Maris took a deep breath, her anger slowly dissipating as the last flickers of the elental's essence faded from the cave. She stepped toward Lucan, her wings folding neatly behind her. The shimring shield of light around him was still intact, a barrier against the remnants of the chaotic battle.
Despite the situation, Maris could see that Lucan was relatively unhard. Still, her protective instincts and lingering fear drove her to act. With a solemn expression, she raised her hands and began to chant softly, invoking the Divine Healing spell.
The air around her crackled with intense energy as the spell took form. A brilliant light enveloped Lucan, bathing him in a soothing glow. The Divine Healing spell was renowned for its power; it could heal any wound as long as there was a heartbeat left in the patient. However, it ca at a great cost: it would drain Maris of all her magical abilities for several seconds, rendering her vulnerable.
The spell completed its work, and the light faded, leaving Lucan completely restored. Maris stumbled slightly, feeling the imdiate backlash of her magic draining away. Her breath ca in short gasps as she swayed, but before she could fall, Lucan caught her in his arms.
Maris closed her eyes for a brief mont, inhaling the familiar scent of Lucan. She loved being held by him, feeling the warmth of his presence.
Lucan glanced down at her, his expression softening, but then he sighed. "Sotis, I appreciate that you care this much, Maris," he said gently, "but using the Divine Healing spell when I'm perfectly fine… isn't exactly the most practical choice."
Maris looked up at him, her eyes still shimring with concern. "It was for my assurance, Lucan-sama," she replied softly.
Before Lucan could respond further, the sound of footsteps echoed. Reshmi arrived, her presence commanding and powerful as ever. Her eyes scanned around, taking in the remnants of the battle, the dissipating magic, and finally settling on Lucan with a curious gaze.
"Lucan-sama," Maris said, "This is Reshmi, the Tribal Warrior I t in the village. She's the head of that village. Reshmi, this is Lucan-sama, the most important person in my life."
Reshmi's gaze softened slightly as she regarded Lucan. She had sensed an imnse power the mont she had entered the cave, but now, standing before him, she could feel it more keenly. The strength radiating from him wasn't just magical—it was physical, too.
"It's an honor to et you, Mr. Lucan," Reshmi said, her voice filled curiosity. She paused, studying him further. "I can feel the strength within you. Are you… Perhaps you use physical strength?"
Maris bead with pride, her eyes shining as she spoke. "Yes, Reshmi! Lucan-sama is the most physically strong person I have ever known. His strength and abilities surpass anything I've ever encountered. He has faced countless dangers and erged victorious each ti. His wisdom, courage, and unwavering resolve make him the greatest protector and leader one could ever ask for.
Lucan-sama's re presence commands respect and awe, and I am honored to stand by his side."
Reshmi listened intently, her eyes flickering between Maris and Lucan as the words sank in. There was no doubt in her mind that Maris believed every word she said. The Tribal Warrior nodded in agreent, feeling Lucan's power for herself.
Lucan, who had been standing silently, felt a wave of embarrassnt wash over him. He didn't expect Maris to boast about him so much. It was true he was strong, but he wasn't entirely sure if he could match Reshmi in a contest of raw physical power. She was, after all, a Tribal Warrior, and their strength was legendary.
Reshmi seed to be thinking along the sa lines, as a glint of challenge appeared in her eyes. "I would love to test that strength of yours, Mr. Lucan," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Perhaps a friendly match?"
Lucan's own competitive spirit stirred. He hadn't had a proper physical challenge in so ti, and part of him was curious to see how much stronger he had beco. He was Kingdom Class in physical strength, water magic, and light magic, and Empire Class in dark magic and unique ability of Evil Magician. However, the thought of matching himself against soone of Reshmi's caliber was intriguing.
"I'd like that," Lucan said, nodding in agreent. "But we've spent nearly three hours here already. We need to return to Xue Lan and the others."
Maris also nodded and said they need to go.
Reshmi understand, but she wasn't about to let the opportunity slip by. "How about staying for a al, then?" she asked. "I prepared sothing special for you both. You could rest for a while, and we can still have our match afterward."
Lucan hesitated. "I would love to, but we can't just leave our friends waiting for us."
Reshmi smiled. "You can bring them as well. They're welco in our village."
Lucan chuckled. "Not today. But we will return in a few days. Then we can have that al and… maybe even that friendly fight you ntioned."
Reshmi crossed her arms, considering his words. "In that case, how about a quick arm wrestling match?" she suggested, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "It won't take long."
Lucan's curiosity was piqued. "Alright," he said with a grin. "A quick match, then."
They moved to a sturdy stone table near the entrance of the cave, both of them standing on opposite sides. Lucan rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular forearm. Reshmi followed suit, her toned arm glistening under the cave's dim light. They clasped hands, both of them radiating confidence.
Maris watched.
The mont their hands locked, a low hum of energy filled the air. Lucan and Reshmi stared each other down, the tension building between them. Without a word, they both applied pressure.
The ground beneath the table cracked instantly, thin fissures spiderwebbing outward as their combined strength caused the stone to groan in protest. A gust of wind whipped through the cave, growing stronger with each passing second, swirling around them as if responding to the imnse force they were generating.
Neither of them gave an inch. Lucan's muscles tensed, veins bulging as he pushed with all his might. Reshmi's arm trembled slightly, but she held firm, her strength nearly matching his.
The wind inside the cave grew wilder, howling as the cracks beneath their arms widened. The stone table beneath them creaked and groaned, but neither of them wavered. Sweat beaded on both their foreheads as they continued the struggle, their gazes locked in mutual respect.
Minutes passed, and it beca clear that neither Lucan nor Reshmi could overpower the other. The ground beneath them was a ss of cracks and debris, the air thick with swirling dust, but their hands remained locked, unmoving.
Finally, Lucan laughed and released his grip. "I think we're evenly matched," he said, shaking out his arm.
Reshmi grinned, clearly satisfied. "It seems so," she agreed. "You're as strong as Maris said."
Maris, watching from the sidelines, clapped her hands excitedly. "Lucan-sama, that was amazing!"
Lucan smiled, "Next ti," he said, "we'll have a longer match. But for now, we really should get back."
Reshmi nodded, though there was still a glint of challenge in her eyes. "Next ti, then," she said. "I'll be waiting."
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