Full of chilling grace, the Ice Wraiths utilised the wave of energy from the destroyed Ice Dragon to slip in behind the Fla 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 fla.
Obviously, he would lose due to his low rank.
But, it still went to show the strength of their ice.
Drakon watched the Fla 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 imdiately blocked the gelid blades, smothering them in a steaming grip. The two energies seethed. Unfortunately for both sides, it seed they were evenly matched, both in Rank and quality of magic energy.
Relief welled within Drakon at that.
This ant the Fla Vipers were not inferior to the Ice Wraiths. However, one could not be so hasty when assessing the outco of battle, especially since both sides seed like they still had a lot yet to give.
Suddenly, the scarlet-clad warriors whirled around, dismissing the flaming arms.
The magical fla lost its shape, on the verge of dissipating. However, before it could fully disappear, the Fla 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 fla licked at the mist, eager to devour it.
And thus, the clash entered a new... and exciting stage.
Most combatants in the Tournant 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 so 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 fla burst from the Fla 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 mont, they reappeared a couple of tres away, at a more advantageous position. The Fla Vipers barely managed to raise their blades in ti to block the blow.
Fla snarled.
Ice hissed.
The ghostly wraiths disengaged after a few more testing probes. Their bodies disappeared again, rging with the mist. In response, the Fla Vipers released waves of fla in an outward circle.
Pale fog boiled, super heating.
Suddenly, a shimr in the mist caught the Fla Vipers eye.
They lunged.
Unfortunately for them, at that mont, 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 Fla Vipers sprayed more fla, 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 Fla 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 Fla 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 concealnt, leaping at the Fla Viper in a flash of ice and frosty animosity. The latter responded in kind, and very soon, their magical blades slamd into each other.
It was as if the Ice Wraith was now the asper, and the Fla Viper was the prey.
Contrary to appearances, the fiery warrior remained firm.
They shifted subtly, staggering mid-step.
For a heart-stopping mont, Drakon thought they had ran out of energy. However, in the next mont, fire blood around the Ice Wraith like sparks in the night sky. The fla 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 so of their previous nimbleness - due to the extra weight. The Fla Viper perceived that small detail too, and instantly captialised.
A few tres away, two other battles raged, no less intense, and equally as thrilling.
Both Guilds still seed 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 Fla 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 nurical advantage.
Drakon wasn’t worried, though.
Why?
Because the opponent-less Fla 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 ca sooner than anyone expected.
The surviving Ice Wraiths and Fla Vipers fought furiously, each Guild intent on reaching the next round. Unfortunately for the forr, sohow, sowhere, the Fla 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 soone’s gaze lingering on him.
He turned, and imdiately froze, lost in the icy depths of the one who held his heart.
Eira studied him with her usual aloof, dispassionate look.
However, for so reason, she did not imdiately break eye contact.
’Strange.’
It was as if she was searching for sothing.
Seemingly finding her answer, Drakon sensed her gaze linger for a brief mont longer, before she looked away. As the crowd outside applauded the Fla Vipers, a small, encouraging seed sprouted inside the Ember Heir’s acrid and barren heart.
Perhaps...
There was so hope of redeeming himself, after all.
A brilliant smile ignited across Drakon’s face.
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