Chapter 44: The Battle Begins

Chapter 44: The Battle Begins

A week later, when they met again, there wasn’t much to say.

Today was all about fighting, not chatting.

Thus, like Airael, the Elven Lords were also decked out in their most powerful gear.

Mason and Smir, the two mages, wore blue and yellow robes respectively, grasping their staves. While not as prestigious as Airael’s Staff of Eternity, they were certainly top-tier staves of the age.

In stark contrast to the mages’ colorful attire, Tugur and the others donned nearly identical shiny silver armor, etched with magical patterns, wielding sword and shield that matched their armor.

Taking in their outfits, Airael finally spoke up, “Noble Lords, let’s skip the small talk. Remember our wager; you must accept the outcome.”

As the representative of the Elf Lords, Mason boldly replied, “I hope Your Majesty is ready to take her losses, too.”

His words lifted the momentum among the Elven Lords, even softening some lingering biases against him.

“You won’t have that chance.”

Before Mason could respond, Airael continued, “Now, all Lords, please take your positions. The stage is set, and it’s time for your performance.”

With a smile, Airael strode toward the arena.

Mason, who had no chance to speak, could only manage a wry smile as he said, “Let’s move out.”

Although the Elven Lords felt a bit miffed at Airael, they preferred not to engage in a war of words.

Mainly because they knew they couldn’t win an argument against her.

They’d bantered back and forth for thousands of years, but it always boiled down to the same few points.

In comparison, Airael had accumulated far more.

Hence, they decided to settle the issue through action.

Noticing the odd tension in the air, Mason turned back and warned, “Everyone, stick to the plan.”

They certainly couldn’t underestimate their queen; one slip could land them right in her trap.

Her words were dangerously persuasive.

That delicate cherry-red mouth looked so cute, yet when she launched into fire and fury, she was as fierce as anyone!

Truly, a terrifying and inscrutable force!

Mason recalled Airael’s mysterious origins.

Perhaps it had something to do with this!

He sighed inwardly.

Meanwhile, Airael walked ahead, unaware Mason was caught up in thoughts about her past. Before long, she’d entered the arena.

In the audience, Linis and the others were already seated.

They were witnesses to this event, stepping in to manage any unexpected situations.

With Linis on one side, Airael stood to her left.

On the flip side, Mason and the others were situated on her right.

Airael’s casual stance stood in stark contrast to the six Elven Lords, who had formed a strategic formation.

Mason and Smir, as mages, naturally positioned themselves in the rear, with Mason doing slightly better.

Four warriors took the front, forming a triangle around Airael.

One stood at the back, ready to support the three front-line warriors while also guarding the two mages.

“Before we begin, is there anything you wish to say?” Airael asked, eyeing the six positioned foes.

“Your Majesty, we have nothing to say.”

“Great! Then I declare, the battle begins.”

As her words fell, Airael released her grip, letting the Staff of Eternity float beside her.

The six Elven Lords dared not take their eyes off her.

The four warriors clenched their shields tightly, while the two mages quietly prepared their spells.

They could only speculate regarding Airael’s strength.

Thus, their strategy focused on defense at the start, intending to gauge Airael’s true capabilities before launching any attacks.

Airael then graced them with a small smile, saying, “If that’s the case, I’ll make the first move.”

Instantly, the six Elven Lords became more cautious.

Suddenly, the Sword of Dawn appeared in her grasp.

Just as Mason and the others thought Airael would charge in close-quarters, a massive Golden Magic Circle manifested at her feet.

What was she doing?!

Everyone was bewildered.

Why wield magic with a sword yet not use magic with her staff?

Though the Sword was enchanted and enhanced magic to an extent, it still couldn’t compare to the power of her staff!

Only Linis began to grasp something.

Traditionally, mages needed to hold their staves tightly to unleash their full potential, after all, it was almost an intimacy of sorts. But was that really necessary?

The emergence of communication magic made Linis realize it wasn’t a must.

Having a connection didn’t solely rely on physical touch; there’s also mental exchange.

The Staff of Eternity wasn’t just any ordinary staff; it came from the Tree of Life.

If the Tree had consciousness, then it wouldn’t be surprising if the Staff of Eternity had its own will as well.

At this moment, it seemed Airael had formed a mental link with the will of the Staff, having received the Tree’s recognition.

Correspondingly, her Staff truly recognized her, too.

Realizing this, Linis felt even more confident in Airael and eagerly anticipated her next actions.

Back in the arena, the appearance of the Golden Magic Circle sent powerful waves of magic energy surging around Airael.

With both hands gripping the hilt of the Sword of Dawn, she raised it high, as if calling forth something divine.

In the next heartbeat, the once-silver blade erupted into a blaze of roaring fire.

Airael unleashed her “Flame Sword” toward Mason and the others, swinging it fiercely three times. Each swing sent forth a flame blade several yards long, aimed squarely at the three warriors in front.

The long flame blades completely engulfed their figures.

The three front-line warriors knew they couldn’t dodge.

If they shifted, the others would be caught in the fiery backlash.

They raised their shields high, curling behind them, as the shields shimmered with magical light.

At that moment, Smir unleashed his prepared magic.

A dirt-yellow aura enveloped them.

High-level earth magic, Guardian of the Earth.

As the three fire blades struck the warriors, they merely caused a shockwave, leaving no real damage.

But this was only the beginning of the attack.