Chapter 133
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 133
The rooms reserved for duels were fairly sparse. There was a small section for viewing and a section where the duelists could place bets. Other than that, they were just empty spaces of varying size.
In one of the smaller arenas, Marsen and Jeston faced each other. They were watched by much of the training group as well as a few members of the Frostmirror sect- including Annelie and Diana. One of the two combatants was the very symbol of impassiveness, and the other was obviously annoyed even before the battle started. Marsen had no visible weapons, while Jeston carried a large sword in two hands.
The instant the barrier in the middle of the room disappeared they sprang into action. Jeston swung his sword at Marsen, who evaded the main attack but wasnt able to completely avoid the trail of frost that spread from it. As he moved around the attack he countered with his own palm strike to Jestons side, leaving a trail of ice behind where he moved.
At the two continued to match each other, even the walls at the edge of the arena began developing frost crystals. The breath of the two combatants soon became visible as they moved about on the ice at their feet. Jeston continued to swing his sword with reckless abandon, with Marsen left with little choice but to avoid it and sneak in attacks where he could.
The clothing of the two young men began to stiffen, and the cold had clearly begun seeping past their defensive energy. Jeston couldnt catch Marsen with a solid blow, but the reach advantage of his sword meant he was able to sustain a number of cuts while only receiving insignificant blows himself. That was the disadvantage of unarmed combat- weapons were meant to multiply the force of an attack, and without it one had to rely solely on the effects of their energy. Against another member of the Frostmirror sect, Marsen found his opponent quite resistant.
The sweat of exertion froze as it trickled down the faces and bodies of the two combatants, layers of frost building up on their bodies and turning their skin blue. Alright, enough of this! Jeston stepped back, taking a wide stance. A swirling vortex of icicles surrounded his sword, extending beyond it in all directions. Marsen rallied his energies as well. A sweep of the sword flung icicles in a cone in front of Jeston, many of them piercing into Marsens arms which covered his face. However, Marsen moved in towards Jeston along the trailing edge of his sword and grabbed his arm.
While most of the audience expected them to begin wrestling for control, everything just stopped. Neither of the two of them moved, frozen in space. One second. Ten seconds. Thirty. After one minute, a cracking sound rang out from one of the combatants. A thin but clearly extremely powerful layer of ice fell off of him.
Jeston stepped back, having broken out from the freeze first. He immediately raised his arms to bring his sword down onto Marsens head. It cleaved directly down, striking him. There was a shattering sound and a cry of pain.
Marsen then finally moved. The layer of ice on him sloughed off like the end of a winter thaw and popping sounds came from his joints. He shook his head at his opponent in front of him whose arms were twisted in ways they were never meant to be. You thawed far too quickly. Youre far too reckless and emotional.
With that, Marsen walked over to the box where the bets were kept. It opened, signaling his victory. Yet Jeston chuckled from the ground. What were you hoping to find in there?
Your dignity. But apparently you didnt have any.
Jestons face twitched and he passed out on the floor.
Marsen walked over to Anton and the others, smiling. That was fun. Or rather satisfying. Marsen touched a hand to his chest and composed himself, his face returning to a neutral position.
Anton grabbed his shoulder and leaned in close, using his energy to make sure only Marsen could hear his whisper. Feelings arent a weakness. Its not a failure to have kept some. Then he straightened up and clapped him on the back. Good job, that was a resounding victory.
Of course. I did not spend that time training for nothing.
I see. What do you think about leaving, and coming to join the Order with me?
I- Annelie hesitated. I dont know. Id rather not see Graotan right now. My parents...
Anton shook his head. Neither of them had made it. They wont be there. But Alva would love to see you.
Annelie held a hand over her heart. I want to see her too. But this is the best way for me to grow. You saw those two- late Spirit Building now, if they werent before. I cant just let them live. Walking around like they havent done anything wrong.
It hurt, realizing how much like him she was. I dont plan to leave them alone, either. Are you sure you wish to stay with the Frostmirror sect?
Annelie nodded. Yes. Though sometimes people are distance, I am taken care of. Not quite like back home, but its better that way, I think.
His appreciation of his great-granddaughters emotional maturity was dulled by the fact that she should still be acting like a girl, barely a young woman. She still had her emotions- and his assistance with her training should ensure that- but the troubles of her life had robbed her of some of the way things should have been. Another crime to attribute to Van Hassel and one likely shared by the Heavenly Lion Sect as a whole.
