The next ten days were quite grueling. In preparation for the match against Massen, Kardenon came up with an extreme training that included not just physical and magical strengthening, but also cooperative exercises. When I heard his proposal and saw Helena grow paler and paler as he described what we were going to do, I asked him if maybe it was too much. He dismissed my concerns without hesitation.

“Don't worry, don't worry. This here is based on a study about historical documents about a training regimen that a dwarven hero of centuries ago underwent as part of his journey to beat a Tyrant. Although, to be fair, according to the documents, he did endure it for forty days. Since we are doing a more compact course of only ten days I'm not sure how effective it's going to be.”

Forty days. I think I'd rather not think of that. It's probably an exaggerated account or something. Still, I glance at Helena, who was fiercely fighting in her mind whether to go through and preserve her pride or admit that she can't go through with it and contradict the words she had said one day before.

“Still, as you say, it's a hero that underwent this training. It slightly worries me whether or not we will be able to endure it. You know, there is no point if we tire ourselves so much that we won't be able to properly perform at the actual fight.”

Kardenon shrugged and waved away my points.

“Well, that's why I only planned for ten days, because then, we will have enough time to rest before the fight. Come on, you're not telling me that you, the guy that I see every morning swinging that sword around as a warm up, are not up to it? Do you want to win or not?”

Actually, I am worried about Helena. I'd just love to say that, but I have the feeling that she won't be grateful to me even if I pull her out of this situation that she put herself in. Besides, who am I to talk for her? If she won't speak up that she doesn't want to do it, I won't do it for her.

“Of course! As I said, we are being underestimated too much! We have to show them what we are capable of doing!”

Sometimes, you just have to let people bury themselves in holes of their own doing.

I have to wonder, why was she glaring at me a good portion of the time that we were doing that hellish training? It's not my fault we got put up to this! In the end, she couldn't do it and had to make do with a lighter regimen than me and Kardenon. It must have bruised her ego something fierce, because she was quite irritated most of the time. I think it's incredible how much Kardenon was able to just ignore it.

Eventually, the day of the fight finally came. And honestly, the city really felt like it had become the site of a massive festival. Fliers, confetti everywhere, fireworks. Especially in the area around the arena where the fight would take place, it was impressive. Food stalls, toys and trinkets. Some of the trinkets being sold resembled me, Helena, Kardenon or Massen, although the Massen trinkets heavily outnumbered ours. I guess they just don't know about Kardenon's armor, do they? It'd probably make a great toy, now that I think of it.

“Come on, come on, you can't keep the audience waiting. Even if they are doing a few opening fights before the main event, it wouldn't be good if everyone was kept waiting.”

Milina was accompanying us to the arena. On the way, we heard gasp and encouraging shouts. “Good luck!” “Brave guys, all of you!” “Try to last more than twenty minutes!” Apparently, since the odds of our victory were considered so low, most people preferred to bet on how long we would last. It was kind of annoying to realize that, but that's how things are. We were eventually led to a waiting room, then Milina went to her box seat, probably among the best in the arena. She did say she was majorly excited for this.

“So, are we ready?”

I tentatively try to grasp the mood. Kardenon seems pensive, as if he needs to concentrate and calm himself before this. Helena looks resolute and quite intent on not losing.

“Readier than ever! Not going to lose. I won't accept a loss, not after the training we had to go through. I refuse. We are going to win!”

Kardenon cracked a smile because of that.

“Yeah! That's the spirit! We can do this.”

As we were hyping ourselves, a knock came at the the door. It was time.

“Mister Magnar, Mister Therynia and Miss Gracie, please come this way.”

We were led to a half open gate that led to the arena. Although, before we were to enter, our names were going to be announced. Even inside we could clearly hear the crowd's excitement. Apparently there is a specific magic tool that they use to amplify the announcer's voice so people in this arena are encouraged to shout as much as they want to show their approval.

“First of the challengers! Welcome, a knight from Meridia, Alexius Magnar!”

The crowd's excitement intensified and I stepped outside, into the arena. This really is a show. I am actually kind of impressed. I started wondering where Massen is, maybe he's coming out from the opposite gate? But it's closed. Then they announced Kardenon.

“All the way from Tharaz Eron, welcome the armored craftsman, Kardenon Therynia!”

I don't know if he was taken over by the excitement, but Kardenon sprinted to where I was and started constructing his armor as if it was part of the show. The crowd seemed quite pleased by it, as they shouted encouragement and wows.

“From Meridia, welcome Helena Gracie! She might look like just a fair maiden, but don't worry, this lady can fight!”

Helena had a pretty weird expression on her face, probably torn between the embarrassment of being the focus of such attention and being happy for it. She was mumbling something to herself. Something about keeping the eyes on the prize.

“And now, for their opponent, you don't need me to say who it is, right? Everyone who is here, is here because of one reason: To watch this undefeated prodigy of the Arena! After a long hiatus during which he became one of the most illustrious professors in this city's university, he is finally back! Welcome Massen Garesade, the Blast Master!”

Then, I kid you not, the door opposite ours exploded open. No, there were no pieces flying around, but there was an explosion and it opened... Massen came out with arms raised, calling on the crowd to show him more excitement, and how they did. The crowd roared. It was at this moment, even before he threw a single spell at us that I realized. Maybe we can't win this after all.

“Now, some words between today's fighters!”

I wonder if people would be too harsh if I just said I give up? No, I have to try my best and not embarrass myself.

“Hey, so, this is my last fight in this arena! Please, try and not get beaten too easily, or else it might get boring!”

Huh? Where is that old, slightly kindly and careless university professor that we had met back at the dinner at the president's residence? Maybe that's his arena fighter personality. Meanwhile, Helena was still mumbling to herself, good thing she wasn't paying attention and didn't hear it.

“We will try our best, don't hold back too much on us, or you might be the one getting the rug pulled from under you!”

Pretty good response from Kardenon, I think.

“Oh! This is some pretty good exchange of words! Will the exchange of spells and fists be better? Who knows? Activate the barrier!” I felt the magic activate all around us, soon there was a shimmering surface on all four of us. If it gets changed to red, then you are defeated. “The fight begins in 5...”

I wish I could control my heart better.