Daly on swords! Seriously?

Stage 2 - Let the Duels Begin!

Marcus sat on a wooden bench next to the other contestants. His head was buzzing from the previous test, where he almost witnessed the first ever kamikaze goblin battle.

📢 System (happily):

- Stage 2 of the selection: sword duels!

No magic, no concessions, just steel, sweat and glory!

And a few random bruises, don't worry - the healer is ready.

Marcus (gloomily, looking at the sky):

- I just wanted to sleep...

Duel 1: Marcus Cannet vs. Arno von Bretten

Marcus was led into the arena - a round sandy courtyard surrounded by spectators. His opponent was Arno von Bretten. Muscular, self-confident, with a face like a supporting antagonist.

Arno (grinning):

— What a coincidence. I was just trying to stretch my muscles before the real fights. Try not to cry.

Marcus (weakly lifting his wooden training sword):

— Yeah. No promises.

📢 Gong!

The fight began. Arno immediately went head-on, crashing into Marcus with a roar. He barely managed to dodge. The swords clanged. Marcus retreated, staggering, as if dancing in the style of "I don't want to die."

📢 System (concerned):

— Heart rate increased. Potential threat: being cut in half.

Marcus (mentally):

— Thank you, System, you are as inspiring as always...

Arno knocked Marcus off his position blow after blow, knocked the sword out of his hand. One last chance remained. Marcus fell on his back.

Arno (triumphant):

— Now — win... OH!

Marcus grabbed a handful of sand and threw it at his face. He coughed, blinked — and at that moment, Marcus jumped up and grabbed his sword and slashed at his opponent's leg.

📢 System:

— Victory counted. Controversial, but stylish.

Marcus (lying in the sand, breathing heavily):

— I hate sports...

Duel 2: Illya von Meridian vs. Leonard Graf von Tremor

Next came out: she — tall, graceful, with silver hair, a sharp gaze and a black ribbon in her hair. Illya von Meridian. A legend among the children of the aristocracy.

Against her is Leonard, the smug son of a count, all in gold, with an ornate sword, a grin and a sense of his own greatness on the level of a minor planet.

Leonard (mocking):

— Are you sure you can handle it, little one? You don't even have a shield. Although... don't worry, I'll spare your hair.

Illia (calmly):

— Warning: I am not responsible for the consequences of your disgrace.

📢 Gong!

Three seconds later, Leonard was lying on the ground. Unconscious. Illia's sword was at his neck.

Marcus (from the stands, shocked):

— ...What was that?

📢 System:

— That was "don't talk to the main character like you're a minor clown."

Illia, ignoring the surprise of the crowd, simply left the arena without saying another word. She glanced at Marcus… and slightly lifted the corner of her lips. A barely noticeable smile.

Marcus (internally):

— …I think I'm in love. Or afraid. Or both.

📢 System:

— The second stage is complete! Congratulations to everyone… who remained conscious.

Ahead is the third stage. And now — rest, food, and mental therapy, if necessary.