-----
Platinum oak formed the shaft of the bow. It was not quite so silver as its name implied, but it certainly was expensive like that very same metal. The bowstring was made of the sinew of a great cat from the Beast Forest. Together with some auxiliary pieces they formed a whole bow, one that Alva held above her head triumphantly as she walked out of the armament hall. She had done all sorts of stupid work to get enough contribution points for this thing, but she finally had it. She supposed the work was also training and was useful because it produced stuff, but it was so boring. It made her want to fall asleep, which was even worse when she was tired from spending extra hours working and training. But she had it and now she could go on a hunt before great-grandpa Anton got back. And she would do it with a bow just like his.
Well, it wasnt just like his. The materials were different. It was also a lot smaller. She wasnt sure what she was supposed to do with a bow taller than her anyway. There was no way she could draw it that far with her arms. A shortbow suited her just fine, and anyone who made fun of her for it would get an arrow to the face. She had bought arrows too, but they werent anything fancy. She was still trying to learn Spirit Arrows, but it was difficult. She needed to ask for help with that later.
But before later happened, she needed to go on a hunt. She had gotten to the fifth star now and tempered her muscles, and she was strong. She was maybe not as strong as those who were older than her and also cultivators, but at least as much as a normal adult man? That seemed right. She was listening to the advice shed been given to make sure she didnt hurt herself by cultivating too quickly, and there were many elders around to help if she asked. She didnt really want to talk to most of them, but Elder Vincent was a friendly one. Shed even seen him once or twice when he came through Dungannon. But she didnt want to think about that.
She wanted to hunt. Fuzz was obviously going with her. She also needed more people before it was probably considered a proper team. Fortunately, she knew just the right people. She didnt know Pete much outside of being from Dungannon, but she knew Patricia. She was a nice lady, and she was also a cultivator. Shed been cultivating for longer than Alva but she was also at the fifth star. She said she was taking it slow, though Alva didnt know why anyone would do that.
There were also a couple other people in the same complex as them. Gerd was a round woman that was far too nice for Alva to call her fat, and Malcom was a fifth person. There wasnt anything really wrong with him, but Alva didnt really care if he came along. Since he was from the same complex, it would be weird not to invite him- and it didnt hurt to have more people along.
Alva was a bit on the weaker side to be going with them. Pete was more than a full star ahead of her, but since she didnt know anyone else it was fine. Besides, the rest of her family would probably be happier that she was being safe.
She did intend to be safe, too. That was why she had a saddle for Fuzz and everything. He was fast and could run away from anything coming at them as she shot them with her bow. She wasnt sure how she would be against beasts, but Pete had watched her and approved of her skills. He even called her a Little Anton which made her turn away and blush. She wasnt that amazing yet. But she would be.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 133
The rooms reserved for duels were fairly sparse. There was a small section for viewing and a section where the duelists could place bets. Other than that, they were just empty spaces of varying size.
In one of the smaller arenas, Marsen and Jeston faced each other. They were watched by much of the training group as well as a few members of the Frostmirror sect- including Annelie and Diana. One of the two combatants was the very symbol of impassiveness, and the other was obviously annoyed even before the battle started. Marsen had no visible weapons, while Jeston carried a large sword in two hands.
The instant the barrier in the middle of the room disappeared they sprang into action. Jeston swung his sword at Marsen, who evaded the main attack but wasnt able to completely avoid the trail of frost that spread from it. As he moved around the attack he countered with his own palm strike to Jestons side, leaving a trail of ice behind where he moved.
At the two continued to match each other, even the walls at the edge of the arena began developing frost crystals. The breath of the two combatants soon became visible as they moved about on the ice at their feet. Jeston continued to swing his sword with reckless abandon, with Marsen left with little choice but to avoid it and sneak in attacks where he could.
The clothing of the two young men began to stiffen, and the cold had clearly begun seeping past their defensive energy. Jeston couldnt catch Marsen with a solid blow, but the reach advantage of his sword meant he was able to sustain a number of cuts while only receiving insignificant blows himself. That was the disadvantage of unarmed combat- weapons were meant to multiply the force of an attack, and without it one had to rely solely on the effects of their energy. Against another member of the Frostmirror sect, Marsen found his opponent quite resistant.
