The Confrontation

Upon stepping into the grand manor of such a distinguished city, Prince Cedric and the mage Seraphina accompanied by their procession of soldiers were embraced by the lull of the empty hallway, however, that lack of activity only served to sharpen their senses to any inkling of danger that could present itself. As they meandered through the grand hallway with steady caution, they were greeted with the sound of a blade being unsheathed after which the candles which served as the only source of light for the group went out.

"Luminaris" muttered the quick-witted mage as she sought to restore visibility.

"Draw your swords, men protect the flanks and the rear, prepare for a fight" ordered Cedric as he too heeded his own words.

The group continued but were stopped when they heard the screams of one of the men which was quickly followed by two more. Cedric quickly used his aura sense trying to gain any information he could about the position of the enemy but it was as if he'd disappeared after attacking.

"I can't sense anything" Cedric stated nervously

"Detegere Magiam" whispered Seraphina as she tried to find a clue leading to the enemy.

Suddenly

"Fulmen Chaos"

"Shit!" cursed Seraphina as a blue vortex of magical energy came flying at her "Aegis Custodire!" she shouted prompting a protective barrier to come to her aid.

"That spell just now was Chaos Bolt which means this guy's at least 6th Kronos"

"Do you think we're dealing with the same person" questioned Cedric

"I'm not sure but, whoever they are, they're strong"

As Seraphina concluded her statement, a man emerged at the end of the corridor, with purposeful strides, each step he took sent a reverberating echo through the stone-walled corridor.

Dressed in a suit of gleaming armor, he was a commanding figure, tall and imposing. His presence alone seemed to fill the air with electrifying energy. At his side laid a sword, its scabbard adding to the percussion reverberating through the room.

With each measured step, the man's footfalls resonated like a steady heartbeat, echoing through the corridor with a rhythmic cadence. The sound carried a certain weight that pressed down on Prince Cedric and his party of 34.

As he advanced, the echoes seemed to grow louder, filling the space with an undeniable presence. The man then ceased his walking and looked at the people who dared to infiltrate his home.

"You surprise me, Prince Cedric"

"How did I manage to accomplish such a feat?" asked the Prince.

"I mean how remarkable that you managed to elude my forces and infiltrate the very heart of my palace. Yet, I can't help but wonder if your intentions lie more in seeking my demise rather than ensuring the safety of your son. It appears to me that your concerns for honor and reputation outweigh your paternal instincts. And now, as my accomplice and I wreak havoc upon both, you seek to reclaim some of that honor by disposing of us."

Prince Cedric narrowed his eyes, studying the man before him with a mix of surprise and suspicion. "You speak with such confidence, but who are you truly? I know for a fact you're not Lord Izard, that fat pig wishes he had your appearance. So, I ask again, who are you?" he demanded, his voice laced with determination.

A sly smile crept across the man's lips, his eyes glinting with mischief. With a flicker of movement, he reached towards his sword and unsheathed his beautiful nagamaki.

"A nagamaki huh, so you must be Crowley?!" Cedric stated coldly, with no trace of anger intertwining in his voice.

Crowley's smile only widened; his tone laced with amusement. "I'm honored the great Brizian Prince knows of me, I assume your little guard told you of me?"

Before Cedric could respond, a figure materialized from the shadows, stepping forward the newcomer exuded an aura of darkness, his presence commanding attention. It was none other than Dr. Ravencroft.

Cedric's expression remained unchanged as he took in the sight of the sorcerer. "Dr. Ravencroft you finally show yourself"

Dr. Ravencroft's voice was smooth and measured, his words laced with a touch of intrigue. "Prince Cedric, wonderful to see you again truly, but I'm afraid this reunion is short-lived as we have to kill you all now"

"Very well, then let's get started, Seraphina you take the doctor I shall handle the swordsman. Men! Split up and find my son"

"Do you think we would just allow that"

"You have no way of stopping it, after all, you will have more than enough on your hands"

Then suddenly Cedric lunged forward, seemingly without the use of aura yet the ground collapsed beneath the sheer force of his raw power. He held his sword in the air as he lunged, swinging it downwards aiming to cut Crowley in half but such an attack was seemingly anticipated as it was blocked with apparent ease.

Their blades, shining with a brilliant aura, danced with lightning speed and precision, each movement a testament to their unparalleled skill.

Cedric, with his royal lineage, fought with an elegance and grace that seemed to flow naturally from within. His aura, a radiant blue, enveloped his blade, enhancing its cutting power and imbuing it with subtle, ethereal energy.

Crowley wielded his weapon with a different style. His sword, dark and foreboding, seemed to drink in the shadows, absorbing their essence. His aura, a fierce crimson, crackled around his blade, adding an element of intensity to each strike.

Their swords clashed, the sound reverberating through the hall as if announcing the beginning of a battle between Titans. The air crackled with anticipation as their auras intertwined, creating a swirling dance of energy that surrounded them.

After the initial round, the two now stood separated by a mere 50 metres then suddenly Cedric lunged forward, his blade aimed at Crowley's chest with precision. But Crowley, ever vigilant, parried the attack with lightning reflexes, the clash of steel ringing through the air. Their movements were a blur, their swords a symphony of metal as they exchanged blow after blow.

They circled each other, eyes locked in a deadly gaze. Cedric's footwork was fluid and calculated, his steps measured and deliberate. Crowley, on the other hand, moved with deceptive agility, his movements unpredictable and swift. It was a dance of blades, a contest of mastery and technique.

Sparks flew as their swords clashed and scraped against each other, their strength and skill evenly matched. Each parry, each strike, showcased their deep understanding of swordplay as if they were engaging in a deadly conversation through their blades.

Their auras intensified, swirling around them like a storm, amplifying their movements and infusing their strikes with otherworldly power. It was as if the very essence of their mastery was manifesting in the form of this ethereal energy.

Cedric unleashed a series of rapid slashes, his sword gliding through the air with precision. But Crowley, ever adaptable, deflected and evaded with effortless grace. In response, Crowley launched a counterattack, his strikes aiming at Cedric's neck and heart. Cedric skillfully parried each blow, his sword acting as an impenetrable barrier.

The battle waged on, the clash of their swords growing more intense with each passing moment. Sweat dripped from their brows, their breathing heavy and labored. But they fought on, showcasing the power of 5th-tier sword masters.

Their swords clashed with such force that the ground beneath them trembled, and the very air seemed to hold its breath. The echoes of their battle reverberated throughout the grand hall creating cracks in the walls and destroying the magnificent hall.

As the duel reached its climax, their swords met one final time in a clash of titanic strength. Their auras, now at their peak, flared with blinding brilliance, illuminating the hall in a dazzling display of power. The sheer force of their clash created a shockwave that rippled through the air, sending a powerful gust in all directions.

For a brief moment, they stood locked in a stalemate, their eyes locked and their muscles straining. The hall fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air. And then, with a burst of energy, they disengaged, each warrior stepping back, their swords poised for the next strike.