Chapter 207: A Challenge (1)

His sandals added a bit of pressure to the soft snow beneath it. Alone, he stood at the center of the vast courtyard and under the eyes of many. 

There was a massive wall that was situated several meters behind Moulin's back. The inner curtain wall of the Golden fortress. A structure, strong and thick enough to withstand the most brutal attacks beyond the borders. On it's narrow walkways, several warriors stopped to watch the interesting scene taking place below them. A slender person being stalked by the renowned Sir Bram of the Hercullian Knights. A leader, a menacing warrior, and a friendly fellow to all. Although, his jokes are less hilarious and annoying. 

Some of the knights snickered at him. Some observed the little fellow targeted by Sir Bram. Some felt pity. Others felt intrigued, interested, and anticipating what would happen.

Brams threw a few jokes at his friends as he swung his sword intimidatingly. His companions wanted him to get his game over with, so they could continue their meal. 

"Don't worry you, little one." Grinned Bram. His eyes narrowed. "Now, let me take away that little thing in your arms so that we can have a nice, long conversation." His companions cheered. Whistles and claps filled the air.

The noise made Moulin's eye twitch. "If you can, that is..."

He raised his gazes and observed the surprised look on the man's face. 

"Cheeky..." Brams smiled. His heart began to pound inside his chest.

Woosh!

The stone cracked as a swift figure charged at the silver-eyed youth, nonchalantly standing. In less than three seconds, Bram abruptly reached for Moulin. With wide eyes, the latter sidestepped. His heels loudly scraping the snow-covered ground. Skillfully, the youth turned his body to evade the predatory hand that was about to grab him. 

Instead, the man caught empty air. Bram's open palm clenched into a fist, and he quickly turned to sight the young man leaping backwards and landing on his feet. There was grace in his movements as he did. His arms tightly embraced the snow-white fox who found fun within the confrontation.

The crowd around the courtyard grew. Cooks, servants, and knights exited the dining halls and flocked the outdoor hallways. Their eyes widened in amazement. Some cheered as they witness the youth avoid Bram's reach with skill. The scene turned unusually lively.

"How charming!" Bram laughed as he straightened his back. He faced the youth with bright eyes. "You fascinate me, little flower. You are skillful than I thought you would be. Let's try a different method."

With those words, Bram abruptly raised his arms and invoked his mana. The air turned fierce around them. With sharpness, it condensed, forming into invisible blades. They shot towards Moulin, whizzing and cutting through the air. Some of Bram's companions cursed. What the hell is that man doing?! Is he insane?!

Moulin held Snow in one hand, bent his knees, and stretched out an arm to summon a sword of ice. In less than a second, he swung the blade with narrowed eyes. One by one, the wind blades dispersed once the icy edge of the youth's sword touched them. When he finished the last of the wind blades, Moulin's eyes flashed, and he hurled his sword towards the proud knight. 

Bram widened his eyes in surprise. At the moment of excitement, he called forth his sacred weapon. A large battle-ax, exuding might, and fierceness, was revealed before Moulin's eyes. Its thick blade shined under the sun. Bran grinned. He swung his weapon and instantly broke the sword of solid ice.

However, before he could smirk victorious, the shattered fragments of the sword glowed and fluttered around him. A deathly cold filled his nerves. The brightness in his eyes flickered. Suddenly, he felt the glowing shards become sharp needles. It swirled around him like a tornado. A big man like Brams could do less about the thin needles that started to scratch his skin. He impatiently struggled to swing his ax around while trying to control the air around him. Unfortunately, he couldn't.

Moulin placed Snow on the ground gently, "Behave and wait while I finish this." 

The little fox only tilted his head with delighted eyes. Go! Go! Go! Master!

Moulin pulled off the apron and threw it away. He tilted his head with a smile. It felt nice to let loose and vent. Of course, he was going to continue venting until he's satisfied.

Moulin materialized twin blades in the air, and he caught them with ease. He spun the blades with his wrists as he advanced towards the knight named Bram. The latter finally huffed a breath, unable to bear the pain, and released a wave of mana from his body.

In an instant, the needles stilled and abruptly fell to the ground, finally shattering into bits. He revealed a frustrated expression as he turned his head. 

"!!!"

He immediately moved backwards, staggering but successfully avoiding the tips of two blades that had almost sliced his head off. Moulin grinned with a terrible gleam in his eyes? He was having fun.

"Woah! Easy there!" Bram retreated further away until he was far enough to feel safe. He panted. His chest was rapidly rising and lowering.

The audience gaped in shock. They were almost holding their breaths. The people around the courtyard could not believe that a frail-looking person had cornered Bram in less than an hour! They wasn't expecting this result!

Was this youth actually a maeruthan knight? A recruit? However, if he was, how come they had just noticed him today? With that power and captivating looks, someone like him should have been famous months ago! Who is this person?

Moulin rolled his shoulders and revealed a faint smile, "Are you yielding?"

His silver eyes looked like steel blades that were made to cut flesh and spill blood. Something sinister seemed to hide behind that beautifully captivating countenance. It was terrifying to even imagine it.

