34 A Robots Desire (2/2)

”Distract? Please forgive me, I had no such intentions. I will keep my mouth shut from now on” Kazuya bowed to apologize.

”d-don't! Err… I mean… we can talk after the match. I have something to ask you” she fidgeted. She was warned that he was only distracting her earlier to get a win but after he apologized and promised not to talk to her anymore, she quickly took it back.

”As you wish” Kazuya got in position.

This was their second match already and everyone was still hung up on Tomoyo and Ayame's amazing match. Kazuya was basically an unknown contender who in their opinion was lucky enough to make it to the final four after beating last tournament's seeded 4th place.

”This is going to be boring. Looks like that little boy's luck has run out”

”Yeah. I heard some guy from the other team say that he threatened them”

Some of the audience's words reached the members of Sacred Forest. They were displeased by this and knew it was the work of those scum from Kazuya's previous school.

”I dare you to say that again” Mei stood up and gave them a chilling look. ”My Kazu's luck ran out? Are all of you thinking this blind? No contender he's faced has even landed a solid hit. Bunch of sore losers spreading rumors” They were stunned. No one dared talk back to her they wondered if what they said was true so those who heard, turned towards those who recorded the previous matches.

”What that lady said is true… it was strange. No one has ever landed a hit on that boy before and he made it look easy doing it” One of them said. All the others who paid attention also mentioned something similar so interest in the current matched had been sparked.

Those who didn't pay attention immediately turned towards the dueling area to find out if this was true.

”Winner Kouzuki!” the referee declared. Those people quickly turned to the people already on the move to watch the replay. The match ended quickly and like earlier, Akabane had failed to score a single point.

The four were given a short 10-minute break. Kazuya used that time to help the robot girl recover more of her strength. Her next match would be against Akabane and although she was not as good as Ayame, she was still a qualified contestant.

”Next contestants Kuronuma Ayame and Kouzuki Kazuya get ready!” The judge announced.

Apart from everyone else, the group from the Sacred Forest Academy was waiting for this matchup the most. They had confidence that Kazuya would have no problems but still wanted to see how he would deal with Kuronuma Ayame.

Those who have seen the replays of his fights also paid close attention. This person had breezed through the tournament without any problems and they didn't even notice. Even Tomoyo had to block with her sword every now and then but Kazuya just scored points almost instantly. They all wondered if he could do the same thing with last year's champion.

”Kouzuki Kazuya… I won't let you deny the connection. I heard your reply in my mind so you heard me in yours” she looked at him with determined eyes. She trusted in herself and what happened earlier. She believed that no matter how he denied it, she wouldn't imagine him replying to her just by herself.

”Connection? (This girl may look mature but she's a bit naïve)” he knew that this girl was referring to the whisper skill.

”You will not be able to ruin my concentration like you did with Akabane” Ayame raised her stance and got in position.

”I think you have misunderstood me. I have no need for such tricks. As to whether the 'connection' you speak of exists or not. I don't really have much interest” Kazuya casually raised his sword with his left hand.

”BEGIN!”

Ayame wasted no time to dash for a strike. Kazuya was aware of how fast she was so he quickly dodged. He actually grew a little interested in what this girl can do since she did unconsciously activate her hidden talent. He wanted to make sure that her current physical state was enough to control it.

It was at this point that Ayame had a thought. Kazuya had refused to acknowledge the connection they shared earlier. Now that he was paying attention and couldn't afford to ignore her, it was the perfect time to test it.

”[Slash to the left]” a voice sounded in Kazuya's mind.

”(This girl… unconsciously telegraphing her moves?)” He grinned. He had to admit that she had multiple talents but without controlling them properly would do more harm to her than good.

”[Strike to the body]” Kazuya evaded another strike flawlessly. This left the audience speechless. The match was fast paced enough as it was yet the contender they hardly paid any attention to until now was making it look like he was strolling around the park.

”(Looks like her breathing changed)” noticing Ayame's stamina dwindling, he decided to make a move.

”[Strike to the right!]” Kazuya heard this and immediately dodged left to prepare for a counterattack.

BAM!

”Point Kuronuma!” the referee shouted.

”(I was tricked…?)” Kazuya gave a wry smile and scratched his head. He had to give Ayame some credit for pulling one over him. This made his fighting spirit rise up a little.

”You won't be able to deny it now right?” Ayame tried to regain her breath as a triumphant smile beamed towards him. She felt accomplished but that suddenly changed when the atmosphere around Kazuya changed.

”Congratulations, you have made me consider you a little seriously”

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