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<11/11/1962 – 18:02 | Eldora Tower, Eldora City, Sprawn Valley Capital>
"Welcome back to the Leray championship battles! I'm your host, Allen Score, and you're watching Eldora Networking." Ready for the live televised statement, Allen Score, the host reporter for the championship chain carefully summarized the events that unfolded during this week's popular events. "We're back with more results and updates on the new challenger going by the name of Kite Fargenst, who has managed to defeat all four of the standing elites. His battle with the current Leray champion will be something to look forward to. Best not to miss out on this battle, which will take place at six-fifteen P.M. this evening."
Allen read the teleprompter update, which was a basic instruction to update the audience in addition to the Catalyst Grove. He needed a short pause before continuing. "And in other news, it looks like the Catalyst Grove has allowed several new elite players to replace the standing elites. These battles just took place after Kite Fargenst made his rounds towards the top. With the new results we have now, the following battles and outcomes have been decided. Vanoss Highdrow faced off against standing elite Jhore Leion, taking his place as the first level in the chain. Gleeon Miao ended up challenging the Vanoss Highdrow, winning his victory, but Gleeon's selected target level was against standing elite Ash Willson. Now Gleeon Miao has attained the level two status in the elite chain. And another challenger named Brash Danton faced off against standing elite Harris Leesh. With a close-call ending, Brash Danton managed to take Harris's place as the third level elite in the chain. After that heavy action, Danton was defeated by another new challenger of the Catalyst Grove, Mainne Gelica. Mainne however went on targeting the fourth standing elite, Azazel Mython, and gave him a crushing defeat. Today has been a total wipe of the previous elite chain, sending them all home in defeat, while these tougher, younger warriors dominate control of Eldora Tower. The only remaining member is the champion, Lawrence Citrin. If Kite manages to pull this fight off, it will mean big changes in Eldora's chain and hierarchy. Folks watching this at home, stay tuned for live action in our primary event!"
Though Kite was currently waiting on the 900th floor, the news feed was being broadcasted through the speaker system of the entire room. This news is good for him; it means all of Trujima managed to keep their word and work their way into the ranks of Eldora Tower. Danton must be itching to fight the champion right now, but members only get to battle the champion after all of the main events have ended for the day. So instead, he'll have to settle for someone much more qualified to lead the role. Citrin's time has come to an end. Kite knew he was prepared to battle against the standing champion today. The last four victories came easily, with only minor struggle against his last opponent, and yet Mainne somehow overcame it. This also means that Mainne actually defeated Danton to get her position. Must have been some battle.
The qualifying battle was going to begin shortly. Standing firm in a white capped robe with special designs and artwork on the interior, Lawrence Citrin prepared himself for his very first challenge of the day. Only a couple of fighters made it through the first elite this morning, before they were overridden by the Catalyst Grove event by a bladed maniac, but Lawrence didn't frown on today's strangest luck. It was exciting to break the reprise that followed week after week. Champions don't get to battle people outside of the elite chain, unless they are worthy enough to make it this far in this event. Of course, if Kite wins, then Lawrence will have to step down as leader of the nation. Who then dares to step into this sacred chamber?
Speaker systems and cameras were all set up on the walls of the entire enlarged room. This huge cylindrical space will be the battleground; the champion's chamber, designed with the highest quality of artwork, following a fight that has existed for centuries. Several minutes passed, giving Lawrence the sense that Kite would be on his way up soon. The suspense left him in thought again, to the prior announcement regarding the elite chain. It's only on occasion for a standing elite to be replaced, but for more than one elite to be replaced in the same day takes a route through rare luck. It couldn't have been luck today. All four of them were replaced in a single event, something that has likely never happened before. Is it possible that Kite is training in a group? If it is, then his group must have planned to battle here today in one way or another. To think they might be this strong...
When Kite stepped into the champion chamber; floor 950 of Eldora Tower where the final battle is to take place, he was first amazed at the intricate artwork of paint and design installed into the room, with patterns of ancient symbols drawn all the way up to the unreachable ceiling of the building, and that was saying a lot, considering there is a distance between there and the ground, about 100 meters of vertical space. Then there was the champion; Lawrence Citrin. That robe he wears must be a battle robe, likely capable of deflecting lots of magical elements, but he's no match for Kite's recent training exercises. He took everything he learned, including what he learned from Danton, and forged new battling tactics that has proven to be unbeatable. Kite also had time to study up on Lawrence's battling style. He has only a couple of weaknesses, and exploiting them won't be an easy task.
Kite noticed the unfamiliar warrior as he walked in, amazed by the sight of the room in person. It's true what people say; that the live feed from the mounted cameras and the physical view of the room are like night and day. Lawrence could study this much from the current situation. But who is he trying to fool, with that black haircut and a long-bladed sword? That's a Dire Saber he's carrying by the looks of it. They're not really expensive, unless you're middle class with credits. Looks like he's in his upper twenties. Lawrence thought about what he should expect from a swordsman, and the obvious swordplay came to mind. All champions end up receiving special training with all weapons, even if they are refreshers.
"Who's the assistant?" Kite's question echoed through the room, but he stopped walking when he found himself about ten meters from Lawrence. His question referred to the other guy of age standing far behind Lawrence, likely already out of range of any possible Siriean dome.
To this, Lawrence gave his simple answer. "That is my trainer and referee for our upcoming match, Shadler."
That weird looking guy is his trainer? Kite swallowed the news quickly, spicing himself up for the greatest battle ever. "Alright then, Lawrence Citrin. I'll challenge you right now, in the name of the championship battle."
"We're ready to go in just a few more seconds."
Kite almost forgot about the necessary calibrations that needed to be made, since the battles here are aired on television, but despite the integrated speaker system, he didn't hear any announcers or talk hosts. Lawrence must have some way of muting them during the match. Might as well call it a mutual decision. That noise is annoying in battle.
Lawrence could sense Kite's eagerness to proceed straight to battling. It's time to see what the guy is made of. "Kite Fargenst," he pronounced. "Our battle here will determine the next champion of Sprawn Valley. Should I lose this battle, the transfer of power will be almost immediate, and Shadler will fill you in on the rest if that happens. But you should know that there are strict rules for our match today. I trust you already know about the standard marks for battle?" When Kite nodded, Lawrence continued to summarize. "Then you should know about the specialties to battle me. Defeating me will automatically award your digital license with five hundred thousand credits."
Kite's eyebrows rose, as this was news to him. In all of the time of researching the champion's battle and specifically Lawrence Citrin, no section ever said anything about winning such a huge credit bonus at the end. Now he has to win!
