58- Her Way To Find
…..
Took less than 10 minutes to schedule a fight, between the subscription, signing a waiver and showing she was in her right mental faculties, the Queen was registered and marked to fight on the last match of the bracket on the tournament as a replacement in return to splitting the profits with the former competitor.
Apparently the guard from before was right that a fighter could have given up, most do if they get too hurt or after watching a particularly brutal fight which steals their courage. In which case Akeno took the place of another woman who suffered a serious wound in her match even if she scraped a win in the end.
The result was her inability to compete but a substitution was possible since there were no rules against it. After a little back and forth Akeno got the spot thanks to some haggling.
It wasn't one of the biggest tournaments of the Underground Arena but it was still the kind in which one could make a lot of money. Regulations and rules were scarce for the place as anyone could join after paying a fee. Nothing else was necessary as far as the Arena was concerned.
But there were still rules and while Akeno took a shower and changed into the clothes demanded by said rules, Shirou got himself familiar with the manual as quickly as possible.
"It says here that you can only go in with the equipment you are going to use and nothing else. Summoning equipment from a magic circle is forbidden and results in an automatic defeat." His eyes scanned the pages as Structural Analysis supplied anything he made the mistake of skipping. "You are allowed a team to help with equipment and medical treatment. Also a coach. I believe that is my job?"
"Do you mind?"
"Honestly I would say 'no' if that would get you out but we both know you will be fighting anyway." Despite water running, Shirou was sure he heard a giggle. "'The Runeas Underground Arena won't provide anything other than a resting room and clothes of which you must use for combat'. Also it has spells to warn the judges when the fighter's life is in danger."
Which was better than Shirou expected but there were too few rules for his tastes anyway. There was no division of categories on power and that was a risk with so few rules and the fact there would be more fights later.
Indeed Shirou knew that everyone in this sort of tournament should be in the Low Class by default but nothing stopped the other classes for whatever reason they saw fit.
And he also knew there were plenty in the Low Class who couldn't advance because of the system. "I don't like this." He commented while going over the booklet for the fourth time in a few minutes. He was glad they had it in English because if not then he would be completely lost. 'Note to self: learn the devil alphabet.'
"Ah~ Thanks for the concern but I will be fine." Akeno's amused voice pierced the shower's noise. "Just you wait, Shirou-kun. I will solve that riddle of yours today."
"If you are going to join an 'illegal' tournament because of it I could just give the answer." He let out a sigh as Akeno finished showering. "From how things are set up you are going to have 4 fights in total, each with a time limit. Also you are in the middle of the bracket as your opponent would have advanced automatically if you hadn't joined." Already they could guess that person would be pissed. "The time limit in each match; 15 minutes, no more and no less and no extra time." Then Shirou voiced more of his concerns. "Akeno, every other fighter already fought and will be resting while you fight. After your match you will only have a few minutes at most to recover before going to the next one."
"So I only get to rest if I win fast? That will make everyone play more aggressively for sure." She was giddy at the prospect. "What is the penalty if there isn't a winner before the time limit?" Closing the shower, Akeno began to get dressed.
"Both lose." Harsh but Shirou agreed with the ravenhead statement. It was all to force the fighters to be aggressive. "No resources, no judges, nothing. You just lose. Also now I can see how brutal this place can be by the fact the arena doesn't provide anyone with health care."
For the life of him that was what scared Shirou the most about the place; it meant that if someone got in the arena without allies or money to hire help they wouldn't be leaving. Soon the redhead realized the dozens of implications of it like the fact that even if nobody had died in the arena for years somebody must have died 'outside'.
It almost short circuited his brain to think how many devils put up with it until he remembered what Sairaorg had said; that the arena was a chance for them to show their power and grow beyond their station.
'But is it worth the price?' Some wounds just didn't heal, Shirou knew that more than most.
"There is probably a plan or a loan for starting fighters. Lakmia-sama would have too much to lose if she couldn't get anybody new at least once in a while." Akeno presented herself to Shirou with a smile and her usual ponytail with her traditional ribbon. However, contrary to her usual get up, the rest of her clothes were all black. "So, how do I look?" Asked the Queen with a pose.
"Like you just joined a new gym." He wasn't joking either. The standard clothing of the arena was much similar to the get up she used for her training but all black and without shoulder straps.
Instead the tank top was connected with her neck through a choker that left her back exposed for minimal protection. It was the whole theme with those clothes in fact as the tissue was legitimately too similar to a normal sports garment but slightly more resistant for its own survival.
Then there was the spell to warn if the fighter was in danger and to keep the damage to it on a minimum but that couldn't protect the wearer, not with its thin material. On her feet there were something like ballet shoes for full movement of her toes while also not protecting the feet from anything other than rocks.
With her back open Akeno's side brought emphasis to her bust and highlighted her beauty with an almost divine figure that Shirou always knew that she had but those clothes made sure nothing stood in the way of the stare he was giving.
Which made her giggle a little. "So, maybe I can change my mind if…"
"No, you wouldn't." Shirou shot down the suggestion because he knew she was just teasing him. Trying to get his mind off her figure, the redhead looked back to the rule book. "Besides magic, you can go in with any weapon but no armor. You summon any sort of equipment once the fight starts and you are out."
Akeno's expression turned serious and she nodded. "Basic but understandable considering the time limit. It also means some of my opponents are going to be armed?"
"More than likely." Knowing her fighting style Shirou knew these were the kind of opponents Akeno would have a greater chance against. However there was still a lump in his throat about letting her fight by herself in that place. "Look, I know you want to do this to get stronger and figure out things but this place is no joke and I don't know If I can heal everything if the fight turns really violent with those… 'rules'."
Smiling gently, Akeno shook her head and began to walk towards the exit of the changing room. "Your EM can fix pretty much anything. Don't worry, I don't plan to lose any limbs." She turned to him with a gorgeous smile. "Or lose in general."
"But that isn't-" A finger on his lips cut him off.
"Shirou-kun, have faith in your skills. I certainly do." A small glare was her reply but Akeno just smiled. Turning around she marched to the battlefield, Shirou following. "So, how do I win?"
"By forcing the other fighter to surrender or by announcing your victory when they can't fight." That forced Akeno to do a hard stop, something that Shirou didn't know if it was good or bad.
"Wait, so nobody is going to announce anything? I need to show that I won by… raising my arms or something?" Excitement was pouring from every pore of her body.
"And they can't fight back. If they do, the fight keeps going. That or the coach goes in and retrieves the fighter."He certainly was planning to intervene if things went bad.
Akeno read him like a book. "Shirou-kun, promise you won't step in unless I lose my conscience."
Uncertainty filled Shirou's eyes and he shook his head. "I can't promise that."
"Yes, you can, you will." Her smile didn't change but there was a threat under her tone. "Or are you calling me weak?"
"I am not-"
Hands on her chest Akeno leaned back as if struck. "Then it is because you have on faith in me?"
"You know that isn't true. This rules, this place is insane, Akeno!" Shirou grabbed her shoulders and stared into her eyes. "If you go too far you will regret killing someone who doesn't deserve it but if you don't go far enough then you have to hope that someone can stop things from escalating. And things will escalet!" There was so much concern in his gaze that Akeno grew mute. "The last fight almost had the audience crushed and that is normal around here. This is why Rating Games are more accepted; they are safer and easier to watch."
"Because this place is for the desperate and the broken." A sadness filled Akeno's smile as she grasped his hands and had him let her go. "Great, my kind of avenue."
"Akeno, this is all about spectacle."
"Then I will give them a show." As her smile grew confident, Shirou saw the window to get her to quit was completely closed. "So, do you promise?" When he didn't immediately reply she pushed. "Do you believe in me?"
A wince escaped the redhead but he nodded. "Fine, I promise to not step in until you really lose; either when you are unconscious or stopped moving."
