Chapter 7: Unveiled Clash, Battle of Dawn

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as Lucias and Yuno poised themselves for their upcoming duel, their confidence unshaken. Onlookers, including Bruce and his crew, Kael, and Lyra, observed from a cautious distance, their expressions reflecting a blend of curiosity and concern.

Moments earlier, they had all been astonished by Yuno's remarkable power during his confrontation with two cyclopes that had ambushed them on their journey to Sevila. Yuno, the wielder of the legendary sword Siegfried, had showcased the immense might of this mythical blade, leaving Bruce's crew both amazed and intrigued.

"Are we certain about this? Is it safe for the kid to face someone like him?" one of the crew members voiced their doubts, casting a concerned glance at Lucias.

"I'm not sure, but that kid seems to be close to Boss's friend, Lyra," another crew member responded, acknowledging the unique bond between Lucias and Lyra.

The crew members were well aware of Lyra's strength. She had once joined their party on a quest to guard a carriage from Alpen to Sevila. Despite her youth, her dagger skills and agility were impressive. She handled dire situations with ease, earning the boss's high regard.

"We'll just have to see how it plays out. Honestly, I'm quite intrigued. We've just witnessed the power of a legendary sword that we thought was mere myth," another crew member chimed in, echoing the collective curiosity of the crew.

With a sly smile on his lips, Yuno took a moment to suggest a wager, his words cutting through the hushed conversations among the spectators.

"Before we engage in this, shouldn't we establish a prize for the winner?" Yuno proposed, his tone casual yet filled with intrigue.

Observing Yuno's demeanor, Lucias recognized that Yuno relished the verbal exchange. After careful consideration of the potential outcomes, Lucias agreed, nodding with a hint of a smile. "You're right; a wager does add an element of interest."

Clearly pleased with the agreement, Yuno rested his hand on his sword hilt and introduced his terms with an air of mystery.

"If I emerge victorious," Yuno began, "I'd like a small favor from you. Nothing overly challenging, I assure you."

Lucias, now fully engaged in the intrigue, raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, a subtle grin playing at the corners of his lips.

"I'm willing to hear your request before agreeing," Lucias replied, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Among Bruce's crew, Kael couldn't help but lean toward Lyra, his concern for Lucias evident in his eyes.

"Lyra, do you think Lucias can handle this?" Kael inquired, his expression a mix of seriousness and worry.

Lyra paused for a moment, her gaze fixed on the impending duel, before responding thoughtfully, "I don't know, Kael. I'm beginning to doubt whether this fight is a good idea at all. Yuno seems to be aware of Lucias's hidden power; that's why he's enticing Lucias into this duel, to gauge his true strength."

The tension in the air was thick, almost palpable, as Yuno and Lucias readied themselves for their duel. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, unlike any of their previous encounters. Yuno had made it clear that he wouldn't be holding back this time. He called upon his legendary sword, Siegfried, seeking its aid in the battle ahead.

A faint smile graced Yuno's lips as he locked eyes with Lucias, a blend of challenge and camaraderie in his gaze. He adopted a playful tone, though the gravity of their impending clash was not lost on him.

"I won't be showing any mercy, Lucias. Make sure you keep yourself in one piece, or you won't be here to claim that prize," Yuno teased, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Lucias chuckled, his own smile reflecting the determination burning within him. He fully understood the seriousness of the situation and was more than prepared to rise to the challenge.

"You've got it," Lucias replied with a grin. "No holds barred this time. I'm pushing my powers to the limit, until I can't move a muscle."

With both combatants readying themselves for the battle, Yuno wasted no time and initiated the first strike. He moved with such speed that it surpassed the perception of normal eyes, charging forward with his sword aimed squarely at Lucias.

In response to Yuno's lightning-fast attack, Lucias exhibited astounding agility. A flick of his finger summoned a cyclone of wind that swiftly formed a protective barrier around him. Yuno's strike collided with this swirling tempest, creating a whirlwind of clashing forces that sent shockwaves through the area. The battle had officially begun.

