Chapter 173: The Swordswomans Interlude (1)
Gales, the second floor of Swordflower Colleges Training Hall.
Compared to the first floor, the second floor is much more austere, with an open space nearly devoid of any equipment. However, the walls and floor are covered with Razer Meteorite flooring, which, with its deep blue serpentine patterns, can effectively disperse and resist any attack. Reinforced with magical arrays, it can even withstand Sanctuary-level destructive miracles, making it a durable location that can endure all kinds of abuse.
The only downside is the significant light pollution from the Razer flooring.
This stage is specifically provided for Sorcerers to battle. Since most miracles cause severe damage to the surroundings, Sorcerers looking to clash at full strength must do so on a designated dueling ground. Engaging in unauthorized duels in public is punishable by fines and a three-point deduction on ones Spellcasting license.
By now, its past 11 p.m., and most Sorcerer Apprentices have either returned to their dorms to sleep or ventured into the Virtual Realm Adventure. On the vast second floor, only two Swordcerers are left sparring, their released Sword Qi scraping white streaks across the Razer flooring!
Hiss
Hearing the sound like that of a thread being pulled taut, Felix quickly retracted his sword and retreated.
The Red-haired Swordswoman, Sonyas unique miracle, Water Moon, had already made waves throughout the Gales magic colleges, and it was recently included in the Stars Miracle Catalog, rated as a mid-tier Radiant Silver miracle. Countless Swordcerers were awaiting Sonya to lift the Restriction and grant licensing, eager to witness the splendor of the Counterattack Miracle.
In the Stars, miracles are evaluated through a detailed system, divided into Silver, Gold, Spectrum, and Void, with each tier further subdivided into three levels: Dim, True, and Radiant. Each level is then split into Upper, Mid, and Lower Ranks, totaling 36 levels.
If Sonya can continue to optimize the mid-tier Radiant Silver Water Moon, either by replacing its precious spirit with a common one or by further addressing the casting flaws, then Water Moon could be upgraded to upper-tier Radiant Silver, becoming one of the most elite miracles accessible to Silver Sorcerers!
Even the Family had, unprecedentedly, tasked Felix with securing a long-term licensing agreement for Water Moon from Sonya, at any cost. Built upon the foundation of the Vibration Sword, a technique for which Vlozrada is renowned, acquiring this miracle was crucial for the Family simply to diversify their array of miracles, let alone for the sake of a mid-tier Radiant Silver rarity.
In general, Radiant Level miracles are considered trump cards for punching above ones weight, True Level miracles are brag-worthy achievements, and Dim Level miracles are decent.
Why, you ask, is there such a complex rating system for miracles? Naturally, its to better price the miracles, ensuring buyers feel the price is reasonable and sellers find the price fair.
After all, Star Extreme Hall, the body responsible for compiling the Stars Miracle Catalog, employs hundreds of magic practitioners and thousands of part-time consulting magicians. They all serve this miracle rating system, on which the livelihoods of thousands of magicians depend.
Water Moon is incredibly quick to activate, powerful, and its a Counterattack Miracle, fully deserving of its mid-tier Radiant Silver rating. However, after several days of sparring, Felix had learned how to counter itby retreating immediately upon hearing the sound of the Moon Silk to launch a Long-range Attack, he could easily break the miracle!
But as Felix forcefully interrupted his attack to withdraw, he realized his opponent wasnt wrapped in Moon Silk. Instead, she took the opportunity to attack, targeting his exposed flank!
A trap!
But Felix retreated too quickly; he couldnt defend in time!
The Female Swordsman with red hair executed a Vibration Sword attack, an Uppercut Slash from below that catapulted Felix into the air!
Killing Intent Uppercut Slash!
Evil Light Slash!
Rupture Wave Slash!
Felix was sent flying, unable to touch the ground. The Vibration Sword has two main characteristics: dispersion to enhance the strike area and vibration to increase lethality. But if a Swordcerer fully masters these traits, they can develop a third characteristicforcibly launching the opponent into the air!
Using the Uppercut Slash, a Vibration Sword practitioner can send their enemy flying, stripping them of any leverage, turning them into sitting ducks, ready to be sliced at will!
Felix had been careful to avoid Sonyas Uppercut Slashes, never giving her a chance. He didnt expect that beneath her seemingly average looks and beautiful exterior, she had such a dirty trick up her sleeve, feigning the use of Water Moon to make him retreat, then following up with an Uppercut Slash, creating a perfect opportunity for attack.
At this rate, he would be comboed to death!
However, being suspended in air is almost a death sentence for a Swordcerer, as most sword techniques require solid ground to generate force, so
Just as Sonya was about to launch another Evil Light Slash, Felix suddenly spit at her. With the addition of a sinister and gentle breeze, it instantly transformed into a stench-filled, vile rain!
Miracle: Sorrow Wind Erosion Rain!
Oh?
Sonya let out a surprised and delighted sound, casually blocking all the rain with a Vibration Sword.
Felix, having landed smoothly, no longer concealed his strength. He blew three times in quick succession, creating three hovering Wind Blades!
Miracle: Tooth Wind!
Then, with a light touch of her lips and a cross stroke, she drew ten intertwined acidic water marks like a net!
Miracle: Poison Blade Web!