The sweat of exertion froze as it trickled down the faces and bodies of the two combatants, layers of frost building up on their bodies and turning their skin blue. Alright, enough of this! Jeston stepped back, taking a wide stance. A swirling vortex of icicles surrounded his sword, extending beyond it in all directions. Marsen rallied his energies as well. A sweep of the sword flung icicles in a cone in front of Jeston, many of them piercing into Marsens arms which covered his face. However, Marsen moved in towards Jeston along the trailing edge of his sword and grabbed his arm.
While most of the audience expected them to begin wrestling for control, everything just stopped. Neither of the two of them moved, frozen in space. One second. Ten seconds. Thirty. After one minute, a cracking sound rang out from one of the combatants. A thin but clearly extremely powerful layer of ice fell off of him.
Jeston stepped back, having broken out from the freeze first. He immediately raised his arms to bring his sword down onto Marsens head. It cleaved directly down, striking him. There was a shattering sound and a cry of pain.
Marsen then finally moved. The layer of ice on him sloughed off like the end of a winter thaw and popping sounds came from his joints. He shook his head at his opponent in front of him whose arms were twisted in ways they were never meant to be. You thawed far too quickly. Youre far too reckless and emotional.
With that, Marsen walked over to the box where the bets were kept. It opened, signaling his victory. Yet Jeston chuckled from the ground. What were you hoping to find in there?
Your dignity. But apparently you didnt have any.
Jestons face twitched and he passed out on the floor.
Marsen walked over to Anton and the others, smiling. That was fun. Or rather satisfying. Marsen touched a hand to his chest and composed himself, his face returning to a neutral position.
Anton grabbed his shoulder and leaned in close, using his energy to make sure only Marsen could hear his whisper. Feelings arent a weakness. Its not a failure to have kept some. Then he straightened up and clapped him on the back. Good job, that was a resounding victory.
Of course. I did not spend that time training for nothing.
I see. What do you think about leaving, and coming to join the Order with me?
I- Annelie hesitated. I dont know. Id rather not see Graotan right now. My parents...
Anton shook his head. Neither of them had made it. They wont be there. But Alva would love to see you.
Annelie held a hand over her heart. I want to see her too. But this is the best way for me to grow. You saw those two- late Spirit Building now, if they werent before. I cant just let them live. Walking around like they havent done anything wrong.
It hurt, realizing how much like him she was. I dont plan to leave them alone, either. Are you sure you wish to stay with the Frostmirror sect?
Annelie nodded. Yes. Though sometimes people are distance, I am taken care of. Not quite like back home, but its better that way, I think.
His appreciation of his great-granddaughters emotional maturity was dulled by the fact that she should still be acting like a girl, barely a young woman. She still had her emotions- and his assistance with her training should ensure that- but the troubles of her life had robbed her of some of the way things should have been. Another crime to attribute to Van Hassel and one likely shared by the Heavenly Lion Sect as a whole.
-----
Platinum oak formed the shaft of the bow. It was not quite so silver as its name implied, but it certainly was expensive like that very same metal. The bowstring was made of the sinew of a great cat from the Beast Forest. Together with some auxiliary pieces they formed a whole bow, one that Alva held above her head triumphantly as she walked out of the armament hall. She had done all sorts of stupid work to get enough contribution points for this thing, but she finally had it. She supposed the work was also training and was useful because it produced stuff, but it was so boring. It made her want to fall asleep, which was even worse when she was tired from spending extra hours working and training. But she had it and now she could go on a hunt before great-grandpa Anton got back. And she would do it with a bow just like his.
Well, it wasnt just like his. The materials were different. It was also a lot smaller. She wasnt sure what she was supposed to do with a bow taller than her anyway. There was no way she could draw it that far with her arms. A shortbow suited her just fine, and anyone who made fun of her for it would get an arrow to the face. She had bought arrows too, but they werent anything fancy. She was still trying to learn Spirit Arrows, but it was difficult. She needed to ask for help with that later.
