The hours passed quickly as Kael and Irelia continued their conversation. The landscape stretched out through the window of the carriage, but most of Kael’s attention was on their exchange. The flow of words was almost natural, yet something stood out to him.
Irelia didn’t seem like an ordinary person. Her posture, her words, and especially the way she moved in the carriage indicated that she was far from a fragile lady. When the conversation shifted to skills and training, Kael quickly realized that Irelia wasn’t just interested in magic or mystical arts... she seemed to have a much more practical skill, which made Kael reflect on the difference between them.
"So... are you a mage?" Irelia asked, her curious eyes fixed on him. She seemed fascinated but cautious at the same time. "I’ve always been curious about magic, but honestly, my skill lies more in... well, in the sword. I’m not very good with... mana."
Kael chuckled lightly, adjusting in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable. "Yes, but I don’t consider myself a mage... I only know a few things."
Irelia nodded, her look understanding, yet with a hint of admiration. "Interesting. On the other hand, I’ve been training with the sword since I was very young. My family has always valued strength, technique, and skill. For me, magic has always seemed distant, something I could never control, and... well, I’m a disaster with it."
Kael observed her with interest. He wondered how different their worlds were. While he immersed himself in the arts of magic, often a solitary and introspective practice, Irelia was immersed in a path that demanded physical strength, discipline, and no doubt, many battles. It was a striking difference.
"So you’re a swordswoman then?" Kael asked, raising an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "I’ve never held a sword. My mother is a witch, so there was nothing for me to do or anyone to teach me. But it seems like you... you must be an incredible fighter."
Irelia smiled with a glint of confidence in her eyes. "I try to be good, at least." She made a vague gesture with her hand, as if the word "good" was relative. "The sword is my best friend. When you have a blade, it’s like the world is your battlefield. But of course, I can’t compare to someone like my uncle... a true swordsman."
Kael gave a slight smile but couldn’t help feeling a little out of place. "I... I’m not that good either. I can be fast and have good skills with magic, but... I could never match up to my mother or grandmother."
Irelia laughed, a clear and lively sound. "So I guess we’re complete opposites but quite alike. I’m good at physical combat but struggle with the magical arts. You’re a mage, but you’d never take on a swordswoman like me up close, would you?"
Kael smiled. "Seems like it. But that’s what makes our conversation interesting, right? I’m a mage who has to adapt to the physical, while you, a swordswoman, have to learn to deal with mana." He leaned back, feeling more comfortable with the exchange.
Irelia gave a slight nod, seemingly satisfied with the dynamic between them. "It’s funny how life puts us in situations like this, where nothing is certain. But I think that exchange of perspectives is what’s most worth it."
Kael looked at her, pondering her words. She was right. In the end, maybe magic and the sword weren’t that different. Both required training, discipline, and a good dose of courage to face the unknown.
"So, I guess we can learn something from each other. Who knows, maybe one day, I’ll learn to fight with a sword like you, and you’ll learn to cast a spell or two," Kael suggested with a challenging smile.
Irelia smiled back, her eyes sparkling with a mix of competitiveness and fun. "I accept the challenge, Kael RedGrave. But only if you’re ready to train with a real swordswoman."
Kael was about to respond, still reflecting on the exchange he had with Irelia, when a startled shout cut through the air. "MAGICAL BEASTS!" The voice of the knight who had shouted was sharp and desperate, echoing through the carriage.
Irelia, who had seemed calm and confident until then, immediately stood up. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and determination. "Let’s go!" she exclaimed, with an animated smile, and before Kael could react, she pulled out a shining sword that he hadn’t noticed before. The blade appeared perfectly balanced, with a carved design indicating its high value and the skill of its wielder.
Kael quickly got up, surprised by Irelia’s sudden reaction. "But... what are you going to do?" he asked, his mind still trying to process what was happening.
Irelia looked at him, a bold smile on her face. "Me? I’m going to fight, of course! I’m not a swordswoman for nothing, Kael. And you, are you just going to watch?" She moved toward the door of the carriage, ready to jump out.
Before Kael could protest or even think of a response, she had already opened the door and was leaping outside. The carriage had stopped in the middle of the road, with the knights and other members of the convoy agitated, looking around, prepared to face any threat.
"You’re not going to stay behind, are you?" Irelia shouted from outside, her voice full of excitement and challenge. "I promise you won’t regret seeing real combat!"
Kael hesitated for a moment.
’Why am I hesitating? The more I kill, the more souls I absorb, and the stronger I’ll become!’ Besides, he didn’t want to appear cowardly. He moved toward the door of the carriage and, with a quick breath, followed Irelia.
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Outside, the atmosphere was tense. The convoy was surrounded by a thick mist that seemed to move erratically, as if made of shadows and distorted forms. Some of the creatures began to materialize from the mist — large felines with fur black as night, their eyes glowing with a strange and magical light. Others were more deformed, with wide bodies and tentacles writhing in a threatening manner. Magical beasts were a known threat, but rarely seen with such intensity.
Irelia was firmly planted on the ground, her sword ready, and a serious expression took over her face. She was already observing the positioning of the beasts, seemingly prepared to strike.
"They’re just magical felines and a few creatures corrupted by mana... nothing I can’t handle!" Irelia shouted with confidence. "But I hope you’ll do something, Kael! Are you just going to stand there and watch?"
Kael looked around, feeling the tension in the air. He sensed the pressure of the situation, but also a spark of excitement starting to grow inside him. He had no experience in physical combat, but his magic could be useful.
"You’re right. Let’s see what I can do." He said, his eyes closing for a brief moment as he focused. "I need to try something quick."
With a movement, he extended his hand, and shadows began to form around him, a hole of darkness opening between his palms. He knew he had powerful abilities, but he needed to learn how to use them in the best possible way.
Irelia saw Kael manipulating the shadows and gave a nod of approval. "Now that’s interesting! Let’s go, use it!"
Kael took a deep breath, more focused than ever. He was in the middle of a battle, standing next to a talented swordswoman, facing magical beasts — this was exactly what he needed to test his limits. He had to act fast.
"Get ready!" Irelia shouted to the convoy. "This fight is going to be good!" She charged toward one of the beasts, her sword glowing as she swung it through the air, ready to face it.
Kael, for his part, prepared to use his magic effectively. The shadows around him solidified and took on threatening shapes, creating a defense around himself. He was ready to do whatever was necessary.
The fight was about to begin.