Chapter 4 (Part 1)

Noirxus had to go first in the second elimination round. I brought a couple of earplugs just in case which came in handy as soon as his name was announced by the emcee.

Now I can enjoy the show in peace.

 Noirxus’ foe this time was a dark mage.

I’ve never seen Noirxus fight against a mage before. I mean sure I could have tested his magic proficiency but I was either too excited about his sword play that day or I was just lazy. I think a bit of both. But I don’t believe Noirxus is going to die. I mean I hope he doesn’t…

In any case, I would have to watch his fight intently, just in case. Luckily I did because if I was asleep, like I initially planned, I would never believe if someone said Noirxus attacked first as soon as the referee said ‘start’.

I got over my initial shock as I watched Noirxus lunge towards his opponent. The dark mage, who was taken by surprise, scampered back. Clearly he watched Noirxus’ previous fights enough to gauge that this was unexpected.

Noirxus swung his sword a couple of times that, to the untrained eye, would seem like the dark mage managed to dodge with pure luck. Obviously this was not the case. Noirxus swung his sword in a quick and careful manner that he would miss his opponent on purpose by a hair’s breadth. I was impressed. This guy was seriously taking my advice yesterday and was trying to put on a show.

How obedient. I could use this kind of obedience for a lot of other purposes…

The men in the audience cheered louder every time the dark mage dodges unscathed. Now it was the dark mage’s turn to retaliate. While Noirxus was busy putting on a show, he’s been continuously chanting a spell. By the length of the chant, it was a big and powerful (well maybe not that powerful) spell. Noirxus simply charged forth.

The spell took the form of a big, black orb speeding towards Noirxus but he dodged it with a frightening speed that I, myself, almost missed. Surely majority of the audience didn’t see it either. It was like he disappeared and reappeared in front of the mage but he didn’t attack the mage. He attacked the ground.

The force of his blow made the ground crumble and the mage fly in midair. When the mage regained his ground he chants a shorter spell. Multiple smaller dark orbs materialized in midair and simultaneously flew towards Noirxus.

Noirxus dodges a fierce volley of dark orbs. But one hit him .

It was weird though. All that did to Noirxus was made him wince but other than that, it seemed like it didn’t affect him at all. It was as if the dark orb spell was absorbed into his being.

The dark mage didn’t seem to notice that one spell that hit. Frustrated, he decided to aim for Noirxus’ legs.

It was the mistake that quickly brought the match to an end.

As soon as the mage crouched down, Noirxus charged using that frightening speed of his. He then settled his sword on the nape of the mage’s neck; without the mage noticing his presence disappear and reappear behind him.

The mage was left to stare blankly at the empty space Noirxus once occupied and unable to move. He slowly looked at the blade glinting beautifully, ready to lop his head off.  The poor guy must have had the surprise of his life. Noirxus had this air of superiority as he looked down on the opponent with a stern face.

 When the referee announced the winner, I applauded and smiled. Noirxus looked at me with wide eyes as if he saw a ghost.

‘What?’ I mouthed.

He walked down the stage with a hesitant and frightened gait as if he didn’t want to come near me… like I was a dangerous, rabid animal that would bite without notice.

“You put on a good show. I’m proud of you!” I said as soon as he was within earshot.

His face relaxed a little. “Oh… is that it?” Noirxus asked, breathing a sigh of relief.

“Yes. Why? What were you thinking?”

“Nothing. I just thought you were going to kill me.”

“Why would you think that?” I asked confused.

“Because you were clapping and smiling.”

“Why would that make you think I’d kill you?”

“Nothing. I’ve just never seen you smile without plotting someone’s demise or something equally evil. But then you were clapping and all so I thought you’d kill me right then and there.”

“……”