Our silent stand-off commenced as we red each other. The intent was so thick, the Elder's aura with his bloodline radiation crept out of him as it flowed to the center. On the other side, my released internal magoi alongside bloodline radiation shimmered like a mirage. When our energies met, they created images of ourselves. As we stood still, the phantom versions of myself and the Elder fought each other.
These phantoms were completely visible to both of us and to all who could see the platform. The phenomenon was caused by the amount of radiation both of us were releasing allowing others to see our phantom selves fight. As the phantoms fought, I began to sweat profusely, but I did not move an inch, even when my phantom was sliced in half, disemboweled, decapitated and other gruesome kill moves were performed against it.
Each clash I died, my phantom returned with even clearer resolve and renewed tactics. I took this opportunity to study myself and the flaws in my fighting style, making an adjustment when needed. As a result, my phantom performed said adjustment which either improved my fighting capability or required me to rethink my approach. Either way, I am receiving help from this experience.
This form of phantom fighting continued for nearly 2 hours until the phantom dissipated. When they did, both the Elder and I charged at each other. Unlike in the fight between phantoms, our real fight consisted of flurried attacks, feints, and other tactics.
I did not even spare time to think as even a 1 second delay in response could mean my death. Unlike the fight with dad, the Elder was using techniques and tactics I only just saw from the phantom fight. Still, his phantom did use all of his prowess. Nonetheless, I fought at the same pace my phantom had and integrated everything it applied. I wasn't going to waste this opportunity of a lifetime.
After 15 minutes of crossing swords, we both simultaneously stopped. The initial testing the limit of each other's attacks and range had come to an end. The Elder allowed his bloodlust to bathe the platform and I followed suit as a green phosphorus energy began to fill the area.
I took a deep breath and entered a trance as time slowed almost to a halt. I could see every move the elder was making as if I was watching a slow stop motion film. However, despite seeing his movements, my body moved even slower than his. It was here I poured all of my will into speeding up my movements if only by a little.
CLANG!!
Our swords somehow crossed each other with barely an inch before his blade dug into my flesh, still I did not retreat or side stepped, but pressed forward while aiming for his left shoulder. Again, everything seemed to move slowly as my sword strike was parried by the Elder, causing me to take a few steps back as my balance was thrown off. Although I was fuming inside, I painstakingly calmed myself. Luckily, the Elder didn't press forward with a follow up attack but remained still.
…
While Yuriy strived to awaken his aura, Anansi, Cavilhaugh, Katya and Ivy watched with amazement at the fast-paced sword fight. In Yuriy's eyes time moved ever so slowly. To everyone else, the fight was almost hard to follow due to how fast-pace they traded blows.
Even when the fight began, the phantoms fighting each other moved at very a fast pace. The whole scene was like a something from a mythical tale to those watching. At first, when the phantom fight began, the mages in the party thought they had seen an illusion or were being affected by the radiation coming off of the 2 warriors, Cavilhaugh began to grow hysterical,
"What the hell am I seeing? Why are there 2 Yuriy's and 2 of that other guy? It's bad enough their too far way to hear what they were talking about, now it seems to me, the same force Yuriy used a few days ago is affecting me now!"
Even Katya was feeling the same as Cavilhaugh; however, Anansi confirmed what they were seeing was by far no illusion or something of the sort,
"To think I would see something only Duke stage and higher fighters are capable of doing. What is happening right now is called Phantom Spar. It's a phenomenon which occurs when 2 extraordinarily powerful Battlemaster meet in combat."
"According to common knowledge, this is supposed to be the result of bloodlust mixing with aura and the fighter's willpower. But it seems their bloodline radiation alone is causing it! Truly, elves are by far the most interesting race on Ohmdorra!" Anansi said clearing the confusion for Cavilhaugh and Katya. Whereas Ivy chimed,
"This is nothing compared to the true powerhouses of the world. Nonetheless, Yuriy has the physical strength of a peak Blademaster who's just a step away from the Grand Blademaster stage. What's holding him back is his lack of aura."
"As far as being able to use Phantom Spar, immensely powerful mages too can do this. They will begin to release substantial amounts of radiation once they enter the Master stage. In contrast, all of the ancient existences with bloodline predating the demonic dragons would release this amount of radiation from birth."
"Does that mean the fighters of the races before the demonic dragons were more powerful than fighters and mages today?" Katya asked, curious about the world of Ivy's youth.
"Indeed. Back then Pawn stage fighters if compared to today, would be able to beat any Grand Blademaster into submission. However, with the arrival of the demonic dragons, the very atmosphere was altered to suit them. As a result, the enslaved races became a sickly version of what they once were."
"All this was before the first demonic dragon got a hold of the Elder Spirits of Light and Darkness. Due to these 2 Elder Spirits embodied the laws of Life and Death, the first demonic dragon was able to alter the races and the whole of Ohmdorra at will. Even now, we still feel the effects of those changes."
Ivy explained to the group. At this point, everyone had already known Ivy was 50,000-sols-old. They we fighting alongside someone who had been around during a time prior to the demonic dragon dominion 20,000 sols ago.
For her to mention the vast difference between fighters then and now somewhat made the group upset. It is saddening bit of information they learned regarding the decline. However, this also lit a fire in their hearts as they traveled with someone who had lived through those times and another who had the power of beings from ages past.
…
45 minutes have passed since the Elder and I started fighting seriously. Honestly, I am having a demanding time breathing due to how tired I have become. Ever since time seemed to slow down for me, I have received a considerable amount of stashed to my body.
I'm no coward though. Made sure I got no slashes on my back and will never show my back to an opponent. Nonetheless, the pressure from the fight is getting to me. A few minutes ago, I strongly felt like giving up since no matter how well I notice Elder Aliandorith attacks, feints, or potential dodging, my body simply can't respond in time to take advantage of the opportunity.
Don't get me wrong, I have somewhat improved my response time so instead of his blade being inches away from slicing me in two, now I can block or parry his advance a third of a meter away. Yet, this is not enough! I am not even near my limit, but I am reaching the limit of my patience, that's for sure. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up with little to no progress despite the work I have put in.
-End of Chapter