Sparring Showdown
A little while ago, the common training ground was packed with squad leaders from each group, along with members of the upper clans.
The reason was simple. Someone had tossed out a casual line: "Why don't we all loosen up a bit?"
That sparked everyone to swarm into the sparring arena.
"Honestly, just sitting around resting makes my body itch. I need to move to shake off the stress!"
Titanus Typhoon Stag Beetle boasted, flexing his massive, rugged muscles that matched his imposing frame. His voice boomed like a firefly being boiled alive, fitting his build perfectly.
"Same here. Training's fine, but you gotta let it all out sometimes. You all feel that way, right?"
Manticore Tiger Beetle—the ultimate hunter known as the Emperor Guide—flashed his white teeth in agreement.
"Couldn't agree more."
"Ditto."
Everyone in the arena nodded. They all seemed to share the sentiment.
"Ahem, speaking of which, honestly? Those assignments from Chung Hak Gwan? Being top dog in that doesn't mean squat for real combat power. The real world's all about actual fights."
Hornet Hoover cleared his throat as he spoke. He wasn't naming names, but everyone knew who he was targeting.
"Kahat, I feel you. True skill shines in real battles."
"Heh, spot on. Hoover's words make me think of someone... Scores like that wouldn't hold up in a real scrap."
They were talking about Aleck, of course. Despite his consistent top marks in training, a few gripped by superiority complexes refused to acknowledge him.
Now that someone had opened the floodgates, they were harping on "real combat" prowess to tear him down.
"Hm, that's got some issues. Most of our training ties directly to real fights. Better combat skills mean better scores—no denying that. Or are you questioning Chung Hak Gwan's methods?"
Hanks, the Emperor Scorpion and a member of the 10th squad, stepped up to counter. Arms crossed, leaning against the wall, he shot them a pitying look.
His attitude naturally ruffled feathers.
"Already Hanks' balls to Aleck? The guy who lost his squad leader spot to a puny mantis talks big. Why not beat Montiol first if you're gonna yap?"
Hoover sneered at him.
"Ridiculous. Why lump me in with that clown? I slipped in our last bet, sure, but he's a coward hiding behind his leader. Don't put us on the same level—it offends me."
"Kahat, sorry. Didn't mean to insult you. My bad."
"...What a joke."
Hanks shook his head at the tag-teaming Montiol and Hoover, closing his eyes to signal he was done meddling.
"Look at him, the one who started it now playing innocent and hiding. Tail between his legs—classic top-clan move."
Grind.
Hanks' eyes snapped open, teeth clenched at the words. That jab had struck the Emperor Scorpion clan's sore spot.
"Come on. Let's go."
His eyes blazed with fury.
* * *
Hm.
I tilted my head watching the two step into the arena. Just a spar, I thought. But up close, Hanks was drowning in rage.
"You gonna fight properly all riled up like that?"
"...Shut up and brace yourself."
"What, you? Gonna hide behind your leader again like last time?"
Montiol kept provoking with snide jabs. Hanks couldn't regain composure, his anger building. The moment the spar started, he charged wildly, no thought to defense.
A seasoned fighter like Montiol must've seen it as a gift. He turned the reckless assault against Hanks, cornering him in seconds.
"Kuh."
"Where'd that cockiness go?"
Montiol smirked, fully in control. He pressed relentlessly, not giving Hanks a breath. One emotional slip had left Hanks purely defensive, taking hits.
"Not over yet!"
A desperate swing to turn the tide.
"Where?!"
Montiol sidestepped fluidly, dodging the fist and slamming a gut punch home.
"Gahk."
Hanks crumpled to his knees before Montiol, barely showing his true strength.
Tch.
I clicked my tongue inwardly. He'd lost to me without a fight, sure. But Montiol was no slouch—befitting his clan, a true powerhouse. From psychological breakdown to flawless technique overwhelming an Emperor Scorpion, he was peak centipede material. Top-tier among those here.
Hanks matched him in a fair fight at full strength—they'd be even.
What's his deal? Ribs still healing? An Emperor Scorpion...?
Overexcitement aside, controlling emotions was skill. Montiol gloated.