"In addition to that, there will be an enlarged Siriean dome to allow extra battling room, and no official time limit. As champion of Sprawn Valley at the top of the elite chain, I will always begin a battle in Eldora Tower with ten percent extra HP, if that's alright with you."
Ten percent extra health? "I guess I'll just have to hit you ten percent more often."
"Ha-ha! You've obviously got the skills to make it up here without a scratch on you, but my elites get replaced all the time, and I've been here for three years."
"I already know that. I know everything about you Lawrence." Kite knew his phrasing might sound strange to him, but his study was solid, and his practice was everything else. "I know what moves I have to make, how I must dodge attacks, and how I'm going to beat you today."
"Is that so?" Lawrence equipped his primary weapon, a crystallized staff, similar to one Danton uses now. Of course, this staff looked very different, and was twice the normal size, though this means he'll have even more trouble blocking sword strikes. "I change styles anytime I need to. People who rely on unofficial data without actual experience won't stand a chance. So let's get this show on the road, Kite."
Upon his request, the Siriean dome formed all around the room, covering all the way to the wall, and just short of the ceiling. After the holographic text appeared to display the official beginning of the Leray battle, Lawrence engaged his energy scope, with Kite copying the action for preparation purposes.
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Chapter Theme Shift: Winner of the Spacetime ~ FFXIII-2 OST
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image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Kite-N-000.png]image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Lawrence-N-000.png]
With the brightness of the room's lights intensifying slightly, and the official announcement to the battle being made, Lawrence performed his first action, simply by jumping and sweeping backwards without turning around, a retreat of distance to take advantage of his magical staff. "Go ahead Kite. I'll let you have the first move."
Kite predicted even this much. If Kite really gave it all he had right at the beginning, the advantage would fall to Lawrence instead. Nice try, former champion. "Oh, don't worry," Kite reassured. "I won't be going easy on anyone today." Kite was holding his blade in his right hand the whole time, but now he reached around with his free arm to the back of his pants, clipping his hands around the grip of another device.
Lawrence almost panicked, expecting Kite to pull out some sort of forbidden object, or perhaps another kind of weapon. In either case, his referee would call out the problem.
Kite delivered on his promise to surprise Lawrence the moment the battle began. If Danton was watching this somehow, he too might not see this coming. Kite pulled the blade through its attached combat hilt, dethatching it from the resting place and into his left hand. With this second Dire Saber, Kite was now holding two of them at once. This passive ability isn't ruled by a Leray spell, or assisted with some sort of magical skill. Dual wielding is a natural skill that one must develop by hand, one that takes time and coordination. Normally, the Leray veil blocks the user from dual wielding one weapon with another weapon, so long as each weapon is technically different in its model or class. But if you can carry the exact same one-handed weapon in each hand, this rule during battles is exempted as praise for those who have the physical skill to dual wield in the first place. It's even true what they say about holding two swords; the weight doubles on you. Kite practiced for strength as well as speed.
Lawrence held tight and aimed his staff further down his range of vision. "A dual wielder? That doesn't surprise me. I've dealt with your kind before."
With a sadistic grin forming to his face, Kite lowered his left sword so that the metal tip would drag against the metallic floor, putting more pressure to add to the agonizing sound of metal screeching cutting throughout the room, and Kite very slowly paced forward to keep it going.
Lawrence nudged his legs back slightly, and congregated his teeth together from the anticipation before him. Why would he make that hellish noise, walking forward so carefree? Doesn't Kite realize that he can't block with a sword? What is this guy's game?
Seeing Lawrence refuse to take action only proves what a coward he is. Kite tensed all of his arm muscles, lifting force into the left blade while exerting only a small amount of magic to the device. With his slash from the ground upward, the release of that magic created the skill Wind Slash, a small yet highly visible line of air gashing through the air quickly. Kite's action's created the Wind Slash without much effort, and he kept his chants to his head to avoid alerting to the champion of his actions.
Noticing the Wind Slash on approach, Lawrence quickly sidestepped to his right, allowing the visible line of wind-elemental magic to drift on and glide away towards the dome shield. Instead, the projectile ended up crashing into the ground, missing Lawrence by a large margin. When it was over, Lawrence relaxed a fair amount. If Kite's accuracy is this bad, this should be easy... Unless that was some sort of bluff. Either way, Lawrence soon had his chance to attack. Being this far apart wasn't going to make most spells easy even at a range. But this should force Kite to battle like he really means to. "Fire Wall!" Launching a solid wall of fire one meter high and thirty meters in diameter, the advancing wave of fire quickly traveled forward at a speed closely approaching that of a top-level Shadow Wave. As it approached Kite, the impact was going to be one incredible display of his endurance level.
Kite was hoping for this, a weak and compromised magical attack that leaves Lawrence so open. Even with both blades in his hands, using magical spells wasn't difficult for him, especially for spells that don't rely on glyphrings. Danton proved already that releasing magic through other parts of the body was possible. "Earth Glave!" Both his choice of spell and chant for the power was intentional. Kite launched an Earth Glave starting at a location right in front of his current position, while artificial chunks of rock, dirt, and stone were shoved forward, and more were created as the wave advanced. As predicted, the average height of an Earth Glave easily blocked the view level from his target.
Kite knew the Earth Glave was going to cancel out a chunk section of Lawrence's Fire Wall while overpowering the spell enough to continue forward, but before this happened, he charged more magical energy through each of his blades, and shoved both of the metal tips into the steel floor with enough force to pierce through the smooth surface. The result followed by the release of that charged energy generated a strong Shadow Wave spell advancing forward from Kite's position, faster in speed than the Earth Glave. That's another interesting fact about using swords, even when holding two at once; the user can channel energy through a sword for non-glyphring related spells to get them started, as if the blades themselves are a conduit extension of one's body or limbs. Charging a Shadow Wave like that was as easy as it was in practice. But here come the real results.
Lawrence should have known that Kite was more experienced than this. Using a more powerful earth element of magic to cancel out the Fire Wall while simultaneously attacking is just good strategy, but the Earth Glave could use some work. Tall doesn't mean fast, and it took little effort for Lawrence to simply back jump away at the next moment to avoid getting hit from the Earth Glave. The range of Earth Glave, if started from the user's position is barely fifteen meters at best, and the wave isn't all that fast either. At least that's what Lawrence expected. At the same time, the tall peaks of the Earth Glave spell rendered Kite hidden behind the structure. So when the spell ended, a sudden Shadow Wave of higher speed was already just half a second away from where the Earth Glave ended. In the next moment, Lawrence was too late to react a second time to the unpredicted Shadow Wave. With pure surprise, Kite's Shadow Wave slammed into Lawrence.
