Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 53

Maximus lost his spark in an instant. He had never beaten Elliot before. "Danielle, let’s forget about it," he said dejectedly.

At Shadow Fortress, their training regimen included hand-to-hand combat and shooting, and they often sparred with one another to hone their skills. Seeing the disappointment in Maximus’s eyes, Danielle figured there was no harm in a little practice session.

"Maximus, I don’t mind sparring with you," Danielle said without hesitation.

"Danielle, let’s not do this," Elliot protested. ’If she gets so much as a scratch under my watch, Mom and Dad would skin me alive, he thought.

"Elliot, do you not believe in me?" Danielle asked, her voice as calm as ever.

’What can I say to that?’ Elliot thought. It would wound her pride if he said he didn’t trust her. But if he claimed he did, it might set her up for harm.

Meeting her expectant gaze, Elliot let out a resigned sigh. As a doting older brother, there was no way he could refuse her. "I trust you. But let’s take it easy, alright?"

The soldiers formed a circle around the sparring area on the training grounds. In the center stood Danielle and Maximus. At 6 foot 1, Maximus’s muscular frame towered over Danielle’s slender 5 foot 7 figure.

Judging by appearance alone, most of the onlookers doubted Danielle stood a chance. After all, Maximus was second only to Elliot in combat prowess.

"Who do you think will win?" Justin asked, his face brimming with excitement.

Luke glanced at the pair. "Hard to say. Maximus’s combat skills are top-notch, but Danielle’s marksmanship is impressive." "Obviously, Danielle will win," Lydia said with unwavering confidence.

The crowd murmured in speculation, with the majority placing their bets on Maximus. They knew little about Danielle, having never witnessed her feats on the border.

No one would doubt Danielle’s victory if this were at the border. She was known as the Witch of the Frontier, a force to be reckoned with in every aspect.

Danielle heard the voices around her, but she paid no mind to them. To her, a sparring session was a test of skill, and giving her all was the highest honor she could show to Maximus.

The referee signaled the two of them to get ready. "Ready... Start!"

The two moved simultaneously. Maximus threw a heavy punch, aiming straight for Danielle. The soldiers around the ring collectively gasped at the sight. While it was clear Maximus wasn’t using full force, the blow still seemed capable of crushing her