Serene’s POV

I held my breath and watched him dodge the sword effortlessly by ducking down. He then wasted no time in attacking his opponent’s knee with his baton.

The impact hurled the big boy back and he almost toppled over. He hobbled on one knee, grimacing in pain. Ralph didn’t give him time to recover and launched another attack now aimed at his head.

The big boy quickly hoisted his shield up and the baton hit the shield with a clang as Ralph hoisted himself in the air. The big boy’s sword came plunging towards him and grazed his armour. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Ralphhh..." Alvene shouted her fists clenched and I held my breath. The crowd went silent and watched in anticipation.

Ralph staggered back and fell to the ground. Traces of fear covered Ralph’s face, luckily the sword had only grazed his armour and didn’t tear the flesh. The big boy aimed for Ralph’s torso now, while the latter rolled over just in time. His sword descended and rammed into the ground.

Alvene sighed in relief and I let out the breath I was holding for a long time.

Ralph jumped up and launched a kick at the big boy’s temple. It connected and he staggered a few steps back, grimacing in pain. His sword was still half-buried in the ground. It was a golden opportunity for Ralph, he initiated an all-out attack.

The big boy defended himself with his shield but Ralph was faster than him and he was hit quite a few times on his temples, arms and legs. The big boy wanted to get his blade back but Ralph’s ruthless attacks made it impossible for him to grab it.

He decided to fight with his shield instead and dodging Ralph’s advanced attack he hit him back with his shield. It connected with his face, ’thwack’ and a splutter of blood shot out from his mouth as he fell to the ground again. The big boy snickered, his eyes bloodshot.

Alvene and I gasped at the sight and the crowd gasped with us.

But then Alvene started to chant his name:

"Ralph!!! Ralph!!! Ralph!!!" and the crowd chanted behind her.

The Big boy tried to plunge his shield into Ralph’s chest but Ralph kicked him in his shin, clearly not giving up. This made him lose his balance and he fell backwards, dropping his shield in the process. Ralph jumped to his feet and yanking the shield from the ground, flung it far away. His face was bloody and his eyes held anger as the chants grew louder and louder.

The big boy tried to get up but Ralph flung his baton with full force, aiming at his temple and jaw. It connected and a cracking sound filled the air.

His jaw broke as a chilling scream traveled far and wide and the big boy heaped on the ground, his blood tainting the soil crimson.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Ralph raised his hands and shouted: "YES, YESSS." Zeph ran up to him and they both hugged each other. I could see the pride on Zeph’s face.

Alvene hugged me her whole body trembling. Shumal Sensei and the rest of Ralph’s team were also jumping up and down in excitement.

"He did it," I shouted at Alvene with excitement and she nodded unable to hold back her tears.

Ralph and Zeph glanced in our direction with bright smiles on their faces and we waved at them.

The Big boy was unconscious and was taken to the infirmary for healing. It was 2-1 in our favour and now it was time for the clash of the captains.

Zeph and Drumias stepped forward. Both carried their respective swords. Zeph had kunei knives hidden in his armour as well. My heartbeat instantly picked up and sweat began to drench my back. It felt like it had suddenly gotten hotter due to the anxiety I was feeling to see him go on one on one in combat.

Zeph turned and gave me one final look, his eyes speaking volumes. I gave him a reassuring smile and he blinked before turning back to focus on the task at hand.

Drumias shook hands with Zeph before both of them unsheathed their swords and took their stance. As the fight began I noticed that Drumias was highly skilled as well, not only was he par with Zeph in technique but he also had an innovative approach. He effortlessly dodged Zeph’s attacks or blocked them.

Zeph did the same, he didn’t let Drumias get the upper hand. The fight progressed and Zeph began to tire Drumias out. His attacks became powerful and forceful and Drumias found it difficult to match his speed and strength.

I had never seen Zeph move with such agility and he even used the techniques we practised. Drumias tried to dodge his sword attacks only to find himself stuck with Zeph’s kunei attacks. Every time he would thrust, he would be left with a cut or a wound.

Left, right, front and back Zeph mercilessly attacked him from all sides. Drumias armour was of no match against his sword. Now, it was almost painful to watch for it seemed Zeph was just toying with him.

Although he kept a straight face, I knew he was enjoying himself immensely. His hair flowed behind him as jumped in the air to aim an attack at Drumias’ chest, which he barely dodged at the last second. The crowd was behind Zeph, cheering his every move for he was already popular.

Zeph then attacked his left flank and cut him deep. Drumias flinched with pain as blood sputtered out and he fell to the ground. Zeph then aimed for his shoulder but he rolled away just in time. He feebly counter-attacked Zeph, but he parried and sent Drumias’ sword flying.

Drumias didn’t give up and grabbed a dagger hidden in his shoe. The wound was deep and it made it difficult for him to stand, the pain was visible on his face as he grimaced. Zeph stood there with his sword gleaming in the sun, giving Drumias time to stand up and face him again.

Instead of fully standing up Drumias threw the dagger at Zeph while pretending to straighten up. We gasped at the sudden move but Zeph was ready for him, he swung his sword and cut the dagger into two pieces. But Drumias had more surprises up his sleeve. He threw several ninja stars at Zeph. Most of them were dodged and cut down by Zeph, except a single star that turned into two in mid-air and hit Zeph in the shoulder...