"Thanks coach, fufufufu." Akeno turned and began to walk away while swinging her hips to give him something else to think about.
Already the Queen of Gremory felt heartbeat accelerate as an electrical current seemed to run all around her nerves. That sort of excitement was new and old at the same time, sort of what she felt during a Stray Hunt where she was allowed to let loose all of her repressed impulses.
While Shirou saw the rules of the arena as too few, Akeno saw them as just right.
Things felt better for her when she stepped inside the arena proper to the sound of hundreds of cheers. 'Is this why people like to be number 1?' Akeno basked in it, opening her eyes and welcoming the crowd's calls for blood. 'Aaaaah~ What a nice tingle~'
From the other side her opponent was already getting inside their battlefield as well, another woman with extremely short black hair, a little messy but enough for a few strings in the forehead.
She was slightly taller than Akeno and just as lean with breasts a lot smaller than the Gremory Queen but still noticeable. Obviously she was in similar clothing but unlike the younger devil this one was already used to the calls of the crowd. As an experienced fighter of the Underground Arena she was disappointed with her opponent if the scowl in her face was any indication..
Above her head Akeno saw her name appear in an electronic panel together with her opponent's; Soravy. Nothing else was presented other than the betting odds and a timer counting down from 15 minutes, locking all bets in.
An amusing chuckle escaped Akeno as she noticed how her odds could only be called terrible. 'If I am reading that right 200 people betted on her and none on me. Their loss~' She was going to enjoy making them lose their money.
Nobody called the beginning of the match, in reality it had started the moment the two fighters appeared in the arena. Any of them could attack whenever they wanted, not even needing to wait for the bets to lock in.
That was why Soravy was disappointed with Akeno who was completely open with no mana to be felt. 'Easy peasy!' In a flash a magic circle formed in her hands and a blast flew towards the ravenhead.
Akeno's smile never disappeared as she was just looking up without concerns, many already believing she was going to lose in the first few seconds.
Only for her do an elegant pirouette inspired by her new shoes. Thanks to her Rook Trait the rocks from the Underground didn't bother her and the evasion was successful, much to Soravy's shock.
"My, my. Are we already starting? We didn't even greet each other." Akeno's smile was the same and Soravy frowned.
'Not so easy then.' The veteran created a bigger magic circle and threw another attack before running to the right. She planned to get close and initiate the real combate with a hook.
Akeno dodged again while running in the opposite direction, much to Soravy's shock as three magic circles appear around the ravenhead and unleash Lightning towards her. The veteran rolled to the side to avoid the hits with a grunt as she glared towards Akeno with some real hostility.
"Great, a noble bitch." Soravy's aura grew in strength before charging straight at Akeno, full speed but without wings.
Noting the younger woman's expertise and focus with magic had the veteran deducing that her opponent was someone who could be classified as an Wizard type, the kind who did very poorly in the arena.
It also implied that the ravenhead would be weaker in close quarters combat, something Akeno seemed to confirm by stopping and unleashing a few more blasts of Lightning towards Soravy with the apparent goal of keeping her at bay.
The older woman dodged with a sinister grin as the crowd cheered louder at her approach, that was usually when the fight really started. "Ready to die princess?!" An exaggeration but still the kind that made Soravy very happy with herself.
She was expecting Akeno to flinch or run when her attacks began to fail and yet none of that happened. If anything, the younger woman's smile grew bigger. "Are you?" Then she jumped.
Not away or in a retreat like Soravy's expected but straight towards her, throwing a strong kick on the veteran's mid section. Soravy's aura held strong but the surprise admitally immobilized her for a second too long, enough so that Akeno could create a magic circle at point blank range.
The crowd exploded with the explosion in the arena, surprised by the heavy use of magic in the Underground. Much like Soravy they expected a magic user to lose when they lost their range but Akeno surprised them by countering just in time, still using magic.
Veteran or not Soravy didn't expect that counter and so her head was flung back as dozens of small blasts were unleashed point blank. They blinded Soravy and kept pushing her aura to respond and stay up against the constant assault.
However her experience shone through, the woman pushed more mana and threw a punch that destroyed the magic circle, breaking the stream of attacks. Soravy opened her eyes in relief only for them to grow wider as Akeno wasn't there anymore.
"Yahoo~"
"Behind you!" She managed to make the voice from the stands but it was too late as three attacks exploded on her back and sent her flying to the wall face first.
Akeno smiled confidently and began to wave her arms around as the crowd celebrated her triumph. 'Maybe I will get addicted to this?' But she knew the fight wasn't over so another magic circle began to form. "Time to say 'goodnight'."
A huge Lightning flew in Soravy's direction as the woman barely managed to get off the wall. Her efforts were immediately rendered pointless as she was pushed back on again, the stone cracking as Akeno blasting her in. The Gremory Queen had no problem wasting some energy, her reserves always had plenty.
She was also focusing her awareness on Soravy's mana just in case it stopped circulating properly and the aura broke, not planning to cook the woman alive or anything of the like.
Yet Akeno was caught off guard as an explosion of mana broke her Lightning back as the other woman pushed herself off the wall and unleashed a torrent of power.
As the next fight was going to be soon after this one, Soravy was trying to save her reserves for her next opponent but the present situation forced her hand. Akeno was an amateur of the arena and didn't fight like anyone she knew but the overwhelming power the younger woman possessed meant holding back wasn't an option.
Soravy channeled everything she could on her back and legs, protecting herself while getting some leverage for a jump. And jump she did, dashing to the left and then at Akeno with her wings revealed and a lot of mana around her body. Her aura was a bright turquoise that captivated the audience.
Akeno wasn't impressed as she opened fire with more magic circles, Lightning bouncing off the aura as Soravy showed her might as a veteran of the arena.
The short haired woman was confident that now she was going to get Akeno and didn't waste time preparing a haymaker with a wordless warcry.
Akeno managed to dodge it just in time but the veteran wasn't done as she spun in the air and her leg connected with the younger woman's side. With her firm stance the ravenhead didn't budge but that was also to Soravy's advantage who turned midair and had her other foot hit her head.
While hair danced from the whiplash, Akeno grabbed both feet firmly and smiled again at the woman. "You are a bad girl~" She said with a sweet tone that sounded unhinged to the veteran. Magic circuits flared. "And bad girls get punished~ Spark up!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" A scream of pain escaped the veteran as Lightning penetrated her aura and ran loose on her body.
Thanks to direct skin contact and the fact Akeno was more skilled with mana, Soravy lacked any means to properly defend herself. Worse even was that the woman wasn't used to magic penetrating her defenses like that, an disadvantage of never facing a truly skilled magic user.
Indeed that was a problem most in the arena didn't know how to deal with or even what was going on. Only the fact that the Lightning was being expelled from Soravy's body told them a single truth; Akeno was the strongest magic user who ever fought in the Underground Arena and that was terrifying for most.
Not at all for the real veterans who were still in the tournament watched the fight and started to plan counters against her skills.
Still nothing that Akeno could know as the only thing that mattered to the ravenhead in that moment were her opponent's screams and the audience's praise. The crowds went wild with the new development, some even comparing the fight to a real Rating Game.
It made some of the fighters bitter.
'Enough for her to feel a little bit of pain but not enough to really damage anything~ Just right~' Akeno's thoughts danced as Soravy kept struggling. 'Just right~ There!'
Suddenly Akeno let go of her opponent and jumped away as the woman fell on the ground. Some of the crowd paused while the others started calling the Queen of Gremory's name and she turned to for a small curtsy before looking back at her opponent.
The short haired woman was standing up slowly, her arms spasming a little after the heavy shock. "You should surrender. I don't think your body can take much more."
