…" Felmer replied and drank water.
After a few sips, he exhaled heavily. He smiled faintly. He had won his first match. Now, only the semifinal remained.
"Your next opponent is the robed man," Melfer whispered into Felmer's ears.
"What?" Felmer said quietly. His eyes were wide open. He barely won against Ramsis. And now that unknown entity. He was tired.
"We have a break. The last two matches will begin after noon." Melfer said.
The remaining two participants left the room. Then, after some time, Elna entered the room.
"Felmer, are you fine?"
"Yes, yes, I am fine."
"What took you so long?"
"He was fast. He literally gave me no room to act."
Elna looked at him and sighed. "You broke your weapon. You need a new one." She said and handed him a sword.
"This was meant to be a gift after your victory, but I am giving it to you now."
"Magic blade?" Felmer said with a sad face.
"Felmer! These swords are especially for magic. They never break."
"Fine…" Felmer said and took it.
The magic blades were heavier than typical swords, which Felmer didn't like. But he didn't have any other choice.
"You must be failing to control magic, probably because of the weapon you were using. Use your brain."
"Okay, I will use it." Felmer sighed, and then he left the room. He didn't want more lectures from her.
Felmer had overcome the first obstacle. Now, the mysterious robed man remained.