We're in a big, grassy field on the outskirts of the Town of Beginnings. Rin and I kneel, hands on our laps, in front of Takashi. He stands in front of us, a hand on the sword at his side.

"All right, Haruko-san," he says, motioning for me to get up. "Let's see what you've got."

I get up as a notification appears in front of my face. Will you accept a duel from Takashi? it asks. I hit the little blue circle and a sixty-second countdown starts above our heads. I draw my sword from its scabbard, which is strapped to my back. Takashi takes his stance as I look at his level number.

Forty-two.

He's really accomplished, isn't he? I'm barely a Level Fourteen. How am I going to stack up against him? Not well. But I already accepted the duel, so I guess I have to wait for him to beat me to a pulp. The clock continues to count. Fourteen, thirteen, twelve... can't this come any sooner? Rin watches us intently. I grip my sword hilt. Five, four, three...

A buzzer sounds and Takashi runs at me, fire alight in his eyes. I am thoroughly scared now. All I can think to do is raise my sword to block his strike. It works, but he continues to push against me, our swords inching towards my face. I push back, hoping that it'll work. Suddenly I get an idea. I dart to the right and let my sword go limp. Takashi stumbles, and I bring my sword around to strike at the side of his face. He's fast, though; he gets up and blocks me, swinging around at my side. I block with one hand as the other one pushes him away from me. As he falls on his back, I swing at his cheek and leave a small cut.

A sign appears above my head. It says Winner: Haruko. I must say, I never expected to win. I smile and point my sword at him, preparing for some sort of epic victory speech. But all I can think to say is:

"In your face!"