"Shut up bitch! You think I'm gonna give a rich brat," she got to her feet only to fall on a knee, "a win like that! In the arena?! No way in hell!" Soravy jumped to her feet but fell on all fours as her body struggled to obey. "Just because you have some Power… Just because you were born better-"
An aura of murder began to escape Akeno and despite her smile remaining the same the woman could immediately tell it was a little more unhinged. "Oh my, you think this is some Power? That I am a noble? Fufufufufu…" When she opened her eyes they carried enough rage that Soravy winced. "No, my father had nothing to do with this. This is my power."
Letting her aura explode outwards, Akeno confirmed to everyone in the arena that she was by far the strongest when it came to mana reserves. In fact it would take a dozen of the best fighters combining their might to even compete with her in terms of raw power. A terrifying sight to devils.
"Hahahaha!" Yet Soravy laughed in defiance. "That is it? Daddy issues? Pathetic." She laughed again as Akeno's eyes grew wide. "Guess those are 'noble problems' for- AAAAAARRRRRRRHHHHHHHHH!"
Through her fingers Akeno unleashed a huge charge of Lightning towards her opponent with an apathetic stare. "The line between just enough pain to make someone pass out and to keep them awake so they feel everything is a tenue one." She began while approaching her opponent, right hand up shooting Lightning. "It takes some real skill to not fall on the threshold and just let it go. Fortunately for you I had plenty of practice with some Stay Devils who were tough enough to last a little." The ravenhead spoke loud enough to pierce through the woman's screams. "So I can keep going for a while and you will feel everything. Every single bit of mana, every single drop." The screams kept going, louder and louder. "Lucky you."
Soravy screamed and the crowd rejoiced as she tried to get up only to fail and be left there on her back as Lightning ran freely throughout her body.
Never in her life had she experienced so much pain. Soravy was used to broken bones, slip lips, being thrown around the dirt, punched and beaten.
But the sensation of Lightning running around her body was just too much. Far too much and her voice started to break as blood began to pour from her throat and eyes.
Devil or not she wasn't going to last forever but Akeno wasn't stopping, just watching the woman as she broke and was unable to do anything but suffer. Her spirit had given up long ago and nothing she could do would reach victory, absolutely nothing. All she had was her life and even that was in the balance.
Until Soravy managed to channel whatever was left of her strength as her resolve finally broke completely. "IIIIIIIII suuuuuuuurrrrrrrreeeeeeennnnnnnnnndddddddeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrr."
Immediately Akeno stopped as the crowd rose to their feet, some applauding others chanting her name. Pure magic users were rare in the arena and even then their victories, however rare, were clean. That wasn't wasn't clean in the slightest and they chanted for the victor.
Extra points in their book was that Soravy recognized her surrender vocally, something less usual than even Wizard types.
Most fights only ended with absolute defeat, knock out and complete inability to move, or an absolute surrender where team and coach raced to save their fighter. A direct surrender was so rare that only happened a few times and when the winner was someone known to be overwhelmingly stronger.
Akeno got a surrender on her first official fight while using magic, the second part an even bigger rarity. So she turned to her audience to receive their praise, noticing that the fight had lasted less than five minutes. Moving around and bowing her head she also noticed some members of the arena staff already going in to fix any damage.
Quickly a trio of devils, all looking remarkably young, rushed to the battlefield and collected Soravy, being careful to not aggravate any wounds. When the Queen of Gremory turned to them to approach her opponent she noticed two girls and a boy just slightly younger than her and dressed in rags.
That was already odd in her mind until she remembered the rules. 'Those must be her team.' So Akeno approached slowly, ready to summon an EM.
Only to suddenly pause and the boy who looked a little like Soravy to step forward and spread his arms in front of her. "Leave my sister alone."
When she noticed the fear, Akeno hesitated. "I just want to heal her up-" She took another step forward.
"You're lying." The boy immediately replied with tears in his eyes. Looking at the other kids Akeno could see similar looks.
Realizing she made a mistake but not knowing what to do, Akeno crouched on the ground and summoned EM. "Do you know what this is?" There was no way they didn't, the instrument was famous in their territory. "Take it." The boy hesitated. "I am giving this to you, take it."
"We don't need your charity." One of the girls, someone who could be her classmate in other circumstances, replied with a venomous glare.
It had Akeno wincing. "I see." She didn't retrieve the EM, instead turning around and retreating back the way she came in.
Shirou was there, hidden from the crowd and leaning on a wall with his arms crossed. She almost expected her to say something. "They picked it up."
"I am sorry. I overreacted."
"As long as you are sorry and don't do it again." They began to walk back to the changing rooms, his pace just enough to stay behind her. "Was staying in the Vault just bottling up your anger?" He asked directly, making her flinch. "Because if so I am pulling the plug on this whole thing."
"No! You don't need to- It won't happen again." They arrived in the room reserved for them, the redhead Tracing and filling a glass of water. "I was having too much fun and then suddenly she began to-"
"I heard." Shirou offered her the glass and Akeno took it almost out of instinct. "But you can't lose control like that… You are better than this." A hand landed on her shoulder as she drank. "Are you sure you want to keep going?"
Akeno almost did a spit take. "Are you going to let me keep going?"
"I trust you and you know you overreacted… Even if I don't agree with your kind of fun." A sad smile presented itself to her. "It is one thing to do it with insane creatures that would kill anyone on sight, it is another to do it with a woman who was just a little too proud."
Slowly she nodded and gave the glass back to him. "Right, I won't do that again. But what about the fight?" Shirou began to refill the glass. "Did I do well? I tried to hold back enough so my future opponents don't know what to expect."
When he offered the glass again, she didn't hesitate. "Keep things simple and you will get farther but don't fall for your opponent's provocations." This time when she finished the glass disappeared. "You are at your best when you are in control of yourself."
"Don't you mean just in control?" She offered with a playful smile but he only gave her a flat stare. "It won't happen again."
"It better not. Most people here are just trying to earn their bread however they can and you almost ended her career for good." When Shirou said it outloud Akeno couldn't help but wince. A sad look crossed his face for a second before shrugging. "Then again, this needed to happen so you could see the line and now learn to not cross it. To be mindful of it."
Before Akeno could reply the door opened for a man in a suit. "Five minutes, same arena." He left without any other word.
"Really no rest for the wicked." Akeno joked and this time Shirou chuckled.
"Well, I warned you, that is on the rules… Or brochure, calling it rules may be too generous." He gave her a good look before shrugging dramatically and shaking his head. "At least your reserves are still good enough but your adversary will be better rested and knowing your abilities. If you aren't careful, then you are going to be defeated in this next match."
Shaking her head firmly, Akeno abandoned any pretense of playfulness. "I won't lose. Not here." Looking at her hands she noticed she was shaking. "Shirou-kun, have you ever felt the crowd's love?"
After a pause Shirou nodded. "When I participated in a kendo competition years ago… But don't let it get to your head, they will root for any winner most of the time." An arching eyebrow from Akeno had him sighing. "Not out of malice, from what I could tell, excitement can blow the winds in any direction and the crowd is bound by it. That or they are extremely loyal to their favorites."
"The essence of a sport?" She was legitimately curious for his insight.
"I wouldn't call this whole mess 'sport'. Too many risks… Makes me want to give an EM to everyone in this place… That is an idea!"
"You can do that now if you want." Akeno commented with a giggle. "It will make things fair and my win even sweeter."
With no objection Shirou moved to just that, planning to drop by every fighter's changing rooms and Trace EMs. "We have two minutes before it starts so I will do that after your fight."
"So I win faster?" It was her plan anyway. "At this point most of the competitors are already ready to go and I am the slowpoke."
"Then we should get going." Once again they left the changing rooms, trekking the same path as before. "Once you win I will go a few rounds giving EMs but only if you aren't too hurt."
"Don't worry about me. If this is going to be like the previous fight-"
"But it won't. Don't underestimate them, Akeno." That made the woman pause, surprising the redhead.