Cutting his skin and through the magic robe with magical slashing damage, Lawrence was trapped in place by the cutting combo of magic, as designed by Shadow Wave. The ability in one way stuns the target until the aura itself disappears completely. While the damage level is still comparatively low in such a high-level battle, Lawrence being unable to move or predict the next moment left him even more open to another problem.
Right after launching that Shadow Wave attack, Kite powered his tactic up further with a follow-up skill. Infusing a higher amount of MP energy into each blade, Kite ferociously swung both white glowing blades through the air, ejecting the magic through the space with each swing. One sword and the other at different angles though focused on the same direction, Kite's follow-up skill was Splice. With two swords, the ability's power gets two hits for almost the same MP price.
Just after Shadow Wave ended, Lawrence had two white glowing lines of hot energy drill through his body, immediately creating first-degree burn marks at the impact site, while bringing the pain level of each slice to a level difficult to forget. Lawrence was suddenly feeling the horrible sensation of Splice; the blade spell that causes severe pain with each hit, though costly to the user's MP as well. Luckily for Lawrence, his ability to fight from long range prevents this new ailment of pain from slowing him down. It was wrong to underestimate Kite.
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Lawrence-N-001.png]
That's a huge tank in HP, considering what he had to start with. Lawrence prepared his staff, for the time taken to evaluate the subject was far too long. Kite has to go down quickly, or else this will end in the wrong way. With his next aim, a jade colored glyphring formed at the edge of the material staff, when Lawrence relinquished the power. "Electro-Blast!" Out came a fast glowing projectile of electrical energy, zooming down the field through the air, almost fast enough to generate a sonic boom. When Kite gets hit with that, he won't be able to do anything about it.
Kite saw the projectile coming his way, but the bolt of electrical energy was much faster than he anticipated. It looks like an Electro-Ball, but Lawrence didn't cast that exact spell. Playing it safe, Kite placed his swords in across from each other at opposite angles, turning his chance to block while aiming the predicted path better. His speed was barely capable of moving the blades in the right position, just as the electrical bolt slammed into the sabers with such force, Kite was nearly rocked off his footing.
Kite however didn't know what this spell was, which became the next mistake Lawrence took advantage of. Though Kite managed to stop the bolt from hitting him at full force, he was still just as vulnerable to the effects that came afterwards. While normal elemental bolts simply explode or vanish after an impact, Electro-Blast transforms the flying sphere of energy into a much larger sphere, one that engulfed Kite's entire body a moment later. With Kite stuck on the inside of the enlarged sphere, the magical ball began to light up with electrical arcs, soon to release the main payload. Kite knew what was about to happen after recognizing this portion of the spell, but it was all he could accomplish before the activation took effect. Kite was electrocuted from inside of the sphere for a few long painful seconds with high voltage; simulating the same spell as Thunder Flare, and when it was over, Kite's blades and parts of his body were slightly smoking, while all the nerves in him were tingling with a sensational drain.
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Kite-N-003.png]
Against what Lawrence expected, Kite grinned with a mild laugh, as he held tightly to both blades with a full dash forward. Kite had every intention of getting up close to try and battle Lawrence blade to blade, despite the difference in Lawrence's weapon of choice. But no matter, "You maniac! Shotgun Blast!" Forming a single yellow glyphring in his free left hand, Lawrence now had access to a small but powerful one-handed shotgun weapon, capable of dealing a fair amount of non-magical damage with the projectiles of each bullet and their blasts. Lawrence held the gun by the back trigger, aiming at Kite as he was rampaging towards him only seven meters away now.
With a blast of shrapnel and shotgun rounds, Kite was soon to be inflicted with the painful sensation of speeding bullets, stopping his advance to fight Lawrence in close combat effectively sooner than desired, but Kite was ready for such eventualities. Having trained for so long how to be the fastest swordsman has also sharpened his predictive abilities and reaction time. Kite battled with the nature of training in his mind; approach the target without taking any damage. As a result, Kite managed to leap to his left, just out of the way of a narrow barrage of bullets as he landed on the metal floor with a squealing slide. Kite reacted the moment he saw the gun appearing to Lawrence, well before the first shots were fired. Otherwise, it would have been too fast.
Though Lawrence was surprised that Kite managed to dodge the speed of a bullet, he again turned his gun with sharp aim to Kite, firing once more, and another time after that. With each burst of shrapnel, Kite somehow knew where to move in order to dodge the projectiles, leaping left and right like some sort of acrobat, and the weight of those swords wasn't slowing him down one bit. In another second, he would be in striking distance. Lawrence thus discarded the shotgun, tossing it far to the side as it slowly faded away from the physical world, and in conjunction, he used another yellow glyphring to generate a short saber in his hand. With the staff in his right grip, and a short sword in his left, Lawrence was now dual wielding in a defensive attempt to stop Kite's close combat rampage.
Kite bellowed as he drilled forward with both Dire Blades rising up above his head. He noticed Lawrence drawing a sword of his own, but paid it little mind since the skill level would still be outmatched. With both swords high ahead, Kite put all of his force into a double downward strike towards Lawrence's body. Instinctively, Lawrence blocked the strike with the metal of his own sword. Lawrence already put away the staff on his person, allowing him to use two hands to deflect the force of Kite's serious strike, but this turned out to be nothing except for a display of challenge and strength.
Now in perfect position to show off his combat skills, Kite unleashed the fury of his training, slashing his blades towards Lawrence one at a time, keeping one sword in a steady hand in the event he needed to defend himself simultaneously. With his effective movements of keeping Lawrence on his toes, Kite managed to create a momentum of advance, with Lawrence slowly stepping back with each block against Kite.
He's fast, and Lawrence had no possible way right now of opening a new attack window. The sword training of his own life was just enough to keep himself together, just enough to avoid getting hit with those longer sabers, and Kite wasn't letting up for a moment. One strike after another, Lawrence blocked every single swing with the metal flat of his own blade. Kite attacked him relentlessly and without letting up. Lawrence was lucky enough not to take any hits so far, but at the same time, Kite would soon wear him out first.
Kite continued bombarding Lawrence with consecutive attacks with alternating blades, but Lawrence became surprisingly quick enough to evenly match him on defense. Lawrence eventually switched tactics, trying to dodge Kite's attacks to open up his own attack window, and leave Kite more vulnerable, but Kite could notice this happening at the same time, and the purpose of his alternating blades allowed him to deflect any hit Lawrence tried to use, while switching the blade to strike back.