The intensity of the duel between Lucias and Yuno was nothing short of breathtaking. Lucias, his youthful form enveloped in the swirling winds of his own creation, couldn't help but marvel at the incredible potential of his abilities. The wind had become his ally, a formidable force obedient to his every command. Yet, amid his wonder, he remained keenly aware that he had only scratched the surface of his powers. How far could he push these tempestuous winds? What hidden secrets lay dormant within him, waiting to be awakened?

Kael and Lyra, watching from a safe distance, exchanged knowing glances in silence. They understood that this was no ordinary display of magic; it was a manifestation of something far more profound, a raw and innate power seemingly in tune with the very essence of the world.

Among Bruce's seasoned crew, hushed murmurs of astonishment filled the air. Despite their vast experience as adventurers, what they were witnessing was unlike anything they had ever encountered. One crew member dared to voice the collective amazement, "What kind of magic is this?"

In their world, magic was a rare and elusive force. There existed a nation renowned for its mastery of the arcane arts, but it was constrained by the watchful gods who ruled the land. Magic practice was strictly forbidden in the Chromium Empire. The gods bestowed power selectively upon their devout followers, often leaving others envious of their blessed gifts. To gain power in this world, one had only a few options: earn the favor of the gods, unearth treasures hidden within ancient ruins, or forge contracts with enigmatic beings. Each path carried its own consequences, dependent on the choices one was willing to make.

Returning to the ongoing battle, Yuno found himself taken aback by the extent of Lucias's abilities. He couldn't help but acknowledge that this wellspring of power was far from ordinary; it possessed a divine and ancient essence that surpassed anything he had encountered before.

As the battle continued to unfold, Lucias seized the opportunity not only to unveil Yuno's true identity but also to push the boundaries of his own capabilities. He sought to grasp the limitations of his newfound power, striving to harness it to its fullest potential.

In a display that blended grace and calculation, Lucias summoned a turbulent torrent of wind, constructing a colossal barrier that encased him like an impenetrable cocoon. It stood as an impregnable defense, temporarily halting Yuno's relentless advance.

Yet, Yuno was not one to be discouraged. He shifted his stance, causing Siegfried to emanate a dazzling, searing light. The sword seemed to resonate with primal energies as Yuno prepared for his next move.

"O Siegfried, it appears you are eager for this challenge, as your energy flows unbridled," Yuno spoke to his sword, a silent understanding passing between them.

With unwavering resolve, he readied himself to unleash his ultimate skill, an attempt to breach Lucias's formidable defense.

Yuno's speed increased dramatically, and he charged forward with a resounding cry, "Take this, Light Judgment!" The strike happened in the blink of an eye, Siegfried slicing through the air with a force that defied comprehension. The ancient energy it emitted crackled with raw power, cleaving through Lucias's wind barrier with an impact that sent shockwaves rippling through the very ground beneath them.

The collision of these titanic forces sent shockwaves coursing through the surroundings, momentarily entrancing the spectators with its grandeur. Every eye remained fixated on the awe-inspiring spectacle playing out before them.

Meanwhile, the observer crows, cast aside by the tumultuous shockwaves, left the mysterious man who had been watching the battle amused.

Kael and Lyra watched with bated breath, their faces etched with concern. They understood that Lucias was pushing the boundaries of his power, and this battle would reveal just how far he could truly go.

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In response to Yuno's powerful attack, Lucias exhibited remarkable agility, executing a graceful leap that carried him upward with nimbleness. He soared above the trajectory of Yuno's sword, his youthful form wrapped in the fleeting elegance of his flight. From his elevated position, he cast a playful smile down at Yuno, his eyes shimmering with admiration.

"You certainly took me by surprise there," Lucias remarked, his voice tinged with genuine admiration. "That strike cut through my defenses quite impressively."

Yuno, while feeling a hint of frustration at being outmaneuvered by what seemed like an innocent child, couldn't deny the excitement surging within him. Lucias's display of power and determination was making the battle far more exhilarating than he had initially anticipated.

"Isn't flying a bit unfair, though?" Yuno teased, a wry grin forming on his lips as he playfully ribbed his agile opponent.