"Shirou-kun, I am not underestimating them. Not one bit. That was why I threw a lot of power even before she started mentioning my father." A sore point that Akeno was trying to get over. "But Soravy still managed to escape and counterattack. They are good." A confident smile revealed itself. "But I am better."
Shirou let out a sigh and nodded. "Just be careful, alright. Even if you can heal fast doesn't mean I want to see you hurt."
"We both know I am the one doing the hurting." While she tried to make it as playful as possible, Akeno knew she was also stepping on a mine.
Yet the explosion that came was far too different. "Your opponent from before underestimated you, don't make the same mistake with your next one." It wasn't her friend talking but the warrior who faced Medusa, Freed and the White Dragon Emperor. "Everybody knows how strong you are now, Akeno. Everybody. You weren't trying to be subtle." They stopped at the exit and he placed a hand on her back so she turned to him. "They will be cautious, fight smart, maybe even desperate. Remember that."
Slowly Akeno nodded, her eyes full with determination. "Don't worry. I will be careful." When he nodded back she returned to the arena ready to face her second opponent.
This time her adversary was a man at least one head and a half taller than her and with a smug grin which helped his handsome face. Even some of the scars he had worked to highlight his eyes and chin in a symmetric formation that made the ravenhead suspect he made at least one of them.
Obviously he was dressed in the man's version of the arena's attire; on his feet it was like he had socks connected with his pants but in general it was like a mirror of Akeno's own outfit.
With short blue hair and slightly more muscular than Soravy, there was an air of confidence around him which was added by his weapon of choice; huge brass knuckles with spikes in both hands.
They were so big that if Akeno didn't know any better she would think they were small gloves or something similar.
"Well, well, well. Here is the lil' bird who beat Soravy up, heheheh." His tone was relaxed even if his eyes remained sharp, watching Akeno every move with care.
A glance up told the Queen the time had already started counting but also her opponent's name. "Rofuse-san was it? At least you are being more polite than my previous opponent."
"Hah! Don't blame her for that. She underestimated ya a little too much, not even had her weapon on her." His smile grew sharper as he cracked his neck and raised his arms in a boxing stance. "But that won't fly anymore lil' bird. You're an amateur in the arena but ain't like most nobles. Ya know how to fight."
Pleased with her opponent's attitude, Akeno began to prepare her mana. "If you must know, I am not a noble."
"Nah, ya speak too right for a normal person." Rofuse was nodding in a sage-like fashion.
"'Too right'... The way that I talk is too polite?" To her Akeno was speaking formal Japanese so it wasn't surprising how it was translated.
And the man nodded at it. "Yeah, too right. Ya too clean too."
A frown began to take shape. "That makes no-"
It was then that Rofuse attacked with a fast haymaker straight towards Akeno's face which she barely dodged. She sidestepped a few times but her adversary was faster than she expected and soon she was hit on her midriff before another punch hit her head. Fortunately for the woman her defenses were already up and a magic circle stopped a third hit.
Unlike her previous fight this opponent wasn't going to waste time with magic, not when Akeno was much better at it than him. Instead he was focusing only on punching and defense of which was really strong as the Lightning she was throwing around failed to break the man's rhythm.
He was far more prepared than someone who saw only her fight once but in highsight Akeno understood that she wasn't the first Wizard type popping up on the arena so a seasoned warrior had a clear advantage.
So she started to forego magic circles at all and just focused on her circuits, Reinforcement helping her keep up with the far more experienced fighter who looked surprised. It wasn't strange since her circuits were glowing and everyone could see it even if none of them could understand for most wouldn't ever have met a magus, Reincarnated or otherwise.
Most pureblood devils would know what magic circuits meant but Akeno had no time to think about the implications of her skills at that point, her mind focusing completely on the fight.
When the ravenhead avoided another punch quickly grabbed the man's arm, her hand unable to close in his wrist, and unleashed as much Lightning as she could. Thanks to watching the previous fight Rofuse had most of his mana on the defense but could still feel the steady assault on his reserves.
But he could easily ignore it and just keep punching, not allowing his pace to be dictated by the young woman before him.
Akeno was surprised her counterattack failed and even more so when another punch hit her cheek. This time her feet were off the ground so she was sent flying but Rofuse refused to stop his attacks. Opening his wings he chased with his punches still flying all over her body and the Queen found herself taking every single one of them.
However it wasn't enough to defeat her and once the surprise wore off Akeno charged her mana. "Lightning Bolt!"
A flash of light threatened to blind the audience but those who could see past it saw Rofuse being thrown to the other side of the arena by a Lightning taller than he was, the walls exploding with his body's impact.
Landing after throwing that much energy Akeno needed to take a moment to breathe as most of her body was in pain from the volley of punches. One of her knees touched the ground and she cleaned some blood from her face.
'That was…' The blood interrupted her thoughts as the ravenhead cleaned and stared at it in her hand.
There were scratches all over her body and the clothes she was provided now had a dozen holes showing much more of her skin. There were some calls of cheers from the audience, some from her attack, others from her appearance, but this time Akeno turned them off.
Still her lips tugged into a smile. 'That is what I am talking about!' Finding the fight she wanted, Akeno allowed Lightning to explode freely. "Lightning Bolt!"
Another gigantic attack was unleashed with gusto, big enough to cause a small quake when it collided with the wall, the flash just as intense as before but this time the audience was prepared and their roar replaced the thunder that should accompany it.
Her opponent threw a punch at the attack with all the mana he could muster but his protections broke during the clash. Already Rofuse was wounded from the first bolt, his chest burned and his shirt destroyed. The attack came too much as a surprise and his basic defenses failed him.
The second one he was more prepared for but it wasn't enough and his arm ended up burned even if he managed to block most of the attack. 'I knew she was strong but-' His thoughts were cut by Akeno who appeared on his left and unleashed another one on his burnt arm's side. "SHIT!"
The man rolled just in that and the attack collided against the wall in its entirety, threatening to open a tunnel with the power used.
Neither of the fighters gave it too much attention, busy going against each other as Rofuse charged through rock and dust while Akeno prepared another Lightning Bolt. He was faster and a fist collided with her right arm that she had raised for defense. Blood left the new wounds on her arm as his strength and his weapon surpassed her defenses.
Rofuse was about to start raining punches again, burnt arm be damned, but this time Akeno wasn't going to let herself be caught, opening her wings and flying away as quickly as she could.
Both sides knew that wouldn't be enough, not with Rofuse already having confirmed that Akeno was too powerful with her magic. 'Can't give her range!' Like her he opened his wings and with a mighty leap he initiated his pursuit.
For all his power and the strength of his leap, Rofuse found himself falling short as the ravenhead kept flying back with her eyes still on him. Without a warning Lightning was thrown in his direction again and while the man managed to dodge he wasn't any closer to catching the Queen.
Quite the opposite really as Akeno found herself far enough it was safe to unleash more Lightning Bolts in his direction with little hesitation and Rofuse was hit several times even as he tried to fly around them.
Immediately everyone could tell that in terms of speed Akeno had an absolute advantage. She actually was surprised when noticing that as her escape was not only flawlessly executed but her opponent failed to even exert pressure once she ran away.
More Lightning hit the veteran and wounds were starting to accumulate at a rapid rate. It was getting worse by the minute and the man could swear he was starting to smell the burnt flesh. Something needed to be done or he was going to get cooked alive and in his despair he tried to use magic.
It did Rofuse no good as Akeno's attacks easily overwhelmed his own. Worse still directing some of his power on the offensive made his aura weaker and a direct hit connected with his chest again.
Akeno stopped just as the man fell on his back, an excited smile stuck on her face. 'I did it!' Quickly she sobered up, reminding herself that her opponent was a veteran and quite strong at that.
The easiest and safest way to secure her win would be a Lightning Net like she used with Soravy and so Akeno began to float slowly towards Rofuse to get him in range while expanding her senses.
