Elenoir

Arthur Leywin POV

A twisted smile, more sinister than I had anticipated, stretched across my face as the challenge was accepted. This was the first opportunity I had to engage in an all-out duel since my previous life, and the exhilaration coursed through my veins. There was no doubt that this man, Elder Virion, possessed formidable strength, and I relished the prospect of facing such a powerful opponent.

Aware of his superior speed and strength from our prior encounter, I knew I had to level the playing field. A surge of energy crackled within me as I channelled lightning through my body, its tendrils intertwining with my form. The air around me shimmered with electric energy, lending an aura of intimidation to my presence. But that was not all—I infused both my sword and the surrounding atmosphere with a combination of lightning and wind mana, heightening the destructive potential of each strike.

Elder Virion's widened eyes betrayed his astonishment at the spectacle unfolding before him. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing—the transformation and surge of power that emanated from me.

Seizing the element of surprise, I harnessed the lightning-infused energy within me to enhance my leg strength, propelling me forward in a lightning-fast dash. With a resounding clash, my sword struck down with the full force of my momentum, aimed at the elder's defences.

In a display of agility and reflexes, the elder instinctively leaped backward, narrowly avoiding my initial strike. The momentum carried me forward, and with each of his subsequent attacks, I skillfully dodged and weaved, my movements seemingly dancing with the wind. His blows were swift, almost imperceptible to the naked eye, yet I reacted with lightning-quick reflexes, deftly sidestepping and parrying with precision.

The intensity of the duel escalated with each passing moment, the clash of swords punctuated by bursts of wind and crackling lightning. The palace grounds bore witness to this captivating display of skill and power as we engaged in a fierce exchange, the sound of our blades echoing throughout the vicinity.

Both of us were determined, each driven by our own motives and goals. As the duel raged on, it became evident that this encounter would test my abilities to their limits, pushing me to draw upon every ounce of strength, skill, and magic I possessed.

Amidst the heat of the battle, a realisation dawned upon me. Despite inhabiting a less developed body, my sword technique had improved, surpassing its previous state of refinement. Every movement felt fluid, and the momentum seemed to effortlessly favour me. The shock of this revelation coursed through my veins, but there was no time to dwell on it. My opponent stood before me, and that demanded my full attention.

Elder Virion's attacks were potent, his punches carrying an impact that distorted the air around them. I managed to dodge a direct blow to my face, but a small cut formed on my cheek, a testament to the formidable force behind his strikes. The realisation of the danger I faced took hold within me, urging me to stay focused and vigilant.

Utilising the momentum of his missed punch, I swiftly ducked beneath it, spinning around in a fluid motion, my sword aimed to slash across his face. However, my strike only managed to leave a shallow cut on his nose, a reminder of the elder's evasive prowess.

Recognizing the need for distance, I leaped back, putting space between us. Drawing from my previous encounter with the slave traders, I channelled even more lightning through my body, unleashing the maximum potential of my reaction time. As time seemed to slow, my muscles stimulated to their peak, allowing me to execute lightning-fast movements.

In a flash, I materialised directly in front of the elder, my blade slicing through the air with lethal intent, aimed at his chest. Or so I believed. To my astonishment, the elder vanished from my sight, reappearing just behind me with an intensified and intimidating aura surrounding him. The air crackled with a sense of foreboding, indicating that my opponent was far from defeated.

This unexpected turn of events served as a reminder of the elder's experience and skill. It became apparent that I was facing an opponent who possessed not only physical strength but also an uncanny ability to manoeuvre and counter with utmost precision. The battle had entered a treacherous phase, testing both my mettle and my ability to adapt swiftly to his elusive tactics.

As I stood there, facing the transformed Elder Virion, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my disadvantage. His new attire, reminiscent of a panther, blended into the shadows, rendering his presence almost undetectable. A faint cut on his chest served as a reminder that my previous efforts had not been in vain, but it was clear that he had tapped into a formidable power.

In response, I quickly coated myself in a layer of ice, fortifying my defences. The lightning mana surged around me, both inside and outside my body, crackling with unrestrained energy. Drawing upon the earth mana, I strengthened the ground beneath me, seeking stability in the midst of the tumultuous battle. The wind obeyed my command, forming a protective barrier around me.

Yet, even with these enhancements, my young and unassimilated body was wracked with pain. Pushing myself to the limit, utilising five spells simultaneously strained my physical and magical capacities. Still, I gritted my teeth and endured, determined to persist despite the agony.

As I focused on the transformed Elder Virion, desperately searching for a strategy or weakness that could tip the scales in my favour, a realisation washed over me. This was not my previous life, and the consequences of failure were not as dire. It was not a matter of life or death in this moment.

With a heavy sigh, I made a decision. "I give up," I uttered, my voice filled with resignation. Dropping my sword, I dispelled all the magic that encased me, releasing the icy armour and ceasing the elemental manipulations. However, the toll of the battle became undeniable as I crumpled to the ground, the exhaustion and pain finally catching up to me.