Lucias chuckled, his laughter harmonizing with the whispering wind. "Fairness in battle is subjective," he replied, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "It's not my fault you can't fly. In the heat of battle, you must utilize every advantage at your disposal to secure victory. And I do intend to win this fight."

Yuno, unfazed by his aerial disadvantage, found himself intrigued by Lucias's demeanor. This young boy, who appeared so innocent on the surface, displayed a character reminiscent of someone from Yuno's past.

"Solid advice from someone who hasn't even sprouted facial hair yet," Yuno teased, poking fun at Lucias's youthful appearance.

Lucias didn't miss a beat, delivering a swift and sly response. "You, on the other hand, don't strike me as someone with an abundance of hair either."

Yuno couldn't help but be momentarily taken aback by the retort. The banter, though light-hearted, revealed glimpses of Lucias's cunning nature.

As the battle took an intriguing turn, Lucias decided to shift his tactics. No longer content with a purely defensive stance, he once again harnessed the power of the wind, but this time, he shaped it differently. On the battlefield below, he conjured multiple cyclones, these swirling vortexes resembling voracious black holes, greedily drawing in everything around them, even portions of the ground itself.

Lucias mumbled to himself, his eyes locked onto Yuno as he spoke, "I can utilize this power in this way as well. But I can't maintain it for much longer; my head is starting to ache."

Yuno watched in awe. This display reminded him of someone from his past, someone who had wielded extraordinary power. A genuine smile appeared on Yuno's face as he witnessed this breathtaking spectacle.

"It looks like things are about to get even more interesting," Yuno remarked, his excitement growing.

The ground began to tremble as the cyclones descended. Lucias held these cyclones within his grasp, their forces concentrated into what seemed like a cataclysmic natural event on the battlefield.

On the sidelines, Bruce and his crew stared in amazement, struggling to fully comprehend the magnitude of the battle. It was a sight that left them both awestruck and anxious.

Kael and Lyra observed Lucias with mixed emotions. His mastery over such extraordinary power made them feel both concerned and inadequate. Lyra clutched her chest, her thoughts drifting to her parents, wondering if she could prevent the tragedy that had befallen them if she were only strong enough.

She felt small in the presence of these two powerhouses, her heart heavy with envy as she silently wished for the same kind of strength. Deep in thought, she murmured to herself, "If only I had that kind of power... Mother... Father..."

Yuno refused to be overshadowed. He unleashed the first seal of Siegfried, causing ancient energy to course through his body, forming a radiant barrier that enveloped him in a protective embrace.

As the encroaching cyclones closed in at a rapid pace, Lucias flung them toward Yuno. The swirling vortexes collided with the brilliant light barrier, creating dazzling displays of energy and force that illuminated the entire battlefield.

Yuno maintained unwavering focus, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Lucias amid the swirling chaos. He adjusted his grip on Siegfried and initiated a barrage of rapid strikes, each swing sending crescent waves of energy hurtling toward Lucias.

Lucias, still in command of the cyclones, exhibited extraordinary agility as he dodged and parried with grace. Their clash, a mesmerizing dance of wind and light, painted a vivid spectacle against the backdrop of the sky.

As the battle continued to intensify, Lucias decided to narrow the distance once again. Descending with remarkable speed, he harnessed the power of the wind to charge his fists. In a blur, he unleashed a flurry of blows aimed at Yuno.

Yuno, unyielding in his determination, met Lucias's relentless assault with equal resolve. With Siegfried in hand, he acted as an impenetrable shield against Lucias's torrent of blows. Each collision sent shockwaves rippling through the very ground they stood on, threatening to reshape the battlefield itself.

Lucias's eyes blazed with an eerie red glow, a clear sign of his escalating excitement. His fists collided with Yuno's sword in a furious exchange, unleashing shockwaves that tore through the surrounding landscape. Spectators on the sidelines struggled to maintain their footing as the sheer force of their battle buffeted them, causing the ground to quake beneath their feet.

Yuno had never expected Lucias's attacks to possess such formidable power. He sensed that Lucias's power resonated similarly with Siegfried's ancient source of power, distinct from divine energy. There was no trace of divine power from the gods he was familiar with.

