The arena buzzed with tension. The crowd murmured in anticipation, eyes fixed on the two figures standing at the center of the battlefield. One was shrouded in shadows, the other a beacon of light.
Lucian stood tall, his posture relaxed, a gleaming sword held in his hand, its blade reflecting the sunlight like a streak of silver. His eyes locked onto his opponent—Xeran, the blind boy with long silver hair that cascaded like moonlight, dressed in an elegant white robe that seemed to glow under the sun. His presence was ethereal, otherworldly, his face serene behind the white cotton band that covered his eyes. Yet, his stance was poised, ready for battle.
"So... you're the one who's been causing a stir," Lucian said, his voice dripping with curiosity. "I heard you use Kotoba magic. Let's see what you've got, pretty boy."
Xeran tilted his head, an almost imperceptible smile forming on his lips. "And I've heard you're quite the fighter... Phantom. It seems I was right to be curious."
The air grew cold. Lucian's eyes narrowed. He knew better than to underestimate someone who couldn't even see his opponent. No... Xeran didn't need his eyes. He had something far more dangerous.
"Match, begin!" the examiner shouted, and in the blink of an eye, Xeran moved.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind brushed past Lucian's face. It was sharp, precise. He barely managed to tilt his head, a thin cut forming on his cheek. Blood trickled down slowly.
"What the...?" Lucian's eyes widened. He hadn't even seen the attack coming.
"Kamaitachi," Xeran's voice echoed, calm and composed. "The word that carries the legacy of the four-winged dragon, Anatheara. It grants me the power to manipulate wind, slicing through anything in my path."
His words were cold, precise—like the very magic he wielded.
Lucian clenched his sword tightly. Kotoba magic... turning words into power. How troublesome. His opponent wasn't just some blind kid. He was a descendant of the legendary dragon.
Xeran's body flickered, his form vanishing into thin air, reappearing behind Lucian without a sound. "Kamaitachi: Phantom Wind."
Blades of wind, invisible to the naked eye, sliced toward Lucian from every direction. The air howled, swirling with lethal intent. But Lucian was ready this time.
Boom!
A burst of mana exploded from Lucian's body, pushing the winds away. He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp gales. His reflexes were pushed to their limit.
"Heh. So you can dodge that?" Xeran's voice was laced with intrigue. "Interesting."
Lucian's lips curled into a grin. "You're fast... but speed alone won't be enough." His muscles tensed, mana crackling around him like electricity.
Xeran's expression remained unfazed. "Speed alone? You think this is just speed?" He lifted his head, the white band around his eyes fluttering as he spoke. "Kamaitachi isn't about mere movement. It's about control."
Suddenly, the air around Lucian grew heavy. It pressed down on him, suffocating, constricting his movements. It felt like invisible chains were binding him.
"What... the hell?" Lucian struggled, his body refusing to move.
"Kamaitachi: Pressure Zone," Xeran whispered. "I can control the air, manipulate its weight, its flow... and its pressure. You're trapped."
Lucian's body felt like it was being crushed under a mountain. His bones creaked, his muscles strained. But his eyes blazed with defiance. "You think... this is enough... to stop me?"
His mana flared, erupting with a roar. The pressure shattered, the air around him exploding outward. Lucian's body moved with lightning speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. His sword shot forward, aimed at Xeran's face.
But Xeran was gone.
Lucian's strike hit nothing but air.
"Too slow."
A blade of wind grazed Lucian's arm, cutting through his sleeve, drawing blood. Xeran stood behind him, completely unharmed. It was as if he was dancing through the air, untouchable.
Lucian gritted his teeth. Damn it... he's toying with me!
Xeran's voice echoed, calm as ever. "You can't win, Phantom. Not against the power of Kamaitachi. My senses are a hundred times more refined than yours. I see without seeing."
His white robe fluttered as he moved, his form becoming a blur. Wind gathered around him, swirling like a vortex. His long silver hair danced wildly, giving him the appearance of a celestial being descended from the heavens.
"I am the descendant of Anatheara, the four-winged dragon. The master of the wind itself." His words resonated through the arena, sending chills down Lucian's spine.
Lucian's heart raced. This guy... he's on a different level. But there was no backing down. His blood boiled with excitement, his grip tightening on his sword. "Then I'll just have to break through!"
Mana surged through his body, his aura erupting with ferocity. He focused, his mind sharpening like a blade. This wasn't just a fight—it was a test. A test to see how far he had come.
The ground beneath him cracked as he launched himself forward, his speed matching Xeran's. Their forms blurred, clashing in a flurry of strikes and slashes. Steel met wind, force met finesse. The arena trembled from the sheer intensity of their battle.
The spectators were silent, eyes wide in awe. None dared to blink, afraid to miss even a second of the spectacle.
Boom!
Their powers collided, shockwaves tearing through the air. Dust and debris were sent flying as the two warriors stood apart, both breathing heavily.
Xeran's band was slightly torn, revealing a glimpse of his closed eyes. His lips curled into a smile. "You're strong, Phantom. Stronger than I expected. This fight... was worth it."
Lucian wiped the blood from his cheek, his eyes blazing with determination. "You're not half bad yourself... Xeran. But next time, I'll crush you."
Xeran chuckled, his laughter echoing like the wind. "I look forward to it... friend."
The examiner's voice boomed. "The match is a draw! Both participants have shown exceptional skill and are qualified for the next round!"
The crowd erupted in applause, cheers shaking the arena.
As they walked off the battlefield, Xeran spoke, his voice low. "If we meet again... let's fight for real."
Lucian's grin widened. "Yeah... next time, no holding back."
This guy... Lucian thought, glancing at his silver-haired opponent. He's going to be trouble.