4 Chap 4 – Rival

My day started with Amanda waking me up for school.

Amanda insisted on making my breakfast this morning.

I said I didn't need to, but she insisted until I agreed.

"A good day starts with a good breakfast."

I agree with that but I don't want to give her too much trouble.

I'm afraid that she'll get tired of it someday and quit.

"Just make something simple."

She made me eggs and toast this time. I had some orange juice as well. It was really delicious and I ate all of it without thinking twice about it. That's how amazing it tasted!

After breakfast, we both got ready and left for school. We still have a lot of time before class began so we went ahead and headed inside.

As soon as I entered the classroom, everyone started talking at once. This isn't good... What did I do now?

Whatever, I'm used to it.

My class today is simulated combat.

The use of magic is not allowed during simulations.

This class is used by teachers to improve melee combat.

This is because in a real fight you can't always rely on your magic.

Some people think the best way to learn is through training in realistic situations.

The teacher began by explaining the rules of the simulation.

We are going to fight against each other for one hour. No magic. If any of us gets seriously injured, we will call for help from outside the room.

The teacher asked us to split into pairs.

Everyone I asked to be my partner said no.

Even my new friend Susan said, "I'm not worthy," and left.

At least she tried to come up with a reason.

"Ugh..."

That's fine. I'll show them what I can do!

The students who were rejected by their partners formed pairs together instead.

The only one left was a girl who was in the same situation as me.

The girl had red hair like mine, but her skin tone looked paler. Her face was just slightly shorter than mine.

Her name was Alice, a girl from our class.

She told me that she wanted to fight with someone who didn't look down on her, so here we are.

Alice and I stood opposite each other while the teacher explained the rules again.

"Alright, let the battle begin!"

The teacher yelled, and we started fighting.

I pushed Alice back and got close enough to grab her.

I tried to wrestle her to the ground.

Since I couldn't use magic, she quickly managed to escape.

Alice went on the offense and ran towards me.

I dodged her attack and grabbed her arms.

She squirmed around trying to free herself.

Finally, I threw her to the ground.

I pinned her down with my legs.

Alice managed to escape and distance herself.

Then she picked up a wooden sword. She swung it at me.

I parried the blow and countered with a punch.

I didn't have to complain because everything but magic was allowed.

Alice blocked my punch with her wooden sword.

I kicked her in the stomach and sent her flying through the air.

Alice landed on her back.

I jumped onto her chest and held her there.

She struggled under me, but I was stronger than she was.

I raised my leg and stomped on her face.

Alice blocked my attack with fire magic.

"The fight is over, and Albert won," the teacher said.

Alice didn't listen and attacked me again with a fireball.

I froze the fire before it reached me.

Alice continued the fight even after the teacher ended it.

She became more violent in her attacks.

"I never lose, I'm going to win."

Alice charged at me with her wooden sword.

I caught her wooden sword with my bare hands and slammed it into the ground.

Alice screamed in pain.

I carried Alice to the infirmary.

No one came to take care of her.

It's a good thing I brought a healing potion.

I gave her the potion and she recovered immediately.

Alice thanked me profusely.

I smiled and said, "Don't worry about it."

"I, Alice Lafard, now declare you to be my rival."

What?!

Did I do something wrong?

She's my new enemy now! This isn't good!

***

When I got home, I saw Amanda waiting for me outside our house.

From the way Amanda looked at me, I knew she knew what had happened in the simulated combat class.

"I'll take care of you, Master."

Amanda hugged me and we went inside.

Amanda decided to sleep in my room to cheer me up.

"Master, I'll take care of you tonight. You should rest well, okay?"

"Yeah, thanks."

Amanda and I talked until we fell asleep.