"Didn't you mention that you would study it later, Young Master Arthur?" The voice inquired, gradually drawing nearer.
Arthur promptly turned around with a smile on his face.
With his sword poised towards the source of the voice, he declared, "Since There's Still Time, Let's Fight!"
Arthasia was taken aback as a middle-aged male suddenly appeared before her, wearing a subtle smile on his lips.
"Rian Fanhard?!" Arthasia's eyes widened as she finally grasped the situation.
"So, he intends to train with Rian?"
"But wouldn't there be a significant skill level gap between them?" She pondered for a moment, then swiftly flew away, eager to witness the impending duel between the two.
She had never witnessed Arthur engage in combat before, as he typically practiced alone, mastering the art of swordplay, spear techniques, and various other weapon forms.
This raised a question in her mind: Was Arthur merely performing self-invented maneuvers, considering she had never seen a mentor or instructor guiding him in his training?
However, Arthasia couldn't help but notice that Arthur's movements weren't those of an amateur.
They reflected the grace and skill of someone who had already mastered the art.
Lost in her contemplation, Arthasia suddenly observed Arthur's interaction with Rian.
"Fighting? Aren't you curious about the theory of mana manipulation?" Rian paused and asked, intrigued by the topic.
Playfully, Arthur approached Rian and remarked, "We can discuss that later."
"But for now," he added firmly, "I want you to engage in a spar with me."
As a warm-up, Arthur swung his sword, and upon hearing this, Rian chuckled and asked, "Isn't the difference in our strength too great, young master Arthur?"
Agreeing with Rian's observation, Arthur nodded and promptly raised four fingers.
"Indeed, the difference is significant, but I have accounted for it with the four rules," Arthur remarked casually.
Rian's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he nodded attentively, eager to hear about the four rules.
"Firstly, sparring is restricted to the use of the sword, spear, or any weapon you possess expertise in," Arthur elucidated.
"Secondly, elemental arts are prohibited during this match, as it focuses solely on weapon-based combat."
"Thirdly, you must reduce the power of your human channel core to match that of a four-circle elemental." Arthur provided a detailed explanation.
Rian, upon hearing this, readily nodded in agreement without hesitation.
Indeed, Rian found the rules to be fitting, understanding that Arthur preferred to engage in a battle of weapon skills rather than relying on elemental arts.
However, a problem dawned on him, and he couldn't help but inquire further.
"A four-circle elemental?" Rian asked, his expression reflecting confusion.
"Young Master Arthur, aren't you merely a one-circle elemental?"
Rian couldn't shake off the knowledge that Arthur was only a one-circle elemental, making it seem incongruous for him to lower his power to the level of a four-circle elemental.
Arthur shook his head, his smile mysterious yet confident.
"Indeed, my core is somewhat unique," he replied.
Observing Arthur's enigmatic smile, Rian, still perplexed, simply nodded in acknowledgment, opting not to delve into further inquiries.
"Then, what is the fourth rule?" Rian inquired.
Arthur crossed his arms and replied nonchalantly, "The fourth rule permits the use of mana in every move."
He clarified that employing mana didn't necessarily involve utilizing elemental arts.
Instead, infusing mana throughout the body enhances speed, acceleration, and strength without relying on elemental abilities.
For instance, let's consider a scenario using the available data.
If someone were to wield a sword and strike a stone without utilizing mana, the statistical probability of the attack resulting in 100 damage is projected.
However, if the person incorporates mana into the attack, the statistical data would undergo a drastic change, skyrocketing to an estimated 1,000 damage inflicted upon the stone.
The utilization of mana extends beyond attacks and encompasses various aspects, including movement, speed, and more.
This was precisely why Arthur requested Rian lower his strength to that of a four-circle elemental—to ensure a balanced playing field and prevent any potential disadvantage for either participant.
The contrast in mana capacity between an Elemental Saint and a One-Circle Elemental was akin to an insurmountable disparity, impossible to equalize.
As for why Arthur requested Rian reduce his strength to that of a four-circle elemental rather than a one-circle elemental, it was because Arthur was well aware of Rian's core talent as a mid-level wind elemental, which was significantly distant from Arthur's rare-level fire elemental capability.
By leveling the playing field to a four-circle elemental, it allowed for a more balanced match given their respective abilities.
Rian's remarkable ability to reach the high-level Elemental Saint stage with only intermediate-level talent was truly extraordinary.
His unwavering determination and indomitable spirit set him apart from anyone else.
Arthur couldn't help but recognize that Rian possessed all the qualities befitting a protagonist.
However, fate had decided that the role of the protagonist belonged to Abel, not Rian.
"Are you truly serious, Young Master Arthur?" Rian's eyes narrowed as he posed a profound question to Arthur.
Rian had valid reasons for his inquiry, as employing mana would result in a rapid escalation of inflicted damage.
Using mana could essentially grant superhuman abilities!
"Indeed, I have made preparations with a level 3 mana healing potion and a potion to treat any potential injuries," Arthur explained nonchalantly.
Rian nodded in agreement, fully understanding the precautions taken by Arthur.
Without delay, the two individuals turned around, positioning themselves at a distance of up to a hundred meters from each other.
Despite Arthur's rapid growth in height, the scene appeared more like a battle between equals than a confrontation between a child and an adult.
The two locked eyes, their gazes unwavering, and Arthur swiftly raised his hand.
"By the way, unleash all of your abilities and direct your killing intent towards me," Arthur instructed, slightly shifting his left leg backward and bending his right leg slightly.
His left hand tightly gripped the sword, assuming a poised fighting stance.
Upon hearing Arthur's instructions, Rian took a deep breath and retrieved a pair of long black daggers from his belongings.
These daggers had been his trusted companions during his days as an assassin, and he intended to utilize his assassin skills during this sparring session.
Rian's body leaned forward slightly as he held the daggers in both his right and left hands, poised and ready for action.
With the backdrop of pouring rain, the two combatants shifted into combat mode, their eyes fixed on each other.
"Boom!"
Out of nowhere, a deafening thunderclap echoed through the sky, prompting Arthur to raise his voice.
"Begin!" he shouted, his voice resonating with determination.
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