Sab almost won the bet. She defeated the first two opponents. But on the last day, she lost to the third one, even though it was a close fight. She almost won. Almost. She actually felt sad, instead of feeling accomplished. This is the best performance she ever had in all her monthly evaluations. “I’ll buy you a small cake.” Ice consoled her, chuckling at her expression. She perked up at his offer, “Really?” She’s currently craving something sweet and she’s fond of fluffy cakes covered in icing. “Yes. Meet me at the coffee shop later.” “Alright. Thanks. I’ll see you at six?” She feels much better this time. The evaluations are exhausting, though she got enough rest in between, watching other people’s battles. Ice nodded and left. In a way, she’s beginning to associate the change she’s experiencing with the amount of physical work she’d been doing every day in the last few weeks. It seems the more active she is, the better is her condition. She rested at home for a couple of hou
The inevitable happened after a few more months. Sab had to face Clyde in a fight. She took it seriously and she did have the desire to win.It was awkward. They’re probably the only pair that didn’t bother taunting or talking. Not one word was said between them. It took a while to begin as they both waited for the other to take the initiative in attacking. Realizing that after a few minutes, they went ahead and attacked one another. His movements are firm and he’s quite strong. She had difficulty delivering any real damage. Still, she did her best. It’s good enough that she managed to hit him a few times and she also dodged well.Clyde couldn’t believe he’s unable to take her down within a short time. Then, he remembered who taught her. His annoying twin. He gritted his teeth. He would be damned if this woman wins against him.Finally, after almost half an hour of exchange, he tripped her backwards and stuck a knife against her neck. When he was announced as the winner, he got off he
Their birthday came, and Sab didn’t bother preparing a gift for Clyde. She just didn’t feel like giving him anything this time. She embroidered another handkerchief for Ice and that was it.She attended the celebration and chatted with her friends, Amaya and Rona. They’re not exactly close, but they have amicable interactions. They have good characters.The following month, she was assigned to mentor two newbies. She found it odd that she didn’t have a mentor when she joined training at sixteen. Apparently, average students normally don’t get them. It’s those who are on extreme ends of the spectrum that get them. The best-performing ones and the poor-performing ones.Her lip twitched at reading the files of her trainees, Cleo and Quinn. Clearly, they’re on the lower-end of that spectrum. But the challenge feels more achievable. They can improve a lot and she would guide them.They’re the same age. As a male, Quinn performed better than Cleo. That girl seems more timid than she was. Sa
They get a couple of days to rest after evaluations.After the weekend, trainings resumed. She was staring at Quinn as they contemplated what to do. She did notice his slip during the evaluation and he admitted it was an accident, but it helped him win. Expectations for him went up, but he can’t always rely on luck.“You do want to maintain a triple-win every month, don’t you?” She wanted to confirm.“Of course.”“Well, you ought to train harder. I’ll choose a few harsher exercises for you.”“I know. I understand.” He looked a little sheepish as he replied.“Do the usual exercises for now. In the afternoon, we’ll begin with a new one.”“Got it.”Cleo also nodded, listening on the side.In the afternoon, as they were executing a new training program, Clyde approached them. He watched on the side, making Sab raise an eyebrow. She walked closer to him to inquire what he’s on about.“Is there any problem?”“Nothing. You’ve done really well training them.”“Uh, thanks.”“Are you interested
After another evaluation, Sab received a surprising news. Quinn and Cleo have started dating. She’s not sure how to feel about that. Happy and worried. Happy that they feel the same way. Worried because they might not be each other’s fated mate. But who knows? Quinn would be of age in a few more months. “Well, congratulations. I just hope this won’t affect your training.” She can only remind them.“Yes, miss. It won’t.” Cleo assured her with a grin. The young man was also smiling but was more reserved, as he usually was. Sab turned towards Ren and Polly. The girl was happy for the two of them, whereas the boy isn’t impressed. It would seem he does not approve of people who don’t wait for the bond to materialize. But it’s good enough that he’s not argumentative about it. He said nothing to spoil the happy occasion. She didn’t dare tease the younger pair, that they won’t end up dating one another as well. She could already imagine how Ren would react and the words he would say. She di
Recently, there’s something else happening to him. Whenever he meets her for lunch, she would greet him with a smile and his heart would react by speeding up. It only lasts for a moment, but it was enough for him to notice. He tried not to be affected.Sab tilted her head while squinting at him, “You look tired.”“Do I?” He raised an eyebrow.“Too much work?”“Yeah. If you agree to teach a class, I would be able to rest more.” He took the opportunity to recruit her again, wiggling his eyebrows at her. They’ve gotten this much comfortable with each other.She can only roll her eyes at him, “I’m not yet ready for that.”“Come on, there’ll be a two-month training before you actually start teaching classes. You can ignore most of the requirements and do it your own way. Look at Ice, he never took it seriously. He just teaches whatever he wants regarding the subject.”She grunted as she took out her lunchbox. Though their house is near and she can technically go home to have a meal, she’s
Sab’s breathing turned uneven and she’s having a hard time swallowing. Her whole body felt cold when the woman spoke those words. She smirked, though. The rude woman missed her chance. She should’ve attacked during those first few seconds. Even Sab was surprised by how fast she adjusted her thoughts. Focus on the opponent, ignore her words. The woman was clearly hoping for something else and didn’t think she would immediately attack without hesitation. Her words were cut off as they made impact. She was not easy to defeat, but it wasn’t difficult either. They exchanged blows for some minutes. Sab was feeling irritated, so she was convinced she should take her down quickly. She didn’t let her impatience get the better of her, though. Ten minutes later, she has her pinned down on the ground and unable to move. “Admit defeat.” Sab instructed as she tightened her hold around the woman’s neck. She began coughing, but struggled still before admitting her loss. Sab smirked again before rel
When her birthday arrived, she was feeling a little nervous. She scolded herself for anticipating Clyde’s attendance to it. What does it matter if he comes or not? Get a grip, Sab.Ice came early, as usual. He helped them setup a couple of tables and some chairs on the terrace. He also helped preparing the food. His younger brother showed up earlier than the agreed time, too.“You’re early.” Sab commented when she let him in.He grinned at her, “Thought I should help out. Anything I can help with?”He looked around and quickly spotted his twin.“Huh, come and chop some vegetables.” Ice ordered him.“There’s no need. I can do that.” Her mother insisted, not wanting to bother any of her daughter’s guests. She’s used to doing everything in the kitchen.“Auntie, let us help. We’re not strangers. You don’t have to treat us as guests. We’re Sab’s friends.” Clyde went and quickly took the knife Ice was offering.Sab looked on with amusement, but she’s also embarrassed. They’re quite persiste