Today was a special day. Roan, noticing my progress and readiness for new challenges, proposed that I test my skills in a sparring match. But this wasn't going to be an ordinary training session—it would involve magic. This was what I had been striving for from the beginning: a combat art that combined physical strength and mana, turning a fighter into the embodiment of power and grace.

We went to a spacious field near the village. Many generations of warriors had trained here, and it felt as though the earth held memories of past battles. Roan drew his sword, and his face took on a serious expression I hadn't seen before. He was not only my mentor but also an experienced fighter who fully understood what a magic-wielding warrior could achieve.

"Ellard, today you'll show me what you've learned," he said, his voice steady with a hint of approval. "Remember, there's no room for fear or hesitation. Let your magic and body act as one."

I nodded, feeling adrenaline surge through my veins. This time, I wouldn't be just a student; today, I was his opponent.

We began slowly, circling each other, studying and evaluating. Then, without warning, Roan charged. His sword cut through the air with a force I wasn't ready for. At the last moment, I managed to dodge, dust swirling around us, hiding his next move.

He was quick and precise, but I wasn't about to give up. Taking a deep breath, I allowed mana to fill my legs, increasing my speed. I swiftly moved behind him, delivering a strike that would have taken any ordinary opponent by surprise. However, Roan was faster than I'd anticipated; he anticipated my move and met my blade, blocking it with such strength that it sent me staggering back.

Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

Seeing that raw strength alone wouldn't suffice, I decided to channel mana through my sword. My blade began to glow with a faint light, leaving a subtle trail behind it, as if teasing Roan and drawing his attention to my movements.

"Well done, Ellard," he said with a smirk, "but a bit of sparkle isn't enough to win."

He attacked again, but this time I used a technique I knew from my past life: I twisted my body so that his force would spin into a whirl of motion. Pushing off with one foot, I swung in a high arc, skimming the ground. This was a movement I had perfected over years of training in my past life.

"A new body, but the technique is still mine."

For a moment, I thought I'd surprised him. Roan raised his eyebrows, a glimmer of interest in his eyes. He parried my strike, but now I could see he was taking me seriously. It was an honor for me to be a worthy opponent to my father.

Suddenly, Roan infused his blade with mana, and his sword ignited with a fierce fire that enveloped him with overwhelming strength. I realized that my father was a master of fire magic, and his power was not just formidable; it was awe-inspiring.

"Don't fear the fire," he said, stepping toward me with purpose. "Let it show you what you're capable of."

I took a deeper breath, focusing on my own magical flow. I managed to summon a small flame, but instead of channeling it into my sword, I infused it into my movements, which gave me speed and left Roan with no time to retreat. I attacked with renewed strength, surrounded by bursts of flame, and our swords collided in a whirlwind of sparks and mana.

Roan went on the offensive, each of his strikes powerful and precise. But I felt something awaken inside me, a deep knowledge returning to me. Using magic, I allowed myself to become part of the flow, anticipating his every move. When his sword swung toward me again, I dodged, pushed off, and, shouting a spell, directed my flame right at his weapon, blocking his attack.

We froze, and I realized that we were at a draw. Our strengths were equal, and Roan seemed to see not just a son but a formidable opponent in me.

He sheathed his sword and smirked,

"Well done, Ellard. Today, you've shown that you can be more than just a student."