Going by his mana the man had to be unconscious, his reserves were steady but extremely low. However the ravenhead wasn't taking any chances, the many wounds covering most of her body just weren't worse because of her fast reaction during his offensive. None of the wounds was grave or even crippling but blood had been obviously spilled.
Never landing and still keeping a good distance, Akeno stood a few meters above Rofuse, enough to look at his face. 'Eyes turned inside the head.' The man could still be faking and so mana began to gather in her fingers once again. 'Just enough for an involuntary-'
Only for the man's mana to jump and his eyes to focus on her just before throwing himself at Akeno with a wordless battle cry.
His aura was pulsing stronger than ever and despite her precautions Akeno found herself punched on the stomach, feeling the spikes of the knuckles breaking her skin. Fortunately for her mana was already gathered and she unleashed Lightning Net at her opponent with max voltage.
Rofuse screamed but didn't stop his attack, grabbing the ravenhead's arm and throwing her down with all his strength.
Quickly Akeno lost her reach and just as quickly her back suffered with the impact on the arena, some of it cracking around her, blood escaping her throat.
Sure that something was broken, Akeno could barely move when Rofuse continued with his attack, diving from the air with the intent of crushing her. His aura was pulsing strongly, an indication he was placing a lot of mana to maximize his defense and stop any more surprises.
Akeno did the same with her own aura, allowing it to cover her fully so she could unleash a Lightning Bolt from what was left of her Net. The power left her hand and clashed with Rofuse's power but the devil was undetained and let out another shout of determination before breaking the Bolt and hitting the ground.
At that time the Queen of Gremory had already moved away, the Lightning having done its secondary job of blinding her opponent. Still the pain on her back and difficulty breathing told her enough about her condition.
Worse yet for her was that the man's aura remained strong and his eyes held a glint of malice. "Ya don't know how to use ya power." She failed to hide a little of her irritation. His aura grew thicker as he opened his huge wings. "So ya lose!" This time his jump was for a shoulder tackle.
With her back and pain and also feeling a wing broken, this time Akeno had no means to dodge and she knew it. Not only her but Rofuse and the audience as well could see her state and many saw the man's victory as certain.
Akeno's smile changed from the usual calm and inviting that earned her the title of 'Onee-sama of Kuoh' to a more sharp one with her eyes open in a determined look.
It was also almost feral, especially when Lightning took a new shape in her hands. "Lightning Spear!" Solid Lightning collided with the already wounded chest of the veteran, much to everyone's shock.
Rofuse's most of all as he tried to compete with the Queen of Gremory, to overpower her spear and get just close enough to finish his attack in vain as his mana failed to keep up with Akeno's output and Lightning broke through his defenses.
The weapon was formed almost instinctively, its owner not knowing why a spear was the first thing her mana worked towards creating. But Akeno wasn't going to ponder those things, not when she was about to win the match as her opponent was forced to cease his attack otherwise impale himself.
For a few seconds there conflict as Akeno's golden mana pushed back against Rofuse's pale blue. His chest was in pain the whole time as the ravenhead's attack threatened the same place it had been wounded before and the man felt his skin start to give in.
Muscles bulged and Rofuse finally gave up and jumped as unlike the Lightning Bolt which had been one fast and done attack the Spear was a constant stream of Lightning poured on his body and the man knew Akeno had more energy to spare.
In reality everybody knew and the crowd cheered at the new use of mana, not on a single magic spell but a weapon unlike many had ever seen.
Looking down and seeing his burned muscles, the veteran began to grow fearful. "How?"
"Magecraft." Akeno replied with a smile and a flourish of her spear that had the audience singing her praises.
"The fuck is magecraft?" A surprised look followed by an understanding one colored Akeno's face, making Rofuse a little more upset. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing at all." Holding her weapon in a stance, Akeno smiled. "Well, shall we dance?"
Her tone held teasing but Rofuse recognized the eyes of a warrior ready for the killing blow. The hair on his back stood up and not just by the static on the air.
Then Akeno lunged at him, something completely unexpected for the man and he barely had enough time to raise a hand to stop the spear from reaching his chest. Lightning ran around his body once again and Rofuse couldn't remember any other time he felt as much pain as he did in that moment.
Quickly he bashed the spear aside and tried to run away only for Akeno to give chase in an inversion of their parts. With her shoulders tight and grip firm the woman started to unleash a flurry of attacks. Most of them connected with the veteran's better arm as he kept stepping back for every step she took forward.
Giving him a chance to notice a lot of mistakes in Akeno's posture and smile. It was too forced, her steps too badly spaced and the rhythm of her weapon a mess.
'She can't use it for shit!' His smile turned into a grin as he dodged with his neck, letting the spear pass harmlessly, to throw a punch in Akeno's stomach.
Already wounded, Akeno's legs grew weak as the spear flickered in her hands before its form grew solid once again and she used it to try to hit Rofuse. Emphasys on 'try' because previous experience taught the warrior to always be mindful of his opponent's weapon. He ducked to escape the Lightning once again before delivering a strong uppercut with his burnt arm.
Furious but still in control, Akeno used her wings for as much leverage as they could give her despite wounds to attack with her spear and hit his shoulder, once again forcing Rofuse to deal with Lightning running uncontrollably on his body.
He pushed through and threw another punch but this time it didn't come close as his opponent extended her spear in his direction. The veteran didn't give in but it was too late, Akeno had managed to get some distance.
The back and forth was almost over and the match with it.
When she landed Akeno held her spear firmly in one hand before twirling it for a fast throw towards her opponent. Mana pulsed within the spear so when it collided with the tall man there was an explosion that made the crowd cheer. This was too similar to a Rating Game but more brutal and they were loving it.
Rofuse fell to one knee and used his less burned hand for support as he tried to ignore the burns all over his body. There were too many and while he was used to pain all he could do was swallow his pride and admit he had a little too much. At that point even if he won the fight and his team worked extra hard he wouldn't heal in time for the next match.
However he was a proud devil and an even prouder fighter so he raised his head to glare at his opponent with no intention of surrendering.
"Lightning Whip." Akeno knew the look Rofuse was giving her, a look of pure determination from those who refused to back down. Lightning cracked on her hand again and a loud noise ran around the arena as her favorite weapon presented itself. "It is over!" Her attack was as quick as her Element.
For all his experience fighting against multiple weapons and many sorts of opponents Rofuse found no action when the whip seized his less wounded arm. 'She isn't like any Wizard type-' Lightning began to cook his less damaged arm and there was no escaping.
However he didn't need to, Akeno let him go and began to move her whip around in an effort to spread the damage all around his body. And it was working.
Her form was atrocious to the veteran and many of the spectators but the Lightning made sure that every strike was as punishing as possible with new wounds and more mana spent just for Rofuse to stay in the fight.
His reserves were too low and there was no way Akeno was getting any closer to give him an opening. As much as it pained him to admit, the fight was over. "I give! I give!"
Immediately the attacks stopped but the whip stayed active and the Queen remained cautious. "Say again! Louder!" Demanded the clear winner as those watching their fight grew silent.
Almost the man refused to repeat his words, pride demanding him to not take this humiliation. His eyes turned to the whip, the ravenhead and her whip again.
Fortunately for Rofuse he had been in the 'game' long to not let pride get in the way of his health. "I lost alright, missi?" He fell on his ass and lowered his burned arms to appear as non threatening as possible. "You won, I give."
That was when the spectators chose to jump and shout Akeno's name once again, her back to back victories quickly making her one of their favorite fighters. The ravenhead smiled and let the mana go before looking up and closing her eyes. There she was, basking in the glory and cheering as she heard her opponent being collected by his team.
She opened her eyes to see the timer of the fight, noticing how there were little more to eight minutes still up. While she still ended up winning in a comfortable timeframe it wasn't nearly as fast as she expected. Sobering up quickly, Akeno realized that other fighters could have already won and her rest time could be extremely short.
