Chapter 14: The Second Duel: Rush vs. Gosho
Disconcertment lingered in the training hall. Kyle's unusual "victory" had left everyone wondering what had happened.
Now, tradition required Rush, the fourth son of the Heinz Clan, to choose his own opponent. Rush, the former Demon King and an ally of Kyle, stepped forward. His eyes, shining with a wisdom that belied his young age, scanned the row of Zujesh heirs. Finally, his gaze fell on Gosho, the fourth son of the Zujesh Clan, known for his precocious talent with the sword.
Gosho, wooden sword in hand and a confident smile, lunged first. His attack was swift and fluid, each movement a testament to his natural skill. He was a sword genius, and he didn't hesitate to show it.
Rush, for his part, moved with a surprising economy of movement for a child. He didn't display the same ostentation as Flame or Gosho's dazzling prowess. His defenses were subtle, his dodges precise, as if he already knew where Gosho's blows would land.
Kyle watched the confrontation with intense concentration, his mind analyzing every detail. Inside him, the voice of his past experience resonated. "Rush was the Demon King; I think he's approximately at the second or third circle," he thought. His assessment of Rush's abilities, despite the boy's pretense, was sharp.
He continued his analysis, evaluating his brother. "Gosho is at the fourth circle, that means it won't be difficult to win against Rush." The mana power difference between the third and fourth circles was significant, which should give Gosho a clear advantage.
But then, a smile formed on Kyle's lips, a smile that only he and, perhaps, Rush would understand. "But with a regressor, that will be different." The term "regressor" didn't refer to a mana technique, but to his own condition and, by implication, Rush's. Both had "returned" from the future, and that granted them knowledge, a foresight that transcended mana circles. Rush, though with a lower mana level, possessed the cunning and experience of an ancient Demon King. Gosho faced something far beyond a simple difference in brute strength.
At one point, Gosho attacked with his sword and was about to reach Rush's face, but Rush dodged and, with the sword in his other hand, pointed it at Gosho's neck with a fluid movement.
Rush's sudden and fluid movement, culminating with the tip of his wooden sword pointing at Gosho's neck, left everyone present astonished. The Zujesh Patriarch narrowed his eyes. This young Heinz... has exceptional control for his age, he thought. The Heinz Patriarch couldn't help a subtle smile of pride blossom on his face. "My son Rush is young, but his potential is vast," he commented. Alex, who had been watching closely, frowned. "That... that was a very clean technique," he muttered. He looked at Gosho, who was still paralyzed. "Are you alright, Gosho?"
Gosho, released from immobility upon seeing Rush withdraw the sword, nodded, his face a mix of surprise and rare frustration. "Yes... yes, I'm fine," he stammered, still processing what had just happened.
The Zujesh Patriarch, with a slight nod, said, "Victory goes to young Rush. An impressive display of control."
Gosho, still surprised, sighed and raised his hand in a salute towards Rush and said with a smile: "It was a fun duel, wasn't it?" Rush was surprised to see that and thought to himself: I thought he'd make excuses for losing. He smiled, saluting Gosho, and said, "Yes, it was a good duel," while thinking: He's a good guy.