As his [Twilight Transformation] took effect, Emery could clearly feel the boost in spirit force, which subsequently caused the potency of his spells to increase, becoming much more effective.
The first thing he did after the transformation was to give an edge to his situation by casting [Slipstream] onto himself, boosting his speed as elemental energy manifested around his body. After that, he utilized [Blink] into his sword skill, added with the beguiling of [Void Mist], Emery's mobility rose into another height.
Now, not only was he able to come out and attack the Sword Saint from unpredictable directions and angles, there were also three clones of himself, together they were fighting in coordination with him.
Swissshh! Splatt!
Emery attacked his opponent with apparent swiftness and this time, thanks to his increased strength, his blows managed to slip past the Sword Saint's defense and inflict a cut onto his body.
Even though he had prepared for it, Olivier seemed to still be caught off guard by Emery's attacks, which were suffused with relentless fervor. A rain of attacks rained down on him from all directions.
He tried his best to deal with the storm of attacks from the approaching Emerys, only to find all of them were clones. Before he could search for his opponent, the real Emery appeared seemingly out of nowhere and unleashed the [Omega Strike] he had prepared.
BAAMMM!!!
The air shook violently as Emery's Savage Sword gleamed brilliantly and struck down onto the Sword Saint. The high-rank battle art technique, coupled with the 500 battle power that its wielder possessed, created a force with tremendous power, causing the ground to crack before it even hit.
Olivier managed to move at the last second, stopping the attack from reaching his body with his sword. However, he instantly found himself getting repelled, his feet sliding across the cracked ground as he was forced back several meters.
Knowing another attack might follow, he quickly got back to his feet and steadied his body. And as expected, only a split second after he regained his bearings, Emery's clones appeared at his side using [Blink], immediately bombarding him with attacks once again.
Clank! Clank! Clank! Clank!
It was clear the Sword Saint had been pushed to the defensive by Emery's relentless aggression. However, the man didn't seem to panic. He maintained his composure, keeping the situation he was in as he observed Emery's attacks intently, trying to analyze it. Eventually, he found an opening he could take advantage of.
When he felt he was ready, Olivier didn't hesitate and immediately took action. He brandished his sword in a particular motion before jerking his arm, releasing powerful swings to his surroundings.
[Motion Stream]
The Divine sword battle art made its appearance, forming a domain of protection that left no gaps for others to enter. Glittering streaks of silver appeared around Olivier's body and encapsulated him within its mesmerizing dome of light.
Unaware of how deadly this technique was, Emery's clones were cut down in an instant. On the other hand, the real Emery was similarly caught off guard, causing him to earn a small cut on his chest.
Emery instinctively took a step away from Olivier's figure. But moments later, he quickly recovered and took up his sword stance, brandishing his Savage Sword as he waited for the latter's follow-up attack.
However, contrary to his expectations, Olivier did not give chase. The man remained standing still in his place. It seemed he was using the opportunity to take a respite, yet both of his hands were still holding the sword, raising it just in front of his chest.
"It's time."
Saying those words, the Sword Saint's body emanated a bright glow as he cast a spell on himself.
[Accelerate]
The next second, Emery saw Olivier's figure running towards him so fast he became a blur to him. His mind hadn't even registered his opponent's action when his body instinctively moved and immediately cast the spell he prepared for this.
[Repulsion]
Formless gravity force erupted out of Emery like a tidal wave, allowing him to affect Olivier's movements. And in that split second of pause, he was able to see enough to respond accordingly, stopping the latter's silver sword with perfection.
CLANKKK!!!
The two swords, one infused with dazzling light while the other was shrouded in fiery darkness, met each other in the air. Their clash created a blast of air and a deafening sound that shook the eardrums. Their wielders, meanwhile, stared at each other, their faces only centimeters apart.
"Well done!" Olivier praised with a smile before he broke the contact and leapt backward.
His figure and the surrounding area turned blur again before he shot forward, charging in speed.
Swissshhhh!
[Repulsion]
Once again, the gravity spell managed to restrain Olivier's movements, giving Emery another split of second to see the attack's trajectory. He stopped the attack again, but this time the Sword Saint didn't retreat, instead continuing his attack with a second and a third strike.
At such speed, Emery only managed to deal with two of them. The third one slipped past and nearly pierced through his hip if it were not for his swift reaction to cast another [Repulsion], sending Olivier's body a few meters back.
Reclaiming his steps, Olivier nonchalantly began walking to the side and circled Emery. His body posture was lax, yet exuded a strong sense of confidence. With a slight smile on his face, he said in a curious tone.
"Gravity spell, simply amazing. But, I wonder… How long can you keep using that spell?"
Emery's expression looked unperturbed but inwardly he was startled. Although seemingly random, the Sword Saint's remark precisely touched on the main problem Emery faced.
Even though he could currently deal with his opponent's attacks, Emery knew this couldn't last long. After all, the time spell Olivier used was a buff that gave him a constant effect, while his gravity spell was an offensive spell that required spirit force channeling. Not only was it slower to cast, it also consumed more spirit energy.
Returning to his initial position, Olivier distanced his legs and readied his sword, "Show me what you have prepared."
Emery remained silent hearing those words. He certainly had trained himself in the solution to Olivier's super speed, which was none other than his recently mastered gravity spell. Without further ado, he roused the spirit energy inside his body as the spell's intricacies appeared in his mind.
The spirit energy within his dark core violently churned as they were pumped out at full capacity. Outwardly, Emery brought his empty arm into the air and unleashed the spell. The ground around him caved in as the gravitational force of his surrounding area drastically changed.
[Gravitational Pressure]
Although it was not well controlled yet, with his special dark core and Twilight Transformation's spell boost, as soon as Emery cast the spell, the arena shook violently as a strong downward gravitational pull was exerted around him.
Despite the fact Olivier was inside the area that clearly restricts his movement, the sword master still smiled and said, "This won't be enough to hold me down!"
Olivier placed two fingers on the silver blade of his weapon before tracing them across its surface. As he did so, the blade was gradually covered in brilliant light, and when it was completely covered, he aimed the sharp tip at Emery.
BOOOOMMM!!!
An ear-splitting sound shook the air, causing the audience to unconsciously close their ears. It was instantly followed by a sword thrust. The sword traversed the arena towards Emery at speed beyond his comprehension.
[Sonic Thrust]
Not only was the battle art able to break Olivier from the influence of Emery's gravity spell, it also shot at unprecedented speed leading to the latter. Unprepared, Emery was unable to do anything before the blade pierced his chest.
SPLLAAATTT!