For several moments, this went on without any progress to either combatant. Lawrence and Kite were evenly matched in close combat using blades, and it was obvious to everyone watching on camera. Lawrence however knew of more ways than one to end this cycle and regain his lost momentum for magic battles. As tiring as this was, the lack of MP usage enabled both himself and Kite to slowly regenerate some of the MP reserves that were already used up in the beginning of battle. So Lawrence took that chance, backing away further from Kite while managing to deflect or block his swords of fury. To get away, he expended just a tiny fraction of his magic reserves, causing his body to disappear and rematerialize elsewhere all while evading an imminent sword strike from Kite. Thirty meters on the battlefield behind Kite, Lawrence successfully teleported away from Kite's position, putting an end to the farce and opening the options back up for long-range battle tactics. Since such tactics involve heavy magical skills, Lawrence also switched back to his special staff in order to do so. Holding it up high for a counterattack against Kite, he unleashed the magic through the crystal, causing some of the ground beneath them both to quake violently. "Fiery Plume!"
Kite knew Lawrence might try something like this, but Fiery Plume is a heavy hitting area attack spell. If he takes any damage, this might end early against his desire. Kite thus charged forward again, after turning around to face Lawrence and his confident stance. Lawrence's blade was gone, so the temporary weapon aura must have faded when he teleported away. Clever mage! Kite however decided to dash forward through the exploding geysers of scorching air, shooting up from the ground by magic design. While Fiery Plume is an area attack, each geyser explosion happens in randomized locations, and that means there is a small chance that Kite could actually avoid taking any damage out of randomness. Trying to dodge these is pointless.
Against Lawrence's expectations, Kite bravely charged at him again with both blades out and ready. Despite the tremors below their feet, despite all of the rising heat and smoke nearly surrounding him, Kite was totally unfazed by the danger that could easily defeat him. As Kite closed the gap even faster, Lawrence held his staff in preparation. Fiery Plume was going to wear off by the time Kite attacks him, and he has just left the effective radius already. By absolute random chance, Kite was betting on not taking any direct hits from that area attack, and somehow, he was lucky enough to avoid all of it.
"Nagh!" Kite struck towards Lawrence again, while Lawrence used the staff itself to block the hit of his blade. Normally, a staff wouldn't allow any weapon to be deflected, so this must be some special weapon the champion is able to wield. Kite let off again, and started attacking Lawrence in close combat like before. This time around however, Kite was having trouble scoring any hits on Lawrence. His ability to move that long staff as it was is formidable enough to count as dual wielding in a way. The staff is so long, that if used correctly, he can use either end to deflect two separate blades striking at different locations and angles, which is exactly how Lawrence chose to defend himself. Kite let up again to retry an angle of sword swipes, but was met with the same results.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Eventually, Lawrence decided to push back, using a normally ineffective rod of the staff to try and hit Kite, probably to create another opening. With just a few swings, Kite began to lose his previous momentum for close combat measures. Instead of fighting back like before, Kite lunged backwards far enough to escape the rod's range, casting some sort of shadowy aura throughout his entire body.
"Void Edge." Kite performed the ability just like Gleeon had shown him before. A dark pulsating though highly transparent aura of energy suddenly surrounded his entire body. For the duration it will last, Kite would be able to quickly regenerate his MP reserves any moment he is hit by Lawrence's physical attacks, or for any moment Kite is able to land a physical hit against Lawrence. He might not understand what this ability is. While it might seem early to use the aura spell, Kite knew he was still suffering the heavy loss of initial MP from his first few attacks at a long range. The advantage of fighting up close is that he normally won't need to rely solely on magical essence.
Lawrence tended to ignore this aura, since he wasn't certain of its effects. He heard of the name Void Edge before, but the results were escaping his old memory. In all carefulness, Lawrence generated another weapon yet again, putting away his staff to ensure he could wield the heavy device. Casting the Hammer of Might spell, Lawrence held onto a massive hammer, made from the magic all around them, and capable of dealing massive blows to the enemy's HP if landed. The effective metal is so massive in surface area; it could potentially block both of Kite's sabers, and if used correctly, overpower his own strength while dealing blunt damage to his body.
Kite knew there was a slight problem with his plan to use Void Edge. The effects are ignored when your primary weapon only strikes the weapon of your target in a blocking attempt. Kite might have to endure a few hits for this to work, but the easiest strategy would be to provoke Lawrence into hitting him. Kite accepted the fate of the current situation, and lunged at Lawrence again with both blades ready.
Lawrence instinctively kept up his guard, using the new hammer he spawned as an effective shield against Kite's blades, but instead of having to maneuver his hammer around his frontal base, Kite was apparently slowing down. Lawrence took the chance that there was no apparent bluff, and swung the massive steel away, knocking Kite's swords out of striking preparation against him, and with another blow, he managed to slam Kite's upper chest with the blunt object he wielded with both hands, forcing air out of Kite's lunges and making him more vulnerable for the next hit. Lawrence used his new opportunity to keep up the combination of attacks against Kite, draining away slowly at his HP while causing him great pain. He made little effort if any to block most hits with his blades, but was unsuccessful for the most part. When Lawrence finally saw the chance he needed, he shot the hammer forward in a straight line, smashing Kite in the face as he stumbled backwards for balance and recovery. But it wasn't until after studying his energy scope with the free time given to him when Lawrence realized what effects Void Edge likely has. It was a trick after all!
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Kite-N-004.png]
That much MP recovery over such a short period; Kite used damage to regain lost MP. Since the hammer wasn't infused with additional magic, the HP cost was ultimately worth it to him. Kite's too cunning to take lightly, even by strategy.
While standing back to his legs, Kite noticed a sudden pause in Lawrence's actions... So he finally noticed. "What's the matter champ? Didn't you say something earlier about how out of place I was in your chambers?"
"If you're trying to provoke a reaction out of me, it won't work."
Kite didn't care either way. The next phase of his strategy took effect as soon as Lawrence was done talking, with Lawrence's hammer weapon fading away, now unusable. While Lawrence pulled out his special staff once more, Kite could feel his aura failing on him already. It won't matter though. Even if all he gets left are a few more strikes, he now has the total overall advantage to win this fight. Kite held his weapons close to his face in preparation, charging energy into each metal saber. "With the power flowing through me, my blades will make you burn!" Without chanting the exact name of the spell, Kite managed to infuse both blades with the same aura, coloring the swords into a crimson colored glow with flaming particles and effects flowing around the metal. Crimson Blade on both swords is what Kite decided to invoke next. With that, he once again took the close combat challenge back to Lawrence, who would only use his long rod of a staff to block.
