Phillip took a deep breath to stabilize himself. This is it…this is the moment. A week had passed since Barry's fight, and this time, it was Phillip's first time in the arena. Sitting in the group 1 waiting room, Phillip bounced his leg up and down in nervousness. Barry, sitting next to him, looked scared.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡJenxhjABix 維尼
Before he had entered the room, Phillip had taken a peek as to how many people were attending, and there were more people then there were the week before. Probably here to watch Marcus, that amazing newcomer.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5JM2fbhoh 維尼
Phillip had been scheduled to fight an opponent who had fought two battles, one win and one loss, named Martha. He remembered seeing her once before, but didn't really think much of her when he saw her. I wish I had done some scouting on her or something. I have no idea what I'm walking into.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YnQO6bUDt 維尼
Phillip heard cheering coming from the arena. The fight must be over.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu2WOnRj9Y 維尼
A couple minutes later, a beaten and battered guy entered the room. The rest of the fighters looked at him and glanced the other way, not wanting to see the results of losing. A guard followed him into the room. "Phillip Clueman, you're up next."8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB0mKuYVsS 維尼
Standing up, Phillip walked out of the room and followed the guard. Walking down a series of halls, the guard raised his arm sideways to stop Phillip. "Now, on to the next round! Today, we have the dazzling Martha Emery making her third appearance. She lost her first match, but rebounded last round with a stunning wire-to-wire victory. Can she win again tonight and start a win streak?"8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f6EgHvZ4q 維尼
A few cheers could be heard as Phillip assumed Martha had entered the arena. "Now, her opponent is making his first appearance in the arena. Please welcome the newcomer, Phillip Clueman!"8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡVogSDr2jhj 維尼
The guard lowered his arm and motioned Phillip to enter. Phillip boldly walked forward, hoping to fake an aura of confidence around him. Entering the arena, he heard a few claps as the spectators watched him enter. Looking up at the place the leaders would have sat, Phillip noticed one man sitting in a chair, looking intensely at him.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX4PuwiCYi 維尼
"You know the rules. You each fight until the other one relents or is sadly killed in combat. The winner gets rewarded with a hot meal. The loser, if he survives the fight, gets nothing at all, not even food, for the rest of the day. There is no surrender either. This is a non-lethal match, meaning that when the other person is defeated, there is no choice whether they live or die. You understand the rules?"8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmlZP3yzcr 維尼
Martha nodded. "I do."8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgExpm1ZTv 維尼
Phillip nodded as well. "I understand."8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Du83f5DXV 維尼
"Very well. Now…begin!"8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgmVuUdsVe 維尼
A bell ring was heard, signaling the beginning of the fight. Phillip unsheathed his dual blades and quickly charged at Martha, hoping to get the first strike in. Martha, a sword and shield wielder, effortlessly blocked Phillip's first blow and gave a slight shove, causing Phillip to stumble.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡp48wPoNOFY 維尼
Quickly taking advantage, Martha swung her sword towards Phillip, who managed to dodge out of the way, landing on his side a few feet away. Standing up, Phillip assumed the stance Maurice had taught him.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sVOfAcuFT 維尼
Remember the basics. If I remember the basics, I'll—8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk5m7kQgNV 維尼
Phillip saw a flash of light come from the sword as it came closer to him. Quickly raising his left arm, Phillip's sword blocked it, but had him staggering backwards. Martha continued her attack, timing her swings, hoping to intentionally cause Phillip to fall down, causing his own defeat.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ658aGaCdDy 維尼
However, Phillip managed to parry most of the blows before getting some separation between them. Phillip was breathing heavily. What do I do? I can't find an opening at all!8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7MIMvgNHV 維尼
However, words filtered through Phillip's mind. "The dual blades gives you tremendous offensive power and great speed, but lacks defense."8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKFF3mGxlv 維尼
Phillip dodged another attack and gained more separation. That's right…dual wielding gives you tremendous offensive power. I've been on the defensive the entire time.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUsxsJEypS 維尼
Martha stepped up to swing again, but Phillip ducked under the swing, creating an opening. With all his might, Phillip swung his right arm towards Martha. *Clang*8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxOjDN0gj9 維尼
Phillip saw this sword hit Martha's shield. DON'T GIVE UP!8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXFB5eysLE 維尼
Phillip started swinging his left arm. *Clang*8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W5Me19h1X 維尼
I can't give up!8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjCMTSnnhi 維尼
Stepping back, Phillip charged forward again, quickly swinging his arms in an offensive onslaught. Martha kept up with Philip's pace, hoping to survive his burst of offensive power. With each sound of clashing metal, Phillip grew angrier.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqIRgYIx2A 維尼
I have to win! I have to see my mom again!8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw6WIPQ20W 維尼
Phillip smashed his sword against the shield, causing it to be sent backwards. Swinging the opposite arm, the sword hit the side of the shield, grazing Martha's face, and knocked the shield away.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0Yk8WGOcC 維尼
I WON'T LOSE!8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFBY2HnzuB 維尼
Phillip swung both his swords at once in an X pattern. Martha blocked it, but was sent backwards.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVPtem2wq2 維尼
Martha had a look of fear in her eyes. Phillip charged forward and swung his left arm. Martha blocked the blow, but Phillip didn't bring the sword back. Instead, he put pressure on the sword, keeping Martha from changing her stance.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeqFltqPC6 維尼
Taking a deep breath, Phillip used his right arm and thrust forward, aiming for the right side of Martha's abdomen.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn3avuUWaI 維尼
In a desperate attempt, Martha jumped to the left, avoiding the thrust, but getting cut by the tip of the left sword across her chest. Falling to the ground, Martha gasped for air. Phillip stood over her, swords in hand, staring down. The bell dinged. "And that's the match! Wow! For a first fight, Phillip Clueman sure knows how to make a match exciting!"8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy7di7lQd6 維尼
Phillip was breathing heavily. His arms felt like noodles. Shakily putting the swords back in their sheaths, Phillip offered his hand to Martha to help her up.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxWmK6e0nU 維尼
After Martha grabbed his hand, Phillip helped her onto her feet. "Martha, you fought well and have improved considerably since your first fight. However, you will not be eating dinner tonight. Go to the medical office to check yourself out."8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sAR4EjbGn 維尼
Martha nodded, glanced at Phillip, and walked out of the arena.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zbAKiOBRH 維尼
"Phillip Clueman, in your first fight, you won in comeback fashion! Congratulations! Now, get yourself checked out by the medical personnel and report to the dining hall at once. You will be greeted with a hearty dinner to help replenish your strength."8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHsGiDJcSS 維尼
Phillip nodded and started making his way back to the guard who escorted him earlier. Cheers and applauses rained down from the people watching as he left.8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW0GRSt88g 維尼
So that's what a fight is like…I can't imagine what group two is like…or if I can fight Marcus and win. I still have a long ways to go…but this was my first step…my first step of coming back home!8964 copyright protection396ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bfR6cwqJ5 維尼
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