The thunderous roar reverberated in every direction, and the scent of ash and smoke filled the battlefield. Even the members of the Flames of Aries were stunned by Astrid's transformation.
A surge of untapped energy now coursed through Astrid's veins.
Her stance radiated pride, shoulders squared. Her large curls, glowing red, fluttered in the still air.
She exuded an aura of sheer might, her sturdy stance resembling the master of war. Even the mindless giant hesitated to attack her.
Finally, the golem whirred with power and lunged forward, mechanical joints squeaking as it rotated its torso, its massive mace swinging towards Astrid.
A deafening crash sent violent vibrations through the arena as the golem's blow connected. Snowflakes were kicked into the air, obscuring the scene.
As the icy cloud cleared, Astrid stood firmly, her arm raised effortlessly to block the blow. The crowd erupted into awe-inspiring cheers.
Zetius grinned, folding his arms nonchalantly, "She really doesn't disappoint," he thought inwardly.
For a good five minutes, the girl wrestled theatrically with the beast, dancing, dodging, and taunting with an air of power and control. It was an enthralling display that stirred the crowd, the tension climbing with every passing second.
Eventually, the golem slipped up. Its mace slammed into the ground and became lodged. With its guard wide open, Astrid curled her fingers into a fist and struck the weapon with all her might. The metal warped under the intense heat, then split cleanly in two.
The golem staggered back. Though it felt no fear, its programming recognised the threat and triggered a retreat sequence in a bid to avoid destruction.
But time was not on its side.
In a blink, Astrid reappeared in front of it, her fist drawn back for a devastating blow. Flame butterflies spiralled around her arm as she charged in for the finish.
Her punch crashed into its face with immense force, the shockwave echoing across the arena. The golem let out a mechanical groan as its head crumpled inward, shards of metal flying in all directions. Beneath the shattered plating, tangled wiring and a hardened, clay-like mass were laid bare.
Standing atop the fallen golem, Astrid loomed menacingly. She stiffened her four fingers, forming the fierce blade of inferno.
“Yaaaa!” she screamed, plunging her hand through its chest. The metal cage strained and melted beneath her fiery butchery. Smoke rose from her blade hand, marking the giant's defeat. The acrid odour of scorched iron was sharp and unmistakable.
On the Crowned Balcony, Celestius Nyrethein cheered loudly, her voice ringing with siren-like enthusiasm. She seemed utterly absorbed by the match.
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Moments later, Astrid stood tall, her face glowing with quiet dignity as she raised the crested helm high above her head, displaying it like a trophy.
The crowd gasped, stunned into silence. They had come seeking a cheap thrill, but by sheer luck, witnessed something rare and real. It felt otherworldly.
“Perish!” Astrid commanded fiercely, crushing the helm with her bare hands. The audience erupted with excitement, their cheers resonating for minutes before eventually subsiding.
The members of Arie’s flames rushed toward her and celebrated their victory.
Even Severan had to snap himself from his shock. He cleared his throat, adjusted his shirt, and carefully groomed his majestic moustache before hovering near the victorious leader.
“Such a spectacular match indeed!” Severan announced as he stepped off the floating platform onto the snow-melt ground.
Astrid scanned the audience, a broad smile on her face. Severan took her hand, thrusting it triumphantly into the air. “And the victory goes to the Flames of Aries!”
Applause thundered through the stadium. Even Zetius clapped appreciatively.
Noticing his gesture, Aurelia reluctantly followed suit, her claps hesitant and almost soundless.
Severan smiled warmly at the crowd before turning toward the high officials beneath the colossal statue of Zeus. The Celestius of Virgo nodded approvingly, her smile unwavering.
Nyrethein stepped forward to the balcony's edge.
"Astrid Ember Lorne, you have demonstrated exquisite warmongering.
Evidently, the Flames of Aries remain undefeated, let their raw power be recognised, and feared by all who stand against them. Fresh chapters posted on novel⸺fire.net
I, Nyrethein Vale, Celestius of Gemini, shall honour my word.
State your boon, and I shall grant it to the best of my abilities. Your passage to Elysium is secured."
Astrid knelt dramatically, her head bowed in theatrical reverence. Slowly, she raised her gaze to meet Nyrethein's glowing silver eyes.
“It is my greatest honour to receive favour from the greatest among arcanists. I shall ask nothing above my rank…” Astrid paused dramatically, turning sharply to lock eyes with someone amidst the buzzing crowd, her sworn rival, Zetius Zel Celerius.
Those around Zetius quickly stepped aside, unnerved by Astrid’s intense stare, leaving only Zetius and Cubie in her direct line of sight. Unfazed, the white-haired man stood tall, like an imposing statue.
Returning her gaze to Nyrethein, Astrid declared resolutely, “As my boon, I wish to end the rivalry that has plagued my life and poisoned my soul. I demand to settle it right here, right now, in this arena!”
Zetius’s jaw dropped, his calm demeanour fracturing as agitation took hold.
Nyrethein chuckled, leaning casually on the rail. “Such an intriguing and welcome request. Name your opponent, and I shall ensure their participation.”
Astrid stared solemnly at the Celestius mage. “His name is Zetius Zel Celerius!” she shouted, her voice echoing clearly.
Cubie panicked, turning quickly to Zetius. “Zetius! She~she’s forcing you into a duel?!” she blurted anxiously. Aurelia and Friederich glanced towards him in concern.
The crowd's chants grew louder: “Fight! Fight! Fight!” Their rhythmic cries filled the arena with eagerness.
Zetius’s stomach churned, his thoughts scattering. He hadn’t expected this, hadn’t come prepared. Now, conflict loomed like an unstoppable storm.
The old pact had resurfaced, striking him unexpectedly from the shadows. His face numbed, his hands grew cold.
Suddenly, purple mist coalesced behind Zetius. Nyrethein materialised beside him, wearing a seductive smile. “What say you, Zetius Zel Celerius? Are you too afraid to fight?” she taunted softly.
Startled, Zetius stepped back, colliding with Friederich, who steadied him firmly.
Zetius refocused, noticing something peculiar. Nyrethein existed in two places simultaneously. One stood on the Crowned Balcony, and another was right before him.
“Hades’ hell…” he muttered bitterly, clearly perturbed.