With increased firepower however, Kite quickly and easily overcame Lawrence's physical strength, while sending his vulgar edges of sharpened metal through his skin. With each slice through Lawrence's chest, the sword phased out between the interior of his skin, and returning to normal upon exiting; the specific design of the Leray veil to prevent certain physical demise, though the effects of pain and magical damage by amplification are all the same. The burning fiery sensation on Lawrence's body with every strike made it harder to focus or concentrate on blocking Kite's attacks. On top of that, the amplification of magical damage also appeared to slightly amplify his physical strength for each sword strike, making it close to impossible for Lawrence to deflect the blades with his staff as he did previously.
Kite was playing on this strategy too, since Crimson Blade spells last for a good period of time. He managed to recover even more MP for the first three hits before Void Edge finally ended during his barrage of close combat combinations. With the scoring of ten solid hits, Kite wasn't about to stop, but Lawrence had other plans in mind, teleporting away again like a coward to avoid physical bombardment. In the same motion, Kite noticed a green glowing aura becoming stronger and stable around Lawrence, just after the teleportation to a further distance was complete.
"Healing Aura!" One of Lawrence's many trump cards he could use in tough situations was healing himself almost instantaneously after taking a fair amount of damage. It wasn't even worth checking his own energy scope until after the aura takes full effect. Kite is far more powerful than estimated. The fact that Lawrence has to resort to using Healing Aura proves that. "Ha-ha!" he laughed. "Your skills are more impressive than I could have imagined, swordsman. After all this time, you've finally given me the fun of defeating a worthy adversary."
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Lawrence-N-002.png]
"That last part's my line," Kite taunted. "Even after a one-time ability as powerful as Healing Aura, I have a full advantage over you Lawrence."
"Would you care to test your theory, now that I know what I'm up against?"
"Electric Blades!" Kite once again infused his sabers each with a magical aura coating of elemental infusion, while changing the type of elements used for each strike. The aura of red and fire quickly transformed into bright and blue arcing electricity surrounding the metal of each sword. While it took a lot of energy for Kite to use, he was ready again to prove who will be victorious tonight. With another charge forward, Kite began another close combat assault against Lawrence using the electric blades.
Lawrence prepared to defend himself again, but with Kite's power added with the magical energy of infusion into each blade, similar results from before were replayed against the current champion. Kite's strikes with his blades far exceeded Lawrence's ability to block the hits using the rod end of his staff, and he was soon taking slashes of hits again. This time, the pain signature was far worse than before, an electrical discharge with every strike that left Lawrence stunned in place, all of his nerves tingling and shocked while his body struggled for self-control the millisecond after the electrical effect ended, leaving behind burning sensations at the impact site currently masked by the temporary numbness. Lawrence wasn't able to accomplish anything or regain control after the very first hit, because the effect that left him stunned lasted more than enough time for Kite to continue alternating blades one slash after another, indefinitely keeping Lawrence unable to block, dodge, or avoid taking enormous amounts of damage per hit.
Kite eventually struck Lawrence fourteen times before he was finally too exhausted to keep going at that current speed, and he kicked Lawrence in the chest to knock him down in a method of gaining a small amount of safe distance. With Kite's MP drained from the initial invocation of his own ability, his stamina was ultimately reduced, and he tired out more quickly than he was comfortable with after taking all of those muscular swings. By now, the electrical auras were wearing off from the swords, lasting for a shorter amount of time than usual, given that Kite rarely invokes that specific aura on any of his weapons. Crimson Blade will last him for twice the amount of time just based on how much training he has had between using Crimson Blade and Electric Blade. At least now, the results were showing a high effect.
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Lawrence-N-003.png]
After being knocked down and left alone long enough to regain his senses, Lawrence felt totally wiped and drained, for a number of reasons. After studying his own energy scope, it was clear that Kite would soon win the battle just using his blades alone, even against a well renowned champion. Refusing defeat, Lawrence stood back up and unleashed magical power through his body, while Kite had to wait long enough to assess what was going to happen next. "Armor of Darkness. Grant me the power to keep fighting on." Casting Armor of Darkness generated a dark red aura with black pulsing waves within the glowing light, and shrouded Lawrence inside of a protective field attached and aligned with all of his other abilities and movements. The spell and its known effects are popular; immunity from damage granted by a limited shield of magic integrity.
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Lawrence-N-004.png]
"What a nuisance," Kite remarked quietly. Despite what he thinks, this wasn't going to be the setback Lawrence wanted to create. Kite watched several moments where Danton, a warrior more impressive than this idiot in front of him demonstrate the most amazing abilities and strategies used against the gradyents of Junon. In return, Kite has prepared himself for situations like this one. In order to overcome the powerful aura linked to Lawrence's Armor of Darkness spell, he would need a spell capable of breaking through that shield, something powerful and also energy efficient. "Let's try Firesurge." Kite casted the chunk of MP energy into both ends of his blades, something usually done at the wrists to generate the powerful wave-based attack spell. These swords will represent everything Kite fights for, the reason he can defeat any champion on the battlefield. They may not be ready to defeat Danton, but against this guy, "It has to be enough!" In a crisscross formation, Kite launched both of his swords down into the metal floor of the building, simultaneously releasing the stored energy, and generating a shockwave from the impact alone strong enough to support the initial invocation of the Firesurge spell. The moment the metal touched the ground, became the moment of creation for the maximum tier level of Shadow Wave heading towards Lawrence and his useless shield.
Lawrence could see Kite's attempts to attack him from a distance regardless of the barrier he put up in place. A Firesurge wave, refined from Crush Wave to contain the highest power level of damage and magical projection allowed for the ground-based spell. Despite the burning wave of advancing energy appearing larger than most Shadow Waves or Firesurges, Lawrence stood his ground, certain that Armor of Darkness will hold long enough for Kite to deplete his magic reserves, or to give up entirely on the fight.
Kite gave Firesurge every ounce of strength and willpower he had available, and patiently watched the potential results. When Firesurge slammed into Lawrence's shield, the physical contact causing the wave to explode with damage after cutting into the field of protective magic, both Kite and Lawrence witnessed the first of many successful attempts to perform what normally would be considered impossible. The Firesurge wave upon explosive impact knocked Lawrence back into the air, while simultaneously destroying the entire network of holographic hexagons surrounding the Armor of Darkness field. When Lawrence landed on his back, the red and black aura around his body shut down immediately, and he was no longer protected.
While the health on his energy scope was unchanged, the Armor of Darkness aura was totally defeated with a single spell. Kite was impressed in his own abilities, while wondering how shocked Lawrence must be feeling right about now. How much will it take to get this guy to cave?
