There were thirty of us in class. Everyone had already stepped into their designated arenas, yet their attention was clearly focused on one place: Yukie and me. Dozens of eyes dug into us from the edges of the field, as if waiting to see whether I would endure or be crushed instantly.
I wondered just how unlucky I could be. Out of thirty students, how was I paired against her in my very first match? There was no world where I could fight her without relying on my cheat skill or something dirty.
But maybe this was an opportunity. I had to face her properly in a real fight, to break whatever fear of her I still carried. Besides, she was forbidden from using her ice powers in this training.
Yukie's weapon was a sword, a long thin blade almost identical to the one I was holding now. The match had technically begun ever since Violet gave the signal, but Yukie had not moved an inch.
I finally spoke, trying to hide the tension in my voice.
"Are you not going to attack me, Yukie?"
