CHAPTER 49: DEVIL’S DUE

My body convulsed involuntarily, a chill running down my spine as vivid memories of the false sun flooded my mind. Holy Star replicated the purifying power of the sun to weaken the powers of demons and suppress their ability to draw on mana. I groaned as my fingers brushed my side, meeting a tender ache pulsating through my ribs - a painful reminder of the fracture I’d incurred at Davin’s hands.

My heart raced, tempting me to cast Dispel Magic, but a flicker of rationale restrained the impulse. I lowered my shaking hands and took a deep breath. My skin crawled at the thought of receiving the spell, but I knew I had to face it. No second-circle spell should break me, especially not before it was even cast.

As the thoughts raced through my mind, Selena finished chanting, and a glowing sphere appeared above her staff. The holy light bathed the sparring circle in a radiance that transcended the sun, proving Davin’s to be barely more than a cheap replica. Was this the difference in casters?

A sharp breath escaped my lips as the luminous glow pierced the Aegis, slithering across my skin like a repugnant, oily serpent. Swiftly penetrating my soul, the light clashed with my mana, and I marshaled all my strength to resist. The struggle inflamed my already taxed soul, and a fiery pain shot through my body, straight to the tips of my fingers and tail. A few desperate thoughts flit through my mind, encouraging me to give in. Surely, Selena would hold back if I showed her how much pain I was in.

Burdened by my own weakening will, I staggered, nearly falling to my knees. What would Soltair think of me, if I gave in? Strengthened by the thought, I persisted and endured the pain and sickening light, until, gradually, the Holy Star’s grip weakened. As the conflict eased, my soul relaxed and the near-crippling pain faded. The renewed flow of mana filled my soul, purging the rest of the holy influence from my body.

Although the light still shone, I was finally free of its effects. Elated, I looked up at Selena but found my triumph squashed as another spell hovered at her staff, activating the instant I noticed. Howling Winds surged from the magic circle, churning the air and crashing against the Aegis spell. Using the time bought by the shield, I used the Eyes of Fate to confirm its power level, my eyes widening slightly as four magic circles appeared.

The Aegis shuddered, draining my mana at an alarming rate. In times past, I was restricted in my spells, and could only rely on a few low-level tricks to survive encounters. The crippling helplessness had haunted my nightmares time and time again, but I was not the same mage now.

I chanted a third-circle spell, one I’d learned rather recently. "Earthen Roots!"

A magic circle manifested underneath my feet, emitting a steady, calming light. As the Aegis shattered, the winds tore forward, tearing at my hair and clothes. I poured mana into my spell, and Earth Magic surged upward, steadying my footing and supporting me against the wind. Although the air currents still raged, everything around me was calm, like the eye of the storm.

Serena nodded and clapped her hands, showing her approval. "I was expecting something a little flashier, but Earthen Roots is an excellent choice for any low-circle wind magic. Now, let’s see about these ones."

For the next several minutes, Selena continued to attack me with all types of spells, ranging from first to fourth circle. No two were the same, and even their speed and direction varied, forcing me to respond differently each time.

At last, the elf lowered her staff and gave a short, satisfied nod. "Very good."

A long exhale pushed against my lips, a sigh of relief that eased the tension from my weary shoulders, causing them to slump. My mana was growing thin, reaching the limit my injured soul could take, and I felt faint for lack of energy. Any distinct murmurs of the audience had long since faded from my mind, but their constant attention wore on me constantly. Hopeful, Selena had seen what she wanted, and we could end this spar.

I jumped as she clapped her hands and the mischievous look in her eye returned. My hopes fell as she raised her staff, her voice carrying the words I least wanted to hear. "Let’s wrap this up with one more. Tidal Wave!"

All color drained from my face as five magic circles circled the elf, whirling with such speed the runes blurred together in dramatic wheels of color. They rotated into a ring oriented vertically in front of Selena and emitted terrifying pressure.

I frantically considered my options as a sphere of liquid appeared in the middle of each magic circle, which, although small, contained unfathomable amounts of highly pressurized water. Once released, I doubted even the spectating crowds would be safe, but their safety was the least of my concern. What could I do against something like that?

As the spell neared completion, I clenched my fists and made a decision, rapidly casting ’Dispel Magic.’ I swooned as the departing flow of mana reduced my reserves to near empty, discouraged by the knowledge that it was probably futile. Dispel Magic weighed the opponent’s strength against mine, and there was no possibility I was stronger than Selena. Perhaps, if our current states were reversed, and I was the one in peak condition, I had a chance. But not like this.

The two magics collided, emitting a storm of mana that made the previous Wind Magic look like a summer breeze. Selena’s confident smirk twitched, and a look of concentration overtook her features. I poured more mana into the spell, watching with rising hope as it tore into the Tidal Wave’s magic circles, slowing their completion.

"Such strength," Selena said, eyebrows knit together. Her concern gave me a ray of hope, and I gave it everything I had. Dropping to one knee, I looked up as the chaotic surge of mana reached a crescendo. Everything rested on which spell broke first.

I dropped to one knee as an explosive crack filled the air, followed by a shockwave of magical feedback. The feedback broke against my Aegis, but I could see the expression of the mages within the spectators twisting in pain. Selena staggered back, hit by the worst of the feedback as her spell shattered, the pressurized water dispersing into the air. I stared at my hands in shock, scarcely able to believe it. How had that worked? While many in the crowd complained about the aftereffects, most seemed ignorant of the implications of the clash. Only a few loud exclamations escaped the lips of the more experienced mages, echoing my own disbelief.

"Was that Dispel magic?" One muttered, casting long searching looks at the maelstrom of magic.

"Looked like it. Does that mean that Filthblood...?"

I shook my head, disregarding their remarks as Selena regained her balance. The carefree look in her eye had been replaced with an emotion I scarcely recognized. It was one I often felt, but had never received. Respect.