Lawrence had no choice but to contemplate what just happened as he supported himself back to a stance. Kite just destroyed a powerful protective aura shield in just one move. Is there no limitation to this man's strength? No strategy that Lawrence has employed failed so many times in a row for a single opponent, not for years and years. In all hope, something has to give! "Spirit Volley!" Sending a massive amount of MP through his crystallized staff, Lawrence unleashed the spell of Volley, infusing each and every magical arrow spawning through a temporary haze of yellow glyphrings with an additional aura of spirit elemental magic. This is an area attack that Kite cannot dodge, and if he gets hit by just one of them, his entire battle judgment may change.
Kite soon noticed the massive volley of arrows beginning to rain down from above. There must have been several dozens of small yellow glyphrings high in the air aimed at him, firing arrows with purple glowing auras around each head. With the area of effectiveness, even with a Push Wave, there is no possible chance to dodge the zone in time. Kite held onto his blades tightly, charging additional energy into his body while preparing for the right moment, right when the arrows were close to his skull. "Shining Bracer!" Without moving his body an inch, the release of magic into the spell Kite cast sent a powerful shockwave of negative gravity in all directions spanning over a meter in effective distance. The result in front of him bewildered Lawrence, who could only stand and watch as the entire barrage of arrows suddenly changed course to areas only around or aside from Kite's general location. The effect literally bent the flow of gravity around Kite, pushing all arrows into a different direction, as if two magnets of the same charge opposed each other to a distant setting. Every last arrow was thus made useless as they crashed into the steel floor. Kite only expended two percent of his energy to do just that, something Shining Bracer is always capable of. But to get the timing on that so perfect to outlast a volley of arrows was just too new. Learning how to use these spells in different ways is usually Danton's style, but it comes in handy when adapting to his own methods as well.
Kite turned around towards Lawrence, appearing evermore confident in the direction of the remaining battle to be. Sensing no retreat or forfeit from Lawrence's stance, Kite continued his strategy of battle, using the remaining energy he kept charged inside of his body to unleash another counterattack. "Tornado Strike!" During his chant, Kite became surrounded in a whirlwind of visible air, spinning around him at the speed of a tornado, while leaving him the center of the small storm. Since the tornado will move with him in synchronization, Kite literally controls the direction of this twister. With both blades ready for action, Kite rushed on his feet towards Lawrence, and delivered another devastating blow, a single strike with both swords to his lower thighs, assisted by the additional small cuts and brute force of the tornado itself. When the tornado ended shortly after, Lawrence was revealed to be recovering, trying to prepare himself to fight back even after all of that hectic downplay.
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Lawrence-N-005.png]
Lawrence pulled himself together, noticing Kite right in his sights. With the hidden energy already charged at the end of the crystal in his staff, Lawrence thus unleashed a speedy counter spell against Kite, one that took effect much quicker than he would have expected. Lawrence didn't bother taking the extra time chanting the name aloud, which allowed for the spell to invoke and strike the target instantly, leaving Kite with no reaction time afterwards. With the flick of the staff, Kite was suddenly surrounded by translucent conic pillars of crystal, phased halfway into the ground.
In the next moment, they all converged to a single point, right where Kite was standing. It all happened so fast, Kite never managed to think of his next action before being crushed by the converging pillars, dealing blunt magical damage to him on seven different points all at once. The sensation afterwards momentarily sent Kite down to his knees, knocking the air out of his lungs completely.
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Kite-N-005.png]
Despite Kite being sent down with that hit, he still managed to hold both swords tightly, and infuse more magic into each blade. "Flaming Sword," he coaxed. The ability difference in Flaming Sword against Crimson Blade is the time it takes to generate the aura being much longer for lower power level auras, though the cost in MP is greatly reduced. Kite held himself conservative while his body tried to recover, but the sudden flaming aura in both of his blades would surely be noticed and acted upon before he would have a chance to use them.
Lawrence wasn't about to let up while the momentum was on his side, and he quickly invoked another magical skill, ensuring Kite never fully recovers from that critical blast to his HP. "Quake!" Additional release of MP energy through the staff allowed Lawrence to quickly create the conditions for an earthquake within the entire dome shield, the effects unable to reach the outside of Eldora Tower. At least now Kite was now having a difficult time standing upright, while slowly taking a small amount of damage each second the Quake lasted. It gave Lawrence more time to think of another spell strategy, even while he is close to being defeated.
Kite stood up during the Quake against all odds, unfaltering and balanced despite the seismic shifting under his flooring. Perhaps Lawrence expected this to give him more time. How pathetic! "Rush Assault!" Adding an additional speed aura to his body, Kite zoomed forward at an untraceable speed, wielding both fiery blades before the target. Kite thus unleashed his close combat fury against Lawrence, who was unable to protect himself due to the sheer speed of each hit, and the fiery effect of each strike had Lawrence in a struggle for recovery and control.
But the moment Quake ended, Lawrence bounced back, suddenly striking upwards with his staff against Kite's blades, sending them enough force to break the connective grasp in Kite's hands. His swords were sent flying far off to the left, leaving Kite completely weaponless until they were to respawn via transference back into the owner's hands. Even with a critical health factor remaining, Lawrence wasn't ever going to give up without a real fight!
"Bullet Blitz!" Having spawned the weapons immediately into his hands, Lawrence unleashed both clips of machine gun bullets into Kite's body, left totally unguarded without any blades nor a shield. The stunning effects of pain Kite experienced was noticeable, as the bullet tracks slowed him in place while Lawrence was left the opportunity to continue his relentless combination of spells and attacks using all of the magic available to him. Lawrence traded the guns for two small standard knives in the glyphring spawns, quickly generating enough magic into each metal tip for the next attack that Kite would be unable to dodge even with his swords. He shot bright blue narrow beams of Leray energy from each knife tip; the Mako Beam spell. Landing two hits on Kite, Lawrence quickly shifted to his next remaining ranged magical spell, holding his staff again after discarding the knives, and casting Laser Rain against Kite. Despite there always being a delay between the invocation of Laser Rain and the smack down of laser energy rays, Kite was still too damaged by the previous attacks to respond, thus was he bombarded by several dozens of lasers in a single instance.
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Kite-N-006.png]
Every last laser that drilled Kite from above was more painful than any attack he faced so far; the burning sensation generalized to each location they penetrated through his skin on both sides. By now, Kite held out his hands, reclaiming both of his swords, and realizing the mistake of lowering the guard on his grip even for a moment. Lawrence is a tough opponent when backed into a corner, but his last actions have just left him totally drained and void of all remaining MP energy. Despite this, Kite planned to finish this here and now, with a single blow. One of the special ability combinations he trained himself to learn, that will be the deciding factor of this battle. "Nice try, but it's over now. Shadow Launch!"
