Нэйко
05.03.297 — tournament in honor of the birthday of Deus Mariarnelia
IX
Opponent — Milord Axel Von Himmel, Knight of the Gloomy Sky from Albus, servant of Deus Mariarnelia, adherent of Renavan's Melancholy.
As soon as the judge announced the start of the battle, Axel, mounted on his wyvern, lunged forward and made a successful shot at Zephyr. I had to retreat, simultaneously assuming the combat stance characteristic of warriors from Nevikat. It is quite difficult, and afterward my muscles burn intensely, but I saw no other way out here.
By this time, Axel had caught up with us and shot at the pegasus again — a miss. In turn, I made a powerful shot at the wyvern. Then the Knight of the Gloomy Sky and I exchanged one successful hit each on our beasts. And now the situation was literally this — whoever landed the next hit would deprive the rider of their main advantage.
When Axel's arrow flew a centimeter past Zephyr, I realized how dire my position was. I had no choice but to take a risk, linger in place, and aim to make a precise shot. The wyvern fell to the ground, leaving its master on foot.
Now all I had to do was fly around the arena and bombard Axel from a distance his bow couldn't reach. Thus, my maneuver randomly determined which of the tournament favorites would take first place and which would take second.
Note: This was one of the toughest battles for me, where I initially expected to lose. Luck and a longer-range bow played their part here. Losing Zephyr would have meant defeat with no chance whatsoever. Ironically, the defensive stance for a preemptive strike ultimately wasn't even needed.
