Chapter 223
The battle was over before the senior knew it. With swift movements that I had never learned in any training, I started to free myself from the painful hold of the senior. It was like my hands and feet knew exactly what to do, guided by some unseen force, guided by El.
I twisted and turned, using techniques that felt instinctive yet unfamiliar to me. With each move, I could feel my opponent’s grip loosening. I managed to break free and turn the tables. Now, I was the one in control.
I didn’t hesitate. El didn’t hesitate to attack. It was like a dance, each step calculated and precise. I surprised myself with my own agility and strength. El was not just guiding my body, but also my mind, giving me the confidence to face my opponent head-on.
I dodged punches and countered with moves that I didn’t even know I was capable of. It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. But I trusted El; she wouldn’t let me down.
Soon enough, I gained the upper hand. The senior was struggling to keep up with my newfound skills and determination. I could see her strength waning, coupled with the look of surprise in her eyes. She wasn’t the only one in shock. The people were too; if the pregnant silence that had descended on the arena was any indication. I was no longer hearing Diana’s chant. Not even Levina’s. it was like everyone had held their breath to see the outcome of this fight, like if they exhaled, they would miss out an important aspect of the combat.
“How can you fight? Rachel told us that you are a novice in combat. And we had figured that was the reason why the Queen had suddenly put it up in the contest; so that her daughter would have some advantage over you. It was crazy, but we didn’t complain, because we didn’t need your rivalry too.” She paused, and inhaled laboriously. “We were wrong. You are so full of surprises p>
I didn’t give her any response, other than gesturing with my hands that she attack me. She seemed surprised that I didn’t want to talk. Well, the talking stage was gone. This was the fighting stage. After all, she had been the one to throw the first punch. Even though the pain still assaulted my mouth, I had refrained from throwing one similar to that, not sure of El’s range.
The last time El had taken over to fight, she had almost killed Chyra with a little ball that should do nothing. If I should let her throw a mindful punch, the senior’s face might be disfigured.
The senior should thank the gods that El had been perceptive to share control on a fifty-fifty basis. My significant other knew her strengths and weaknesses at least. That way, she was fighting, and I was chipping in a little mind control. It was barely there, except when necessary, like in throwing punches. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ (.)net
But the senior was right. I could hear Rachel gritting her teeth. In this El’s state, my senses were refined the more, sharper than before. I could hear Rachel cursing at intervals. I could hear the Queen’s nervous heart rate. It made me happy.
When the senior heeded my command and attacked me, I didn’t move about to dodge the attack, or weaken her any longer. I was tired of fighting. I met the attack head on, and with one final move, stopped her punch with my hand, smirking when I saw the shock in her face, and then the fear.
She had coated her punch with magic, something that was against the rules; magic wasn’t allowed in the combat. But I wasn’t after making a report that would warrant a disqualification, I wanted to win this fair and square.
So, I deftly twisted her hand behind her back, throwing her into the position she had kept me at the start of the match. I also replicated the choke hold around her neck. She regressed to the grassy ground, but I held on, pinning her down, until she tapped out.
I won.
A shouting standing ovation was given to me by the watching audience after another minute of pregnant silence. The noise was so loud in my ears, even though welcomed, that I asked El to return to her position, so that my senses could return to their normal orientation.
’Thanks El.’ I said as she obliged my request, and receded to her inner compartment, letting me have full control.
’You are welcome, Maya. It’s my duty though, you don’t need to thank me p>
I snorted; a source of amusement to her, and watched the crowd go mad with an excitement which filled the air like a wave of energy. I saw smiles and heard shouts of encouragement from all directions. It was overwhelming yet incredibly gratifying to know that some wanted my victory in this competition.
Watching their joy over my victory, I felt a rush of emotions. Pride swelled within me, knowing that I had pushed through the limits, past the Queen’s expectations and had come out victorious. There was also relief—relief that I had overcome the odds and triumphed in a challenging match. But amidst all these emotions, humility grounded me. I knew that without El’s help and the support of my family, I wouldn’t have achieved this moment.
As the cheers continued, I turned to the senior who was now getting up slowly. Despite our battle moments ago, I offered a hand to help her to her feet. “Thank you for the good match,” I said sincerely, respecting her skill and effort. She nodded in acknowledgment, and I could see a mutual respect between us despite the intensity of our fight. “I am Courtney p>
With a short smile, I nodded, before returning to my seat. The adrenaline rush was beginning to fade, leaving me exhausted yet elated. I knew I had to recharge quickly because soon, my next opponent would be called up. This was just one victory, and the competition was far from over.