****Heyo Author here. Sorry I have been unable to reply for a while. I have been busy with RL and recently met some fellow authors from WrITE, writers to the end hahaha. A group in RRL I recently found and stuff. I also practice my writing with one of them called Mech . A very cool guy with a good storyline, but his grammar reminds me of VanZans hahaha. To those wondering how he is doing, he is doing fine. Just very busy working on the storyline of his fic hahaha. Anyways, I am alive, I am well, and I am trying to plan my own plot and stuff for this story. I am trying my best to find some good story references and names for countries, people, and more. Names are the ones I have the most difficulty...especially those of historical significance hahaha. Anyways here is the chatper. I might take a while with the next one so...yeah. XD

Meixi’s POV:

‘How...HOW AM I LOSING TO HIM?!!’

I am faster than him surely, stronger than him, and yet…he somehow ALWAYS evades my sword! My sword, Moon of Greed, has the ability to ignore most defenses around 70%, drain health, mana, and stamina, and if I abandon the sword’s ability to destroy living things by phasing through them, I can absorb the said stats based on 50% of the damage I deal. It is the reason why this is my main weapon, because I can use this sword without fear of killing my opponents. I can even use skills with the sword without maiming my foes. It is a Legendary Grade weapon I got a year ago on the level of the mortals’ Hero weapons, or maybe greater. It’s a once in a lifetime prize I got from the Annual Dragon tournament held each year for placing second. If that’s not bad enough, he can also somehow defend against my sword’s ability to phase through flesh! How is that possible?! The dragons I fought before couldn’t even defend against that!

The best I can do is to grab him and strike, but he always counters me whenever I’m too aggressive. And how can he fight so well without a weapon in the first place!? Where did he even learn those skills? I've never seen nor heard of them from my mentor. What’s more are the status effects from his attacks:

Your body is severely damaged and your vital functions are in disarray.

-All forms of regeneration and healing are rendered 76% less effective, including buffs and skills that aid in health or regeneration.

-You will take health and/or mana damage every time you strain your body, and the damage is based on the level of your actions.

-Physical Attack damage reduced by 56% due to impaired limbs.

-Overall Skill effectiveness reduced by 27% from damage.

And now, because of this, I’m in a bad state and cannot recover as much health as usual, so instead I chose to stock up the sunlight I’ve accumulated for one skill that will defeat the Imoogi in one slash, but he won’t let me have the chance to do so. Whenever

I’m about to attack, he always…slips away from me, always dodging away from me no matter how fast and hard I hit. He’s not even moving fast too...dodging at the last second with great timing.

What’s worse…It hurts. It hurts so much….*hic* *sniff* *hic*hic*

When I entered this arena, I thought…I was wasting my time, forced to fight a meaningless duel at the expense of my pride. And now, I am……scared. Very scared of this…of him. I always win a fight except for a few exceptions, but they were never this painful. We always ended the fight before we went too far, but the Imoogi does not want the match to end. He wants to fight me with my all, but I…is this what it is like to be truly afraid? To be left so helpless and terrified, enduring the tormenting thought that there’s nothing you can do to help yourself? If so…then why am I-

“Hey, please don’t cry. I do not like it when others cry, especially girls.” – the object of my growing fear.

Then the Imoogi interrupts my thoughts…

The Imoogi asks me to stop crying, which I can’t at this point. I’m hurt and too weak to fight back…why does he want to continue when he has clearly won?

“Why…why do you still want to fight? Are you here to see me suf-?”

“PFFfffffff, BUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You’re finally talking to me for once instead of attacking on instinct! Did you finally run out of pep? I expected you to get back up and attack me again like an angry gorilla, HAH!” – Annoying Imoogi

‘…Huh? Did, did he just call me a…Why you!!!’

“Are you calling me…I WILL-!”

However, he interrupted me…

“Ah there it is. Now that's the lovable angry dragon I know, hahaha. I was a bit worried I lost you for a second.” – Imoogi

‘What is he…?’

“What are you-”

“You were growing gloomy. I admit I might’ve taken it a bit too far, but you were doing fine so far. Dragons really are strong and tenacious I must admit; but you’re most likely an exception in your case, in terms of tenacity. Which leads me to the question, what drives you? What’s the source of your motivation?” – Imoogi

‘…...Did he notice my feelings and…Aaaahhh, I see. I think I get it what he is doing, though...calling me ‘lovable angry dragon’ who does he…(-_-)’  

“Isn't it obvious? It's because, because…because……”

I was about to answer him, but I fumbled. I am, I am… having trouble finding the right words to say. Now that I am thinking about it, why did I want to go on? I felt something when I was attacking him, but…it felt like pride and anger yet there was also something else and I don't know what it is. I, I just don't know…I just don't know why and worse, I can't find the right words to describe it…

“Oh dear. Don't tell me you don't know? When we first talked, after I healed you, you said you’ll make me ‘regret my choice’ and ‘reclaim your pride’. When I heard those words, I knew that you impulsively said them out of pride and arrogance, meaning there is more to it than just revenge. And from seeing how you fight with your sword, I now have a pretty good idea on what it is.” – Chatty Imoogi

‘What…what is he talking about?’