How interesting, really interesting! Sonya gradually tore through Felixs miracles, her mouth curving slightly upward, her pale red eyes seemingly transforming into vertical pupils: Felix, you
Snap!
This time, Sonya held nothing back, preempting Felixs miracle cast with a Killing Intent Evil Light Slash. The crimson sword light slashed through Felixs left arm, spilling deep red blood and exposing the bone!
At the sight of blood, Sonyas eyes gleamed, and her grip on the wooden sword tightened. However, she quickly came back to her senses and, dropping the wooden sword, hurriedly said, Ill help you to the Treatment room
No, no need. Felix hid his left hand behind him, shaking his head repeatedly: Its just a minor injury. I have a Hydrotherapy spirit; Ill heal myself and take the opportunity to improve my status in the Water Faction Realm.
So this is what its like to be a Noble young master, huh? Even though hes not pursuing the path of a Medic, he still carries a Hydrotherapy spirit with him.
The rustic girl expressed her amazement at the city dwellers wealth and peeked at Felixs left hand, only to realize that he had been wearing a glove, perhaps an Item that could enhance the effects of miracles.
As for the injury Well, since the hand wasnt severed, it was considered a minor injury, not worth mentioning. Sonya felt justified in letting Felix take care of it himself.
But why didnt you call a halt when your Star Robe got torn?
It probably got torn in mid-air; I didnt notice it at the time.
Both of them had a layer of film around them, like dreamy bubbles, which would absorb all damage when they were attacked, ensuring the duelists safety.
This is the privilege of being an Academy Sorcerer: the Star Robe. Before a duel, get it enchanted by a Professor, and you can revel in the thrill of full-fledged battle without worrying about accidentally blowing your classmates head off.
Looks like thats it for tonight, Felix sighed with relief. Although battling with you, Sonya, has been incredibly beneficial
Then lets continue, Sonya said, still bursting with energy. Youve still got your other hand intact.
But! I! Am! Injured! Felix said through clenched teeth. Lets take a break over there, and Ill tend to my wounds.
Sonya had been challenging him to Sorcerer duels every evening recently, and at first, Felix was happy to learn from a Genius. However, Sonyas ferocity escalated night after night. On the first night, Felix could handle his injuries, but by the second night, he needed to seek a Medic, and from the third night on, he would barely bid farewell to Sonya before calling someone to send him to the Treatment room, all the while cursing her in his mind, wondering if the rustic girl ever got her period.
If it werent for the little pride left, and his unwillingness to lose to a peer, Felix would have long refused Sonyas unilateral thrashing.
But he refused to believe it. He was a revenger who had been burdened from a young age; how could he be afraid of a vulgar rustic girl with nothing but Talent?
He could lose, but he couldnt lack the courage to draw his Sword against a rustic girl!
However
Felix sat down and looked at his bleeding left hand. If it hadnt been for this accident, their fight probably would have lasted until midnight. And based on past experiences, the rustic girl tended to become more excited and wild as the battle progressed, especially during the last half hour, which was like a storm wreaking havoc. Felixs wooden sword had been smashed to pieces several times.
Being injured in one hand and getting off an hour early didnt seem like such a bad deal?
Your Wind Magic, Water Art, and Poison Magic are all at the Silver Realm, right? Sonya suddenly asked. Did you start learning them as a child, or did you pick them up recently?
Felix hesitated for a moment, Recently.
You should have given up Swordsmanship a long time ago.
Theres no way, Felix said as he treated his wounds with Hydrotherapy spirit. Swordsmanship is the key to Vlozrada, and its the foundation of my survival. Sometimes compromises must be made for survival. Without life, theres no chance for Talent to flourish. The importance of each is clear at a glance
Im not listening, Im not listening, Im not listening, Sonya covered her ears. I refuse to get dragged into the loves and hates, the conflicts of interest of the Noble circle.
It was you who brought up the topic, Felix relaxed and snorted coldly. Tomorrow, I wont come to duel with you anymore.
Sonya looked at him in astonishment, then grabbed the corner of her clothes, looking down, lost in thought.
Felix felt somewhat pleased with Sonyas reaction; he hadnt expected the rustic girl to show embarrassment. He had thought she would mock him for running away upon hearing those words.
Um what about a newspaper?
What?
I could use a rolled-up newspaper, Sonya gestured as if rolling a paper. How about I fight you with a newspaper?
Felix was taken aback, his face turning red: Im not afraid to duel with you!
Not even with a newspaper? I could use a finger, I can even invoke Swordsmanship spirit with one finger!
Felix felt that if the conversation continued, he would be infuriated to death by the rustic girl, so he cut it off decisively: My Soul has recovered well, and tomorrow I can enter the Virtual Realm. I wont have time to duel with you!
A few days ago, after Felix passed through the Whirlpool portal in the Virtual Realm, he was taken for First Blood by a Slaying Fish-Dragon that was blocking the way. However, Sonya immediately took advantage of the situation, so Felixs Killing Intent Sword ended up in her hands, leading to their first official encounter over interests.
Felix, having experienced death, did not seek help from his Family to hide his level of arcane energy, but after so many days, his Soul had naturally recovered.
Thats why Felix was so bold tonight to reveal his trump card in the battle against Sonyaif he lost, so be it, but if he won, there would be a reason to leave victoriously, denying the rustic girl a chance to turn the tables!
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