Chapter 337: Unexpected Revelation
Chapter 337: Unexpected Revelation
Chapter 337: Unexpected Revelation
Ten minutes after the start of the tournament, three quarters of the fights were already over. When it came to awakened battles, time was viewed differently. Even after being requested to be as slow as possible, a battle reached its natural end in about ten minutes. Some of the veterans knew better, deliberately extending the fights longer, but even they didnt go past fifteen-twenty minutes. Back on Earth, no one would allow any form of entertainment to last for such a short amount of time. Here, though, the common people were used to the intensity of the experience, remaining on the edge of their seats for a very intense half hour, while the awakened had the perception to enjoy the whole thing blow by blow.
According to the event organizers, once the first round of fighting concluded, the Lord Mayor was going to congratulate the winners, after which the grid would be readjusted and three rounds of exhibition battles would commence. All that had lost the round would face one another every two hours for the crowds amusement, and in between the various opera and theatre troupes would perform for the chance of getting noticed.
Meanwhile, the battle between Mord and Dallion continued. The intensity of the fight had exhausted both of them, which only made them go at it more. With each minute, Mords advantage shrank until it was no more.
You found a way, didnt you? The Flameforger smiled, as he twisted through the air, evading the whip blade as it slashed through the air.Fiind updated novels at novelhall.com
The attacks would have allowed him to complete a few guards, and acrobatic sequences, if Dallion didnt make a point to interrupt them as often as possible. An intricate game of living chess was taking place in which each of the contestants engaged in pre-set sequences that could be changed freely depending on the others reaction. Yet despite the help Dallion was getting from his familiar, he was still lacking in the weapons and techniques compartment. If Dallion had brought a lot of exotic weapons to the fight, Mord had twice as many, all of them of sky silver, and most of them indestructible. It didnt help that Dallions dagger was kicked out of his hand at one point, making him having to rely on more conventional things.
Several times during the fight, he felt the harpsiswords eagerness to join in, but he dared not draw her out not yet, at least.
Youre a good rival. But youve still green. Without warning, Mord split into two instances. Dallion saw them clearly, but there was nothing he could do: he didnt have the mental fortitude to respond with instances of his own, not the reflexes to break the splitting as it occurred. Thus, he did the only remaining option: take the hit in such a way so as to limit the damage taken.
Based on the pain received, it was questionable whether he had succeeded. Leaping away from his opponent, Dallion reassembled the whip blade. The action made his opponent pause. Being tired as he was, he had to evaluate every attack far more precisely than before. That gave Dallion time to compose a plan.
You cant drag this on, dear boy, Nil said.
Hes in a worse state than I am, Dallion replied. Dragging on only helps me.
Not at this stage. Letting him form a viable plan is more dangerous than gaining a bit of strength. Id strongly suggest finishing it in one go.
That was pretty much the same conclusion Dallion had come to. Leaning against the separator, he placed the heel of his right boot on the wooden surface.
Is it fair for you to be giving me advice like this? Dallion asked. He didnt want to get disqualified for some technicality.
The echo just laughed.
Dear boy, do you think youre the only one receiving advice? I wouldnt be surprised if he has a ring with Sky Fire giving him during the fight. Some have more than one echo advisor. Rest assured, the only way youd be disqualified would be if you lose.
That was enough for Dallion to know. With a brisk action, he drew the harpsisword with his left hand. The presence of the armadil shield made it difficult, though not impossible. In a way that worked to Dallions advantagesomeone of Mords level had no doubt attempted fighting in this fashion at some point in his past, so he knew just how uncomfortable it had to be. Dallion felt a faint air of sympathy coming from his opponent just before Mord dashed at him.
Lets go crazy, Dallion thought. He was going to gamble it all. Lux, boost me!
A bright flame burst through Dallions boot, giving him a tremendous boost forward. Any normal flame would have burned his entire leg off, but a healing flame only damaged part of his boot. Of course, given that Eury was observing the fight, there might be additional pain afterwards.
You do this every year? the guest asked, clearly enjoying himself.
Indeed, it has a rustic charm to it. The mage wasnt overly impressed. You should have your Imperial uncle take you to see one of the Academys tournaments, young master. I am confident youll find the performance far more sophisticated and satisfying.
The Academy tournament is for those who want to admire what they cannot have. The countess was having none of that attitude. But since you are here, maybe you can give us all a taste? Im sure that well all agree that if the participants are healed faster, theyll provide a far more interesting experience in the battles to come.
The power play was made. There was no way the mage could refuse, especially since it was him that breached the subject. It was somewhat ironic that his attempts to belittle the festival had forced him to make it even grander. With an over-amplified sigh, the old man reached out and started moving his hands through the air. Invisible lines and patterns were drawn, stacking up layer after layer, until in the end a bright pattern emerged.
All noise stopped. Even the fighters who were still conscious turned around to witness the work of a mage. Having one cast in public was rare enough. To have a master mass cast was nothing short of extraordinary.
In the blink of the eye, the pattern grew twice in size, then twice more. In a matter of seconds, it filled the entire sky. And once it did, it moved down to the ground of the arena, like a giant coin of aether.
Dallion felt a pleasant lightness surround his body. In a way, it was similar to Luxs healing flame, but also very different. If the firebird felt like being rubbed with alcohol, this felt like being wrapped in warm velvet. All pain and fatigue were drained away, along with any wound. Dallion watched as the visible scars and bruises on Mords body disappeared into the air like burning wax.
Done its job, the purple pattern faded away a few seconds later.
Show off, Nil grumbled. Thats the problem with magesthey always think they are twice better than the things they do.
So, hes strong? Dallion asked.
Dear boy, compared to you all mages are incredibly strong. The only thing that protects you from them is the law of the Moons. Be mindful, though. The moment you pass your next barrier, the Moons wont protect you anymore.
That was good to know. It means that Ill have to think of a way to deal with him....
Before Dallion could say more, two green rectangles appeared in front of Dallion.
CROSS REALM MASTERY!
(+1 ???)
Youve fully grasped the ability to have your familiars affect the real world and be affected by it. You asked for this, so better not complain!
EMPATHY ATTRIBUTE GRANTED!
The power of the GREEN MOON now flows through you, allowing you to hear and converse with guardians at will.
LRAB