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Virion Eralith POV

I stood there, my jaw slackened, as I deactivated my beast will, allowing my true form to dissipate. The realisation hit me with a forceful impact—I had just witnessed an extraordinary display of power. This child possessed command over four elements and two deviant magics. It was not a matter of being a once-in-a-century genius; this was a true monster in the making. His mastery over five spells at once, combined with his young age, was nothing short of astounding.

As I approached the young boy, my granddaughter attending to him, I couldn't help but acknowledge the immense potential that resided within him. His body exuded a distinct beast will, a power that surpassed what I had encountered in most individuals. Although I held confidence in my abilities to defeat him without relying on my own beast will, I couldn't deny my own arrogance in underestimating him. Never before had I witnessed such speed and skill from someone with a yellow core, let alone a red core.

Leaning down towards him, concern etched across my face, I asked, "Are you okay, brat?"

He looked up at me, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and determination, and a mischievous smile graced his lips. "Just a scratch. Nothing I can't handle," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance.

"I almost had you there."

"Not in a million years, kid," I jokingly replied, aware of the truth that lay beneath. Deep down, I knew that he possessed a potential that would far surpass mine in the foreseeable future.

"Guards, get Tessia washed up and in bed," I commanded, ensuring the safety and well-being of my granddaughter. Once she was escorted away, I took a seat, positioning myself face to face with the remarkable child.

"Become my student," I proposed, laying out the offer before him.

Upon hearing those words, a lengthy argument ensued. The child was hesitant, raising concerns and laying out conditions. In the end, after much negotiation, we reached a mutual agreement. In exchange for my assistance with his beast will and the reassurance that his family was safe, he would become my student. It was a pact forged between a seasoned warrior and a prodigious talent, recognizing the potential that lay within this young and enigmatic individual.

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Arthur Leywin POV

I found myself standing outside an old cabin nestled within the depths of the forest, waiting to meet a woman named Rinia. Gramps had promised me a way to contact my parents. Curiosity consumed my thoughts as I pondered who she might be, for it must have been something significant to have drawn the former king to this remote location.

Before I could delve further into my musings, Rinia interrupted, snapping me back to the present. "Come on, we don't have all day here."

Obliging her request, we entered her humble abode, and she continued speaking, shedding light on her unique abilities. "I am what you call a diviner, a special kind of deviant. With my powers, I have the capacity to perceive the unseen. Past, present, or future, there is very little that can elude my sight. You, child, possess an exceptional essence. There are aspects of your life that even I, with my clairvoyant abilities, cannot fully comprehend."

Her words left me feeling somewhat unsettled. Could she possibly know about my reincarnation? But Rinia swiftly reassured me, dispelling my concerns. "However, it is not my clairvoyance that brings you here today. You have come to reunite with your family."

I nodded, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension building within me. The prospect of finally seeing my family, the ones I had left behind in my previous life, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

Rinia guided me through a profound process, allowing me to witness a heartfelt reunion with my parents. Tears welled up in my eyes as I saw their faces, filled with a mix of surprise, relief, and joy upon hearing my voice and learning that I was safe. Though it would be some time before we could be physically reunited, this precious moment provided a much-needed reassurance to both them and myself. I urged my mother not to worry excessively and playfully teased my father, challenging him to train hard lest I surpass him in strength when we finally met again.

After bidding farewell to my parents, I turned to face Virion, who had been patiently waiting throughout this touching exchange. His aged yet fierce eyes met mine, a glimmer of excitement evident within them.

"Ready, kid?" he inquired.

A smile stretched across my face as I responded with unwavering determination, "You bet, gramps." It was time for the next chapter of my journey, alongside the seasoned warrior who had become both my mentor and ally. With our shared goals and relentless spirit, there was no doubt that we would forge an extraordinary bond and face the challenges ahead, side by side.

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As we strolled through the vibrant streets of the city, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. The apology from the king and queen had opened the doors for me to explore this new world alongside Tess, who had quickly become a dear friend. Her mischievous nature and spirited demeanor always kept things interesting.

However, as we walked, a boy a few years older than me crossed our path and couldn't resist making a snide remark about humans. My instincts kicked in, and before I knew it, I found myself challenged to a duel. Tess, ever the instigator, declared the start of the duel, her eyes glinting mischievously.

I launched myself forward, fueled by determination and a desire to prove myself. My fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling backward and ultimately knocking him out cold. The bystanders around us watched in awe, and I couldn't help but notice Tess's nonchalant reaction to the whole spectacle.

"Eh... that was... it?" I heard someone murmur in disbelief.

"I knew that was going to happen," Tess sighed, rolling her eyes playfully. She grabbed my hand and led me away from the scene, taking on the role of my guide once again. Together, we continued our exploration of the city, with Tess proudly showcasing various landmarks and introducing me to the lively culture that surrounded us. It was a day filled with laughter, shared adventures, and the beginning of a deep bond between two unlikely companions.