CHAPTER 30: CLASH BETWEEN THE BEST

«Let the battle begin!»

As soon as the announcer’s words echo across the arena, the two challengers vanish.

They leap from one side of the field to the other, appearing and disappearing in rapid succession.

In the rare moments when they slow down enough to be seen, I catch glimpses of Kajetan—his energy blade glowing with the same deep blue I saw in the battle at Noxscura—as he delivers swift, powerful strikes.

His opponent counters with equal skill, wielding a slightly curved weapon, like a scimitar.

A thin blue aura wraps around their bodies—just as Clotilde taught me, a sign of complete mastery of Vis energy.

Their speed is far beyond what my eyes can track.

By contrast, Sasha seems able to follow every move, and even Priscilla manages, though with some effort.

I can tell by the way their eyes dart across the arena, never losing sight of the fight.

Every now and then, the ground splits apart and cracks spread across the arena floor.

The two familiars reappear only for an instant—just long enough for their blades to clash—before vanishing again, leaving behind clouds of dust and sand.

Daphne had urged me to watch, insisting this battle would be instructive.

But honestly... I’m not sure how much I’m actually learning.

And yet something keeps bothering me.

How are their reflexes so sharp at that speed?

I understand vampires—naturally infused with magical energy—can follow their movements. But humans?

No matter how strong they are, how could they refine their senses to this level?

Could it be another use of Vis energy?

Clotilde never mentioned enhancing sensory perception with Vis, but I can’t think of another explanation.

I inhale... I exhale... inhale... exhale...

I close my eyes and try to apply the breathing exercise Clotilde taught me.

But it’s hard—keeping focus in the middle of this chaos feels almost impossible. Then, that feeling returns.

The same one I had before breaking free from the bubble, though weaker—probably because I can’t focus as well.

This morning, I channeled that energy into a single point.

If I try the same now... but focus it into my eyes... maybe...

I open them, and... it worked!

They still move at incredible speed, but now their motions are slightly clearer—almost as if I’m watching the fight in slow motion.

It’s amazing what can be achieved once you grasp how Vis energy works.

It took me nearly a full minute just to sharpen my vision.

In a real fight, no opponent would wait so patiently.

I still have a long way to go before I can master Vis well enough to use it effectively in battle, but I finally feel confident I’m beginning to understand the logic behind it!

«It looks like the battle is reaching its climax!»

For the first time since the fight began, both combatants stand still, facing each other from opposite ends of the arena after yet another violent clash of their energy weapons.

They’re visibly exhausted, yet a satisfied smile lingers on their faces.

It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Kajetan smile so genuinely—I didn’t think he was even capable of it.

It must be the adrenaline of facing an equal, or perhaps the thrill of rivalry with Rashid.

«You were already incredibly strong three years ago, yet with each fight—if I’m not mistaken, this is our seventh since I first defeated you—you’ve only grown stronger. You truly are remarkable, Rashid Narkov,» Kajetan declares, his voice filled with respect.

«And yet, despite everything, it seems I still haven’t reached your level,» Rashid replies with equal respect. «Let’s begin the final act of this battle!» he proclaims firmly, pointing his energy scimitar at his rival.

«I was about to say the same,» Kajetan responds, taking the same stance.

Then... they vanish, raising a cloud of dust.

Even with my enhanced vision, I can’t follow their movements—they’re even faster than before.

A roar erupts from the stands—most of the spectators must have been able to see what just happened.

I find some comfort in the fact that Priscilla, sitting beside me, looks just as lost—her confused, almost frightened expression tells me she couldn’t follow that exchange either.

But a moment later, the outcome of what just happened becomes clear even to me.

Rashid is collapsed on the ground—barely holding himself up on his arms.

Not a single spark of Vis energy flickers from his body, and a stream of blood pours from a deep wound across his chest.

Kajetan stands before him, watching with admiration and respect.

He extends his hand, clearly to help him back to his feet.

Rashid accepts the gesture without a trace of resentment or anger.

Now they stand side by side as cheers and applause rain down on them, as if Kajetan had made sure Rashid too would share in the standing ovation meant for them both.

It’s a scene that shows the boundless respect between the two—a truly moving sight in a setting like this.

It proves not all familiars are like Aron and the others.

Then, from the corner of my eye, I notice Sasha.

Everyone else is focused on Kajetan—everyone except her.

She’s watching me, wearing that same sly, almost seductive smile she had after my training with Clotilde, when I broke free from the bubble.

What does that sadistic demon want from me? I have a feeling I’ll find out soon.

Just before bringing me to the stands, Daphne had warned me: «Sasha told me she wants to be alone with you because she has something important to discuss—I assume it’s about Ayra, but I can only guess, since she didn’t share any details. Keep one thing in mind: Sasha is manipulative, and she often twists reality to get what she wants. Whatever she tells you, don’t make the mistake of taking it at face value. You can never be sure whether she’s lying or telling the truth. That said, you can relax; she assured me she won’t harm you, so you have nothing to fear.»

...At least, I hope so.