Then there were her many wounds which still stung. Her arms were full of what could have been claw marks while others puncture wounds filled her belly and legs.
Slowly a hand cleaned her chin of some more blood. 'This was far more dangerous than I thought. If I was slightly weaker or didn't have the Rook Trait…' Calmly Akeno began to walk towards her entrance, noticing Shirou there holding himself back to not run to her. 'That is nice.'
"How are you feeling?" He tried to smile but concern filled his tone. Looking at her, covered in blood, was enough for him to wince. "Do you need any help?"
A part of Akeno wanted to have Shirou carry her but the warrior of the arena convinced the girl to shake her head. "Not at all. Just some healing if you don't mind." Already EM was in his hand and she giggled. "Let's go back to the changing room first, silly."
"But you are still bleeding a lot."
Looking at herself she couldn't deny that. "Small wounds, just a lot of them." Walking a little too fast made her flinch and Shirou noticed. "Maybe more than I thought."
At a slow pace they arrived in their room and Akeno dropped herself on a chair after barely stepping inside. The Mage was by her side in an instant, EM already charged with mana for his work.
Only took a few seconds for Akeno to let out a sigh of relief as the pain went away, something that Shirou noticed. 'Even if her mana was protecting her for the most part, clearly most of the man's strength still broke through.' Paying attention to her arms and back, he began to notice small bruises hidden by blood already disappearing. 'Also she isn't really used to fighting one on one in a melee.'
"Admiring the view?" Akeno asked with her usual smile but he only gave her a deadpan stare.
"You got too hurt. And yes, I know it was a fight." He added just as she opened her mouth. "And that your opponent was experienced and that you did the best you could. Still some of it was too much." The magus stared at the blood with worry. "Even with this you are going to be exhausted. Do you really want to keep going?"
Looking at the redhead's eyes she could see his worry completely but the warrior born in the arena made Akeno shake her head. "I am going all out to win or to lose." She smiled confidently. "Besides, weren't you going to give EM to everyone else? You can go if you want."
"That won't be necessary. It seems the teams of the arena have more purpose than just preparing stuff and organizing the fighter's equipment." A curious gaze had his attention and Shirou let out a sigh before moving towards a closet close to them. From there he took out another set of clothing for Akeno and placed it on a bench. "With enough devils working together even your healing can be called fast."
"Well, that is true but usually involves a lot of skin contact and costing a lot of mana." Akeno watched as from another closet the Mage collected a towel and a bucket. He began to fill it with water, making her eyebrow raise. "Why bring that up?"
"One of Lakmia's subordinates showed up. She wanted to offer you a team from her men if you thought it was necessary." Putting the half full bucket beside the ravenhead, Shirou crouched close to her chair.
"She knows you can Trace EM,- Shirou-kun, what are you doing?" After wetting the towel the redhead began to delicately touch her arm.
"You need to rest so this is better than wasting time taking another shower." Despite her wounds being healed, his touch was still delicate. "Give you some time to recover, you know?"
Akeno was blushing a little but ended up nodding. "So, she was going to offer me a team? Did you say no?"
"Do you want one? It is just a matter of calling one of the guards and-"
Smiling beautifully she replied. "I am going to go with a 'no'." Leaning her head on his, she let out another sigh. "I have all the support I need right here." Relaxing as he was massaging his arms, Akeno took it as a reward for a job well done. Yet curiosity didn't let her enjoy the treatment in silence. "So they have a lot of devils to heal them at the same time?"
"Pretty much."
"What do they do? Stay in the shower after every fight?" It was supposed to be teasing.
"Depends on the preference I guess. If what the guy Lakmia said was true then that happens more often than not to also ease the mana transfer process."
Akeno's mind came grinding to a halt. She wanted to believe she wasn't flushing. "Mana transfer? Are you saying-"
"That some of the teams also help their fighters recover by doing the 'dirty deed' in the dressing rooms between fights? Some apparently do. Others work with just blood." Shirou added with a smirk at Akeno's expression. Despite her attitude she was still very much innocent in a sense. Still his tone turned clinical a second after. "It is less efficient but not everyone is willing to sell their bodies for little money. I don't doubt some do it and others help their employers out of a sense of loyalty. The most desperate probably don't hesitate anyway."
Shirou was someone familiar with the process thanks to his and Rias' bond. He never needed to count just with her blood and the weaker ritual but still took his time studying it just to make sure he wasn't putting his lover in any danger.
A common method to refill someone's reserves quickly, there were a ton of books and papers about how efficient one method was over the other or how they worked using numerical values even if they varied from person to person or how many times they had sex or spent on each other's company.
There other methods to which involved objects and specific rituals but the mana transfer ritual involving lovers was more efficient both by the act itself and by the trust one needed to place on the other to open the pathway.
Despite her considerable knowledge in magic Akeno had to admit that wasn't a subject she studied much despite having some interest. "So while I am here tired everyone else is recovering their reserves?"
"Pretty much. Unless, of course, you want to do the ritual?" Her face and ears were so red they reminded him of Rias' hair. "I mean the blood one! The blood one! Dammit, do you really think after everything I said early I would do that just to give you a power up?"
"No, of course not…" Then her teasing smile returned. "But I mean, we have some time…" His stare told her everything she needed to know. "You are no fun like this."
Shirou was about to protest the comment when an idea crossed his mind. "Either way, take off your top."
Akeno needed to make a double take before replying."Wha- what?"
"Take off your top, come on." He stood up and moved the bucket.
"But you- I- you said-" Billion thoughts ran amok in her mind and they weren't stopping. "I- Then- You- Here?"
"What is wrong?" Slowly he approached her and whispered in her ear. "Aren't you going to change clothes anyway?"
"But then- before- I don't want my first time to be here!" Her breathing was so fast the redhead feared she was about to have a heart attack.
Tilting his head, he arched his eyebrow slightly. "But how am I going to clean the blood then, Akeno?"
"Clean the blood?" He nodded with a blank face. "You just want to… clean the blood?"
"Why, you thought about something else? Something more… intense? even if you have a fight in a few minutes?"
It was then that Akeno calmed down enough to realize, "You are teasing me… Well played."
"I learned from the best." Still he raised the wet towel with a grin. "But you want me to clean you or-"
A knock on the door interrupted them and the same devil as before opened it. "Next fight in arena two. Five minutes." Again he left after delivering the message.
However Akeno couldn't be more grateful as she grabbed the towed and began to clean herself quickly. "Looks like we don't have much time." Faster than Shirou expected she grabbed her change of clothes and ran to the bathroom. The Mage could still hear her when she asked, "So everyone's reserves will be full anyway, right?"
Blinking at the rushed change of topic, the magus nodded his head even if she couldn't see it. "Right, everyone but you. I know your reserves are big but you have to pace yourself better. Also don't go into melee again."
"But it was the fastest way to win that fight."
"Had Rofuse been a little stronger or had some sort of trick I would be carrying you off the arena." His tone was gentle but the warning was heavy. "Don't try to fight like you aren't accustomed to, Akeno."
"I will let you know I have been practicing how to use it even before we left Kuoh. Setsuna said that I am fairly competent."
"Competent isn't enough in a real battle, I am sure Setsuna told you as much." Her silence was proof he was right. "Look, you are still thinking too much, Akeno."
Opening the door, Akeno revealed herself with fresh clothes, giving the old ones to him. "Why do you say that?"
Shirou opened his mouth but hesitated. "If I answer that question, I will have to explain what 'thinking too much means'. Do you still want the answer?" Surprised and confused, Akeno shook her head, much to his disappointment. "Then just… keep things simple…"
With a look of disbelief, Akeno stared deep in his eyes. "I feel you are still trying to give me a hint…"
Quickly raising his wrist to look at a watch that wasn't there, Shirou replied, "Hey, look at the time, we need to get going or there isn't going to be a fight."
