In this world, two special elements exist, granting access to the realm of knowledge only to a chosen few. The first is the luminous essence wielded by the Agarthanians, known as the light element.
To master this art, one must be born with Agarthanian blood flowing in their veins; otherwise, the prospect of acquiring such knowledge remains a mere dream. Such is the inescapable destiny tethered to the circumstances of one's birth.
Before Leon stands the second special element: the shadow element. Some refer to it as the dark element, but labeling it as darkness would be an error, as that term belongs to the omnipresent cosmic force that pervades the entire universe.
Hence, the majority opt for the name shadow, while a select few persist in using dark or darkness due to its perceived coolness.
When comparing the prerequisites for both special elements, the requirement for the light element proves significantly more lenient. The severity of this condition is so harsh that it compels people to wear eyes of sorrow.
Just as there are virtuous people, there are also those with nefarious people who view this condition as an opportunity. After all, this requirement is attainable to some extent, unlike the one demanding a specific race's blood coursing through one's veins.
The prerequisite for mastering the shadow element is quite literally reflected in the eyes of a child named Axel. Only those who have never beheld the light throughout their existence can grasp the intricacies of this element—people born with congenital blindness.
This merciless requirement unveils the gates to the darkest element, allowing practitioners to materialize the visions within their minds, enabling others to savor the unchanging landscapes of their lifelong, perpetual darkness.
A notable characteristic of being a wielder of a special element is the advantage of commencing one's magical journey ahead of the curve. Initiating the path of magic at Level 1 rather than Level 3 sets these people apart.
People endowed with special abilities naturally gravitate towards their respective elements, akin to Merpeople dwelling in water and assimilating its ways from a tender age.
For such exceptions, the only task that remains is to patiently await the opportunity to acquire knowledge in universal energy arts. Once achieved, a gateway opens, allowing them to refine both their martial and magical arts simultaneously.
An enticing boon from the outset, yet a double-edged sword that could scatter obstacles along one's path, this captivating two-way road held both immense advantages and potential pitfalls.
Leon was well aware of the challenges awaiting him from the outset.
Nevertheless, he willingly embraced this sparring-like confrontation. Despite facing an opponent who had yet to fully mature in his abilities, Leon sought the opportunity to engage in a duel with a wielder of the shadow element.
However, this wasn't his sole motivation.
Similar to his encounter with the guard, the first action Leon took was to assess his status. Fortunately, he found himself with ample, leisurely moments to do so as he trailed behind Axel's guard toward their battleground.
'Status.'
[Name: Leon Rastia]
[Race: Human]
[Universal Energy Arts: Level 2]
[Chaos: 2]
[STR: 10 (+14) STA: 10 (+16)]
[AGL: 10 (+17) INT: 0 (+19)]
[Unassigned Stat Points: 11]
[Magic: ----]
In contrast to the last assessment, there were subtle yet gratifying variances. Particularly noteworthy were the changes in his INT and unassigned stat points. Ascending to a new level had indeed made a significant impact.
In contrast to the meager saliva-dripping 1 he received upon reaching Level 1, this time around, he secured a perfect 10. Surprisingly, his INT stat remained unchanged at 5. Nevertheless, these were welcomed bonuses, and the better-than-nothing psychology came into play, so to speak.
[STR: 10 (+12)]
[AGL: 10 (+14)]
[STA: 10 (+13)]
[INT: 0 (+12)]
These were his stats before the alteration. Through unwavering dedication to his training, he amassed a commendable amount over time. He sensed a readiness for a duel against a peer or at least someone who appeared to be one.
His proclamation of age proudly displayed to showcase his talent to all, played a significant role in drawing a smile across Leon's face.
Both sides stood poised, brimming with confidence. One, confident in his magical prowess, while the other in his advantage named as the system. In quiet anticipation, they awaited the impending moment, akin to two warriors converging upon a hill for their ultimate battle.
"Just start it already!"
"Yeah, we came all the way to watch you!"
"Which clan are you kids from!?"
An audience awaited, eager to be entertained. Yet, the grievances of those perched on the ground failed to register even the slightest impact on their focus.
Despite holding positions of authority, there were those unreserved about flaunting their power, pricking the eyes of others with their formidable abilities.
A hushed voice resonated throughout the entire area, reaching every ear in a subtle whisper.
"Won't you children duke it out?"
