The crowd gasped in astonishment as the dazzling display of magic unfolded before their eyes. "Mesmerizing!" exclaimed a voice from the audience, captivated by the spectacle. Whispers of awe swept through the gathered onlookers, awestruck by the breathtaking power and elegance of the performance.
However, amidst the fervor and wonder, there were those who observed with a critical eye. A young woman, clad in an orange robe watched intently, her analytical mind dissecting the intricate workings of the fire magic being unleashed. "This is unlike anything I've ever witnessed," she murmured, her voice tinged with a hint of scholarly curiosity. "The manipulation of mana is reminiscent of ancient sculptures, a method long forgotten."
Another companion by her side nodded in agreement. "Indeed, its power may be limited, but the manner in which mana is harnessed bears a resemblance to a forgotten era," he concurred, his eyes gleaming with knowledge and understanding.
Meanwhile, a young woman with fiery red hair radiating an aura of authority and prestige couldn't tear her gaze away from the young boy at the center of the spectacle. "I must make him my disciple," she declared fervently, her voice filled with determination. Her gaze locked onto the boy, piercing and resolute.
However, a voice of caution emerged from a young man standing beside her. "But, Tower Master, have you not heard the rumors that surround him?" he questioned, his voice laced with concern.
The woman turned her head toward the young man named Angus, her expression steely. "Have you forgotten your own origins, Angus?" she retorted sharply, her words carrying a chilling weight. "Every gem possesses flaws, yet it is the duty of a skilled lapidary to transform it into a thing of beauty."
As her words hung in the air, a renewed sense of purpose filled the Tower Master's gaze, and she returned her attention to the vibrant arena, where a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors danced and intertwined. It was in this captivating spectacle that destiny would unfold, for hidden within the beauty and chaos lay the seeds of action, awaiting the arrival of heroes and villains alike.
The air crackled with power as the clash intensified. The brilliant light illuminated the raging flames, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the scene. Sparks burst forth from the point of contact, cascading like fiery raindrops, illuminating the surrounding area in a shower of radiant embers.
Arden gritted his teeth, his muscles straining as he poured his will into maintaining the fiery onslaught. Beads of sweat mingled with the scorching heat, his face etched with determination and focus. The clash of fire and light created a palpable tension, a battle of opposing forces that threatened to consume each other. "I will not yield to a heathen like you!" The words of determination echoed between his beads of sweat as his eyes filled with determination. "I will remove the filth like you from this world. To not make any other person share the same fate as Mother!" His resolute shout filled the arena as the aura of brilliant light intensified.
Time seemed to stand still as Callius and the beam of light locked in a fierce struggle. The very fabric of reality seemed to warp and tremble under their conflicting might. The air crackled with raw energy, a symphony of crackling flames and sizzling brilliance.
"The filth you so vehemently condemn resides within your own heart, Arden," retorted Callius, his voice emanating an unsettling calmness as the flames in his hands grew ever more intense. His piercing crimson gaze locked onto Arden's as if peering into the depths of his soul. "Your convictions, your faith—they serve merely as tools to justify your thirst for vengeance," he continued, his words cutting through the air like a razor. "But let me shatter your illusion: It was not the actions of others that led to your mother's plight. It was your own weakness and fear, your failure to protect what you held dear."
As Callius' words reverberated through the air, Arden's once determined gaze transformed into bloodshot eyes, his voice erupting into a primal scream. "WHAT DO YOU KNOW! WHAT CAN YOU KNOW? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BEING WEAK? YOU FUCKING TALENTED DOG!" Each word spat out with venom, his rage contorting his features. Spittle flew from his mouth, resembling the rabid dog he so disdainfully referred to. The radiant aura emanating from the tip of his sword trembled in response to his inner turmoil. "WHY! JUST WHY IT WAS MY MOTHER! WHY GOD DIDN'T STOP HIM!" His screams grew louder, resonating with anguish, as the beam of light gradually lost its luster, morphing into a chilling beam of darkness.
"I know…." A simple phrase filled Arden's ears as he looked at those red eyes that contained a tingle of sadness. "I know how it feels to lose someone in front of your eyes…." Callius continued his words as he looked at the young boy whose faith had shattered. "But I am different from you." Speaking his words, the sadness in his eyes disappeared, revealing a look of arrogance.
As the eyes that were the color of crimson approached Arden, with fire pushing through the beam of light that had already started losing its strength, Callius spoke. "Rather than blaming the god you are talking about, or relying on others, I found the fault on myself, and swore….. Swore not to feel the same helplessness once again. Swore to stand on top of everyone…. Even the god you are talking about…." With each step he took, with each word he had spoken, the aura that was spreading from him covered Arden, making him tremble in fear.
"Do you know the most tragic death?" As he asked with a mocking glint in his eyes, Callius came before him and looked at him from above.
"It is living your life without knowing how to live. Farewell, you insignificant creature. May you find the strength to protect your loved ones in your next existence if you can find the courage to step up in the first place."
/SWOOSH/
Those were the last words Arden heard before flames engulfed his vision, and the searing heat consumed him in its merciless embrace.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
A piercing scream of agony reverberated through the arena as the conflagration raged around the defeated young man.
/TOK/
As the sound of something hitting the ground echoed, the smoke dispersed, revealing a lifeless body, its features obscured beyond recognition as the silence descended upon the arena.
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