Chapter 6 - Spar

Seeing the two Gnolls ready to start their spar Chief Koly stomped on the ground causing two earthen chairs to rise up. "Looks like they're about to start, come sit down Redmill." Chief Koly said as he rested his chin on his palm.

Skrid looked at Yaren with a smirk while posturing leisurely. His hand rested on the pommel of his sword while his other hand rested in the folds of his undershirt. "Come on Runt, time to take a beating." He said provocatively. Yaren slowly moved forward while continuing to brandish his axes. " Although this is my first fight, I can feel my blood starting to pump."

Once Yaren was a few feet away from Skrid he took a few cautious swings towards Skrid to see his reaction. Skrid yawned while easily dodging the swings from the axes. "I know you're inexperienced, but at least put some heart into it." Skrid said with a disappointed frown. Yaren, completely inexperienced in battle tried to find away to catch Skrid off guard. "I've never tried it before but.." Yaren suddenly kicked up a small rock from the ground and punched it towards Skrid. Seeing the rock flying towards him Skrid turned his head to the side with a small smirk. Seeing the opportunity Yaren decided to try out his only attack skill.

[Violent Rush] Suddenly, Yaren dashed forward with startling speed, brutally swinging his axes. Skrid, caught off guard deftly pulled his sword from his sheath and parried one of the war axes, however he was caught off guard at the sheer ferocity of Yarens attack. Having no other choice he coated his arm in his Mana causing his arm to look like a rockey floor bed. Seeing his Axe about to strike true a deep, savage feeling welled up with Yarens chest. His eyes constricted as the force behind his axe grew greater. The blade of the ace made contact with Skrids arm causing a loud crushing sound as the coating of rock armor shielding Skrids arm shattered, causing the axe to be embedded deeply in Skrids forearm.

Seeing the events that transpired Chief Kolys eyes widened in shock at the sight before him. "What?! Although Skrid is only at the Second Evolution, he is still many time stronger than Yaren. I hadn't seen Yaren use any Mana In his attack, yet right before his strike hit a strange energy seemed to flash briefly. This Whelp is definitely unique. A weak inexperienced First Evolution easily shattering the defenses of a peak Second Evolution, close to his Third." He thought with rapt attention. Glacing to the side to see Redmill covering her mouth with her hand, he noticed a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips.

"Rhhmf" Skrid grunted through gritted teeth as he leaped backwards, clearly caught off guard by the sudden turn in battle. Blood was flowing steadily from his arm as he tore his shirt and wrapped it around the wound. He was about to compliment Yaren for his ability to catch him off guard and break his defenses before he noticed Yaren wasn't moving, he was just staring at the blood on his hands as his breaths grew deeper.

Yaren looked down at the blood covering his hands. His pupils constricted, and his breathing turned more and more ragged by the second. He could feel his veins pumping faster than he had ever experienced before. His heart thumped wildly in his chest. Looking up he saw Skrid staring at him with a dazed and confused expression on his face. Yaren took a deep breath while closing his eyes and tilting his head back, as if he was savoring the first moment of bloodshed in battle. Suddenly, he looked at Skrid with a voracious smile splayed across his face. Without giving Skrid a chance to say anything he launched himself towards Skrid once more.

[Violent Rush] Yaren appeared in front of Skrid once more and swung his axes in a cleaving x. Skrid taken aback by the sudden changes, he swiftly stomped the ground and pumped his arms as an aura that made it seem as if you were staring at a boulder covered his body. "I'll admit you've far exceeded my expectations already Yaren. Its almost hard to stop myself from holding back!" Skrid howled with glee as he suddenly propelled himself forward to meet Yarens axes.

[Breaking Earth] Skrid launched two punches effortlessly pushing the two war axes away before lunching a furious assault upon Yaren with his fists. The final hit ended with great force sending Yaren tumbling into the wall far away along the other side of the room. Waiting for the dust to settle, Skrid scratched his cheeks with an apologetic smile as he thought he had over done it a bit. He glanced over at the Chief to see him looking at the area where Yaren was sent flying with narrowed eyes and a stern face. Skrid turned his head back to where Yaren was before he Instincts started screaming at him to but up defenses.

Yaren coughed up a mouthful of blood as he was sent crashing into the wall. A few short moments passed before he let out a deep breath. A soft, creeping giggle slowly played out from between his lips. Although his body was in pain not a single thought worrying about it, nor the condition of his body crossed Yarens mind. The air around him became subtley haze, like the air on a hot humidity day. The fur on Yarens body stood up on end as a wolfish smile painted his face. Caught up in the moment of battle, the battle intent, and his own bloodlust caused Yaren to subconsciously release his Trait Skill [Zealous Fervor] as he steadied himself. The subtle haze around him took a slight reddish hue as it seemed to slowly seep into the pores of Yarens body. Without giving it so much as a second thought, Yaren once again used [Violent Rush] as he flashed towards his opponent.

Skrid was more alert than ever as his instincts continued to scream danger at him. Using multiple defenses skills he knew and coating his body with his Mana he warily raised his sword in preparation.

Skrids eyes widened as astonishment was plastered on his face. Quickly mustering his energy to counter Yarens abrupt charge, the savagery contained in the attack had caught him off guard as he felt his sword once again push away only a single war axe. Gritting his teeth Skrid used a skill he had hidden.

[Surging Mountain Force]!

Skrid roared as he swung his free fist towards the axe blade closing In on his chest.

*BOOM* the collision of the two forces caused a deafening boom to resound throughout the stone room, causing the frowning Chief Koly to swiftly wave his hand forming a barrier around the two fighting. " I hadn't expected that much power to erupt from that whelp." He said as he peered towards the flurry of dust. Redmill was speechless as she sat breathless on the conjured earthen chair. Shaking his head at the scene he slowly started to speak again. "Skrid had sorely underestimated that Whelp. I had as well, but that fool almost paid a hefty price for being unprepared for such an event."

Blood dripped to the ground as a humanoid beast stood hunched over taking In bated breaths. His arms remained slack by his side while his hand maintained a loose grip around his sword. His eyes gazed at the figure laying crumpled on the ground in front of him. "Wha.. what the fuck was that?" With shakey steps he slowly shuffled over to the unconscious man on the ground. Seeing that Yaren was still breathing, Skrid let out a shakey sigh of relief as he fell back into a sitting position on the ground. "I feel as if I would have lost my life had I been any weaker..." He thought to himself as he looked at his trembling hands.