Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Klein vs Odette

    Klein and Odette stepped into an open area of the training grounds, drawing the attention of the mages and knights nearby. Their hushed whispers quickly turned into an eager murmur as the prospect of a duel between two esteemed figures—one a seven-star aura knight, the other an A- rank mage—caught everyone''s interest.

    Arthur moved to a safe vantage point, his anticipation growing. Klein then gestured for the nearby mages to clear the area. "Give us some space to demonstrate our skills."

    Klein then unsheathed his aiming sword, the blade gleaming in the midday sun. He adjusted his stance, a picture of discipline and power. "Are you ready, Ms. Odette?"

    Odette, holding her wooden staff adorned with faint runes, nodded. Her brown curls swayed slightly as she stepped into position, her expression calm but focused. "I''m ready, Captain. Don''t hold back too much, or it won''t be worth my time."

    Arthur smirked at her confidence, finding himself further intrigued.

    Klein chuckled. "I''ll try not to disappoint."

    The moment he spoke, Odette moved into action. She raised her staff and began an intricate incantation, her voice clear and commanding. As the spell completed, she drove her staff into the ground with authority. In an instant, the environment transformed—frost spread out in every direction, the ground beneath them turned into a treacherous sheet of ice, and massive blocks of crystalline ice erupted from the earth, creating obstacles and barriers to hinder Klein''s movements.

    Arthur''s eyes widened in awe. Incredible! She''s shaping the battlefield to her will, like a queen commanding her icy domain. This is what magic is capable of! His amazement quickly turned bittersweet as jealousy crept into his thoughts. Why couldn''t I have been reincarnated into someone who could wield magic? It''s so much more versatile and powerful.

    But before he could dwell further, Odette''s staff began to glow again. She chanted another spell, her voice steady yet urgent, and a brilliant magic circle materialized near her staff. This time, the air seemed to freeze even further as jagged ice projectiles began launching from the circle in rapid succession, each shard a deadly missile aimed at Klein.

    Arthur leaned forward, his heart pounding. She''s relentless, attacking while forcing him to move in this frozen ground. It''s a perfect combination of offense and defense.

    Despite the overwhelming display of magic, Klein remained calm. His aura flared around him, a shimmering shield of energy that radiated confidence and power. He weaved through the projectiles with precision, using his sword to deflect or shatter those he couldn''t dodge.

    Klein smirked as he dodged another icy shard. "You''re making me work for it, Ms. Odette. I like the challenge."

    Odette''s lips curved into a faint smile. "I wouldn''t want to disappoint either, Captain."

    Arthur continued watching intently, noticing a subtle pattern. Each time Odette cast a new spell, there was a brief pause—a momentary delay as she chanted and focused. It was slight but noticeable to someone like Klein, who was always searching for an opening.

    Klein pressed forward, his movements fluid despite the icy terrain. He leapt onto one of the ice blocks Odette had summoned, using it as a springboard to close the distance. His sword gleamed as he brought it down with force, shattering part of the icy ground and sending shockwaves that caused the frost to crack and splinter.

    "Klein," Arthur said, turning to him, "I see another duel taking place over there. I''d like to watch it and learn more about how mages fight against each other. You don''t need to join me—feel free to take a break or oversee the training here."

    Klein then replied. "Are you sure, Your Majesty? I could accompany you."

    Arthur shook his head with a kind smile. "You''ve already done more than enough today. Watching your duel was enlightening, and I know you''re responsible for more than just shadowing me all day. Besides, I''d like to observe this duel on my own, to get a fresh perspective."

    Klein hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty. If you need anything, I''ll be nearby."

    Arthur waved him off and began walking toward the dueling mages, his heart beating with excitement. He was eager to see how two magic users clashed in a contest of skill and strategy without the presence of an aura knight.

    As he approached, the intensity of the duel became more apparent. A male mage with flowing crimson robes commanded fire with precise gestures, while his opponent, a female mage in a cloak of emerald, wielded wind magic to counter and redirect his attacks. Arthur was mesmerized by their movements, which were both graceful and tactical, each spell a dance of power and ingenuity.

    This is different from the duel between Klein and Odette, Arthur thought, observing the subtle interplay of magic. Even though they are not as strong or powerful as the previous battel, here, it''s all about countering, outmaneuvering, and controlling the battlefield with pure magical prowess.

    As Arthur observed the battle, the male mage in crimson robes conjured a searing fireball and hurled it toward his opponent. The female mage, quick on her feet, summoned a gust of wind to deflect the blazing projectile, redirecting it away from herself.

    But the new trajectory sent the fireball hurtling straight toward Arthur.

    The male mage''s eyes widened in alarm as he realized the unintended danger. "Your Majesty, look out!" he shouted, his voice sharp with urgency.

    Arthur turned his head just in time to see the fireball streaking toward him. His heart raced, but there was no time to dodge. The world seemed to slow as the flaming orb closed the gap.

    Yet, just as it was about to make impact, the fireball abruptly vanished, dissipating into thin air without leaving so much as a wisp of smoke or a trace of heat.

    ------

    Not part of the story.

    Happy new years to all the reader and hope you all are ready for 2025. Also I hope you all enjoying this story so far. If you could please leave a feedback, review, or comment. Thank you :)