The Crimson Magister Chapter 88: V3-C16: Blazing Steel [2]

Read chapter 88 of The Crimson Magister by Okram on NovelPedia.

V3-C16: Blazing Steel [2] Azure’s figure became a blur, her speed exceeding even some mid-tier divine exterminators. It was an impressive display that Aqua had not seen anyone else display other than Golden Fang and Rolan. Her fingers wrapped around her sword, and her eyes fixated on the rapidly approaching figure. “Her eyes…” Aqua grinned. Azure was in a fully serious mode and had thrown away her blushing maiden face she had worn around her. Because of that, Aqua could not disappoint. She raised the sheathed blade to her side and parried the strike. Despite her speed, Azure was still a long way from being the most powerful warrior she had once believed herself to be. Clang. Azure’s sword screeched. Aqua stepped back and redirected Azure toward the floor, and with a kick, launched her back. She felt Azure’s bones crunch under her boot. Too strong, sorry! The champion gasped for air, yet her gaze was resolute as ever. “Catch!” Aqua retrieved a small potion and threw it at Azure. She silently gripped the vial and gulped it down. Her bones fixed themselves, and she was in full form. She murmured something, yet she was far enough for her words not to reach Aqua. Aqua raised her sword in front of her and scrutinized each twitch of the muscles and each drifting gaze. It was paramount to understand each opponent’s body language as to avoid falling into a trap. However, as she was busy staring at Azure’s posture, she failed to notice the earth subtly shifting below her. The sand shifted and gripped at her feet. Her eyes shifted down, and she quickly broke free of the spell. Azure swung in a wide sideways arc, and a wave of crimson flame was launched toward Aqua. Aqua leaned back, her head almost touching the floor, letting the wave of fire pass harmlessly above her. Azure charged forward and made a downward slash toward Aqua. A satisfied smile formed on Aqua’s face. She made a backward flip and hit Azure above her. She gripped her sheathed blade and, like with a bat, she struck Azure’s back. The girl gasped for air; however, she gritted her teeth, and the earth shifted. The sand swirled around her and pulled her down. She clenched her fist and launched a strike at Aqua. She shifted slightly, allowing Azure to graze her barrier just enough for it to count as a hit. The flimsy barrier lit up, then just as fast, dimmed. Azure seemed to beam out of joy; however, it was far too soon. “Smile when you beat me!” Aqua spun around and hit the tip of the blade into her opponent’s back. Before Azure could even process what Aqua had said, she became airborne. “Gah!” Azure found herself flying over the arena. Aqua crouched down and launched herself above Azure. She hammered down with both her fists, burying Azure into the ground. Aqua wrapped her hand around her neck and struck her with an open palm. The air left Azure’s lungs, yet she dared not fail. She gritted her teeth and elbowed Aqua’s hand. The barrier lit up once again, making Aqua let go of her neck and spin-kicking the heroine. Aqua dug her heels into the ground, and a trail was left behind as she slid back. Azure rushed after her and launched a powerful melee lunge. Her other hand moved upward and raised the sand before her eyes in hope of blinding her. Aqua squinted her eyes. However, instead of continuing the lunge, the shadows embraced the champion and made her melt. The darkness rushed behind Aqua, and Azure struck at Aqua’s back; however, just as she was about to land, she stalled. Her arms quaked. “Do not hesitate!” Aqua shouted, she spun around, and with a slap, launched Azure into the air. She raised her sword in the air and inhaled deeply. “Sor…” Azure’s mouth forced shut as she fell on the sandy ground. Aqua’s mana formed around the sword, and the gentle sparks of flame danced around it. The blazing stars would grant her blade the power. The streaks of flame spun around themselves, and a helix dug into Azure’s armor. The flames were weak, yet packed a serious punch. Aqua brandi