Oras listened to Amora as she told him how she would have her name be known as Pan to everyone eles, but that she wanted her real name to spread throughout the land. So that the people from her home would know that she was not only still alive, but thriving. That there was nothing in this world which could hold her down. He nodded, understanding why she was doing that. It was sort of bringing closure to her scarred past. Closing that chapter once and for all.. Though it was possible the village may try to hunt her down upon finding out she was alive, he highly doubted it. Wherever they were it was extremely secluded, as nearly all of Fiore was not only filled with magic users, but their culture and technology as well. The people loved wizards for the most part. Even if they got past all of that and found Amora, they wouldn't be a match for her. She was far too powerful, and was no longer some meek, defenseless and scared child. She was a warrior, taming the beast within her. Both the animal, and whatever caused the frozen flame. Granted it would take time for full control, but he believed she would reach the point in time. "I understand. It makes sense Amora. I'm glad you found a way to reach a form of closure." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "However, even if you don't intend to attack anyone in any way. Don't do it for your hatred. Don't do it to spite them. Do it for you. To show them, and yourself, just how far you've come. How you faced every obstacle, every danger, and survived. And that they have only made you stronger than you ever could be on your own with them. Don't do it out of anger. Do it out of pride. Just as I'm proud of you," he said with a smile.
They soon reached the parting area, and Oras nodded to her with a chuckle. "I'll try not to. You never know with morons. I'll see you at the end Amora." And with that, they would walk down different paths. Each down to their areas, their rooms. Where elimination rounds would begin and reduce the number of fighters down to the strongest ones. As he walked down the hall however, he thought about something... She was giving herself some closure in regards to her painful past. The past where the townspeople killed her parents, and tried to kill her because they hated magic deeply, for one stupid reason or another. She was able to close that chapter... Oras couldn't say the same. He was finally getting past his insecurity, but there was one piece of his past that was still haunting him.. Raven. His childhood friend who may or may not actually be alive to this day. He was unsure of whether or not she was still alive, but from the reaction he got from one of the Black Rose members he was. He had asked the resources of the guild to help him in his search for her, but so far they hadn't found anything.. He walked into the room in silence, and moved over to a corner of the room. He leaned up against it, using his magic to turn that area into a sort of shadow, blending in with it with his mask covering his face. He closed his eyes, seeing his friend in his mind. Even if she was alive, what would she be like? How much would she have changed?
Time passed, and the elimination rounds were beginning. Oras didn't watch the fights. He simply leaned against the corner, deep in thought. That is, until his name was called. "Maelren! Guile! You're up now!" Oras finally opened his eyes, albeit slowly. He made his way over through the crowd of contestants. Most of them making fun of him and his cloak and hood. Oras of course said nothing as he passed through the crowd. He reached the arena and stepped inside, seeing his opponent. He barely had to analyze, knowing real quick this man was either military or ex military. The stance, the look in his eyes, and his build made that clear. The man grinned to Oras. "Interesting choice in outfit you got there. Aren't you afraid it will be a bit restraining in a fight?" Oras shook his head only slightly, not saying anything. "A man of little words. I respect that," the soldier said with a firm nod. Then they understood each other. Oras wasn't exactly in the mood to chit chat.
"Alright remember! No killing blows! No weapons other than fist tools! And no crazy magic like meteors, or fissures, or anything else that will kill or destroy the stage! The first person to be knocked out, gives up, or falls out of the ring is the loser! Got it? Good! Now ready, set, begin!"
Oras took a neutral stance. One good for starting offense while also ready for defense. The soldier tried to start a circle, where the two would rotate. But Oras didn't move, which surprised the soldier. Taking this brief moment of shock Oras shot forward, sending a kick the man's way. He was blocked however, as the man quickly recovered from his shock. No surprise there. Oras backed off and the real fight began. The soldier's strikes were mainly full of force rather than speed. Granted the man was fast, but Oras was far faster and able to evade nearly each blow with ease. Eventually Oras would attempt to gain the advantage, by grappling the man's arm on his next swing, and used his momentum to toss him onto the ground. However in mid toss, the soldier pulled off a maneuver that Oras was barely able to follow, which he had never seen before. The result was the opposite of the intention, with Oras on the ground and the soldier over him. However Oras had tricks up his sleeve as well. He managed to trip the soldier and leaped to his feet. They both continued their fight, each trying to gain an advantage. Oras wasn't using his magic, nor was he going all out. This man had Oras' respect, and he'd give him a fight that he would enjoy. Eventually however, he needed to move on, and struck him hard in the abdomen. The man collapsed to the ground, and signaled that he was giving up. As the announcer, announced. Oras helped the soldier up.
"Well fought." "Heh, well fought indeed. I wasn't able to land a hit on you, even when you were going easy.. Maybe I'm just not cut out for this." "Not so. You just need to work on some techniques is all. Perhaps think about looking into magic. It may be something you're not used to, but you can use it to enhance your abilities. And create tricks and techniques your enemies will never be ready for." "...I'll think about it. Maelren was it? I'll be watching your matches closely."
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