Gods Universe: Chain Ruler

Nicolas made a wrong move. He missed.

He hit the ground with a thud. Before he could react, the cold steel of Emily's sword touched his forehead.

Silence.

Emily blinked. "I... won?"

Nicolas groaned, struggling to push himself up. He lifted his sword weakly, resting it on his shoulder. "That doesn't count."

Alex, who had been watching from the sidelines, chuckled. "That wasn't a fight, that was a riot. But Emily won."

Nicolas, still out of breath, sank back onto the ground. "Fine. Now it's Harry and Alex's turn."

Harry hesitated. "No way. My ankle's messed up. Besides, I'm heading home."

Alex grinned and grabbed Emily's sword. "Then it's you and me, Nicolas. Second chance for you."

Nicolas' eyes lit up. When it came to Alex, he was always fired up. Alex dominated every training match. He had beaten Nicolas just the day before.

Nicolas smirked. "I'll get my revenge."

Alex twirled the sword in his hand. "You couldn't beat Emily. What makes you think you can beat me?"

Emily crossed her arms, frowning, but neither of them noticed.

The two stepped onto the open training ground—a field of flat grass swaying gently in the wind. Emily and Harry moved aside as Nicolas and Alex squared off.

The duel began.

Nicolas charged first, aggressive and impatient. His swings were wild, his grip unstable. His sword wobbled, throwing off his balance. Alex deflected every strike with ease.

Nicolas backed up, panting. He crouched, pressing a hand to the ground, fingers digging into the grass.

Alex approached cautiously, sword raised.

Then, in a flash, Nicolas ripped up a handful of grass and flung it at Alex's face.

Alex instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes.

Nicolas saw his chance. He lunged forward, gripping his sword tightly, aiming for Alex's exposed hand.

For a split second, everything froze.

The wind stopped. The trees stood still. Even the grass seemed to hold its breath.

Emily and Harry thought it was over. They thought Nicolas had won.

They had forgotten why Alex was always first in training.

At the last moment, Alex flipped his sword upside down and blocked the strike with perfect precision.

Nicolas' eyes widened. Emily's mouth fell open. Even Harry was speechless.

With a sharp push, Alex forced Nicolas back.

"Nicolas," he said coolly. "Dirty tricks don't suit you."

"Since when is using your brain a dirty trick?" Nicolas shot back.

Alex smirked. "I wish you'd used it for something else."

This time, Alex took the offensive. He struck fast, each attack more precise than the last. Nicolas struggled to keep up, barely parrying in time. His arms ached. His stance wavered.

Then—his grip failed.

His sword clattered to the ground.

Nicolas dived for it.

Too late.

The tip of Alex's sword pressed against his stomach before he could reach his weapon.

"You don't know how to give up, do you?" Alex said.

Nicolas groaned. "Ow! Okay, okay—I surrender." He stretched his arms behind his head in defeat.

The tension dissolved. They lowered their swords, stripped off their training gear, and left the field together—just another match in their endless rivalry.