ALNA'S POV:~
Five minutes into the duel, the air crackled with a tension that was almost palpable.
Naofumi's stance was a study in calculated composure, his movements precise, his expression a mask of focused intensity. He was clearly intent on victory, yet I could sense a subtle restraint, a deliberate holding back of his monstrous reaction speed.
His primary weapon was his shield, a bulwark against Motoyasu's relentless spear thrusts. He was showcasing his defensive prowess, perhaps aiming to reinforce the perception that his victory over me had been largely attributed to his shield skills. A clever manipulation, I thought.
Motoyasu lunged, his spear a blur of motion, a vicious jab aimed at Naofumi's chest. With a swift, fluid motion, Naofumi sidestepped the attack, using Motoyasu's momentum against him, tackling him to the ground with a resounding thud.
Naofumi raised his fist, delivering a sharp, direct punch to Motoyasu's face. The impact was audible, but its effect was negligible.
Even with his notoriously low attack power, Naofumi, utilizing his full strength, would have inflicted significant damage. This was clearly a calculated display of restraint.
A slow, unsettling smile spread across Motoyasu's face as he realized the ineffectiveness of Naofumi's blows. He began to laugh, a grating, arrogant sound that echoed through the arena. The mask of chivalry had slipped, revealing the true, repulsive core of his personality. The air around him seemed to thicken with his palpable arrogance.
SOME TIME LATER:~
Naofumi's performance was a curious blend of brilliance and deliberate clumsiness. He wove together intricate combinations of shield skills, showcasing a mastery that was undeniable. Yet, the timing was consistently off, a subtle discordance that I knew was intentional. Had he unleashed his true, monstrous reaction speed, the fight would have been a swift, brutal display of dominance.
And then there were the hidden facets of his power: magic, teleportation, and who knew what else lurked beneath the surface. He was a labyrinth of secrets, a puzzle I was increasingly compelled to solve.
Why couldn't you be simple? I thought, a flicker of frustration mixing with a strange, reluctant admiration. Why couldn't you be as straightforward and predictable as the others? It seemed he had a penchant for the difficult path.
Motoyasu, emboldened by Naofumi's seemingly faltering performance, landed a powerful kick. Or, more accurately, Naofumi allowed himself to be kicked, a calculated act of theatrical weakness.
Naofumi crashed to the ground, a dramatic display of defeat.
"Mr. Shield Hero," I called out, my voice laced with a touch of theatrical concern, "admit defeat! How much longer do you intend to humiliate yourself?"
"She's right," Motoyasu chimed in, his voice dripping with condescending magnanimity. "Just surrender and apologize to her. I'll even forgive you."
Naofumi slowly rose, his expression a mask of wounded pride. "Am I… truly so weak?" he muttered, his voice laced with a hint of self-doubt. "But no matter what, I won't give up."
Fuck you!!
Shield Hero was absorbing a relentless barrage of blows, each impact a visible jolt to his body. I knew he was enduring the assault without real injury, but the spectacle was undeniably brutal. Myne, that venomous creature, watched with a sickeningly satisfied smile, her eyes gleaming with malicious glee.
Naofumi crashed to the ground once more. Finally, I thought, a wave of relief washing over me.
But then, he began to rise again, his movements slow, deliberate, each push against the ground a testament to his stubborn resilience. Even I want to hit him now.
Motoyasu resumed his onslaught, a flurry of punches that sent Naofumi reeling, collapsing to the dirt once more.
And, infuriatingly, he attempted to rise again.
I stepped between Motoyasu and Naofumi, my voice firm. "Motoyasu-san, please, enough," I said, my tone laced with a carefully crafted blend of concern and pleading. "He's been punished. I can't bear to watch any longer. Please, forgive him."
"If you ask, Alna," Motoyasu said, his voice softening, "then of course."
"Let's move elsewhere," one of Motoyasu's party members suggested, breaking the tense silence.
Meanwhile, Naofumi had fallen yet again, this time feigning unconsciousness. A plausible performance, I had to admit.
I turned to follow Motoyasu's party, feeling the weight of two pairs of eyes burning into my back. Raphtalia and Rifana watched me with undisguised rage, their expressions a mixture of betrayal and fury.
NAOFUMI'S POV:~
Had they finally gone? I remained still, feigning unconsciousness, listening intently.
"Shield Hero... Shield Hero..."
"Mr. Shield Hero, are you alright?"
Raphtalia and Rifana's voices, laced with concern, cut through the fabricated silence. I opened my eyes, slowly, as if emerging from a daze.
I sat up, a wave of manufactured exhaustion washing over me. "I'm sorry, Raphtalia, Rifana," I said, my voice heavy with regret. "I couldn't win."
"It's okay," Raphtalia said, her voice soft, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and understanding. "Let's go home."
They both moved towards me, their small arms wrapping around me in a comforting embrace. A genuine warmth spread through me, a stark contrast to the calculated performance I'd just put on.