Chapter 113: Golden Will Interlude

Chapter 113: Golden Will Interlude



"You've gotten stronger, Lucas."

When those words came out of Riley's mouth, Lucas couldn't understand the heated tension rising within him. Why did he suddenly say that?

"You..." Lucas muttered, the only word he could manage in response.

The acknowledgment from the swordsman before him stirred something deep within.

Riley had always seemed like someone who wouldn't acknowledge those who couldn't defeat him, and yet he had a gentle smile on his face when he gave that compliment.

'Was it even a compliment in the first place?' Lucas wondered. Or was it just a hidden insult?

He didn't know, nor did he want to ponder it further. He couldn't afford to get distracted right now; he had an advantage and couldn't let Riley's words take it away from him.

Steeling himself, Lucas raised the output of his aura, golden light swirling around him with increasing intensity.

Their swords clashed again, each strike resonating with a metallic ring that echoed through the arena. The crowd watched in stunned silence, mesmerized by the intensity of the battle.

Clash after clash, their swords danced.

Lucas pressed his attack, his movements fueled by a mixture of determination and frustration.

Each strike was met with precision by Riley, who seemed to move with an almost preternatural grace.

The two warriors were a study in contrasts. Lucas, burning with fervor, poured every ounce of his strength into each attack.

Riley, on the other hand, remained cool and collected, his eyes never leaving Lucas's form.

It was clear that Riley was studying him, analyzing his every move.

Riley had a subtle smile etched across his face as if he was enjoying the battle now.

But it didn't last long as Riley's smile diminished, replaced by a hidden smirk underneath his gaze.

His sword was still dancing alongside Riley's, their clashes seeming never-ending as they got into a relentless momentum of dodges and blocks.

No matter how hard he tried, his attacks never reached Riley. But that didn't mean Lucas wasn't aware of his stamina and mana reserves.

Lucas realized, albeit a bit late due to his hot-headedness, that in terms of stamina, he had a far greater output than Riley could muster.

Riley had gotten slower ever since the start of their fight, and little by little, the tip of Lucas's sword had started to scratch the surface of Riley's skin.

Sure, it may seem unsuccessful at first glance, but it was a fact that in a battle of attrition, Lucas had the advantage.

If he just maintained his pace, more skilled or not, Riley was bound to take a hit.

Lucas's eyes narrowed, focusing intently on Riley's every move.

Lucas's mind raced with strategies, trying to decipher Riley's next move.

He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment.

Riley was getting tired; that much was a fact.

But how could one explain the current situation?

Why did the amount of mana around him suddenly surge?

When lightning started dancing in the sky, Lucas's mind raced in caution.

'What's going on?'

Lucas didn't have enough time to ponder as his senses kept screaming at him to brace himself for the inevitable danger.

BZZZT-!!!

RUMBLE!!!

RUMBLE!!!

Lucas's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to comprehend the situation.

Riley was exhausted, yet he had managed to summon this overwhelming power.

It didn't make sense.

'Riley knows magic?'

Questions raised inside him once more.

How could Riley use magic?

Wasn't he a knight?

Magic and aura never aligned with one another.

"Lucas, remember not to push yourself, okay? You haven't mastered that technique yet."

Recalling the kind words Princess Snow had given him during their training sessions, Lucas

couldn't help but shake his head in frustration.

'I'm sorry, Snow.'

But for the knight in front of him, he couldn't afford to hold back his strongest attack right now. Ignoring the overbearing pressure Riley extended, Lucas raised his sword.

His aura flared up inside him as the whites of his eyes turned red from the veins of his blood

popping.

His heartbeat raced like a running horse as the refined mana inside listened to its wielder's

will.

"A knight's honor manifests in the turbulent times..."

Golden light gathered and coated the sword before white light converged it into one.

Rainbow strands danced like tails upon his sword, and searing heat covered his hand. He could feel the pain inside his body, but he gritted his teeth and ignored all of it. "Most knights die of dishonor before they can even have the chance to see it." The air around him seemed to tremble with the intensity of the power he was channeling. Each breath felt like fire in his lungs, each heartbeat like a drum pounding in his ears. He knew this attack would take everything he had, but there was no turning back now.

"Remember this kiddo once you see a manifestation of that honor, see through that you become a part of it and grab it in your own palms...." "Honor whatever it is that's in front of you"

Riley watched him with a mix of respect and anticipation, his own mana flaring in response.

The golden light in Riley's eyes burned brighter, mirroring the intensity of Lucas's resolve. It was clear that both warriors understood the significance of this moment.

The rainbow strands of light swirling around his sword shimmered with an ethereal beauty,

casting a radiant glow over the arena.

The audience watched in awe; their breath held as they witnessed the sheer power being

unleashed.

For the sake of winning and his honor.

'I shall fight your strongest with my strongest!'

"АНННН!!!!"

Screaming with all his might, Lucas swung his sword. The space around his weapon seemed to

distort from the searing heat of his white blade.

SWOOSH!!!!!

A crescent of white light erupted from his blade, an attack moving at the speed of light,

flashing forward towards Riley.

White flash!

BOOOM!!!!

The ground shook from a massive explosion against the grand arena's walls.

Huff...!

Huff...!

Lucas breathed heavily, his haggard face forced to look down at the hard ground as blood

filled his eyes and ears. His gaze was hazy, and his ears were still ringing. He didn't know what

had happened nor could he try to find out. He could only try to look forward in front of him.

The announcer seemed to be shouting something, and the crowd seemed to have gone wild

with cheers.

Did he win?

Lucas didn't have time to ponder as he made a last look in front of him. The only thing he could see was Riley... looking down upon him.

And the threatening snarls of a gigantic white wolf whose red eyes dimmed between blue and

red, glaring at him angrily with half it's body eerily glowing as orange flames burned a part of

it.

"You win, Lucas..."

Riley's words were the last thing Lucas heard before he finally fell down and closed his eyes.