While not an official registered ability, Kite began by generating an aura of spirit elemental magic around each of his swords, amplifying their power greatly. He then invoked two additional spells at the same time with great mental concentration. Starting with the generation of a Shadow Wave, spawned initially at the position he currently stood upon, Kite normally would be hit with his own spell as a result, but just before releasing Shadow Wave's form, he also enabled a Flashpoint aura around his body, using it to take off forward just as he let Shadow Wave take form on the ground, where he previously stood. Kite was basically flying through the air, his body a narrow array of light shooting off at the speed of a bullet, both swords strung out and prepared for a powerful hit. Since Flashpoint is too fast to react to, Lawrence never saw it coming, and thus did Kite virtually drill both of his magically enchanted sabers through Lawrence entirely. The added speed to a double sword strike, combined with additional elemental damage would overpower the single strike. In case it wasn't enough, Lawrence was again slammed with the Shadow Wave Kite left behind, only a second later since the distance gap was initially low to begin with. Before he could even turn around, Kite heard a thump and a clank to the metal floor behind him following the sound of the small magical burst of explosion when Shadow Wave disperses. And that meant...
image [https://ia800302.us.archive.org/27/items/lw-allenergyscopes/{S4}_Lawrence-N-006.png]
When Kite checked his back, Lawrence Citrin laid on the floor, unconscious from all of the painful battle damage and the high impact from Kite's last hit. Just like that, it was finally over. Kite just won the championship! What a powerful and glorious feeling! "I've defeated Lawrence." With that judgment, the Leray reward system appeared in holographic text, causing the entire Siriean dome to collapse by design, and revealing the result of the battle to everyone watching through the angled cameras of the room. To think all of this time he thought champions were tougher than this...
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"Oh my goodness," Shadler echoed through the other end of the room. "You just defeated Lawrence..." The old man had to revel in the thoughts of everything possible to believe the battle he witnessed, something he was doing during that long match, but Lawrence lost the fight with the landslide that Kite Fargenst delivered today. This really is happening, a new mage rising to the top to take control of Sprawn Valley. Shadler composed himself once again to make the public announcement official. "You've defeated champion Lawrence Citrin, and are hereby moved to champion status!" Shadler had witnessed only a couple of victorious champion battles, but he could never get used to them. Kite Fargenst; warrior of the blade and skilled fighter will become the new champion today.
Kite wanted to say more, but his mouth was preoccupied keeping up with the constant breaths for air he needed. Moving around as he did, taking all of the battle damage, and using up so much MP energy at the end took a severe toll on his stamina, but this is nothing. When the time comes, Danton will be even harder to face up against. It will require all that he is to defeat him.
Shadler threw a special healing orb to Kite, who caught the device in hand easily. Shadler then calmly walked towards Lawrence Citrin, who was passed out on the chamber floor. He is to be awakened and informed that his title as champion is hereby stripped, but that will take a few minutes even with the top quality revival orbs, designed to quickly awaken and heal people at the same time. "That was some impressive fighting, Kite Fargenst."
While using the healing orb on himself, Kite replied back to the former assistant. "You can just call me Kite now. Anyway Shadler, what will you do now?"
Shadler paused in his footsteps momentarily, easily amused by Kite's obvious confusion. "Did you really believe me to be some puppet only loyal to Lawrence Citrin? Kite, my name again is Shadler Cowl. I am the personal trainer in council, only devoted to those who are currently in championship status. This means from now on, I must get used to becoming your personal assistant instead."
What a weird guy. "Whatever. I won, so let's wake this guy up now and tell him."
"Aren't you forgetting to wave to the audience watching our program?" Shadler had to remind Kite that every viewer in the nation must be overexcited about how things turned out tonight. "The least you can do is acknowledge your victory. Try waving at the cameras; any angle is fine."
Kite had a better idea. Despite feeling fatigued even after the healing orb began restoring all of his stamina and lost health, Kite managed an impressive swords play technique, spinning both blades while alternating the grip for each hand. He gave all of the viewers an aftertaste of the impressive display of skill he used tonight, something much more memorable than a simple shy wave of the hand could ever achieve. "Will this suffice?"
"It will have to do." Shadler held his hand high in the air for a few seconds, making Kite wary of his potential actions, though that's all he did, lowering his arm back down afterwards. Contrary to what Kite realizes, the tower has a crew monitoring the live cameras and controlling which cuts are sent to the public broadcast. His hand signal was an ending to the feed in the champion chambers, giving everyone some free room to feel themselves. "The camera feed is now disabled for this room, including all speaker and microphone systems. Kite? You may now be at ease."
"Aw! That was my show old man."
"You jest," Shadler replied. "As gatekeeper of Eldora Tower, I implore you to immediately begin accepting the new responsibilities as they heed your call." Shadler was already working on reviving Lawrence, but the process was obviously going to take some time.
"What? You going to teach me about some selection of secrets to rule Sprawn Valley or something? All I've done so far is prove which one of us is stronger than the other."
"Something like that."
"Well don't get comfortable yet," Kite ordered. "First we need to work on my training as a knight. I know that I won't have to fight anybody until next week."
"Regarding the champion ceremony to allow wielders to take on the challenge and reach the champion to battle him or her, the ceremony automatically ends the moment a new champion is declared if it happens, thus those remaining to have battled him are automatically sent to next week's listings. But I must ask. Why so eager to train further with your skills so soon? Have you not secured a new victory?"
"Obtained the victory I have." Kite suddenly felt keen on reporting to this Shadler guy what was about to go down soon. Lawrence isn't awake yet, but it won't concern someone who is too weak and unfit to hear the news. "But secured this I have not. Are you familiar with the Trujima gang?"
"Uh, no..." What an opportunity, to think this guy would willingly supply people information about any connections he has.
"They're a pact, a group of people we've all formed, and I am the leader of the Trujima gang." Shadler was silent, so Kite had to continue to intrigue the man while the healing process glowing with light still continued to revive Lawrence. "All five of us, have successfully infiltrated Eldora Tower by all legal means."
"Huh?"
"You really don't understand old man. This display of skill and raw power tonight was a group effort." Kite put his swords into their protective cases behind him, putting himself more at ease. "Gleeon Miao, Vanoss Highdrow, Mainne Gelica, and Brash Danton. The four of them are in the same pact, and all competed in the Catalyst Grove to achieve elite statuses. The reason for this is to prove which of us five is the strongest."