With an unexpected surge of strength, Yuno pushed back against Lucias's relentless onslaught. He then executed a swift maneuver, spinning Siegfried in a wide arc. The sword transformed into a whirlwind of light and energy, unleashing powerful shockwaves that sent Lucias hurtling backward.

Lucias, caught off guard by the sudden shift in momentum, found himself in the path of Yuno's attack. He summoned a protective gust of wind just in time, forming a barrier that absorbed the brunt of the impact.

Yuno wasted no time, maintaining relentless pressure on his opponent. He surged forward at incredible speed, tapping into his innate power to enhance his abilities. An aura, radiant and captivating, enveloped him, adding an otherworldly sheen to his form.

Lucias responded with lightning speed, parrying each of Yuno's rapid strikes. Their battlefield evolved into a dance floor, a mesmerizing exchange of blows and counterattacks executed with flawless precision.

On the sidelines, Kael, Lyra, Bruce, and his crew remained transfixed by the unfolding spectacle. The battle was a mesmerizing display of power and skill that held them spellbound. Even the enigmatic observer, connected to crow-like eyes through an unusual device, couldn't help but be enthralled.

"The more I watch, the more intriguing it becomes. That young boy's power is undoubtedly inherited, which means it's not a divine bestowment. I wonder, how much this valuable information would fetch," the mysterious man mused, pondering the worth of his discovery.

However, the battle was far from its conclusion. Yuno unsealed the second seal of Siegfried, causing the sword to emanate an even brighter, more intense glow of ancient energy. With a mighty swing, he released a torrent of luminous energy that annihilated everything in its path.

Lucias, in a desperate bid, tried to summon his wind barrier once more by flicking his finger. However, Yuno's attack surged forth with overwhelming force, effortlessly shattering the barrier.

In that critical moment, Lucias came to a realization, admitting his miscalculation with strained words as he desperately sought to evade the impending impact. With a graceful leap, he attempted to escape, but Yuno had anticipated this move, and his strike found its mark, sending Lucias crashing to the ground.

"Akkhhhh..." Lucias groaned, his features contorted in pain as he lay sprawled on the ground, blood staining his lips. Nonetheless, his unwavering gaze remained locked onto Yuno.

Approaching Lucias, Yuno's triumphant expression remained unwavering. Witnessing Lucias's condition, Kael rushed to his side, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"How dare you!!" Kael bellowed as he charged toward Yuno.

Yuno, however, held his ground and expertly deflected Kael's attack, ensuring no further harm befell Lucias.

"I win!" Yuno declared with unwavering confidence, his sword now pointed at Lucias's throat. Despite the paralysis that gripped him from Yuno's relentless assault, Lucias managed a sly smirk, his eyes harboring a mysterious determination.

In this dire moment, Lucias summoned the last remnants of his strength. Through gritted teeth, he murmured incantations that resonated with ancient power. "I invoke my other self, The Eternal Beginning, The Master of the Unseen, The Keeper of Constellations."

As the words left his lips, Lucias's consciousness teetered on the brink of oblivion. However, he fought valiantly against the encroaching darkness, determined to see his final gambit through. "Grant me the power..." he breathed, the words barely audible, before succumbing to the abyss.

Yuno gazed at Lucias, his brow furrowed in confusion as he strained to catch the faint murmur of Lucias's words. Yet, their meaning remained elusive, like a whisper carried away on the wind.

Before Yuno could make sense what Lucias chanted, Kael lunged forward, his eyes widened in horror at the sight of Lucias, bloodied and battered. A surge of rage coursed through Kael, fueling a powerful punch that was aimed squarely at Yuno's face. Yet, Yuno's lightning-quick reflexes intervened, saving the situation from spiraling further. He deftly sidestepped the incoming blow and seized Kael's vengeful fist, bringing it to an abrupt halt.

"I'll make you pay for what you just did, and I'll make sure the price is tenfold!" Kael's voice seethed with unbridled anger, his eyes shooting daggers at Yuno.

