Chapter 11: Finishing the Tournament and Starting a Goblin Kingdom
Pokey scurried backward as his vision darkened. Once again, the swordmaster's strike hurt.
A lot.
This wasn't some simple sparring session. This was the fight of their lives. A chance to prove themselves to the Chief Deity, a privilege not even the greater tribes ever enjoyed.
Simply dodging wasn't enough. His attempts to buy time were the entire reason he was struck.
Narrowing his eyes, Pokey gripped the spear tighter, watching the swordmaster's approach carefully.
An approach that, once again, offered no openings he could see.
"Fight! Fight!"
The crowd clamored, completely enthralled by the match.
As the swordmaster approached, Pokey slowed his breath. Waiting for the inevitable, he noticed everything surrounding him slow down.
The crowd, the swordmaster, even his still breath.
All that remained was his spear and the swordmaster's guard.