Chapter 3 (Part 1)

It was Noirxus’ turn to give me his long flowing cloak as he headed towards the stage. I randomly placed the cloak beside me. What exactly did he think of me, a cloak hanger? He may be one but I’m not! As soon as he stepped to the arena, piercing screams began.

Startled, I looked around to find out where the screams were coming from. The only time Noirxus removed his cloak for battle would be during the preliminaries but the audience, especially the girls, were acting as if they came to this tournament just to see him. 

The boys of the audience were startled by the screams too and looked at the girls like how one would look at crazy people. But when they realized they had a valid reason to scream their hearts out, the boys glared at Noirxus and began making noises too – howls of boos.

"…."

I know Noirxus is pretty and all but please, what’s with this exaggerated reception? I know what you’re thinking. I’m telling you, I’m not jealous at all of Noirxus’ popularity!

…okay maybe a little.

Noirxus’ opponent was dumbstruck too. The men in the audience wanted him to kill Noirxus and mutilate his dead face while the women threw him dagger glares like they’re saying ‘Just harm one strand of his hair and you’ll see what happens’ type of threat. I wouldn’t want to be in that poor guy’s shoes. But if I could get Noirxus serious, I wouldn’t mind putting a scar on him or two (not the face though).

Noirxus’ opponent reached a conclusion to his internal conflict after a while – he’s going to fight. As soon as he raised his sword, the men cheered and the women booed.

Noirxus also took his usual defensive stance in reply.

“Gut him! Don’t leave his face unharmed!” I heard a man howl.

“Be careful Noirxus! Protect your body at all cost!” a woman screeched.

“I’ll take a blade for you Noirxus!” another female screamed.

You people are making my ears bleed!

After a few minutes of standstill, Noirxus’ opponent attacked. When his blade landed on the flat of Noirxus’ blade, there was a mix of boos and cheers.

The audience might have whiffed some really potent narcotic.

Then Noirxus’ opponent side swiped but Noirxus just blocked and pushes. He didn’t even move one step. He looked like he had some barrier put up and all his opponent’s blows are being sucked into it but it wasn’t really. He was just that good at parrying. Now repeat this steps several times and the audience gradually calmed down. Some even yawned. That’s right. Noirxus was on defensive… and defensive ever since.

What’s wrong with this guy? Didn’t I explicitly tell him that being on defense forever won’t make him win a battle?

I had to calm myself down. Maybe Noirxus was just playing, getting a feel of his opponent. But when the opponent showed an opening and knowing Noirxus' strength from the spar, I'm very sure he saw that. But he didn't take advantage of it. I rolled my eyes and decided to bear it a little longer. Maybe he'll attack sometime soon.

After a minute of waiting (I’m quite impatient), I picked a small pebble from the ground and carefully aimed it at Noirxus’ head. When it hit, he turned and looked for its source.

‘Attack him, dammit!’ I mouthed silently coupled with a death glare.

Alright, maybe that wasn’t the best move I made. Some females of the audience, at least those close to me, noticed my throw and started throwing things like rocks, coats, food and other stuff at me. I instantly hid behind some innocent person closest to me. He was immediately bewildered by the things hurling towards him but I still made him my meat shield. Luckily no one thought of throwing knives and daggers.

I glared towards the stage. I know somehow that Noirxus was laughing at my situation.

He didn’t ignore my advice though (good for him, or else…) and attacked. I bet that the audience didn’t see a thing. I bet they just saw the opponent attack, Noirxus defend, and the opponent on the ground unconscious. But I saw it. Noirxus smoothly circumvented the opponent and hit the part behind his opponent’s knee, forcefully making him kneel. And then hit him again from behind the head, knocking the opponent unconscious using the flat of his sword in one fluid movement. A grand total of two hits.

At least give us a show dammit! This guy wasn't aware of the stage at all and the people who paid to watch this.

The audience was bewildered at first. But the clouded minds of the girl as they saw their idol unharmed, reacted fast. They immediately cheered and some even fainted from Noirxus’ awesomeness. I just rolled my eyes. Women who adore idols are no different from women who ate a mushroom that causes hallucinations. Oy..!

I wanted to talk to Noirxus immediately without the interruption of jealous females so I hid behind a wall underneath the bleachers. As I watched Noirxus climb down from the stage, I called him to my hiding place. When he reached me, I looked at him right in the eyes and said, "What. Was. That?"

"What was what?" came his confused reply.

"You're on a stage. People are watching you. People pay to watch you. And you don't give them a show?" I angrily placed my hands on my hips.

"Oh is that what you were doing on the previous match?" Noirxus laughed. "Giving people shows when you could clearly beat the guy in a second?"

"Yes, insensitive moron. I was doing that," I repeated.

"Are you serious?" Noirxus asked me searching for clues that I am somehow joking. I don't give him anything. I'm really serious about this. Seeing this, he gave me a dejected reply, "Oh I'm sorry. I'll make it a show next time."

"Oh there's no need. I'm going to be your opponent for the next match. And you bet I'm going to fight the slayer and get the prize afterwards." I said casually throwing a challenge. "I'm looking forward to it. Noir-xus."

Suddenly, the announcer climbed up the stage and said in a very loud voice, "Attention everyone! That is the end of the first elimination round. We're hosting the next elimination round tomorrow at the same time, same place. That's right here folks! But wait, there's more! We're rearranging the winners of this round for the next matches. So your opponent is pretty much unknown until the match tomorrow. I hope you have a nice rest, contestants and prepare yourself. That is all!"

Huh. Why do you have to blow my challenge, announcer? I looked at Noirxus and I definitely saw a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. He noticed me staring at him and looked at me with a playful smile.

"Well, I'm sorry Chryisle. Looks like your challenge is postponed," Noirxus said.

I'll tell you one thing. I hate losing and eating my words. "Fine," I retorted. "We'll just have a spar tonight. Whether you like it or not."

"I really can't refuse?" Noirxus’ smile faltered. He knew he was up for one hell of a spar.

"Oh, did you actually think you could refuse?" I laughed maniacally.