Sarah Ironwood assumed her stance once again, but this time Elias was prepared, he took the initiative to attack first.
A sudden boost of speed to close the gap between him and Sarah, followed by precise rapid strikes aimed at finding an opening to Sarah's vital points.
Sarah met his assault head on with bold parries, her sword leaving trails of shimmering light as it clashes with Elias'
"Your daughter certainly is impressive, becoming an expert-level mage at just 20 years old. Her swordsmanship is most excellent to look at. Remind me what it's called again" Lady Isolde remarked as she observed the ongoing battle
Lord Varric laughed at Lady Isolde's remarks, "There's nothing impressive to be seen yet, she hasn't even began to use her swordsmanship," He said, stroking his beard as he watched
"Is that so? The Ironwood house certainly has their future secured." Lady Isolde said
"You flatter me Sarah still has a long road ahead of her" Varric replied
"Certainly not, Altough I can not say the same for a certain house" She sneered as she glanced over Lord Thane
"You..." Thane could only grit his teeth and growl in response
The fight below seemed to be an even match, as each of both parties seemed to perfectly parry each other's attack, the fight was going nowhere, that was until;
"[Bladewalk]"
Elias' movement became more fluid and calculated as he activated his skill, with each strike he landed, the strength and intensity of his attacks grew exponentially, each successive attack carriying more power behind it than the last.
He moved with grace and precision that made it seem like he was dancing to the spectators and observers.
Elias chuckled, "Let me give you a piece of advice. Do not use me as a gauge for your strength, you will appear weak always," He said
"What arrogance, I suppose you do have 5he strength to back it up,"
Elias shrugged, "There are very few magical swordsmen in this world, and there's a reason for that.
Swordsmanship and Magecraft are two distinct fields which require absolute devotion if you want to become a decent practitioner of either.
So most acclaimed 'magical swordsman' , are either half baked mages or half baked swordsmen, or in most cases both. They end up becoming mediocre warriors.
But in extremely rare cases, everything works out, and a true magical swordsman is born. A being with the best knowledge and skills of both world, a truly formidable being.
But by the time such being is born, time would have already taken its toll on them, leaving them with immense strength but with the curse of old age. The youngest magical swordsman according to my knowledge, should be around 56 years of age.
And you, a very young lady, is claiming to be a magical swordsman." he explained
Sarah frowned, "Nothing I haven't heard before,"
"I proposed this challenge in order to display strength in front of the entire kingdom and make a statement, I guess I'll just have to use the next two fighters for that.
I am going to fight you, properly, who knows maybe I'll learn a few things from you, if you you're the real deal that is. But if I discover you're a mediocre fraud, I'll end the fight immediately....brutally" Elias declared, his voice carrying a serious tone
Sweat beads instantly formed on Sarah's forehead, as she listened to Elias' declaration, "Do-Don't get cocky!" She screamed, as she charged at Elias, her sword glowed even brighter.
A wild grin appeared on Elias' face, as he watched Sarah, "That's the spirit!! Come!" He shouted. Once again, his blade and Sarah's crossed, but this time Sarah's blade ignited in a burst of red flame the reflected in her intense gaze.