Chapter 196: Rank Up Test (4) (2/2)

Against the incoming attack, Cole did not stutter, nor did he freeze out of fright. His new, and battle-focused mindset immediately gave the command to his body, as he agilely slid to the right and, at the same time, he swung his blade towards the left, aiming at the warrior's hip, albeit in a much wider arc, he initially intended.

Seeing how his attack missed the target and how he was the subject of an immediate, but slightly amateurish counterattack did not cause much surprise to the seasoned veteran. With his padded and protected, open gloved left palm, he struck against the incoming blade whilst pulling his weapon back. At the same time, as his palm collided and deflected the blade, putting a stop to the attempt, he was already mid-motion in a body-spin with his mace approaching Cole's side with a rapid pace.

With no time to properly reach, Cole could only thrust his instincts as he threw himself backward, falling on his back once again. This time, however, there were no bloodied stains or any signs of damage to the boy. Although the opportunity would have been prime to strike, and claim victory, and even though his senses were screaming at him to do it, the warrior gripped the base of his weapon and took a step back, giving time for the boy to stand back up and collect himself for a third round.

”Now, that was much better than before! Still, a bit naive to think that such a wide arc, could possibly hit the target, but at least you did show some skill this time. Still, you need to show more if you wish to convince us!” Although his tone was slightly mocking, taunting, there were some reassuring words mixed in as well.

Albeit the whole encounter took only the span of a few seconds, the rapid back and forth exchange was a refreshing sight to everyone in the room, especially compared to the first, pathetic excuse of an attack.

Under the shadowy cover of her hood, Sarah gave a small unseen smirk, alternating her gaze between the brown-haired boy and the nonchalant-looking Aiden at the side. To her right, the bald, unarmed man could only watch the boy with a contemptuous look, unable to give any command to his men, afraid of the wrath of his demonic leader. Still, from the tightly almost ghastly white clenched fists, it was obvious how annoyed he was about being restricted and threatened to such a degree. He glanced at the long, black-haired boy leaning against the wall with his arms folded in such a casual, carefree manner. He was the cause of all his recent troubles and was even more determined to pay back all grievances tenfold to this pesky brat.

Back on the ground floor, the momentary respite has passed, and suddenly Cole sprang into action, by jumping back on his feet, and charging against the already awaiting opponent. However, just as he entered striking range, he jumped to the right and jumped up in the air whilst swiftly raising his sword above his head and striking downwards with all his might.

Against the fierce, surprise attack, the seasoned warrior still did not flinch and simply raised his weapon above his head, ready to intercept and block the attack. However, what surprised him was that the boy already perceived this obvious attempt and just as he was mid-air, he kicked out with his right feet surprising the man and hitting his face, causing him to blink and lose sight of the boy for a fraction of a second.

This momentary loss of vision and as a consequence his control of the actions, caused him to put less strength into his weapon-.holding arm. As the blade collided with the metallic spiky ball his arm began to falter against the added pressure of the boy's full might plus his not-so-meaningless weight. His legs began to tremble, as without a proper stance, withstanding such a sudden pressure started to prove to be a challenge.

Still, in the end, although his arms hurt due to the numb pain of the sudden overexertion, the warrior managed to block and deflect the blow, as he swung with his left fist and punched the boy to the side.

Thinking he had a few seconds once again to recuperate, he began to swing his right arm, trying to shake the numbness, whilst looking at the boy, and sizing him up once again.

”Now, that was really unexpected. Such a dirty trick! It almost worked, you just lacked the required strength to push it through! But don't falter, in a few years, you will be-” However, before he could finish voicing his thoughts, the boy suddenly jumped up and charged at him once again, with a fierce, determined gaze, not giving him any time to recuperate.

Cole was determined to prove himself today.