But before later happened, she needed to go on a hunt. She had gotten to the fifth star now and tempered her muscles, and she was strong. She was maybe not as strong as those who were older than her and also cultivators, but at least as much as a normal adult man? That seemed right. She was listening to the advice shed been given to make sure she didnt hurt herself by cultivating too quickly, and there were many elders around to help if she asked. She didnt really want to talk to most of them, but Elder Vincent was a friendly one. Shed even seen him once or twice when he came through Dungannon. But she didnt want to think about that.
She wanted to hunt. Fuzz was obviously going with her. She also needed more people before it was probably considered a proper team. Fortunately, she knew just the right people. She didnt know Pete much outside of being from Dungannon, but she knew Patricia. She was a nice lady, and she was also a cultivator. Shed been cultivating for longer than Alva but she was also at the fifth star. She said she was taking it slow, though Alva didnt know why anyone would do that.
There were also a couple other people in the same complex as them. Gerd was a round woman that was far too nice for Alva to call her fat, and Malcom was a fifth person. There wasnt anything really wrong with him, but Alva didnt really care if he came along. Since he was from the same complex, it would be weird not to invite him- and it didnt hurt to have more people along.
Alva was a bit on the weaker side to be going with them. Pete was more than a full star ahead of her, but since she didnt know anyone else it was fine. Besides, the rest of her family would probably be happier that she was being safe.
She did intend to be safe, too. That was why she had a saddle for Fuzz and everything. He was fast and could run away from anything coming at them as she shot them with her bow. She wasnt sure how she would be against beasts, but Pete had watched her and approved of her skills. He even called her a Little Anton which made her turn away and blush. She wasnt that amazing yet. But she would be.
Chapter 133The rooms reserved for duels were fairly sparse. There was a small section for viewing and a section where the duelists could place bets. Other than that, they were just empty spaces of varying size. In one of the smaller arenas, Marsen and Jeston faced each other. They were watched by much of the training group as well as a few members of the Frostmirror sect- including Annelie and Diana. One of the two combatants was the very symbol of impassiveness, and the other was obviously annoyed even before the battle started. Marsen had no visible weapons, while Jeston carried a large sword in two hands. The instant the barrier in the middle of the room disappeared they sprang into action. Jeston swung his sword at Marsen, who evaded the main attack but wasnt able to completely avoid the trail of frost that spread from it. As he moved around the attack he countered with his own palm strike to Jestons side, leaving a trail of ice behind where he moved.At the two continued to match each other, even the walls at the edge of the arena began developing frost crystals. The breath of the two combatants soon became visible as they moved about on the ice at their feet. Jeston continued to swing his sword with reckless abandon, with Marsen left with little choice but to avoid it and sneak in attacks where he could. The clothing of the two young men began to stiffen, and the cold had clearly begun seeping past their defensive energy. Jeston couldnt catch Marsen with a solid blow, but the reach advantage of his sword meant he was able to sustain a number of cuts while only receiving insignificant blows himself. That was the disadvantage of unarmed combat- weapons were meant to multiply the force of an attack, and without it one had to rely solely on the effects of their energy. Against another member of the Frostmirror sect, Marsen found his opponent quite resistant.The sweat of exertion froze as it trickled down the faces and bodies of the two combatants, layers of frost building up on their bodies and turning their skin blue. Alright, enough of this! Jeston stepped back, taking a wide stance. A swirling vortex of icicles surrounded his sword, extending beyond it in all directions. Marsen rallied his energies as well. A sweep of the sword flung icicles in a cone in front of Jeston, many of them piercing into Marsens arms which covered his face. However, Marsen moved in towards Jeston along the trailing edge of his sword and grabbed his arm.While most of the audience expected them to begin wrestling for control, everything just stopped. Neither of the two of them moved, frozen in space. One second. Ten seconds. Thirty. After one minute, a cracking sound rang out from one of the combatants. A thin but clearly extremely powerful layer of ice fell off of him.Jeston stepped back, having broken out from the freeze first. He immediately raised his arms to bring his sword down onto Marsens head. It cleaved directly down, striking him. There was a shattering sound and a cry of pain.Marsen then finally moved. The layer of ice on him sloughed off like the end of a winter thaw and popping sounds came from his joints. He shook his head at his opponent in front of him whose arms were twisted in ways they were never meant to be. You thawed far too quickly. Youre far too reckless and emotional.With