She gave him an irritated look but not much more than as the redhead was trying to look for her wellbeing while respecting her wishes and Akeno could easily admit that she wasn't making things easier by joining an underground tournament both literally and figuratively.
'After this no more 'fight clubs'.' The ravenhead thought decisively before looking to her friend's back and giggling. "But he doesn't need to know that."
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing at all~" Soon enough the amusement left her face as they followed arrows towards the arena two, all red like a Gremory's hair color. But also the color of blood which got her heart pumping hard. "Almost done."
"Yes, you are." Shirou recognized with a nod. "But I hope you aren't too confident because the three fighters left are going to be the strongest so far and if I heard right…"
"Lakmia sent you some kind of message?"
"Her subordinate wasn't subtle at all when telling me your odds. Your fight took half of the time for the match to end, this guy's took less than a minute."
Eyes wide and throat suddenly dry, Akeno was impressed. "And his opponent?"
"Don't know enough to say but Lakmia's messenger made it clear that Frederick is a favorite to win."
"'Frederick'? Doesn't sound like a devil's name at all…" Her playful tone fell flat when she noticed the Mage's guarded posture. "Shirou-kun? Something in your mind?"
Shirou gave her a concerned look but didn't stop walking. "Doesn't matter. From what I could understand this is the kind of guy who lives for the arena. While strong enough to compete in the bigger tournaments he pops up in the smaller ones from time to time." He stopped, forcing Akeno to do the same. "Like this one. Akeno, I don't know anything else about the guy either but a fighter like that definitely will have watched your fight and already has a plan in place."
Neither could deny both Akeno victories were facilitated by her catching her opponents off guard. Sure it was thanks to her skill and power but the arena fighters weren't necessarily prepared to face someone like her. That and the last match showed that even the average fighter had a defense compared to some Rooks.
And so far she faced no one with an Evil Piece, Akeno was certain of that. 'All peerages belong to High Class devils or higher. None of them has any reason to compete here.' Remembering the betting pool, she shook her head. 'At least not in the arena directly…' "About Frederick, do you know if he has a weapon or something else?"
"A sword." Shirou replied swiftly. "Lakmia's subordinate said nothing else but that Frederick is a skilled swordsman and his weapon was strong but not really special." Then he shook his head with a frown. "Of course that means it can at least channel mana at the very least."
But the information made her smile. "Well, at least I am facing something I am used to."
They remained in silence the rest of the way until they arrived at the entrance, Shirou holding her shoulder just as she was about to go in. "Look, I will keep my promise but please, please be careful.
"Shirou-kun?" Her eyes showed confusion and doubt.
"Just because we are all swordsmen, don't think Frederick fights like me or Kiba."
"I know that-"
"Or that he will be weaker than any of us." That made the young woman pause as his eyes locked on hers. "It wasn't said but this is a master swordsman, someone who dedicated his life for the arena and is still here despite his potential." His words carried weight and wisdom worthy of the title of Mage of Swords. "Think less of me and Kiba and more of Souji; someone who dedicated their lives to perfect their skill with a single weapon."
Calmly Akeno nodded even if she felt some apprehension because of his words. "Are you sure he is a master?"
"In an environment like this? A man who is not only considered a favorite but Lakmia felt prudent warning us?" Shirou frowned just enough for her to see he was still thinking. "Perhaps he wouldn't be as strong in a team based fight but this is one on one. Depending on how long this place exists and how long he has fought in it, he can only be a master."
With those parting words Akeno nodded and made her way towards the arena once more. Her heart and her senses wished to be consumed by the audience's cheers again, now louder than before.
Yet the Queen refused to slack off as her aura covered her body in a thin protective veil and her circuits called for a spear to help against her new opponent.
Frederick was also entering the arena with a confident stride and eyes which reminded Akeno of a viper, studying her for any weaknesses.
He was shorter than Akeno by a few centimeters, unlike her previous opponents he was skinny with far less bulging muscles. Except on his arms, those were the arms of a warrior with some scars and more muscle than the rest of his body. With an almost shaved head, his face looked a bit too round.
If she passed him by the street, Akeno wasn't sure she would beg Frederick for a devil, much less a warrior.
However his eyes were a completely different story. The viper-like eyes held much and nothing at the same time.
There was no lust, rage, confusion, doubt, curiosity in his gaze, not even passion or excitement like her own. Just a wish for victory, a desire that burned hot in his heart and shone through the windows of his soul. They hid nothing and if anything stared at her as if to challenge her own resolve.
Then she noticed his sword, already on his hand and ready to be used. It was a one handed sword, short, the size of his arm from what Akeno could estimate. Her Structural Analysis wasn't on Shioru's level but it told her it had some runes inscribed on it for durability and to preserve its edge.
Unable to dive deep in its story like the Mage could, Akeno looked at the sword's wave pattern for its steel.
It was a flame-bladed sword and Akeno could at least tell that was not the sort of weapon that was used with brute strength. It was too thin for it, lacking weight as she could observe by how her opponent held it comfortably with one hand. Besides that she also remembered Rias using similar swords to train but the wave pattern threw her off a little.
From behind her Shirou added the weapon to his Reality Marble, his look of concern growing more pronounced as Frederick's history was displayed in his soul. 'I was right, this man is a master…' He gulped as Akeno raised her spear and Frederick's rapier was repositioned in front of him. "Akeno, that is a rapier! It is built for speed!"
Thankfully there were no rules on the coaches shouting instructions because the redhead knew the ravenhead needed all the help she could get.
She barely reacted at the words, her eyes not leaving the tip of the weapon that was pointed in her direction. Through her peripherals she saw Frederick frown at Shirou's words but didn't let that take her attention away from the weapon.
'I knew that.' The memories of Rias practicing with Souji with similar weapons came to the forefront of her mind even if she just watched a couple of times. Instead of dwelling on them, Akeno focused on what went unsaid. 'If Shirou-kun can warn me of the danger and he isn't calling out some magic or anything else,' her grip on her spear grew tighter, 'that means his man's skill is the issue.'
She smiled a confident if not feral smile that she began to develop in the arena as a certainty took hold of her soul. After all, she knew how to fight against swords.
With the clock ticking, Akeno decided to strike first and throw her spear straight towards Frederick. The man easily dodged to the side and advanced for a counterattack but in her hands there was already a whip and another spear ready to receive him.
Repeating her previous action she threw the new spear only for him to move around it seamlessly, almost like his body was made of water and bending to the sides was something natural he could do at any moment.
Still that was where the whip came into play as Akeno's arm came into a swing to both keep her opponent and possibly end the fight in a second. Only for Frederick to bend again to the side, his feet never leaving the ground unless it was to keep running, as the whip completed its arch without touching him.
Calling her Lightning back and opening her restored wings, Akeno prepared to fly away only for Frederick to finally use his empty left hand, a magenta magic circle coming into existence.
Raising her arms Akeno expected a blast of some sort only to be caught off guard when her back collided with something and stopped her from taking off. A glance told her that another magenta magic circle blocked her path and in a panic she poured more mana in her whip before bringing it up for Frederick's head.
Once again his body bended without losing speed and he finally reached her. When his arm moved for a stab it was like only skin connected it to his torso as the sword came at her from an unnatural angle.
First blood was spilled much to the audience's delight.
Akeno's cheek had been wounded despite her defenses, the attack too fast, the sword too sharp. She was flying to the side as fast as she could with wide eyes and more than a little panic. Her opponent turned to intercept her with his feet, her dodge barely successful since she did manage to escape but still took a kick for her troubles.
