255 Helga's POV
[Helga Hash's POV]
Helga Owen Hash, that's me. I hail from a rather ordinary household in a town near the capital.
My heart has always been drawn to the sword. I harbored aspirations of becoming someone strong. Blessed with magical abilities, I dedicated myself to learning and honing my skills until I could rightfully claim the title of the strongest in our town.
There was a time when my confidence soared high. That was until I crossed paths with passing adventurers, and in that moment, a spark ignited. I was casually tossed aside like a discarded object, reduced to a joke about my perceived weakness.
As for what I truly want to become, I'm still grappling with that question. The future remains a hazy concept, shrouded in uncertainty.
My father, a kind-hearted man, and my mother, equally gentle, have always reassured me. They've said that it's normal to feel this way, that I'll eventually find something that resonates with me. If not, there's always the option to settle as someone's bride and lead a contented life.
"Are you ready now? Done with your show off?" Asked the professor to him.
He didn't reply- just took his stance. why does his eyes look like he's retarted....like literally, he has those confused eyes that only someone who's too stupid can have.
It might sound absurd, but that was precisely what I thought at first!
Until that moment, it was just a fleeting glance—a mere glimpse—before my own feet inexplicably drew me closer to him. His intense gaze felt like a thorough assessment of my being.
Adam Stales. I fell head over heels for him.
It was indeed love at first sight. I hold no regrets, I hide no secrets. Though he may not believe my words, I'll demonstrate my commitment by standing by his side whenever he needs me the most.
However, at this crucial juncture of the Mage's Gambit, a moment intervened before that.
"He's turning to the side. Is he truly not going to step down the stage?"
My smile vanished the instant I caught sight of the black-haired boy's gaze turning towards me—what kind of expression was that?
It was as though he had lost every semblance of sensibility, appearing nearly lifeless, akin to a motionless statue.
Our eyes met. His irises held an odd hue, bright yet somehow lacking vibrancy.
Sighing softly, I drew my sword from its scabbard—a B-grade Admantium double-edged sword with an eight-inch handle and a 28-inch blade.
Swinging it downward, I let it slice through the air, a deliberate attempt to calm my nerves. I knew he was strong, perhaps strong enough to give me a formidable challenge. However, his manner of combat seemed off.
It was as if he had never undergone any professional training in wielding weapons or received instruction in specific hand-to-hand combat techniques.
"Hm?" I narrowed my gaze upon witnessing him casually sitting down, crossing his legs. What was he doing? Even the professor looked bewildered.
He proceeded to untie the laces of his leather boots and flung them off the stage, both shoes expelled in a swift motion. Then, with a single leap, he sprang back onto his feet, leaving behind a distinct sweat imprint on the stage floor.
...Was he mocking me?
No weapon?
I could feel a surge of anger coursing through me. I tried... I tried, but he just doesn't seem likable at all.
He's too... creepy.
I stepped forward and stood with the sword pointed ahead. I was trained in the standard style of sword techniques.
I've learned about seven sword forms until now, just one fewer than what Adam had. Well, he's still a genius as he can do both knight and standard styles.
"Start!"
I pushed the mana into my legs as I thrust forward towards the guy. I knew he'd move.
I've been keeping an eye on his movements from all his battles; he's too monotonous with his techniques.
Brutal strength seems to be his key to success, I guess.
It was silent, so everything could be heard clearly enough. I stretched my other hand while keeping a grip on one hilt and moved forward.
The outstretched left palm had an ice dagger formed.
The sword was just a few inches away. He's not that dumb... and then—
Tap*
Yes! He made a slight adjustment in his posture as he leaned to the side while taking a single step. But before he could land his foot on the ground, I let go of the already formed icicle in his direction while propelling it with water.
It was something I learned from that new girl—she's someone Adam keeps talking to.
This should at least make—
"...," I saw his bare foot pressing on the ice icicle. He saw the icicle?
It's like he managed to retract the foot... shit.
I looked up, I was missing him from both sides!
I managed my footing and tried to change the trajectory of the already infused blade sideways.
Tap*
The footfall, and the next thing I knew, was seeing his back twirl right by my left ear, and then his elbow hit the back of my head—what the fuck?
It was already hard handling the blade, but he somehow managed to put me in this situation.
I felt my feet leave the floor. I immediately created an aqua sphere and shot it, simultaneously slowing my movement a bit.
"Huh?" But before I could turn, I felt a hand passing through my hair and a strong tug downwards.
"Aghh!!!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. This savage bastard pulled my hair!!!
Thad**
The back of my head hit the floor. I had already strengthened my skull, so it was not that hard on me as I grabbed onto his wrist, using him as leverage, and pulled my whole weight.
His eyes— he didn't look surprised at all. They tracked my every movement.
I put his head in a leg lock while my face was near his crotch area before I pulled it up and sat on his shoulders.
A shard of ice made it easy for me to aim at his hand that was still holding onto the ends of my hair. He let go of the hair before the shard could hit him.
This is going to get tough.
