"Why would he request something so valuable?, I think we have given them too much power by agreeing to a negotiation, and that’s what led to all this nonsense," said one of the outer branch elders of the ancient Blaze Clan in annoyance,
After listening to the messaged that was transmitted from the Orb Of Whispers.
"Silence! Even I know that what they have asked for is not something we would typically agree to, but regardless of their demands, we would have obliged, It’s orders from above," the Grand Elder of the outer branch interjected.
His failed attempt to capture the Lanzt clan’s sixth elder had ignited the retaliation unfolding at the clan mines.
Shouldering a heavy burden, he had readily accepted any requests made by the Core members of the Blaze clan to divert attention from his failings in handling the conflicts involving both the Gordons and the Lanzt Clan.
Accepting these requests was his way of avoiding scrutiny into his handling of the situations of both the Gordons and Lanzt clans, that had lead the latter clan members to go into hiding due to executing his orders.
# War God Mage Academy, Arena Battle Ground
Alec and Iver continued to exchange blows, each strike met with a counter-move.
[> Bloodline skill – Dragon Claws <]
The dragon claws skill allowed Iver’s claws to elongate and bypass Alec’s defences.
And with a swift motion, Iver stabbed Alec in the chest, drawing him closer before unleashing another spell.
[> Low Tier Spell – Gale Force <]
Iver left palm aimed directly at Alec’s chest, the impact sent Alec hurtling backward, propelled by a powerful windstorm towards the edge of the arena.
Before Alec could be pushed beyond the boundaries, Titan intervened, catching him as he coughed up blood.
Despite the pain, Alec’s gaze remained fixed on Iver, his expression reflecting a mix of seriousness and disapproval, The last attack had been needlessly brutal, showcasing Iver’s ruthless tactics.
The seemingly flashy Gale Force spell, was designed to inflict internal damage in one strike, and would have proven fatal to Alec before he ascended to the Tier 3 Mage Realm, as it had targeted the position his Mana pool used to be.
However, having transformed his whole body into his Mana pool after stepping in to the Tier 3 Mage Realm, Alec now possessed enhanced resistance to such attacks.
After all Alec had destroyed his Mana pool, and now his entire body was equivalent to a Mana pool.
So the Mana surrounding him rallied against the invasive Gale Force energy, engaging in a fierce battle within his body.
The struggle between Alec’s Mana and the Gale Force energy ultimately had been the cause of his injury, as his inner organs had not yet been cultivated.
Despite the pain and adversity, Alec rose to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth. Iver, taken aback by Alec’s resilience, expressed his surprise.
"You aren’t supposed to be standing, I intended for a swift victory, yet you always opt for the harder path," Iver remarked, baffled by Alec’s determination.
"You’ll have to do better than that if you want to take me down, Lizard boy," Alec taunted, with veins bulging on his Iver’s head.
Iver’s cry pierced the air as his chest gradually transformed, becoming shrouded in Azure dragon scales.
His once golden irises turned to slits, and the dragon scales extended from his head down to his waist.
As a long tail swayed behind him, completing the formidable transformation, with small horns adorned Iver’s head, adding to his menacing new appearance.
"It seems your transformation has undergone quite an upgrade since our last encounter, your confidence must stem from those small horns and lizard-like tail you now possess."
" Do you truly believe they are enough to defeat me?" Alec remarked, his body alight with glowing red tattoos that merged with black and brown patterns, forming the red Salamander armor set.
Having reached the Tier 3 realm, Alec can now seamlessly channelled the powers of the red Salamander armor, no longer reliant on Mana to sustain its formidable abilities.
With no constraints on its prowess and limits, Alec stood poised for battle.
The thunderous impact of Iver charging towards Alec electrified the crowd, who witnessed the spectacle of a lifetime unfolding before them.
"He’s gotten faster, It’s evident these fighters are operating on a whole other level," a spectator marvelled, unable to contain his excitement.
Iver twisted his body in mid-air, resembling a spinning drill as he propelled himself towards Alec, claws poised for an attack.
"Kiss this," Alec declared, stomping the ground and summoning multiple sturdy earth walls to hinder Iver’s advance.
Despite Alec’s efforts, Iver skilfully drilled past each obstacle, closing in on Alec.
In a calculated move, Alec delivered a swift uppercut to Iver’s jaw, sending him soaring through the air.
Before Seizing the opportunity, Alec seized Iver’s legs, forcefully bringing him crashing down to the ground in a powerful slam.
Not only was Alec dissatisfied, but he also pointed his right finger towards Iver casting his innate spell, causing the earth element rune to materialize around his finger, revolving as a Terra bullet began to take form.
However, before it could fully materialize, Iver swiftly wrapped his legs around Alec’s outstretched hand, swiftly toppling him to the ground before retreating to assume a battle stance.
[> Bloodline Skill – Dragon Might <],
Iver recognized the need for a clear advantage, especially against Alec, a mere low-tier 3 Mage that could match him, so the skill he used possessed the power to instill fear in those of lower realms while weakening their battle capabilities.
A green light, invisible to human eyes, gradually enveloped Iver, emitting a regal and commanding aura as he directed this imposing aura towards Alec, who had just risen to his feet, aiming to intimidate him.
Undeterred, Alec seized the Blood Changdao, which he had mentally requested from Butcher, and unleashed his potent Blood Killing Intent upon grasping the weapon.
The atmosphere around Alec turned a deep red, his intense and unrestrained intent overpowering Iver’s Dragon Might, shocking onlookers both in secret and in the open.
Amidst the chaos, Alec’s crimson hair swayed gracefully as his eyes exuded a devilish allure, tinged with a fiery hue.
Clad in the red Salamander armor, now accented with black and brown hues at its edges and rims, just like his hairs had black and brown colours at the tips, Alec presented a formidable and imposing figure.
Spectators of the battle found themselves at the edge of their seats, captivated by the contrasting energies emanating from the combatants—a regal and dominant presence from Iver like a War like angel, juxtaposed with Alec’s aura of carnage, reminiscent of a Blood Demonic Prince.
"You marked me with the intent to kill, so I shall reciprocate in kind, without restraint," Alec declared coldly.
"As promised, I will show you the difference between Low-Rank and Mid-Rank mages," Iver retorted, his dragon-like form now crackling with lightning and wind as he extended both of his hands in anticipation of the impending clash.
On one side, a small whirlwind danced, while on the other, tiny lightning arcs crackled, eager to be unleashed.
"I also forgot to mentioned, I awakened a second element upon entering the Mid-Rank realms, and with the combination of my dual elements, it only serves to enhance the strength of my pseudo dragon body," Iver elaborated.