The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden light over the dueling arena. The ground was reinforced with mana formations, ensuring that the battle would not destroy the surroundings. Knights, mages, and nobles gathered around, forming a vast audience—some excited, others anxious.
The tension in the air was suffocating.
Azrael Kaelthorne stepped onto the battlefield, his golden eyes gleaming with a quiet, unshakable resolve. His black coat fluttered slightly as he moved, his hand resting on Necrilith's hilt. His body still carried the lingering pain of his past injuries, but he had healed enough. More than enough.
Opposite him stood Elaris Velmira—her light blonde hair glowed under the sunlight, her red eyes burning with anticipation. Unlike the usual regal dresses she wore, today she was clad in a combat outfit fit for battle. A long silver blade rested in her grip, its edge reflecting her determination.
This was not just a sparring match.
This was a battle between the strongest.
A voice boomed across the arena, signaling the start of the duel.
"Begin!"
Instantly, Elaris moved.
She shot forward like a streak of light, her sword cutting through the air toward Azrael's throat.
Azrael didn't move.
Instead, he let the attack come, his golden eyes narrowing in focus. Just as the blade was about to reach him—
CLANG!
His sword, Necrilith, intercepted hers in an instant. The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, shaking the arena's foundation. The sheer force behind her attack was monstrous, but Azrael barely flinched.
Elaris' eyes widened slightly.
"You've gotten faster," she remarked.
Azrael's lips curled slightly. "And you've always been predictable."
Before she could respond, he countered.
With a flicker of movement, Azrael twisted his sword, breaking their clash and forcing her back. He immediately vanished.
No—he hadn't disappeared. Void Step.
Abyssal darkness flickered in his wake as he reappeared behind her, his blade slashing downward.
Elaris reacted instantly.
Her sword spun, parrying his strike, but Azrael was already moving again. He didn't give her time to breathe, unleashing a flurry of abyssal-infused slashes. Dark Blade Cascade.
Each attack was sharper, faster, more precise.
But Elaris wasn't just defending.
Her aura flared, her presence growing heavier with each second. Then—BOOM.
A single step.
The ground beneath her shattered as she surged forward, swinging her sword in a full-powered arc.
Azrael barely managed to block in time, but the sheer impact sent him skidding backward. His feet dug into the ground, his arms stinging from the force.
Then he grinned.
"You've gotten stronger too."
Elaris exhaled, her eyes glowing. "I won't hold back, Azrael."
Azrael's aura surged in response. "Neither will I."
Their battle had only just begun.
To Be Continued…