Chapter 1253 Swordman

Emery was aware of the fact that Klea had been studying the Hexagram formation under the Eastern Sage's tutelage for a while. However, he was still surprised to see her spell.

The second layer of this particular spell was definitely a difficult unexplored territory, even for her, and when he learned that Klea was warned not to use it by the Sage, it planted a seed of worry in his heart.

"Why would she do that? She would not last a few minutes with the second stage!" said Julian again, his expression flustered as he questioned Klea's decision.

However, as soon as he articulated those words, his mouth was shut as a realization dawned upon him.

She was not alone in this foolish endeavor, as he had done something similar himself.

At this moment, the crowd's eyes were attracted upon the man on the stage as they all looked forward to witnessing how the famed Sword Saint would react.

The man didn't disappoint, as he swiftly parried all the incoming lightning strikes with unmatched agility and precision.

However with the added layer, there were now at least two lightning bolts fired by the formation every second, and it was still increasing in speed.

On the other hand, the mist grew thicker, while the raging wind blew even harder, adding more restraint to the Sword Saint's movements. Still, it seemed that Olivier was still able to deal with this level of difficulty.

That was the case until Klea suddenly brought her hand together, and following the motion was the simultaneous transformation of all four elements, creating a storm of wind, rain, ice, and lightning inside the formation.

The lightning bolts multiplied drastically and now numbered in dozens. It rapidly flew through the air, raining upon the Sword Saint with relentless fervor, presumably powerful enough to incapacitate a magus-level fighter.

A sign of vexation appeared on Sword Saint's blade for the first time since the dawn of the battle. A breakpoint occurred as Klea with her actions finally forced the number one swordsman to use his real strength.

In the part of the arena that was now damaged beyond recognition, Olivier stood his ground; unperturbed by the volley of lighting, he swung the sword his hand wielded in a circular motion.

A sudden distortion appeared in space, causing all the lightning that attacked him to suddenly become halted and move much slower.

[Decelerate]

With this spell, Olivier could swiftly neutralize all the incoming lightning with one broad swoop. Astonished, the crowd's mouth left agape at the spectacular display of skill.

Nove l B(in).C OM

Before the crowd could recover from their stupor, the Sword Saint raised his sword, foreboding activation of another skill.

[Stellar Sword]

Complemented with the [Sword Aura], The divine sword technique arose with an intent to cut through anything that crossed its path.

Even though her opponent had not even completed his preparation, Klea already sensed her defeat was near. Yet she gritted her teeth, kept channeling spirit energy, and gave it her all till the end came.

The roaring winds, blinding clouds, and glaring lighting fell apart under his sword, and on his next swing, his sword swept it wide, slicing through multiple layers of ice walls standing in its path before cracking all the bronze coins apart.

The formation was shattered into complete destruction, and the markings on the ground finally subsided, proclaiming the defeat of Klea.

Olivier, the Sword Saint, questioned as his narrowing cold eyes stared at defenseless Klea.

"Are you ready to surrender now?"

Klea, however, didn't look distraught at all; in fact, a relaxed smile crossed her face as she nodded and said, "Yes, thank you. I got all that I needed… i surrender"

That was the last word she said before she walked out of the arena, leaving Olivier a little confused. As he fumbled to question, his thoughts got interrupted by the announcement of his win by the referee.

"Oliviere Arkaland wins."

The girl walked into the terrace area sweating and tired was apparent from her expression. Her feet were barely able to take another step. It was only a few minutes of battle, yet her spirit pool had been completely depleted once again.

Emery quickly approached to check on her condition and lent his shoulder for support. While Julian observing them from the sideline, said aloud the realization he came upon regarding her decisions in the battle.

"You did this all for Emery, aren't you…"

Klea strongly looked at Emery, holding her shoulders, and beamed a smile as she said.

"If only I can hold him longer, I can have a much better sense of his full strength."

Apparently, the reason as to why Klea had spent the last 24 hours training her proficiency in the formation, went headfirst and fought a losing battle, was just to probe the full extent of Olivier's strength for Emery.

Hearing her justification, Julian adopted a sullen look as he eyed Emery and said with a sigh.

Nove l B(in).C OM

"You are such a lucky guy."

Klea grabbed hold of Emery tight and declared with a goofy smile, "Of course he is."

Interrupting the moment, an uninvited guest approached the group with a snarky remark.

"You two love birds could really make someone jealous, you know."

The one who arrived was Roran Harlight; he came with the intent of gaining some intel regarding Olivier's strength from Klea.

"If everything goes right, I will be fighting him tomorrow," said the Harlight prince in a firm tone.

Julian snorted. "Such an ambition, Roran! You still have two fights before facing him!"

Roran grabbed Julian's shoulder, and with a playful grin, he said, "Ambition is a must for those who follow the path of a Ruler!.. You know what I mean exactly, don't you?"

Hearing this made Julian stunned silent, and Roran quickly added, "Don't worry, brother, you still have another chance in front of you.. for now... I will win for both of us."

Emery couldn't follow what the two were talking about, and without explanation, Roran said his goodbye and then walked into the arena to fight his first final-round match.

"Roran!! Roran!!" "Roran!" cheered the crowd as he was announced as victor.

The Harlight Prince was one of the favorites of the crowds, and within minutes he stepped into the arena, he defeated a dual element [Rank 27] acolyte gracefully enough to let the crowd go wild.

With all eyes on Roran, unbeknownst to them on the other side of the arena, one female acolyte managed to have her win, leaving her opponent heavily wounded.

"Annara Vermont wins," declared the announcer, marking the second half's end. Revealing the other 8 names entering the top 16 list.

[Thrax] [Zach Talon] [Lyndell] [Anzi Tamasi] [Olivier Arkaland] [Jai Strider] [Roran Harlight] [Annara Vermont]