Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

The semifinals were finally here.

As expected, Althea's opponent was Kaera. Before their match, the quarterfinal had been between Ethan Diolo from the Terran Republic and Lupus, a commoner from RGC. Now, after a brief intermission, the match between Leon and Lupus was underway.

Althea watched Ethan and Lupus's battle on the special monitor in the waiting room, her face slightly tense.

After her match with Lloyd, Althea had felt a strange sensation from the sky as she returned to the waiting room.

The arena should have anti-magic barriers in place... But I definitely sensed 'mana' from above. I looked up, but there was nothing there. No, there shouldn't have been anything. It's bothersome, but with the judges, the disguised emperor, and my father here, someone would have noticed if there was an issue. It must have been a bird or something.

—Yes, it was probably just her imagination.

Lost in thought, Althea was snapped back to reality by the voice from the special monitor, "The winner is Lupus!"

The match was decided. Althea stood up, ready to head to the arena.

It was finally time. Ever since Kaera had declared her ambition to become a knight when they first met, Althea had looked forward to this day, wanting to cross swords with her.

"...I need to focus on the upcoming battle. I've been looking forward to this."

She muttered to herself as she left the waiting room.

The entrance to the arena was bustling with excitement. The semifinals of the tournament had drawn a huge crowd, especially since two female students were competing. The audience, who had never imagined such a spectacle, were abuzz with complaints about the draw.

"Why were they placed on the same side of the bracket? If they were on opposite sides, they could have both reached the finals."

"Please proceed to the arena," the attendant at the entrance called to Althea.

She nodded politely and stepped into the arena. From the opposite entrance, Kaera was walking towards her.

As they met in the center of the arena, they exchanged a handshake before the head judge could even speak.

"Finally. I've seen your strength, and I'll give it my all. So—"

"Yes, I've been looking forward to this too. I'll give it everything I have."

"Begin!"

At the judge's signal, the two girls simultaneously launched themselves at each other. Althea crouched low, swinging her sword upward, while Kaera swung down from above. The clash of metal echoed through the arena as they began their fierce duel.

Althea tried to sweep Kaera's legs, but Kaera deftly stepped back, maintaining her stance before quickly lunging again. Her reflexes were impressive, befitting someone who aspired to be a knight.

To avoid Kaera's attack, Althea leapt high, prompting Kaera to swing her sword at the falling Althea. Althea deflected the blow mid-air, the sound of clashing swords reverberating through the silent arena as the audience watched, enraptured.

She’s incredible. Not just strength, but endurance too... This physical difference can't be overcome by stamina alone. I need to find an opening...

Amidst the intense exchange, Althea noticed a change in Kaera's expression and movements.

Something’s wrong... She’s losing her edge. Is she... scared? But of what?

Almost simultaneously, Althea felt a sinister presence from above. She glanced upward, breaking her focus on Kaera for a split second.

"Run!!!"

Kaera’s scream brought her back. Kaera’s sword was hurtling towards her. Althea narrowly dodged, arching her body to evade the strike. But before she could regain her stance, Kaera tackled her to the ground, pinning her down.

"Please, dodge!!!"

Kaera’s voice, filled with desperation, echoed through the arena as she straddled Althea, raising her sword to strike down.

Despite the enchantments ensuring the weapons wouldn’t cause serious harm, a direct hit could still injure.

Althea, hearing Kaera’s frantic plea, remained calm, analyzing the situation.

Something’s wrong with Kaera. Her actions and words don’t match. I have to avoid this...!!