Original CEO ft Enice
"Shall we have a duel together?" The words hung in the air, silencing all other sounds. Charan, the tall and dignified figure, narrowed his eyes, facing the challenge from Kanin, the young prince from the Atsawathewathin family who had been caught off guard.
Kanin's proposal came with a condition: if Charan won, he could have anything he desired from Kanin. There was no hint of mercy in Kanin's demeanor, and the stakes of the duel were palpable.
Charan, intrigued by Kanin's words, squinted his eyes and carefully assessed the situation. He pondered whether Kanin was aware of the real tradition in Emmaly, where the winner of a duel could demand anything, and the loser must comply without exception. Charan's compliance was inevitable due to Kanin's royal bloodline.
Yet, there was a catch. If Kanin lost, they couldn't negotiate or compromise because, as a royal, he stood above the laws governing such battles. Charan contemplated whether Kanin was aware of these old laws or if they were entering the duel on equal terms.
In a cunning tone, Charan inquired about the rules, hoping to gauge Kanin's understanding of the tradition. Kanin's response indicated a partial lack of awareness of Emmaly's important rules, earning Charan's admiration for the young noble's nobility.
Charan further probed about the method to be used in the duel, and Kanin, with calculated precision, chose the international method, knowing that Charan was more adept at it than the traditional practices of Emmaly.
As Kanin playfully baited Charan, challenging anyone brave enough to face the duel, Charan's compliance was inevitable. He agreed to the terms without hesitation, and when asked about rules for cheating, he straightforwardly answered in the negative.
Kanin, still trying to find a way out in his mind, was slightly less surprised by Charan's responses. He had anticipated a more playful reaction, but Charan's adherence to proper conduct left Kanin considering the backup plan he had prepared in case things didn't go as expected. The stage was set for a duel that could determine their fates.
If he won, and he was sure he would win, Kanin planned to ask Charan to let go of the matter at hand. It wouldn't be a direct request to return to Emmaly; rather, it aimed to easily cut someone out of his life. The condition was set: the loser must not break the promise. With their pinky fingers intertwined, a promise was sealed between them.
As they prepared to start the competition, Charan hesitated briefly before agreeing to the terms of the promise. The slender person's sweet voice and the smile that followed made the agreement official. However, Kanin interrupted the moment with a request to compete in a place without people, waiting for all their friends to leave.
Charan questioned the reason behind the request, and Kanin's short, unexplained answer left some confusion. Eventually, he conceded to Kanin's wish, realizing the younger person's fear of losing in front of others. They decided to wait until it was dark, taking advantage of the evening sky as their competition ground.
As the club emptied out, leaving only the two competitors behind, Kanin asked if Charan had anything to say. The doctor calmly replied, "No contest," exuding a composed demeanor that earned him a reluctant admiration from Kanin.
Before their sword duel commenced, they exchanged a few words, revealing their intentions beyond the competition. Paul, acting as a mediator and facilitator, fully cooperated, leaving them alone to settle their victory and defeat.
Their sword duel began without a referee, initiated as soon as they heard the alarm clock. For almost half a minute, Kanin and Charan stood still, swords drawn, sizing each other up. The tension escalated until Kanin, unable to wait any longer, decided to make the first move.
With a synchronized rhythm of footwork and sword technique, Kanin charged forward, while Charan, on the defensive, retreated. The young man pressed on until he touched the middle of Charan's body with the tip of his sword, scoring the first point beautifully. The duel had officially begun.
0 : 1
Charan: 0
Kanin: 1
Kanin took the lead, but he sensed something was off. Despite being the aggressor, Charan refrained from launching attacks, only parrying and defending. This strategic approach confused Kanin, prompting him to reevaluate his own tactics. With almost a minute elapsed and five points needed for victory, Kanin needed to wrap up the game quickly.
Initiating another attack, Kanin sought a second point. However, Charan's response remained unchanged—focused solely on defense. The doctor's tactic flustered Kanin, making it challenging to discern his playing strategy. Despite moments ripe for scoring, Charan nonchalantly let them pass.
As the competition reached its final minute, Charan's demeanor shifted. Adopting a precise stance, he turned the tables on Kanin. The once-confident attacker found himself on the defensive as Charan skillfully countered his moves, scoring several points in quick succession.
Charan's deceptive method exploited Kanin's familiarity with his movements, equalizing the match. Anxiety crept in, disrupting Kanin's composure. Despite his best efforts, the results remained unfavorable. Charan's graceful movements and flawless swordplay continued to block Kanin in every direction.
As the final seconds ticked away, Kanin felt the weight of impending defeat. The score signaled a close match, 4:5, a result that didn't sit well with the young fencer. It wasn't merely about accepting defeat; rather, there was a deeper reason, a sentiment that loomed in the air.
Kanin: 4
Charan: 5
Charan continued his explanation, choosing his words carefully. "Your swordsmanship skills are undoubtedly impressive within the context of your world, the one you're familiar with. However, in the broader world of international fencing, there's a vast spectrum of techniques and strategies that you might not have encountered yet."
Kanin's frown deepened, and a hint of frustration appeared on his face. "Are you saying that I'm not as good as I think I am?"
Charan shook his head. "No, that's not what I'm implying. Your skills are commendable, but it's essential to recognize that the world is much larger and diverse. There's always room for improvement and learning from different styles. Today's match wasn't about proving one is better than the other; it was an opportunity for you to gain a broader perspective."
The doctor's words carried a mix of firmness and genuine concern. He wanted Kanin to understand that there's always more to learn and experience, and that growth comes from acknowledging the existence of a more extensive world beyond one's current understanding.