With her cheek stinging and a side bruised, Akeno fought against the shock mixed with panic. 'He broke through my mana.' A hand rested on her cheek and when she took stock of it, there was a lot of blood. 'He broke my mana completely…'
Feeling she had no time to calm down, Akeno prepared her whip again only for Frederick to stare at her from where he landed. A swing to the side cleaned the blade of her blood and he deliberately turned to her slowly. There was no concern in his expression or posture, like he wasn't worried about the fight.
Like he wasn't worried about her.
A little irritation flared in her chest and Akeno charged mana in her right hand. "Lightning Bolt!"
Once again the arena basked in light as the attack flew at higher speeds than before, the call of thunder howling as she let go of her control.
When he dodged Akeno was expecting it, her hand closing in on the Lightning as her mana struggled to take her power back under her control. She was mostly successful as the bolt became a huge spear which she swung in Frederick's direction to take off his legs.
Despite the brightness of the weapon and that the man's eyes hadn't left Akeno, he jumped and rolled above the giant spear. There was an attempt to bring the weapon back but it fell apart in her grip, the Lightning hitting connecting to the wall as it was intended the moment she let it go.
Frederick ignored the dust and the explosion, just opening his wings and flying towards the rookie at speeds she found extremely difficult to keep up with. That didn't stop her from reacting by swinging her whip all around in the man's direction while flying higher and higher.
Every strike was a miss as Frederick kept evading the Lightning without letting out a single sound. His weapon remained at his side until he started to get close enough to his range signaled by his free hand creating a magic circle.
Having already seen that coming, Akeno created a magic circle of her own followed by various others as the Lightning Whip disappeared. "Lightning Sword!"
Circuits flared as the new weapon came to life but that was only the first part of her plan which was necessary when she felt something on her back again. Not a single moment was wasted as her magic circles unleashed a torrent of Lightning towards Frederick while she turned around with a strong swing, cutting his wall in the middle.
For the first time Frederick reacted at her actions with a frown but it didn't last long as he accelerated, his blade ready for a stab on her stomach. He practically danced around the Lightning, evading every single one of them and giving no thought for their quality or quantity.
None touched him, that was what mattered, and soon Akeno was on his range again as his blade moved for a stab.
The sword of Lightning came back and the weapons clashed in the air as sparks of electricity left the rookie's weapon, trying and failing to connect with the metal. It was just impossible as no matter how much mana Akeno pushed in it the metal remained untarnished for the blade had a presence of its own.
But they kept flying up until the rooftop was almost in reach. "Lightning Dagger." She commanded and her circuits answered. It was barely bigger than her hand but enough that she could throw it at Frederick's shoulder.
Unexpectedly that the man moved, his chest bending just enough for the Lightning to pass along harmlessly while the strength of his sword arm remained above her own. She still tried to fight back, trying to maneuver her weapon in a way to take advantage of his more vulnerable position.
His wings flexed and suddenly he spun in place, bashing her weapon away and leaving her open. There was nothing to stop it when the sword pierced her stomach.
Ignoring the blade completely was impossible and Akeno couldn't help but flinch from the pain even as her mana struggled against the invader. Fortunately she was strong enough to stop it from going too deep but only for a second. A literal single second that had her hands descending to grip the blade, planning on giving Frederick the shock of his life.
Only for the man to surprise her again, pulling back and leaving her to clap at empty air. Then she was forced to stop in her tracks when her back finally met the roof, with a frown she flew a little lower as she examined her new wound. It wasn't big but just because the blade hadn't gone deep, it was still bigger than it should have been and she didn't know what to blame; his weapon or ability.
Meanwhile the rookie accessed herself, Frederick cleaned his sword again before launching himself into another charge. Again it was an expected maneuver so Akeno was already moving when the new attack began, her target not the ground but the electronic board with their names in it.
She got beneath it and turned, Lightning cracking around her fingertips as magic circles followed in its wake. Counting the seconds she felt Frederick stop as his mana froze mid air before moving around the board in a circle. Akeno also turned, following him as best as she could but knowing she was always a few milliseconds behind.
When a magenta magic circle appeared to her left, Akeno had grown enough attuned with the thin wall that she didn't need to look to know it was there. She just turned and blasted it away with Lightning, still following Frederick's presence as he revealed himself from behind the wall.
His sword was coming again and this time Akeno had enough warning to dodge it but that itself was odd as despite their positioning she knew the man should be faster than that.
When a kick came her mind clicked as the veteran warrior did a flip and his heel made contact with her forehead. 'A feint.' Akeno managed to think just before she collided with the ground in an extremely painful way.
Dizzy, confused and with a wing broken for the second time that day, Akeno heard the cheering of the crowd. This time she knew it wasn't for her.
Deliberately slowly she turned, looking at Frederick's back as he claimed the laurels of victory. Except that she wasn't defeated and neither surrendered so the fight was still going even if he hadn't noticed that as of yet. Looking up she saw barely no time had passed so Akeno used a few seconds to think.
'He missed my vitals on purpose.' She easily concluded while turning to her front and slowly standing up. Soon Frederick would notice she was still conscious but for the moment he was lost in the cheering. 'From the beginning he could have hit my head, aimed for my heart and opened my belly… Did I stop him from piercing my stomach or he held back?'
Time runned out as some of the crowd warned their champion she was still in the fight so the swordsman turned around slowly, weapon pointing to her. His eyes were wide with mid surprise but soon the emotion was buried under his previous detached but resolved expression.
Turning around fully, the man prepared to attack but Akeno called her circuits again, striking first. "Spark up. Lightning Net." It was getting harder to use her mana but the aria helped push her just a little further.
Lightning moved to surround Frederick in eight different directions before closing in his location giving him no room to move around or run back.
Then the sword moved and Akeno understood what a master was capable of.
In an instant, faster than the Lightning she was capable of unleashing, the rookie felt her connection with her Element be severed as Frederick's blade moved in a circle and slashed through every single one of her Lightning tendrils, unraveling her net.
Fighting back the panic, Akeno used what was left in an improvised attack while Frederick was still charging in her direction. He avoided the leftovers of what the ravenhead had to give much like before, bending in unpredictable ways while keeping up pace. Running wasn't even an option as she already felt a wall forming behind her.
So Akeno channeled as much mana as she could in a short time frame, skipping every step and going for the most explosive result. "Departure of Lightning!"
The desperate action held barely a third of its full capacity and cost more mana than it should considering the lackluster results but the blast of Lightning did as she bid and for the first time since the fight began Frederick was hit as a wave of energy that blasted him away.
Surprised and mildly impressed, the warrior said nothing before turning his body and landing on his feet several meters from his initial position, the crowd cheering over his recovery.
At least that was what Akeno thought as she fell on her knees and used her hand to support herself. 'That took too much out of me…' With one of her eyes closed and gasping for breath, she looked at Frederick, still unharmed. 'He should have at least raised some sort of defense.' Her senses told her his mana was still the same, mostly focused on the sort.
Yet he was unharmed and that implied some sort of trick or Power she couldn't identify because despite how weak her explosion was Akeno was sure that anyone sort of a High Class would at least get hurt if caught off guard.
Pushed to her limits Akeno tried to think fast as Frederick stayed back, now more cautious. He could see that she was tired but suspected that could be some sort of bait to lure him in and strike with Departure of Lightning again. The swordsman had no way of knowing that she lacked the reserves to even try.
No, all that Akeno wanted was to lie down and take a nap because she was facing the most problematic opponent she ever had in her life. He wasn't like Yubelluna or Kokabiel who could overpower her or even like any of her friends or stray devils she faced in the past. If anything he reminded her of Rutal's Queen of whom she couldn't even remember the name.
'What is the trick?' She gulped some air and stood up again, Lightning sparking around her. It was for show. 'If I can figure out the trick then I can win…' At least she hoped as her eyes moved from the sword to the man then to the sword again.
Despite her obvious exhaustion he wasn't charging as of yet, being on guard and careful to not fall for some sort of desperate attack.