Chapter 21: Rematch
In the beautiful morning of Tuesday, Fate woke up before Fiona had even prepared breakfast.
In his room, he began exercising, just like his daily routine under Isaac's training.
(87…88…89…)
Fate went through his push-ups, sit-ups, and squats while Soo-ah rested silently atop his head, its translucent body rippling gently in the light of the room.
Once he finished, only jogging remained.
He left his dorm and ran into the quiet streets of the Academy. The clock barely showed 5:00 am, and the sky was still a deep indigo.
"Huff… huff…"
His breathing was controlled, measured, as though instinctive.
A figure appeared in the dim light ahead. Fate recognized it immediately.
"Kyle!"
Kyle turned, surprised. "Huh? Oh… Hello, Fate. Didn't know you also jog this early."
"Well," Fate replied with a small smile, "someone nurtured me with a daily routine. I just got used to it."
Kyle laughed. "After this… want to spar?"
"Sure," Fate answered without hesitation.
Kyle added, "But this time, let's use only our weapons and familiars. No skills."
Fate's curiosity sparked. "That'll be interesting. Let's do it."
With a nod, the two raced around the Academy.
They passed the Gym, Library, Cafeteria, and the open courtyards, finally reaching the familiar training ground where they had fought before.
Kyle stopped and looked at Fate.
"Alright… should we take a break before sparring?"
Fate shook his head, determined.
"No… I'm ready. Let's start."
Kyle nodded and summoned his claymore in a flash of light.
Fate simultaneously summoned his Cold-Steel Sword and called softly.
"Soo-ah, come forward."
The jellyfish familiar appeared, floating gracefully.
Fate's eyes glimmered faintly as he activated his skill Dragon Eyes, scanning Kyle's weapon for weaknesses and patterns.
(Dragon Eyes)
Vanguard
Rarity: Rare
Basic info: A claymore forged by a master craftsman, capable of crushing stones with ease.
Kyle summoned his familiar.
"Come forward, Scar."
A magic circle appeared beneath the tiger-shaped Shadow Beast, and it materialized, growling softly.
Fate once again used his skill Dragon Eyes in order to get some basic knowledge of Kyle's familiar.
(Dragon Eyes)
Scar
Race: Shadow Tiger
Skills: Shadow Steps, Bite, Intimidation
Basic info: Born with the power of shadows, one of the deadliest hunters in the wild.
Scar's low growl resonated across the field.
"Grrr…"
Fate tightened his grip on his sword.
Soo-ah's form shifted slightly, ready.
Kyle and Scar mirrored their stances.
After a tense moment, Fate charged first, aiming at Scar.
But the Shadow Tiger vanished with Shadow Steps.
Shadow Steps
Rarity: Rare
– The user can move silently.
– In darkness, the user can teleport within the range of visible shadows.
Scar reappeared behind Fate, striking but Fate leapt away, guided by Soo-ah.
Soo-ah had grown to Scar's size using Body Size Manipulation, its long tentacles sweeping the ground to move Fate out of harm's way.
Body Size Manipulation
Rarity: Legendary
– Allows the user to change its size drastically, from as small as an ant to as large as a tower.
Kyle, seeing the familiar's move, rushed at Fate.
"Soo-ah, handle the Shadow Tiger and throw me at Kyle!" Fate commanded.
Obediently, Soo-ah ensnared Scar with its tentacles, immobilizing it temporarily, and hurled Fate toward Kyle.
Bang!
Their blades clashed midair, sparks flying.
Soo-ah tangled with Scar, their forms blurring with speed.
Kyle stumbled back, planting his claymore to steady himself.
Fate charged again.
Kyle raised his claymore, blocking the incoming strike.
Fate's momentum pushed him back slightly, but he pivoted, swinging downward in a counterattack.
Kyle parried instinctively. Fate's sword slid off harmlessly.
Kyle moved to strike at Fate's neck—but suddenly froze.
Soo-ah's Paralyzing Venom had struck, tiny tentacles delivering the toxin with precision.
Paralyzing Venom
Rarity: Uncommon
– Causes paralysis to the target upon contact.
Moments earlier, Soo-ah had dodged Scar's Bite skill while parrying the tiger with agile movements.
Bite
Rarity: Common
– Performs a biting attack.
The venom coursed through Scar first, then, with flawless timing, it struck Kyle.
Scar collapsed, paralyzed.
Soo-ah's tentacles hovered protectively around Fate, ready to counter any retaliation.
With Kyle immobilized, Fate's sword hovered near his collar.
"Looks like I won this time," Fate said calmly.
He withdrew his blade, offering a hand to help Kyle up.
"You won again," Kyle said, panting. "But next time… there will be no third chance."
Both laughed, the tension breaking into shared exhilaration.
"HAHAHA…"
Fate turned to Soo-ah. "Can you heal both Kyle and Scar?"
The jellyfish bobbed gently in affirmation.
Healing Fluid spread from its tentacles, enveloping wounds, knitting flesh and soothing pain.
Healing Fluid
Rarity: Uncommon
– Produces a healing fluid that covers and gradually restores injuries.
– Larger wounds require more fluid and time.
Once Kyle and Scar were fully recovered, Fate and Kyle unsummoned their familiars.
"See you later," Fate said as they parted.
"Don't keep me waiting," Kyle replied with a grin.
Back at his dorm, Fate found Fiona preparing breakfast.
"Master Fate, you're back. Breakfast is ready,"
She said, continuing as she swept the floor. "Please wash up and put on your uniform."
"Alright, I'll be back," Fate said politely.
After showering, he dressed and sat down with Fiona.
The morning light streamed in, painting the room warmly.
After finishing eating, Fate left for school.
Fiona watched him go.
"Be careful on the way, Master Fate."
With a wave of Fate's hand he left his dorm.
By 7:30 am, he met the others outside.
Kyle and the rest waved at Fate.
Fate waved back at them.
"We should get going," Fate said.
Chloe nodded. "Agreed. We should leave before we're late."
Isabelle added, "Don't worry. Thirty minutes before class starts. Plenty of time."
Kyle smirked. "The early, the better."
All agreed, walking toward the classroom together.
As Fate entered, a cold glare met him.
Jake and his two friends had arrived before him. Their eyes burned with hostility.
Fate's aura subtly darkened.
Inside, his thoughts sharpened
(Just you wait… I'm going to beat you.)
Chapter 21 end