Duel(2)

~Boom!

The clash between Lord Leonidas and Arthur was breathtaking. As the battle began, sounds of steel against steel filled the air, resonating with their mana energy.

Leonidas wielded his twin axes skillfully. Arthur could tell that his stance has been honed through years of training and countless battles.

With his first move, Leonidas lunged forward, axes swirling in a dazzling whirlwind of steel. His strikes were swift and forceful, the axes whistling through the air with a menacing presence. He displayed an innate understanding of timing and rhythm, exploiting every opportunity to land devastating blows upon his opponent.

~Swish

~Swish

But Arthur was no ordinary opponent. With his fast reflexes and impeccable footwork as Naga Race, he gracefully evaded Leonidas' onslaught, his movements flowing with the rhythm of the battle.

"Cheh... Lord of Naga Race, how long will you dodge my attack?"

Leonidas grew increasingly frustrated as his attacks failed to land. However, instead of losing control over his emotion, his anger had inflamed his spirits as he unleashed a barrage of strikes, each one quicker and more relentless than the last. His axes whirled through the air, creating a tempest of steel as he sought to overcome Arthur's speed.

~Boom

~Boom, Boom

~Boom, Boom, Boom

~Clank!

Arthur's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. He knew he had to adapt to Leonidas' sudden increase in speed and power. With a focused mind, he tapped into the depths of his own abilities, channeling the mana energy within his Trident.

"You're just too slow, Lord of Beast Race."

In the midst of their battle, Arthur couldn't help but compare the mortal battles he now faced with the battles he once engaged in as an immortal. The stark contrast struck him deeply, as the dynamics of combat were fundamentally different.

Fortunately, with his thousands of years' experience, Arthur could easily read most of Leonidas's movements, almost as if he had anticipated them from the very start. His mind analyzed each swing of the axes, each step taken by his adversary. However, he soon discovered that it wouldn't guarantee his victory.

Arthur's mortal body couldn't keep up with his mind, and the natural speed of his mind's concentration limited his decision-making as Leonidas' speed increased. The burden of continuously predicting and analyzing his opponent's movements also weighed heavily on his concentration. It was a delicate balance between deciphering Leonidas's intentions and executing the appropriate countermeasure.

Realizing that he couldn't solely rely on his concentration, Arthur adapted to the situation at hand. He gave a subtle hint to his body, guiding it to react instinctively to the subtle shifts in Leonidas's movements. It was a dance of anticipation and adaptation, where Arthur's body responded to the threat before his mind could fully process it.

~Swoshh

He felt like it was just yesterday that he just engaged battles with those Immortals in Heavenly Plane, but now he was faced against mortals again.

`What a nostalgic feeling...` Arthur thought inwardly.

He then looked at Leonidas and spoke. "Call me Arthur... you should at least know your opponent's name before you leave this world."

Leonidas, his face marked with surprise, responded with a spirited smile. "I am Leonidas, Lord of the Beast Race Village," he announced, his voice carrying the weight of his pride. "Remember my name, for it shall be etched in your memory."

The exchange of introductions between the two combatants was a symbolic gesture, a way to acknowledge each other's prowess and honor the battle that lay before them. Their words carried a sense of respect, a recognition of the strength and skill that each possessed.

"Alright, I'll start getting serious now!" Declared Arthur.

With a swift motion, Arthur lunged forward, the Trident cutting through the air like a streak of lightning. He aimed for Leonidas's defenses, seeking any opening to exploit. A surge of energy enveloped Arthur as he unleashed his powerful technique that he had learned in his previous life. His movements became a blur, matching Leonidas' speed blow for blow.

~Clang

~Clang, Clang, Clang

Meanwhile Leonidas, recognizing the threat, met Arthur's advances head-on. He wielded his axes with ferocious strength and unleashed a flurry of attacks. The clash of their weapons created a symphony of steel, their fighting styles merging into a harmonious yet chaotic spectacle.

The clash of their weapons echoed through the battlefield, the resounding impact reverberating with a mixture of strength and finesse. Arthur's fluid and agile movements contrasted with Leonidas's raw power, creating a mesmerizing display of combat prowess.

The air crackled with elemental power as Arthur's Trident glowed with a vibrant light. Streams of water swirled around him, enhancing his strikes with the force of a raging storm. With each strike, he sent powerful shockwaves that miraculously matched the power of Leonidas' attacks. The spectator also mesmerized by their battle.

The technique was named [Aetherial Veil], a King-Grade Technique that he learned in his previous life. A powerful technique that allows the user to envelop themselves in a shimmering veil of ethereal energy, granting enhanced power, speed and natural mana that the user had.

Different from skills, techniques could only be learned with one's understanding. One can learn a technique as long as One's body and concentration can fulfill the requirements of the technique. But of course, it will also cost a lot of mental and stamina.

As the battle raged on, Leonidas could not hide his astonishment. He had expected an easy victory, underestimating Arthur's combat prowess. Despite the difference in their respective strengths, Arthur's skill and power were as strong as his raw strength.

Realizing that he couldn't win if this battle dragged on any longer, Leonidas made a decision. "It's time for me to also get serious!" With those words, he activated his innate ability, the fearsome power of the Beast Race.

Soon, a surge of primal energy enveloped Leonidas as his muscles bulged with increased strength and his eyes glowed with a wild intensity. The aura of a true beast emanated from him, causing the air to crackle with anticipation.

[Berserk!]