Ikazuchi observed his companion’s peculiar ritual quietly with interest. The spoken words were foreign to him, but the solemn atmosphere surrounding Akushitsuna prevented him from interrupting. After the string of words which couldn’t be understood was complete, Ikazuchi noticed his companion’s gaze shift to him. Compared to the past, there was a difference in the expression that Ikazuchi could only faintly notice. Akushitsuna wasn’t a very expressive person by nature, so the subtle change was apparent to him after this period of time together. He had resolved himself for what was to come, and the words that followed only furthered that.
‘Anyone who gets in our way.’ It was a serious statement, one which clearly expressed Akushitsuna’s views on the matter. Ikazuchi also experienced a shift in mood at that moment due to the influence of his companion. He spoke lightly of the act, but he had pushed the final decision onto his companion sub-consciously. After that statement, it was apparent that he too would have his resolve tested. It wasn’t uncommon for someone to have their beliefs shaken. In the end, there was a difference between simply talking and acting on it. There wouldn’t be any going back for him after today, the day that he would spill blood for the first time.
“Begin!”
A single word without warning was the signal for the start of the match. “I’ll take the right.” Ikazuchi left these words as he was already dashing for the team located diagonally to their right. He knew the level of opponents in this tournament, and they weren’t a match for him one versus one. On more than one occasion both he and Akushitsuna had taken both members of the opposing team. Ikazuchi knew that nothing more would need to be said for his companion to act. It was completely possible that he would reach the team on the left before him, even if he moved second. That was the kind of mobility that Ikazuchi knew Akushitsuna had, and respected it.
What he didn’t expect was that the team he targeted would also separate with one member rushing him and the other rushing for the former champions who simply waited for their challengers. On the left side there were similar actions. ‘Are they together?’ Ikazuchi was curious, but he didn’t have the luxury of inquiring. He focused on the single person charging from the right side. The man seemed to be a warrior like himself based on the approach, but that didn’t matter at this point.
With sharpened focus Ikazuchi judged the distance between the two looking for the perfect moment to attack without mercy. The opponent used a spear, a weapon which relied on range and piercing motions. With their approach the encounter would end with a single decisive clash. Would Ikazuchi be run through, or would he strike down his opponent.
The spear was thrust forward aimed at Ikazuchi’s throat. If he had less training, it would have been possible for him to perish with that single attack. Judging your own momentum and adjusting to account for the difference between your approach to an opponent’s attack wasn’t something that an amatuer could do. It wasn’t a skillful maneuver, but it was a skill which anyone who entered into combat would consider fundamental. It was precisely such fundamentals that were beaten into him for a large part of his life.
With one fluid motion Ikazuchi slipped under the thrust allowing it to pass harmlessly above his right shoulder. As his posture lowered Ikazuchi pushed forcefully off of the ground towards the man. There weren’t any stray thoughts as his sword was already in motion. A piercing thrust rose up with his momentum and struck through the man’s throat in turn. With a swift slash of his sword most of the man’s neck was severed. What little still connected the man’s head to his body tore allowing the head to tumble to the ground. Ikazuchi’s steps hadn’t halted for more than a second. He couldn’t afford to allow himself to stop, for his thoughts to truly process his actions. He had the resolve to kill, but it wasn’t simple to cope with blood on your hands in that manner.
Ikazuchi paused for only a moment to finish the man, his success thanks to the difference in training. As for Akushitsuna, Ikazuchi couldn’t afford to spare his direction a glance. To keep a clear mind for the remaining enemies he had to push onward. He believed in his companions abilities enough to not worry for him while facing such opposition.
Ahead of him were two magic battles made apparent by the presence of the magic circles. He couldn’t allow himself to care about that, to fear the repercussions. This battle was one that he had to step intrude upon.
One of the men had their back facing him, this was the teammate of the person he had killed seconds ago, the other was a member of the championship team. Neither managed to notice him, both expected him to be restrained by the other warrior. That was something that Ikazuchi intended to use to his advantage. He was approaching the man with his back turned quickly, unaware of the silence that had fallen among the spectators at some point in time. The adrenaline pumping through his veins made the seconds seem long.
The member of the champion team would soon notice him, it was impossible to close the last few meters without being seen. Ikazuchi decisively threw the sword in his left hand at that man casting a spell as he focused on the other man with his back to him. It was an overhand toss with his full strength, so he was forced to stop momentarily. After it left his hand, he was already decisively moving for the back of the other man. He couldn’t wait to determine success or failure, the element of surprise would disappear after the man processed the presence of the sword flying towards his opponent.
Ikazuchi charged with his blade allowing his weight and momentum to produce the force as he stabbed it through the back of the man’s chest. The upward angle caused blood to trickle down the blade and onto his hands. It wasn’t an instant death, but it would follow shortly if left be. Unfortunately for the man, this was a battle on multiple fronts. The attack spell of the opponent struck the dying and defenseless man’s body finishing him off. Ikazuchi was safe behind the lifeless body of the man. He had to wait and see if his sword throw was successful. At this point he took the time to look towards the other side and check for Akushitsuna.
WC [1,770/1,000]