Flight was a privilege reserved for those at Level 5 and above. A formidable figure from the Reptilian race, possessing both an intimidating visage and formidable strength, spurred them on to engage in battle. Her mere appearance was sufficient to instill terror in hearts.
Her green-hued body resembled that of a Zeta's or Yuorian's, seemingly crafted from seamless skin.
A lengthy, robust tail, reminiscent of a reptile's, extended in proportion to her towering, nearly 2-meter stature, swaying with strength. Vertical reptilian eyes, resembling those of a crocodile, coupled with yellow pupils reminiscent of a raccoon, completed her formidable visage.
Previously called as demons, they were now recognized as the formidable race of Reptilians.
Seconds elapsed, stretching into an enduring passage of time. Neither Leon nor Axel displayed any inclination to initiate the fight. The notion that the one who strikes first emerges victorious served as a deceptive element, clouding the minds of the unsuspecting.
In a duel of this nature, the advantage lay with the defensive side. The defender could perceive their opponent's attacks, allowing for preparation and potential counterattacks. Significantly, the advantage tilted towards the one launching the attack as the second participant.
"Do you children want some encouragement to start your little fight?"
"Sigh…"
As if acquiescing to the desires of the audience, or perhaps to just hers, Leon seized the initiative after a brief sigh.
Thump!
Channeling power for burst speed from his left foot, which crushed the earth beneath, he swiftly closed the distance.
His right fist was poised, prepared to spring into action.
Leon's target was the rib cage, not the head, opting for a more assured strike.
"Heh."
Futile was his attack, swiftly evaded by Axel.
Pow!
Turning to his right, Axel delivered a retaliatory blow to Leon's liver.
"Heh."
However, his own attack proved equally ineffective.
Leon hadn't aimed for a serious strike; rather, he sought to initiate the fight and gauge Axel's response, contemplating the release of his formidable ball of power.
Axel's fist connected with Leon's palm, causing neither pain nor injury. It was evident that both parties were engaged in a deliberate testing of each other's capabilities.
"Let's get serious," Axel declared, assuming the stance of a pitcher.
Raising his left leg into the air, Axel brought his empty hand closer to the shadow ball, resembling a pitcher caressing his ball. He poised himself for a high-speed ball attack.
Leon's brow shot up in surprise, then he narrowed his eyes, his face contorting with a mixture of anger and determination.
'This f*cker wants to toy with me.'
"Take this!"
In contrast to other elemental attacks, this one generated neither a sound nor a discernible sensation.
Typically, elemental balls, depending on the nature of the element, induce a specific form of destruction. For instance, contingent on the user's level and the quantity of universal energy-infused, a fireball might incinerate everything in its path, while an ice ball could carve a frozen trail.
Even after it descended and struck the ground due to Leon's anticipated evasion, no reverberation echoed through the air. Not even a dent manifested. It was as if something intangible, something ethereal, collided with the ground and adhered to it, mimicking a corporeal impact.
"Are you serious right now?"
Leon's fury heightened, exacerbated by Axel's smirk.
Thump!
This time, without preparing himself, Leon launched into an immediate attack. Swift combinations of one-twos became his strategy, persistently evaded but with the hope that the continuous assault would wear down his adversary.
However, an unforeseen event unfolded.
Poow!!
"Guuh!"
"Heh, be careful, alright?"
Leon's relentless onslaught was abruptly interrupted by a surprise attack that struck his back.
Contrary to appearances, Axel wasn't merely dodging; his right hand, or more precisely, his fingers, had been in constant motion throughout the entire sequence.
Simultaneously evading, Axel was also preparing for his upcoming counterattack.
The shadow ball, previously affixed to the ground, returned accompanied by dark brown accomplices. Resembling a glue, it extracted the portions it had adhered to.
This outcome rested on Leon's shoulders.
Indeed, his shadow ball lacked the strength to shatter the ground, especially since it wasn't one of its specialties. Axel's target was the fragmented ground created by Leon's initial dash.
He achieved a feat that even those with eyes might find challenging in the midst of a battle. He demonstrated and confirmed that he didn't require eyes to discern the subtle openings.
The stones, accelerated by the power of shadow magic, pelted Leon's back. An assault that would typically leave no impact was keenly felt by him. Nevertheless, it wasn't severe enough to bring him to his knees.
"Pew!"
Bits of blood dripped onto the ground
Placing his left hand on his back, he uttered slowly.
"I'm getting serious now."