With a mild hesitation to answer, taken by the time to process Kite's admission, Shadler enabled his understanding. "I see now. Eldora Tower is nothing to the five of you but a stepping-stone to see which one of your members is the strongest. And if you were the only one exempt from the Catalyst Grove, that must mean that one of the other four might be far greater than yourself?"
"That's a generous way of putting it. I have to prepare myself. For next week, before the Catalyst Grove event, he will challenge me in combat directly to take this position. I must not underestimate his abilities. Lawrence was nothing compared to the battle I'm soon to have."
"I see." Shadler pitied and admired Kite at the same time, a true rarity among people. He isn't very bright, deep inside that strategic mind of his, giving out free information to strangers who could potentially use such information against him. On the other hand, the truth to this story makes Shadler's job so much easier and simpler. There is no necessary means by which to train Kite to rule as a champion, not while there lies a chance within the next week that his own reign could come to an end so swiftly. Whoever this he character is that Kite shields for privacy must be even more interesting than anyone else in this entire building. Shadler had never seen such refined swordsmanship in his entire life. Despite this, even in theory is it easy to defeat him in battle by means other than close combat.
But Kite knew of this, and thus forced Lawrence to conduct in such combat to play at his weaknesses. That is why Lawrence lost today. If there is someone potentially capable of defeating Kite Fargenst even in his current state of brilliance, that battle will be worth seeing, for all eyes of the world. "In that case, I will see that arrangements are made to ensure that all battlefields are cleaned up and well fitted for the event. I think I'll leak a little bit of talk to the networks as well, to make sure that ratings are at an all-time high when next week comes."
"You do whatever you want with that." Kite only realized it after disregarding Shadler's statement, but what he just said actually means that battles that occur outside the normal event of champion chains and Catalyst Groves are also recorded for live television. Still does this not matter. If the whole world wants to watch and see who is more worthy than the other within the new Eldora chain, then may they watch with grace and honor.
"If I may ask," Shadler handled, "what will you do if either of the two scenarios plays out?"
"If I win, then that means my challenger will be barred from the same combat in Eldora Tower for three entire months. It also proves that the natural skills and order of a top swordsman are always to be rightful for the position of a king."
He really would dare use that word? Leray champions are not kings; they do not rule the people with an iron fist, and neither does the mage council. "And if you are defeated fairly?" If Kite is defeated in a Catalyst Grove event, the rules state that he and the new challenger would switch positions. In a normal champion battle however, the former champion is removed from the tower structure entirely.
"Then," Kite sighed, "I will of course renounce my position to the magic warrior. He and I will trade places, since the outcome would have me put on ice for a three-month period. It may also in his new leadership cause the Trujima gang to disband, but I have no solid proof that this would happen." If Danton does somehow win, I'll have to refine my training again, and take him on one last time. A rematch on my terms is possible, though it not so easy on his part. That is why becoming the first to achieve champion status was so vital today. I can't believe we decided that with an archaic and trivial game of hand gestures.
With a loud groan and gasp for air, Lawrence came back to his senses, wondering what transpired. "What happened?"
"I'm sorry Lawrence Citrin." Shadler had to give him his condolences. It has been nearly three whole years of such kind dedication and duty, but things are changing now. "You have been defeated in battle. Kite Fargenst is the new champion."
"But, that's not possible!" Lawrence struggled just to sit upright while the healing effect took place. His previously inflicted wounds from Kite were so severe even after having been reduced and limited by the protective veil. Fatigue and muscle weakness were the most difficult of all pains to fight through, likely from all of the electrical attacks Kite deployed against him. But if Shadler claims this to be the truth, then after all these years, he's finally... "Kite defeated me?"
"That I did." Kite hovered above the man from a few feet away, Shadler looming down much closer to Lawrence's body.
Lawrence stopped struggling, deciding to let the healing devices work their magic on him. "Then I must hand over my title as Leray champion over to you, a warrior far more capable in the arts of swordsmanship than I, and truly a worthy challenger that shall excel in power far beyond my own capabilities."
"Your kind words ill suit your manner. You embarrass yourself Lawrence."
"Not at all." Lawrence finally managed to stabilize himself sitting upright, but Shadler wasn't huddling down at his side for no reason. Stingy guy he is. "I'm honored to have seen somebody other than myself grow to such great lengths as a wielder. This defeat of mine was only a matter of time, as will be the same for you someday. Here you go Shadler." Lawrence handed over the oversized white rod staff with a red crystal centered into a core to Shadler, who was patiently waiting for the holy weapon to be relinquished. Only one may bear its potential.
Shadler accepted the special staff from Lawrence, as it was his duty to hand over certain items and objects. "Thank you Lawrence." It's too bad that Lawrence wasn't able to finally tackle the Trial of Mages before he was defeated. If he had, this battle might have ended much differently. "I'll keep this safe as usual."
Lawrence stood up carefully, shaking his head slowly to keep himself orientated with his old sense of balance. Not wielding that staff was already difficult to get used to, and this defeat felt in some way humiliating. "Well then, Sir Fargenst? I hope to see great deeds to Sprawn Valley demonstrated from your greatness. You've proven to me today that a man can only go so far for so long in the name of Leray magic, before they ultimately hit a wall. But one day, I'll probably overcome that wall. If that ever happens, you and I will meet again under different circumstances."
"Lawrence, I don't know if you're lucky enough to get that far..." Kite suddenly noticed a strange expression from Shadler, and he ended his statement short. "But good luck to you on your journey to grow as you wish."
"Thank you." Lawrence glanced at Shadler, whose face now read that it was the time to expel himself from Eldora Tower. Luckily, the money transfer comes from the government of Eldora Tower, not the person who has lost directly. That means Lawrence won't be indebted to an unbeatable warrior, but he still lost his chance for so much more. The Trial of Mages, and the Mega-Staff that has yet to reach its full potential; they belong to another for now.
Shadler held the Mega-Staff given only to champions who are ready to wield it, and asked for Sir Kite's Leray license, which would be updated to its new holy status, while half a million credits are transferred onto the storage unit as well. As for Lawrence, his title as champion will be stripped, and his card will automatically be updated to revert all the way back to ordinary Leray wielder. He could of course reapply for elite status, slowly working his way back here, but something else might happen long before Lawrence is ever ready to prove himself. Sir Kite has a wonderful rival to challenge in the near future. Now it is time to train him in the art and style of a befitting Leray champion. The first challenge will be to get Kite to understand that those blades he carries are not his only weapon.