The Inner Odyssey

Full of chilling grace, the Ice Wraiths utilised the wave of energy from the destroyed Ice Dragon to slip in behind the Flame Vipers and attack. Their frozen blades, compressed to a frightening degree, radiated an alarming level of biting cold.

Drakon predicted he would be hard pressed to contend against it, even with his potent - and equally harrowing - divine flame.

Obviously, he would lose due to his low rank.

But, it still went to show the strength of their ice.

Drakon watched the Flame Vipers react to the sudden strikes with bated breath. Instead of turning around - the fiery warriors must have realised the futility of that, especially in such a fast-paced battle -, two flaming arms shot out from their backs.

The blazing appendages immediately blocked the gelid blades, smothering them in a steaming grip. The two energies seethed. Unfortunately for both sides, it seemed they were evenly matched, both in Rank and quality of magic energy.

Relief welled within Drakon at that.

This meant the Flame Vipers were not inferior to the Ice Wraiths. However, one could not be so hasty when assessing the outcome of battle, especially since both sides seemed like they still had a lot yet to give.

Suddenly, the scarlet-clad warriors whirled around, dismissing the flaming arms.

The magical flame lost its shape, on the verge of dissipating. However, before it could fully disappear, the Flame Vipers fashioned it into a copy of their opponent's ice blades, channeling mana into the weapon to strengthen it.

What materialised was a brilliant orange sword, glowing with an incandescent light, shrouded in a mantle of hissing, steaming fog.

Tongues of flame licked at the mist, eager to devour it.

And thus, the clash entered a new… and exciting stage.

Most combatants in the Tournament usually settled with using overwhelming displays of magic. Rarely did they show an intent to cross blades and test who the better blademaster was.

It did not matter if the weapons were physical or magical. In fact, in Drakon's estimation, the latter was harder to fight with. Although he was more of a spear wielder himself, his expertise on magical swordsmanship was sufficient enough that he knew some principles - after all, he couldn't afford to look like a fool.

In any case, the polychromatic spark in Drakon's eyes grew, now resembling a small, intense blaze. His surroundings blurred, his whole focus directed towards observing the enthralling bout.

Torrents of scorching flame burst from the Flame Viper's feet, propelling them forward. Their figures gave off the impression of burning asps, ready to sink their fangs into delicious flesh.

However, the Ice Wraiths were not to be outdone.

As soon as their foes neared, their bodies turned indistinct, fading away like a soft cloud.

In the next moment, they reappeared a couple of metres away, at a more advantageous position. The Flame Vipers barely managed to raise their blades in time to block the blow.

Flame snarled.

Ice hissed.

The ghostly wraiths disengaged after a few more testing probes. Their bodies disappeared again, merging with the mist. In response, the Flame Vipers released waves of flame in an outward circle.

Pale fog boiled, super heating.

Suddenly, a shimmer in the mist caught the Flame Vipers eye.

They lunged.

Unfortunately for them, at that moment, the Ice Wraith wisely decided to retreat. However, Drakon noticed the tactic was effective, based on how swiftly the icy warrior fled.

The Ember heir's posture turned tense, stiff with anticipation.

Reflected in his fiery gaze, the Flame Vipers sprayed more flame, illuminating the surrounding mist. The sight inevitably reminded him of twilight - the setting sun casting its vibrant orange glow before it dove down into the horizon.

As a result of the Flame Vipers' quick thinking, the Ice Wraiths had to readjust.

…And readjust they did.

Drakon's expression turned somber.

Instead of a combined assault, the icy warriors changed their strategy.

They isolated their opponents and struck at them individually. Surrounded by a constant and seemingly all-encompassing mist, the Flame Vipers could do nothing but fight back, finding themselves split into three different battles, separated from each other.

An ember of anxiety smoldered within Drakon.

He honed in on a particular fight, noting how the Ice Wraith had shed their concealment, leaping at the Flame Viper in a flash of ice and frosty animosity. The latter responded in kind, and very soon, their magical blades slammed into each other.

It was as if the Ice Wraith was now the asper, and the Flame Viper was the prey.

Contrary to appearances, the fiery warrior remained firm.

They shifted subtly, staggering mid-step.

For a heart-stopping moment, Drakon thought they had ran out of energy. However, in the next moment, fire bloomed around the Ice Wraith like sparks in the night sky. The flame condensed, swiftly morphing into fiery manacles which grabbed at the frigid spectre.

The Ice Wraith's figure shone, hurriedly coating their limbs in plates of ice.

Because of that, Drakon noticed they had lost some of their previous nimbleness - due to the extra weight. The Flame Viper perceived that small detail too, and instantly captialised.

A few metres away, two other battles raged, no less intense, and equally as thrilling.

Both Guilds still seemed locked in a fierce stalemate.

Dissatisfied, one of the Ice Wraiths broke off from their battle, and faded away. A heartbeat later, they were lunging towards another Flame Viper struggling against an already alarming attack.

Too preoccupied with fending off the blow, the latter did not notice the presence of the new Ice Wraith until it was too late.

Now, Elder Crystal's star Guild held the numerical advantage.

Drakon wasn't worried, though.

Why?

Because the opponent-less Flame Viper had also ganged up on another Ice Wraith, swiftly eliminating them. Four combatants now remained inside the misty arena of the Theatre of War.

The conclusion of the battle came sooner than anyone expected.

The surviving Ice Wraiths and Flame Vipers fought furiously, each Guild intent on reaching the next round. Unfortunately for the former, somehow, somewhere, the Flame Vipers conjured a burst of extra strength which quashed their opponents.

Overjoyed polychromatic sparks danced in Drakon's eyes, mirroring the roar of the satisfied crowd.

Suddenly, the Ember Heir frowned, sensing someone's gaze lingering on him.

He turned, and immediately froze, lost in the icy depths of the one who held his heart.

Eira studied him with her usual aloof, dispassionate look.

However, for some reason, she did not immediately break eye contact.

'Strange.'

It was as if she was searching for something.

Seemingly finding her answer, Drakon sensed her gaze linger for a brief moment longer, before she looked away. As the crowd outside applauded the Flame Vipers, a small, encouraging seed sprouted inside the Ember Heir's acrid and barren heart.

Perhaps…

There was some hope of redeeming himself, after all.

A brilliant smile ignited across Drakon's face.