OBTICEO

Chapter 29: WIN

I quickly got up from sitting on Aes' stomach after hearing Soren shout. I looked at Aes whose still laying, he didn't have enough energy to help himself up. I extended my hands for him to reach, he looked at my hand and quickly grabbed it. I helped him get up. I thought he can manage himself but he was having trouble staying on his feet, I think he felt dizzy after receiving almost all of my slaps. I grabbed his hand and let it rest on my shoulder so I could help him carry his weight.

Everyone looked at us, sitting pretty on the bench. We stayed standing in front as we wait for our evaluation.

"Caligo?" Soren motioned Cal to drop his evaluation first. The latter obliged and started to speak.

"I already know that Aes is a great fighter, you were able to attack Mady continuously, it is pretty obvious that Mady couldn't keep up with your phase at first and I would like to commend Mady, your self-defense techniques are really good, you were able to free yourself when Aes tried to lock you from behind and that slap. It sounded so strong. I hope your cheeks are fine, Aes. You both ended up with bleeding lips, not bad" Caligo mentioned the highlights of our duel, he complimented our techniques. Everyone listened to Caligo as he state his evaluation.

"Grades?" Soren simply asked for our grades. I felt nervous, I hope I get a combined score of 40. I can't have grades less than 40, I'll surely fail if that happens.

"I'll give 20 points for Aes and the remaining 30 points for Mady" I wanted to be happy but I was having doubts, I hope Cal's perverted acts had nothing to do with the grades he gave me. I hope all those malicious acts that we shared did not influence today's results. Because if it did, I'd be really mad.

We then looked at Soren and waited for his evaluations and our grades. He first looked at Aes then at me.

"First, I want to mention Aes' counterattack the first time Mady threw a punch on you, that was a witty decision. And your punches looked really strong and based on Mady's reaction as she take your punches, it is proven that it did not only look strong but it is literally strong. But when you are in a fight, you should not be impulsive when Mady pushed you to the ground you panicked and ended up giving Mady a chance to regain herself. You were already winning but since you made rush decision and pushed her off of you without preparing, it caused Mady to act against the small accident.

Mady, your punches are strong but it was not strong enough, the impact wasn't that strong that's why Aes was still able to think of a quick counterattack. I understand the reason but you have to train harder. Whoever attacks first plays a great role on the duel, you'll be able to tell a persons skill with his first attack. There are two reasons why people attack first, it's either they are keen enough to see an opening or they are afraid that their opponents bare more skills than them. As with Mady's situation, I think it is rather former than the latter. You were keen enough to see an opening. And lastly, Mady, you were only triggered to attack Aes when he accidentally touched your chest. You should not wait for somebody else to bring out the skills within you, you have to do it yourself. Not everyone is available to tell you or to make you bring out what you've got. You have to do it yourself.

And remember, it is not always about who attacks first, it's also about who remains standing at the end of the game. You have to survive, you need to be wise and skilled"

I listened intently as Soren pinpoint every strength and weaknesses we showed during the duel. He was not just simply watching, he was observing so he would see the small details we excel on and the areas we need improvement. I guess he is good at his job. I admit he's doing well. Cal only mentioned the highlights but Soren mentioned details. I learned a lot as he speak his evaluation.

I waited nervously as we wait for his continuation. He will announce our grades next.

"Well, the result is clear, Mady with 30 points and Aes with 20 points. Mady, I think won this duel fair and square. 20 points will be added to your grades. Congratulations!" I couldn't hide my excitement. I'm elated, I never thought I'd win. Winning for today will somehow be a great boost for me just in case I don't perform well the next time.

"Overall, let's end your duel with Mady gaining 80 points and Aes with 40 points. Let's all head back to the haven and wait for the second duelers turn" Soren started walking back to the haven but none of us followed after him. Headquarters and haven are just the same. We call it "haven" sometimes and headquarters most of the time.

"Congratulations Mady! I told you, you'll do just fine!" I thanked and smiled at Caligo. I thought he would just go near me but I was startled when I saw him pushed Caligo off of me making him stumble and fell to the ground. I looked at him in disbelief.

"What's wrong with you! Can't you see that I'm injured?" Aes' hissed and glared at Cal. Cal did not even pay attention to him he was just looking at me. I felt awkward all of a sudden.

"Your fault" Chylus answered on behalf of Caligo.

"Help me up, man!" Aes sticks out his hand to ask for Chylus' help. The latter helped him up and just like what I did earlier, he put Aes' hand to his shoulder to transfer some weights to him. They then started walking back to the haven.

"I knew you could do it" Gio also congratulated me and I answered, "Thank You!" to him.

"Good job, Mady" I looked at my side when I heard a voice. It was Ry, I wasn't able to thank him since he started running towards Chylus and Aes. He helped Chylus, carry Aes.

I looked at the two men in front of me and motioned them to head back to the haven.

"Here" the two men with me already went inside the haven while Ry stopped me and gave me a cold compress. I gave him a smile and thanked him. I put the cold compress on my cheeks, it hurts but I won so I am more happy than hurt.

I handed the cold compress to Gio, I went to the comfort room to wash my face, I heard them talking but I couldn't understand what they were talking about. The noise from the running water made it hard for me to hear them.

I went out of the comfort room after fixing myself, I started to understand the words they were saying but I can’t fully grasp their conversation. What are they talking about?

"Shut up Aes! I knew you did it on purpose it wasn't an accident" at first I really did not understand what their topic is all about, all I know is that Cal is shouting at Aes who looked like a puppy who was caught red-handed, stealing foods from its owner.

"I swear and bet my life I didn't. Like what Soren said, I was panicking. All I was thinking is to get her off of me, I was running out of breath" Now I know what they were talking about. It was about the little incident that happened a while ago. Why would they talk about it in front of everybody else? This is so embarrassing. Why do they have to make it a big deal, it was a mere accident.

"Lies! I know you very well! Perverted bastard!" Cal keeps on insisting that Aes did it on purpose. What is his problem, its already good that Aes admitted that it was an accident, what is he fussing all about?

"I really didn't but... It felt good. You can't blame me! It was my first time. Mady is an inch away from being called flat-chested but I kind of enjoyed it. If given a chance, I'll do the same mistake again" My face instantly heated as I heard him answer. I was already good with his answer, why did he have to say his thoughts out loud. He is indeed a sick perverted bastard. I hate Cal for insisting the topic but I loath Aes for his answer. Who in their right mind would say something about that in front of everyone? He's not thinking right so I better do something about it.

"I knew it! You sick perverted bastard!" Cal shouted pointing at his face. I walked toward the living area and grabbed an extra cold compress, good thing ice was already placed inside it. I threw it at Aes, I was originally aiming for his face but I noticed that his face had a couple of bruise so I hit his chest instead.

"Who-- Mady? It was an accident. Believe me, it was! Where are you going?" He looked around to find out who threw the cold compress at him, he quickly explained when he saw that it was me. Too late, bastard!

"You better run for your life, bastard! She'll definitely kill the living hell in you. I guarantee it" Cal smirked at him. I saw him turning pale, looking really scared but it quickly changed when he saw me changing directions. He suddenly looked confused.

"What are you doing over there Mady? It's dark in there?" I headed out to the dark area where the training tools and equipment are place. I can feel everyone’s gaze at me.

"Stupid! I am looking for something I can use to smack your head off of your body!" I shouted still looking for something hard and strong enough to smack his head off from his body. This man is not thinking right, better remove his head to avoid further complications.

"Its really dark over there Mady! Calm down, sit here!"