Kanin, still grappling with his feelings of defeat, absorbed Charan's words with a guarded expression. The silence between them lingered for a moment before Charan spoke again. "You have the potential to become even better, but it requires an open mind and a willingness to embrace new challenges."
The chilly night air hung between them as Kanin processed Charan's message. It wasn't merely about fencing; it was a broader lesson about life and personal growth. The young prince, accustomed to a certain lifestyle, was being nudged to expand his horizons and welcome the unknown.
Charan, despite being the victor in their sword duel, carried an air of sincerity as he looked at Kanin. His intention wasn't to belittle the young man but to guide him toward a path of continuous improvement and self-discovery. The challenge wasn't just about winning or losing; it was about opening up to new possibilities and embracing a larger world.
Charan looked at Kanin, considering the situation. He understood the young man's concern and desire to be part of whatever was happening inside the house. After a brief pause, Charan nodded, acknowledging Kanin's insistence.
"Fine, but stay close and do exactly as I say. We don't know who they are or what they want," Charan said in a low voice, his eyes focused on the house.
The two of them moved cautiously toward the entrance, avoiding making any noise. Charan gestured for Kanin to stay close, his movements precise and deliberate. They approached the darkened house with a mix of tension and determination.
As they reached the door, Charan signaled for Kanin to wait outside while he entered. The doctor moved silently, relying on his instincts and training to assess the situation. The darkness inside was thick, and he couldn't immediately discern any figures.
Charan moved stealthily through the familiar spaces of the house, aware that every second counted. His senses were heightened, and he was ready for any sudden movement or sound. The silence inside was eerie, and the absence of Tattanai's usual presence added to the tension.
Kanin, waiting outside, felt a surge of anxiety. The seconds seemed to stretch into minutes, and the unknown situation inside the house intensified his worries. He clenched his fists, trying to control his unease and remain prepared for whatever might unfold.
Inside, Charan carefully navigated through the rooms, checking corners and listening for any signs of intrusion. The sound of a faint rustle caught his attention, and he swiftly moved toward its source. As he turned a corner, he found himself face to face with a shadowy figure.
In the dim light, Charan recognized Tattanai, who looked surprised to see Charan in his defensive posture. The tension in the air eased as they recognized each other.
"What's happening?" Charan asked in a hushed voice.
Tattanai, equally relieved to see Charan, explained, "I thought I heard something, so I decided to investigate. It seems like a false alarm. The darkness outside made it difficult to identify anyone."
Charan, now assured of Tattanai's safety, nodded. "We need to be vigilant. Stay here and let me check the surroundings."
As Charan and Tattanai coordinated to ensure the safety of the house, Kanin stood outside, unaware of the false alarm inside. The night remained shrouded in uncertainty, and the young prince grappled with his emotions, waiting for the resolution of the mysterious events that had unfolded around them.
The sudden sound of the gunshot echoed through the house, leaving a chilling silence in its wake. Tattanai staggered backward, clutching his wounded arm, while Kanin's eyes widened in shock. Charan swiftly reacted, pushing both Tattanai and Kanin to the ground, shielding them from further danger.
"What the hell!" Tattanai exclaimed, his voice a mixture of pain and anger.
The intruders, now revealed to be armed, took advantage of the chaos. Another gunshot followed, and Charan, with his quick reflexes, managed to evade the bullet aimed at him. The situation escalated rapidly, and the dark figures moved strategically through the house, closing in on the three men.
Kanin, still processing the shocking turn of events, clutched the lamp in his hands, ready to defend himself. Tattanai, despite his injured arm, maintained his composure and scanned the room for a possible escape route. Charan, displaying a calm and focused demeanor, assessed the situation and formulated a plan.
"We need to get out of here," Charan said in a low voice, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Follow me and stay close."
The trio maneuvered through the house, attempting to avoid the armed assailants. Charan led them toward a back exit, hoping to find safety outside. However, the intruders, determined and well-coordinated, continued their pursuit.
As they reached the back door, Charan sensed a momentary lapse in the attackers' attention. Seizing the opportunity, he instructed Tattanai and Kanin to run while he held off the assailants.
"Go, both of you! Find a safe place!" Charan commanded, his focus now on the threat approaching them.
Reluctantly, Tattanai guided Kanin out of the house, the urgency of the situation evident on their faces. The night air was cold, and fear gripped their hearts as they fled from the danger within the darkened streets.
Charan, with his exceptional combat skills, engaged the armed men in a brief confrontation. Swift movements, precise strikes, and a calculated defense allowed him to hold his ground against the attackers. However, the odds were against him, and he knew that his primary objective was to ensure Tattanai and Kanin's safety.
Outside, Tattanai guided Kanin to a nearby alley, momentarily seeking refuge from the unfolding chaos. The alley offered a brief respite, allowing them to catch their breath and assess the situation.
"Dad, are you okay?" Kanin asked, concern evident in his eyes.
Tattanai winced, his injured arm throbbing with pain. "I'll be fine. We need to find a secure place and contact the authorities. This situation is more complex than I anticipated."
As they navigated the labyrinthine alleys, uncertainty loomed over them. The threat had not subsided, and they needed to find refuge and assistance swiftly. The events of that night had unravelled their sense of security, leaving them to grapple with the unknown forces that had disrupted their lives.
The youngest person felt his body shake uncontrollably. Kanin, caught off guard, stumbled as Tattanai pushed him out of the gate area, leaving the others behind. The door closed, and a loud bang followed. Kanin tried to go back, but Charan blocked him, muffling his screams. Tears blurred his vision, and he couldn't see anything anymore, not even his father's shadow or their shared moments. Everything turned into a fleeting dream that vanished in an instant.
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TBC