Bram blinked. His shoulders slacked as he stared. One would be imprisoned by that stare, Yet, at the same time, be enthralled and fascinated..

"You... Exactly who are you?"

Moulin raised an eyebrow. He looked at him confusingly. 'Did I scared him too much?'

Out of the blue, a loud voice noised. His words cut through the silence.

"Bram! Are you going to just accept defeat like that? Why worm out now?" 

The voice belonged to one of Bram's companions. A tall young man who was squatting on the snow with an intrigued expression.

Bram glared as he turned his head, "Why don't you give it a try?"

"..."

Chuckles rang though out the surrounding area at the muted response.

Then the guy responded while feigning a frown, "It wouldn't be fair with our opponent, would it? Two against one is just not good."

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a gleam of light flashed before his eyes. Instinctively, the guy immediately tilted his head. Unfortunately, his cheeks were grazed, and a bead of blood dripped out from the wound. When he turned around with a blank gaze, he saw a sharp ice stake that was as thick as a finger. The stake was deeply embedded on the stone ground. They could imagine the tremendous amount of strength that was used to throw the deadly object.

When he turned his gaze back to Moulin, the youth smiled at him. His eyes gleamed with anticipation and expectancy. Yearning for the thrill of a challenge. Yearning to prove his strength over and over again. To no longer be named weak, vulnerable, and frail. He wanted them to imprint his being deep into their minds and fear him.

"Try me..."

Those eyes. Those words. Fire sparked within the knight's chests; They felt if they won against this young man, they would feel inexplicable joy from the victory of the fight. Some were nervous, but it was just one lad, and against several of them. What was the chance of them losing? Yes, he did look powerful but isn't that just it?

Bram lets out a delighted laugh. His eyes were brimming with excitement. This young man was more fascinating than he thought! "You hear that, lads? Let's show him his place."

Several people began to advance towards the Moulin. Because of his pure-white hair and striking silver eyes, he was eye-catching. For the audience, it was easy to spot him. 

Wielders of wind, water, fire, earth, and more charged towards one single person. His silvery-white hair fluttered with the wind. Graceful and fierce. He appeared like a dancing blade. Snowflakes trembled as they floated around him. The clash of mana was so intense and almost mind-muddling. Agitation occurred within the air. Rousing exhilaration filled one's chest.

There was no deceit, no hostility, no vengeful feeling. Moulin could feel it himself. For him, there was only thrill—an opportunity to prove himself. Everyone's worthy opponent.

"Hah... Hah... "

Moulin huffed. There was a tiny cut at the corner of his lip. The sting pulled his attention, but he didn't bother to do something about it.

The youth lifted his delicate chin. Sweat trailed down his forehead. It was a stimulating sight.

He stood victoriously before several kneeling bodies. Opponents who yielded with a smile. Respect layered their eyes. Bram was one of them.

A sheet of ice layered the whole ground of the courtyard. Numerous towering pillars of ice stood mightily. And a forest of deadly frozen spears surrounded the entire courtyard like a prison.

Cheers erupted within the area. It was so loud; it could be heard even at the farthest side of the fortress. It was echoing in the air, vibrating with fascination!

Silver eyes lifted. Slowly, they roamed his surroundings, catching the wonderment and amazement on their faces. Pride bubbled in his heart. His fingers gradually clenched as he faintly smiled. 

If only his brothers could see this scene. What would they feel?

Within the deafening noise of cheers and applause, a particular person entered the outdoor hallways. Dazzling crimson hair glowed golden under the light as she walked. Esteemed warrior Lady Heizea confusingly watched the loud crowd. Even the people on the wall's walkways were applauding. What was the occasion?

"What is going on?" She asked a servant who paused her applause once she saw the Lady's figure. 

"Ah, there was a challenge between the knights and a recruit, my lady." She answered with a bow.

She raises an eyebrow, A recruit?

"We must hurry and search!" Alaric's figure approached Heizea with dreadful eyes. He was panting heavily as he scanned the crowd.

Heizea narrowed her eyes. She glanced at Alaric and swiftly made her way through the crowd. Cursing, Alaric went to follow her. The people immediately parted once they realized her presence. She emerged into the inner circled and froze in her steps.

The sight of massive ice pillars almost intimidated her. Who on earth could have such power to create these? Within the noisy commotion, her eyes searched the area.

She saw kneeling people, but the mana obviously didn't belong to them. She frowns.

Who is it?

where is that-

Emerging from the center circle of pillars and spears, a slender young man walked forward. His hair appeared like silky strands of moonlight, and his skin, pale, flawless, and delicate. 

At the sight, Alaric froze in his place. 

Anger filled Heizea's veins. 

HE WAS HERE?!

This little bitch was here all along while her Lord was at the brink of killing every single servant for this bastard?! Ferocity filled her eyes. Seething, she could not help but bring up every single thing that had gone wrong because of this person. If he wasn't for him, the Lord could have been hers! 

Gnashing her teeth, he raised her hand and instantly shot a powerful wave of energy towards the young man.

Moulin stiffened. Threatening energy came to his perception. With alarming eyes, he turned around brought out his hands without thinking.

BOOOOMM!!!