VII
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Arc VII Chapter 4
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1st Aqua Solar XI AAC 753
In the meanwhile, the fight had already ensued. Angelika and Ludolf faced each other. This time, however, the fight was different. Unlike Erich, Ludolf forwent any sense of reservation. The boy leapt right into the fray. He attacked, rushing a sufficiently dumbfounded Angelika. Her raised eyebrow betrayed as much.
“Aargh!!!” Ludolf’s heavy swing cut through the air. His intent was to deliver a decisive blow. In retrospect, it was a bit of an ambitious undertaking on his part.
“...” Angelika parried his strike easily, deflecting his blade. His defence was broken and Angelika counterattacked, her blade aiming for a horizontal slice to his abdomen.
Ludolf reacted, rolling sidewards, barely escaping her strike. Angelika’s sword sliced closely over his head. It was exceedingly fortunate that her sword was only wooden.
The boy kissed the sand on the ground, only to regain his stance in a few moments. He was back on his feet, ready to fight on.
“...” Angelika smiled, satisfied, her sword dancing in her palm. “Careful, Ludolf, a healthy dose of aggressiveness never hurts, but overextending is dangerous. Especially when facing an experienced opponent.”
“Ergh ...” Ludolf gritted his teeth. As loathe as he was to admit it, he knew that Angelika was fundamentally correct. Attacking a more experienced was the definition of folly. Yet he attacked again. His strike missed. His swing sailed past her.
Angelika had sidestepped, her footwork flawless. The knightess rotated clockwise, bringing her sword down on him. Ludolf had overextended. Or so they thought.
Ludolf held fast, his stance hardening. His boots dug into the ground. The boy turned counterclockwise, swiftly, to parry her strike. Their blades interlocking, and so did their stares. The two eyed each other.
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“...” Angelika grinned, visibly enjoying their sparring match. “Well done, Ludolf! Good to know that you aren’t just all brawn and no brain.”
“...” Ludolf backed off immediately to put some space between him and the knightess, and to gain some time. It was a smart move on his part.
“...” Angelika merely smiled, her sword readied. “Are we done already? Are you thinking about giving up, boy?”
Of course not. If their little sparring match back then had taught Aurora anything, then that Ludolf was an exceedingly persistent boy, even to his own detriment. He would not give in so easily.
“...” Ludolf ignored her teasing comments, albeit grudgingly. He was entirely focused on their fight. He knew perfectly well that he could not afford even the slightest distraction if he wanted to enjoy even the faintest semblance of a chance. He attacked once more with all his remaining courage. It was his last gamble. A frontal attack, once again head on, headstrong.
Angelika stood prepared, her sword angled to guard her posture. The woman was expecting him, for all intents and purposes.
Ludolf struck high before twisting low. It was a feint. The boy dove, aiming for her legs. His blade cut low, but it was already too late. He had fatally compromised his position.
Suddenly, the boy stopped dead in his tracks, Angelika’s sword pointed directly at his head, the sharp wooden tip positioned right between his eyes.
“... ... ...” Ludolf stood frozen, petrified, stupefied, completely taken by surprise.
“...” Angelika beamed, slightly tilting her head, not, however, in a derisive manner. She was an instructor through and through. “You’ve got guts, Ludolf, I’ll give you that. You’re bold, but you’re being far too reckless. You don’t put enough thought into your actions. If this had been a real fight, you would be dead by now. So let this serve as a lesson, courage is all well and good, but sometimes it’s more important to stay alive.”
“I understand.” Ludolf clenched his fists, gritted his teeth in annoyance, annoyed at himself and his performance. The full implications of his defeat had dawned on him now that the initial stupor had subsided. He had lost. He had been beaten. Once again.
“...” Angelika merely smiled, her hand suddenly reaching for his unprotected shoulder. The boy had earned himself a shoulder pat. “It’s all right. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, Ludolf.” The boy looked up, startled. “You fought valiantly. It takes quite some nerve to face someone stronger head on. Not everyone has what it takes to do that. So be proud of yourself.”
Her words showed their desired effect, lifting Ludolf’s spirit. “Really? Is that true?”
“Yes, obviously.” Angelika nodded, giggling softly. “Why would I lie to you, Ludolf? You show much potential. You’re skilled. You’re tenacious. You’re determined. And that counts for much. As a matter of fact, I’m quite sure that you should be able to unlock aura. You’ve got all that’s needed, Ludolf. In my experience, being able to use aura is just a matter of training and primarily of will. You’ve got plenty of the latter.”
“...” Ludolf pumped his fist with a broad grin across his lips. His chest swelling with obvious pride. He had done well. That was all that he had wanted to hear.
“Now.” Angelika’s eyes flickered, her gaze turning conspicuously towards her, always with a bright smile on her lips, and much to Aurora’s misgivings. “It’s your turn, Edelgart.”
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It was her turn. Unfortunately.
“... ... ...” Aurora raised her trusted doll, hiding her face and fluffy hair behind little Aurora. Her doll provided her with an ample degree of cover. “I’m not here~. You can’t see me~.”
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Erich, Ludolf, everyone blinked in disbelief. Even Angelika offered a weak smile with an imaginary bead of sweat running down her forehead. “Ehm, ..., Edelgart ..., you know that I can see you just fine ... You’re right in front of us ...”
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“...” Aurora peeked from behind the safety of her doll, her cute face briefly reappearing. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about~, strange, unknown woman that I’ve never seen before~.”
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