ONLINE: Blades of Eternity

Chapter 74 THE BATTLE BETWEEN TWO SWORDS

The air around the coliseum buzzed with raw energy as Kaelen and Eldric faced each other on the platform. Both warriors stood poised, their eyes locked in an intense gaze that mirrored the gravity of the duel ahead. The crowd fell into a hush, anticipation building like a storm ready to unleash its fury.

"Two of the people you actually have eyes in are going to face each other, who do you think will win?" Morris brother who was still seated amongst the spectators suddenly asked the military prodigy he is with.

"Technically it should be Eldric due to how well he analyzes his opponent and his decisiveness to get it done. But this is a battle of swords so anything is possible" The military prodigy said with a pensive look on his face.

Back on the platform, Eldric, the lightning user, suddenly raised his blade, which crackled with arcs of electricity, the air around him thickening with the raw power of his magic. Lightning coiled up and down his arm, his presence a storm in human form. His face remained calm, but his eyes gleamed with the thrill of battle.

Kaelen tightened his grip on the Blade of Eternity, feeling the hum of energy radiating through the ancient weapon. His body thrummed with readiness, his mind focused and sharp. This wasn't just a duel; it was a test of his very limits.

"Here I come!"

Boom!

With a sudden crackle of electricity, Eldric charged forward, his blade slicing through the air with speed that nearly defied sight. Kaelen barely had time to react, his instincts taking over as he raised his blade to meet Eldric's with a deafening clash. The force of the blow sent shockwaves through the platform, reverberating into the stands.

"Urgh..."

Kaelen grunted under the weight of the strike but held firm. He retaliated with a swift riposte, his blade aiming for Eldric's side. But Eldric was already moving, his speed enhanced by his lightning magic. He disappeared in a flash of light, reappearing behind Kaelen with a deadly strike aimed at his back.

Kaelen whirled around, parrying the blow just in time, sparks flying from the collision of their blades. He could feel the pressure mounting with every strike—Eldric was faster, more precise, his magic infusing each move with lightning speed.

Sword Furry!!

But Kaelen was far from overwhelmed. With a grunt of effort, he unleashed a wave of energy from the Blade of Eternity, sending Eldric skidding back. Seizing the moment, Kaelen launched himself forward, his blade arcing in a wide sweep. Eldric ducked under the swing, retaliating with a surge of lightning that Kaelen barely managed to deflect with a quick barrier of energy.

"You're good," Eldric said, his voice calm despite the exertion. "But let's see how you handle this!"

With a roar, Eldric thrust his hand forward, and a bolt of lightning erupted from his palm, crackling towards Kaelen like a hungry serpent. Kaelen had no time to think—he sidestepped, the lightning bolt missing him by inches as it scorched the ground where he had just stood.

Kaelen's heart pounded in his chest, his breath coming fast. Eldric wasn't giving him any room to breathe. But Kaelen wasn't finished yet.

"Easy, Kaelen," Morris said, gently guiding him toward the edge of the platform. "You need to rest up."

Kaelen, still panting, nodded and allowed Morris to help him sit down on the smooth stone surface. The coolness of the platform beneath him was a welcome relief as he closed his eyes, trying to regain his strength.

Morris knelt beside him, offering him a canteen of water. "You really pushed yourself to the limit back there," he said with a faint smile. "That Sword Furry technique of yours... impressive."

Kaelen took a slow sip of the water, savoring the refreshing sensation. "Thanks," he said hoarsely. "But Eldric wasn't an easy opponent. I wasn't sure if I could pull it off."

Morris chuckled lightly. "Well, you did. You've earned this so rest. Just take it easy."

Kaelen nodded in gratitude, his eyelids heavy as he let the tension in his body ease. He leaned back slightly, his gaze lifting to the screen hovering above the platform. The large screen flickered, the previous battle statistics disappearing as new information began to materialize in glowing letters and numbers.

Morris glanced up at the screen as well, his expression shifting from one of concern for Kaelen to mild surprise. The screen now displayed the final matchup for this stage:

"Morris vs. Guinevere"

Morris sighed softly, his eyes narrowing in thought as he read his name alongside Guinevere's. He looked over at Kaelen, who had opened his eyes again to stare at the screen.

"Looks like it's my turn again," Morris said, standing up and cracking his knuckles. "Facing Guinevere, huh?"

Kaelen gave him a knowing smile. "Don't underestimate her," he said, his voice still slightly raspy. "She's tough. But I'm sure you've got this."

Morris nodded, his gaze shifting across the platform toward the other side, where Guinevere was already making her way onto the stage after dropping the passed out Eldric at the edge of platform. The fiery aura that surrounded her was unmistakable, her crimson hair trailing behind her like a blazing inferno. She looked calm, composed—yet her eyes burned with intensity and focus.

The crowd began to murmur in excitement as they sensed the tension building between the two powerful mages. Morris took a deep breath, his mind already preparing for the challenge ahead. Though his duel with Eldric had taken much out of him earlier, the platform's rejuvenating magic had restored his stamina and mana reserves. He was ready to give it his all once more.

As Morris stood tall, Kaelen gave him a nod of encouragement from the sidelines. "Good luck, Morris."

Morris shot him a confident grin. "I won't need luck," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Just skill."

And with that, Morris stepped forward, ready to face Guinevere in what was sure to be another fierce battle.