24 Ravens Claw (1/2)

”Ready! Fight!”

Raven's Claw and I took off heading towards the middle of the arena. As we dashed towards the center of the arena I analyzed his movements. There was very little energy wasted and his movements were clean and crisp. It was easy to tell he was a typical assassin type.

As we neared the center of the arena Raven's Claw suddenly disappeared behind a pillar. I took a wide angle so I could approach him from the side he would emerge from. When I got around the pillar I looked and couldn't see any sign of Raven's Claw.

For a moment I was stunned. Where had he gone? Then I heard a subtle sound coming from above me. I immediately used shifting sands to shift to my left, moving me closer to the pillar. In the place I had left Raven's Claw landed both daggers in hand. When he disappeared behind the pillar he must have somehow climbed to the top launching a sneak attack from above.

After landing Raven's Claw dashed towards me shouting, ”DIE!!!”

I had my back up against the pillar wall. For most, this would seem to be a disadvantageous position, but I knew how to take advantage of it. As Ravens Claw got close he began a diagonal slash with his right arm aiming for my chest. With my dexterity, it was easy to follow and block his attacks. I used my dagger to deflect the strike up.

At the same time, he began a horizontal strike with his left arm aimed at my waist which I deflected down. I then moved my right leg past him and used the back of my heel to strike the back of his right knee while shifting to my left. This coupled with his forward momentum caused him to fall forward and since his arms were to the side after I deflected his strikes his face slammed right into the pillar.

Raven's Claw was dazed and I was behind him. At this point, he was completely defenseless. I couldn't help but say, ” I told you to be more worried about keeping your head.”

I swung both daggers in front of me and sent his head flying.

Essence Gained +457

For a moment there was a stunned silence that lingered over the crowd, then they erupted into cheers. I could hear people shouting, ”Fierce! So dominating! It ended so quick!”

The officiator's voice boomed, ”The winner is Young Lion.”

I looked over the crowd, at the other end of the arena on a platform that rose above the crowd was a pavilion which sat two people. One was a large burly man, he had a shiny bald head and wore dark-colored armor. The other was a refined young man, he wore a Black Robe trimmed with a golden pattern. His hair was long and blonde and he had a certain royal air to him. These two were Sauer and Alexander Morrow. I could never forget their appearance.

For my plan to work I couldn't reveal any of the true feelings I had for them. I must convince them that I am not a threat. I locked eyes with Alexander Morrow and took a bow. After the cheering ended I looked up towards them and said, ”I hope my performance has been satisfactory.”

Alexander Morrow looked down at me, ”Indeed for a newcomer to defeat Raven's Claw is a surprise. I wish you continued success in today's tournament.”

Continuing my act I said, ”Thank you for your kind words, Lord.”

I bowed one more time and exited the arena. After getting back to the practice arena a young attendant came up to me holding a sack.

”Your winnings sir,” the young man said to me.