The Inner Odyssey

Chapter 151: Sooner Than Expected



The crowd murmured excitedly, liveliness and energy rippling off them in waves.

It had been a long day of spectating and cheering, all culminating to this very moment.

…The Final.

Between the Holy Knight Order and the Noble Guild.

Without having to think, Alden knew which side he would support.

Although he admired the tenacity and doggedness of the Holy Knights, the Noble Guild were just that much cooler in his eyes. Not to mention that he had also formed a somewhat personal connection with the Sisters, if not a memorable first impression at the very least.

So, Alden was looking forward to the bout.

He hoped his former examiners would win.

Throughout the day, the sun had slowly dipped towards the horizon as time passed. Now, it was close to setting, bathing the Theatre and the grounds of the arena in a molten, twilight glow.

Shadows stretched and stirred.

Soon after, both Guilds stepped out.

The Holy Knights received the largest cheer, courtesy of their status as the tournament favourite's, as well as the crowd's favourite. That was not to say the Nobles didn't receive any encouragement.

In fact, Alden was slightly surprised to note that there was actually a decent number of spectators rooting for them.

Of course, it was a given, considering how awesome the Sisters were.

Still, it was nice to see.

The Keeper's Apprentice mentally cheered them on. Around him, the rest of the delegations appeared to show interest in the clash. That, or like him, they just wanted to head home and retire for the day.

Either way, it was time to fight.

'And fight they shall.'

Alden grinned.

Moments later, the groan of the announcer's horn reverberated through the arena, shuddering, like the cry of an ancient beast, as the fight got underway.

***

Without wasting even a second, the Holy Knights launched blasts of green wind energy, a twisting vortex spinning in its centre, like a revolving projectile.

The crowd roared, immediately on their feet.

Alden watched as the Noble Sisters remained calm, the gem affixed to the tip of the staff-wielder's staff glowing with an azure hue. In the next moment, three azure lances jabbed at the incoming blasts of wind.

As soon as the magical weapons pierced the spinning spiral, they imploded.

A wave of compressed mana slammed into the protective barriers, the aftershocks of the first attacks ravaging the air.

Wind keened, as if mourning.

With the threat of the first salvo neutralised, dispelled by the staff-wielder's quick thinking, Toni's figure disappeared. A heartbeat later, one of the Holy Knights staggered as they parried an unseen blow.

Leaving their own teammate to fend for themselves, the other two stone-like warriors dashed for the Noble Queen and her sister. However, before they could make it very far, they found themselves trapped in a large, concentric barrier, humming with magic.

The Holy Knights were unfazed, though.

In the same breath, an innumerable number of slash marks suddenly appeared on the concentric barrier, devastating it. It burst apart in a cloud of fine, magical dust. The Holy Knights dealt with the obstruction in less than a blink of an eye.

Coated in a film of shimmering, ethereal dust, they sped towards their foes, the soles of their feet glowing green.

Alden marveled at the display. Although brief, it was enough to show the skill of both groups of Experts. Contrary to the Paladin Exam, the staff-wielder was much more proactive, signifying the solemnness with which she viewed this bout.

Similarly, the Holy Knights' strategy was also more aggressive.

Pensive, Alden observed the sky overhead darken, turning overcast. The wind picked up, both in the volume of its cries and its power. He saw the Noble Queen's hair which had fluttered behind her calmly like a mantle, now danced wildly, kicked into a frenzy.

Subject to the wind's fury, the Noble Queen's stance remained firm, almost languid.

'Wouldn't expect anything less.'

Alden smiled to himself.

In response to the Holy Knights advance, a pair of brilliant wings formed behind her, woven from a kaleidoscope of mystical colours. Coupled with her gleaming golden armour, she looked like a regal butterfly.

The Noble Queen hovered in the air for a moment, a second skin of azure armour slipping over her - courtesy of her sister -, before she rushed her opponents.

On the other end of the arena, Toni appeared to have the upper hand against her adversary. The stone-like Holy Knight cut a frustrated figure, her invisible and extremely stealthy blows almost too much for them to handle.

Almost.

The Holy Knights were still Experts, and seasoned ones at that. So, while Toni's swift and annoying strikes, like that of a nimble creature, were welcome, it wasn't enough to eliminate her opponent.

Still, Toni did not give up.

She harassed her foe, unrelenting in her attempts to wear them down.

'She's very good at that.'

Alden's lips twitched at his own experience which he still couldn't forget.

Suddenly, green-flecked wind energy exploded out from the Holy Knight.

Toni, who was in the midst of another attack paused, and scrambled to get out of the way. The powerful twisting gale revealed her once invisible form, her cloak billowing behind her as she sliced at the incoming attack.

The wind parted beneath her blade, screaming either side of her.

Before she could take a breath, the Holy Knight was upon her.

Alden clicked his tongue.

The tide had turned.

Now, it was Toni's turn to endure a fierce onslaught.

Overhead, the wind picked up in intensity, as if displaying the Holy Knights' annoyance. The overcast sky was grey and dreary, not a single ray of sunlight in sight.

In the middle of the arena, the Noble Queen's brilliant wings increased her speed to a stunning degree. She was like a swift blur - Alden only glimpsed her shooting off, and then the two Holy Knights hurriedly raised their blades, the loud clang of clashing swords indicating the Noble Queen's new position.

She truly was a force to be reckoned with.

It felt like she was unstoppable.

Certainly, to an [Adept] like Alden.

The Holy Knights were able to contend with her somewhat, and even that was an impressive feat, considering the manner in which she had defeated all her opponents prior.

Still, the stone-like warriors were struggling, which was unlike them.

Alden sensed something would change.

…Only, it came sooner than expected.


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