The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 287

In the modest arena of the Lord’s Keep, Alavin challenged Eyla to a duel. The fierce battle raged back and forth for nearly half an hour, during which Alavin was thoroughly schooled in the terror that was Eyla. He came to understand why The Clash of Eight Orders had bestowed upon her the nickname, 'Blood Elf.’

As for the outcome, Alavin was soundly trounced and had to be carried back to his quarters. His body was a tapestry of wounds, his skin split, his flesh torn, and his insides bleeding – a sight so ghastly it would turn even the stoutest stomachs!

The guards who carried him back couldn't help but wince with sympathy. It was just a spar, after all – did it have to be so brutal?

Alavin himself hadn't expected such a dire beating. The battle was arduous, devoid of any exhilaration, and discomfort clung to him like a shroud. Eyla's Combat Magic was as bizarre as her movements, and her eyes – those eyes were perilous. Each move, each smile, each frown was laced with danger. If not for his ample experience, quick reflexes, and ruthless streak, he might have been subdued by Eyla within mere moments.

Eyla didn't escape unscathed either, though her injuries were not as exaggerated as Alavin's. She, too, had a taste of Alavin's ferocity, and the long-awaited Shadowbringer had lived up to her expectations. It was thrilling!

In the end, Alavin was defeated, and Eyla claimed a narrow victory – such was the result of their first clash. However, after a night's rest, Alavin reflected on the duel and found it to be quite enlightening.

The next day, fully recovered, he approached Eyla. "Another match?"

"Sure." Eyla replied with a sly, soul-ensnaring smile.

And so, they returned to the Arena for another frenzied bout. Alavin was hooked. Despite the beatings, he gained much. Eyla presented him with a completely different style of combat. Eyla was also becoming addicted, curious about how much punishment Alavin could withstand. She unleashed various Combat Magic and secret techniques on him without reservation.

After another grueling fight, Alavin was once again carried off, while Eyla retreated to heal with the power of Life’s Spring.

On the third day, Alavin was back. "Once more?"

"Let’s go." Eyla accepted the challenge. Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

The third day... the fourth day... the fifth day...

Eventually, Lucan couldn't bear to watch anymore and forcefully intervened. Were they indulging in mutual torment? Becoming addicted to the abuse?

Carlys also had enough, insisting they stop before feelings developed – what if they fell for each other?

The entire Mallister family stepped in to forbid any more duels. This was too much. It wasn't training. It was like suicide! What if something went terribly wrong and someone lost their life?

On the morning of the sixth day, Alavin knocked on Eyla's door. "One more fight?"

Eyla, who was meditating, chuckled lightly. "Aren't you afraid your family will scold you again?"

"I've found a perfect spot in the city, an old beast-fighting pit that's now abandoned, overgrown with weeds and saplings. We could sneak there for a match."

Eyla's laughter grew more joyous. "A thicket? Are you asking me to a secret tryst?"

"Be serious! We're still young."

With a giggle, Eyla replied, "Give it a rest. If we keep this up, your Mallister kin will start to resent me. What if they forbid me from marrying into your family someday? Who will I cry to then?"

Alavin had grown used to her teasing, but it still made him somewhat defenseless. "So, are you coming? I've thought of a tactic last night that could counter you!"

"Really?" Eyla's interest was piqued.

"If I can't beat you today, you can do what you want with me."

"I like those stakes." Eyla got up, patting the sleeping fox on the bed. "Come on, you'll be our witness."

They slipped past the guards, scaled the Citadel walls, and made their way toward the beast- fighting pit on the eastern edge of the city. But before they reached their destination, Godfred descended from the sky, blocking their path.

Alavin was exasperated. "Are you spying on us?"

Godfred was not in the mood for jokes. "Lord Alavin, there's trouble!"