"Kahat, get the gap now? You're no match for—gahk!"
His eyes met mine mid-taunt. He froze like he'd spotted a Primal Awakened, vomiting in shock.
That rattled.
"What? You okay?"
"A-Aleck... guhk! Cough cough."
He scrambled down, avoiding my gaze.
"Oh, hey—10th squad leader's here? Sneaky like a cockroach."
"Heh, your squadmate got wrecked—gonna just watch? Join in?"
"Kahat, Montiol? Too harsh."
"But he's strong! Didn't you see him snap Montiol's wrist last time?"
"Perfect! Revenge match stage is set."
Everyone who'd spotted me buzzed like kids with a toy. Only Max, Polt, and a few watched silently.
"Heh heh... Hey, gonna stand there? Gonna tuck tail like him? Oh wait—praying mantis has no tail."
Hoover approached, snickering.
Hah.
I nearly laughed. Third-rate villain vibes. Where was the pride of the hornets? Mix superiority complex with immature ego, and it was cringe-worthy.
Adults aren't much better, though.
Idiot conservation law applied universally. Recalling pre-regression scenes, I spoke.
"Sure, I'll play."
"Ooh."
"He's a guy, though?"
"Whoa! Doesn't dodge the challenge. Better than Hanks!"
"Montiol! He's squad leader—go easy for face."
"Hey, someone drag that scorpion away!"
Cheers and whistles at my okay. All betting on Montiol.
"Uh, um... th-that..."
Montiol's face drained pale, eyes darting lost.
"F-Forfeit!"
"What?"
"Why back out?"
"S-Sudden... stomachache!"
He bolted without even looking at me.
"...?"
"What the...?"
"Did Montiol just chicken out on Aleck...? Nah."
"Looks like it to me."
Everyone gawked between fleeing Montiol and me.
Hah, really.
I was baffled too. I'd gone easy(?), but fleeing publicly like that? Unexpected.
Or maybe he's smarter than I thought.
Wise, even. Facing me would've shredded his pride.
But as a centipede, you can't escape my grasp forever.
I smacked my lips, disappointed. Planned to practice left-sword on him.
I'd manifested my "right foreleg" via partial primalization. Pairing with sword could amp power. Right: mantis arm, left: blade. Needed real-combat left-sword mastery first, plus training.
"Guh, fight me!"
Suddenly, a redheaded giant leaped up—Phassasi.
Whoa... he's serious?
Gotta respect the grit. Kept challenging despite beatings. Better than cringing Drvito or Montiol.
This guy's growing on me.
"Ooh, Phassasi?"
"Yeah, he's no slouch—near Montiol level."
"Represent centipedes and school that mantis!"
"Damn... Montiol might've been better. Phassasi's brutal—might break something! Heh."
"Hey, Phassasi! No serious injuries!"
Excitement over the sudden matchup. All predicting Phassasi win.
"Come on."
I drew my sword left-handed, beckoning.
"Hoo."
Deep breaths kept him calm despite my taunt. Huge progress. Used to freak at a glance.
"Why's he so cautious?"
"Like facing a mortal enemy."
"Phassasi... what're you doing?"
Not the hot-blooded rush expected. Spectators jeered at his seriousness.
Phassasi held back.
Fine, I'll go first.
I strolled casually forward.
"...!"
Taut-faced, he clasped hands, edging back.
"Too cautious, and you can't show your best."
Scree—!
My sword flashed like light. He flinched, gauntlets swinging—
Whoosh, smack—!
It curved midair, slamming his side. Flat strike, no cut, but solid impact.
"Guhk—!"
Phassasi grimaced, mouth agape in agony. Clutching with elbow, he staggered back groaning.
"...!"
"Left hand?"
"Bends like that?"
"Couldn't even see it."
Variable sword plus phantom blade trick. Left felt as natural as right. Probably "Presence Reduction" plus mantis "Balance Sense."
Better than expected.
Thought it'd need adaptation time. Megaera traits strong.
Good. Then...
I grinned, raising my sword. A few more reps, and it'd be perfect.
Phassasi's eyes twitched across. Everyone stared confused at our standoff.
Soon, my sword moved again.