that, Marsen walked over to the box where the bets were kept. It opened, signaling his victory. Yet Jeston chuckled from the ground. What were you hoping to find in there?Your dignity. But apparently you didnt have any.Jestons face twitched and he passed out on the floor.Marsen walked over to Anton and the others, smiling. That was fun. Or rather satisfying. Marsen touched a hand to his chest and composed himself, his face returning to a neutral position.Anton grabbed his shoulder and leaned in close, using his energy to make sure only Marsen could hear his whisper. Feelings arent a weakness. Its not a failure to have kept some. Then he straightened up and clapped him on the back. Good job, that was a resounding victory.Of course. I did not spend that time training for nothing.I see. What do you think about leaving, and coming to join the Order with me?I- Annelie hesitated. I dont know. Id rather not see Graotan right now. My parents...Anton shook his head. Neither of them had made it. They wont be there. But Alva would love to see you.Annelie held a hand over her heart. I want to see her too. But this is the best way for me to grow. You saw those two- late Spirit Building now, if they werent before. I cant just let them live. Walking around like they havent done anything wrong.It hurt, realizing how much like him she was. I dont plan to leave them alone, either. Are you sure you wish to stay with the Frostmirror sect?Annelie nodded. Yes. Though sometimes people are distance, I am taken care of. Not quite like back home, but its better that way, I think.His appreciation of his great-granddaughters emotional maturity was dulled by the fact that she should still be acting like a girl, barely a young woman. She still had her emotions- and his assistance with her training should ensure that- but the troubles of her life had robbed her of some of the way things should have been. Another crime to attribute to Van Hassel and one likely shared by the Heavenly Lion Sect as a whole.-----Platinum oak formed the shaft of the bow. It was not quite so silver as its name implied, but it certainly was expensive like that very same metal. The bowstring was made of the sinew of a great cat from the Beast Forest. Together with some auxiliary pieces they formed a whole bow, one that Alva held above her head triumphantly as she walked out of the armament hall. She had done all sorts of stupid work to get enough contribution points for this thing, but she finally had it. She supposed the work was also training and was useful because it produced stuff, but it was so boring. It made her want to fall asleep, which was even worse when she was tired from spending extra hours working and training. But she had it and now she could go on a hunt before great-grandpa Anton got back. And she would do it with a bow just like his.Well, it wasnt just like his. The materials were different. It was also a lot smaller. She wasnt sure what she was supposed to do with a bow taller than her anyway. There was no way she could draw it that far with her arms. A shortbow suited her just fine, and anyone who made fun of her for it would get an arrow to the face. She had bought arrows too, but they werent anything fancy. She was still trying to learn Spirit Arrows, but it was difficult. She needed to ask for help with that later.But before later happened, she needed to go on a hunt. She had gotten to the fifth star now and tempered her muscles, and she was strong. She was maybe not as strong as those who were older than her and also cultivators, but at least as much as a normal adult man? That seemed right. She was listening to the advice shed been given to make sure she didnt hurt herself by cultivating too quickly, and there were many elders around to help if she asked. She didnt really want to talk to most of them, but Elder Vincent was a friendly one. Shed even seen him once or twice when he came through Dungannon. But she didnt want to think about that.She wanted to hunt. Fuzz was obviously going with her. She also needed more people before it was probably considered a proper team. Fortunately, she knew just the right people. She didnt know Pete much outside of being from Dungannon, but she knew Patricia. She was a nice lady, and she was also a cultivator. Shed been cultivating for longer than Alva but she was also at the fifth star. She said she was taking it slow, though Alva didnt know why anyone would do that. There were also a couple other people in the same complex as them. Gerd was a round woman that was far too nice for Alva to call her fat, and Malcom was a fifth person. There wasnt anything really wrong with him, but Alva didnt really care if he came along. Since he was from the same complex, it would be weird not to invite him- and it didnt hurt to have more people along. Alva was a bit on the weaker side to be going with them. Pete was more than a full star ahead of her, but since she didnt know anyone else it was fine. Besides, the rest of her family would probably be happier that she was being safe. She did intend to be safe, too. That was why she had a saddle for Fuzz and everything. He was fast and could run away from anything coming at them as she shot them with her bow. She wasnt sure how she would be against beasts, but Pete had watched her and approved of her skills. He even called her a Little Anton which made her turn away and blush. She wasnt that amazing yet. But she would be.