Guilt washed over Yuno as he belatedly comprehended the gravity of his actions. His fervor for victory had blinded him to the potential consequences of his recklessness.

"I have no choice but to win, for it is my purpose. Don't you feel the same, Siegfried?" Yuno murmured softly to his sword, a quiet communion of understanding passing between them.

Amid the oppressive tension that hung heavily in the air, Lyra arrived on the scene with rapid, urgent footsteps, following closely behind Kael. She gently cradled Lucias's battered head in her lap, her skilled hands moving swiftly to assess his vital signs with a sense of profound urgency. Though faint, the rhythmic rise and fall of Lucias's chest indicated that he still clung to life, though by a thread.

With unwavering determination, she called out to Kael, "Kael! Leave him be for now. Fetch the medical supplies from your bag. We must act swiftly if we're to have any chance of saving him."

Kael wasted no time, diving into his bag to retrieve the necessary first aid supplies. Meanwhile, Lyra meticulously cleaned away the blood and conducted a thorough examination to uncover any hidden wounds concealed beneath the crimson stain.

The aftermath of the battle had left everyone in a state of shock, a heavy sense of unease settling over them as they grappled with the startling events that had just unfolded. However, before they could fully come to terms with the situation, a bizarre and unsettling change took place above them. The once-bright skies were eclipsed by an eerie crimson glow emanating from two blood-red moons, casting a sinister hue over the entire landscape. This transformation veiled everything in an eerie and unsettling shroud, imparting a sense of foreboding and uncertainty to the scene.

The malevolent radiance of these crimson moons seemed to infect all living beings, inducing an eerie and unsettling alteration in their essence. It was as if a wave of madness had swept over those with souls, permeating the atmosphere with an unsettling and foreboding aura.

As the crimson moons ascended, their ominous light began to cast an eerie pallor over the battlefield. The first to succumb to their influence were Yuno, Kael, Lyra, Bruce, and his crew. Each of them felt an unnerving transformation taking hold, their thoughts and emotions spiraling into chaos under the maddening glow.

Yuno, once resolute and determined, suddenly found himself consumed by irrational fears. His grip on Siegfried slackened, and paranoia took hold as he perceived threats and dangers that existed only in his tortured imagination.

"No... What's happening? I can't trust anyone, not even myself. This is madness."

Kael, typically protective and composed, was now blinded by a blinding rage that made him see Yuno as the embodiment of all his anger.

"I'll tear him apart! He's the cause of all of this, the reason Lucias is hurt!"

Lyra, known for her intelligence and clarity, was tormented by maddening whispers that clawed at her mind. She clutched her head, attempting to silence the cacophony of voices that threatened to drive her to the brink.

"The voices won't stop. They're telling me things, secrets, and I can't ignore them. But I need to focus... on Lucias."

Bruce and his crew, typically disciplined and courageous, were gripped by paranoia, turning on one another and suspecting betrayal from their own comrades.

"Who can I trust? Is someone trying to sabotage us? We need to stick together!"

The madness unleashed by the crimson moons threatened to tear the group apart, even in their direst moment. It was a battle within themselves, their own minds becoming their worst enemies.

In the midst of this chaos, the crow went into a frenzy, abruptly severing the mysterious man's connection to the unfolding events. The man glanced out the window of his dimly lit room, and the eerie crimson light from the moons seeped in, sending a shiver down his spine and rattling his sanity.

A nervous chuckle escaped his lips as he struggled to make sense of the inexplicable.

"Coincidence, indeed," he mumbled, his voice quivering with a mixture of fascination and dread. With a sigh, the enigmatic man settled back into his chair, battling to maintain his composure as the maddening influence gnawed at the edges of his consciousness.

"This is going to be a long night," he murmured, closing his eyes in a futile attempt to escape the encroaching madness.

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Author's note : Hello, my dear readers. If you read this note, I want to say thank you so much. This chapter might have a lot of typo or might difficult to read as I lost some of the draft for this chapter. Let me know if you found something you don't understand. I'll happily answer.

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I'm not confident enough with the way I presented the fighthing scene. I hope it won't be difficult to read. 

See you next week, my dear readers! ^^