“Dad told me a bit about you, though he was annoyingly vague *Glared at Heiyang while mentioning him*, you’re not very talkative and quite cautious towards others as I've found. You also have a unique talent that makes you more, um, ‘wary’ as dad said, to other people to an unusual degree even amongst dragons. Don't know what it is exactly sadly, but I can hazard a guess or two.” – Mouthy Imoogi

At his words, I am quite curious of his answer. I waited in tension on what he is about to say.

“I think it is something along of lines of sensing the intentions, like thoughts or emotions of those around you. And because of this double edged sword you were born with, not only did it enhance your awareness, but it had also driven you to semi-seclusion. A gift not without its flaws per se, something a very emotionally susceptive child cannot handle without proper guidance. And because of this, you instinctively developed a fear of others, though I do not know why it mostly led to hatred for just Imoogis. In your quest to hide that fear, you chose to follow the path of a warrior, especially swordsmanship. But I see through you and your sword. You chose that path, thinking by choosing a sword and by just becoming strong, and focusing solely on strength, you will conquer your foes and deter anyone that might hurt you with sheer force and aggression, and grew a selfish arrogant ego along the way, albeit unintentionally. You think that you can solve all your life’s problems by becoming a ‘sword’ yourself, be it combat or words, regardless of the consequences of your actions thinking it will be ‘okay’ in the end. You believe that you’re overcoming your weaknesses from this, but in truth…you are only running from them, while creating more problems needlessly in your attempt.” – Talkative Imoogi

‘What? Running…me?’

“What do you mean I’m ‘running’?! You dare call me a COWARD?!!”

I cannot let this insult go unanswered! When the Imoogi responded however, he..started with a mocking laugh.

“Mmmm hehahahahahahaha…you’re not aware? Guess it’s natural for people like you. Tell me, when was the last time you were really honest with yourself, enough to share your troubles with those closest to you? You closed your heart from others, even your own parents. You are afraid of what they will do once they know your truth, no?” - Imoogi

‘!!!’

“You’re wrong! My Dad already knows of this, because he is family and will not hurt me!”

He is not doing a good job at helping me however, since he barely has time to do so. I will not tell him this though.

“Oh? Then what about your mother? Is she aware of your troubles as well?” – Nosy Imoogi

‘She…Mom is almost never there. She’s very kind and caring, though her main interest is magic. Meaning she was very busy as a High Magic Caster. She is mostly busy with her job, researching magic and spells, and even creating some of her own. If she were here, maybe…just maybe things would be different...’

“She…is always…wait, why am I telling you this?! We should be fighting, not talking!!”

“You were momentarily depressed and crying a moment ago, and now you want to fight? Is your renewed spark for combat just to avert yourself from the subject?” – VERY Nosy Imoogi

“SHUT UP!!! You’re just an outsider! You have NO right to lecture me!”

I struggled to gather enough strength with my sword and moved in to strike! I thrust my sword in my right hand forward to stab him, but before I can even stretch my arm, he already shifted left slightly making me miss barely, and struck my stomach in response.

*POW*

“BUFOoooo!!!”

“Oh, I beg to differ. I’ve been dragged into your affairs through this duel by chance. Also, a bit of advice. You should really stop relying heavily on your ‘talent’. The heart is far too complex to be simply judged through emotion alone, and relying solely on a tool that reveals just the book’s cover will only bring more harm than good in the long term.” – REALLY Nosy Imoogi

“*Cough*Cough*  *Cough*!!”

I stumbled back a bit and paused to recover my bearings. Going over what he said, as much as I hate to admit it, it is true. He really is here because of me…and yet as much as I’m unwilling to tell him, mostly because of his annoying attitude, I do agree he does deserve some some right to know. He’s by far the most exceptional, and irritating, Imoogi I’ve ever met. It’s as if he was born solely to torment me!!!

And I…don’t know how to react with his last statement. I think he may be right. I can’t tell what lies in his heart from our first encounter and now…I can’t feel anything from him.

…Curses, now I regret not listening to teacher to change my habit...

After I recovered enough, I went back to slashing him with my sword.

“Another advice, mastering a sword is more than just swinging it around like a stick. You swing it with just raw might, leaving much to be desired with room for improvement.” – said the Cocky Imoogi while dodging.

I swung my sword left and right while he evades in response.

“Another thing is your footwork. Too unbalanced and prone to break. Swordsmanship is more than just running to foes and striking them. It involves controlling your weight and muscles to move however you want, like evading on reflex. *Whoosh*” – Mouthy Imoogi

*Whoom*

"…Eh?”

I now see a fist covering my view…he, he attacked while I was swinging down my sword...

*Tap* *Shove*

“Huh?-OOf!”

The Imoogi…then pushed me, and  while I was stumbling backwards, he tripped me by placing his foot behind my legs when he got very close to me, briefly face to face. I am now on the ground with my butt on the floor. I was unable to react even though he moved very slowly...

‘He…he did this on purpose to prove his point-!!!’

*Shoom*Shoom*Shoom*Shoom*

‘Huh?’

His fist is covering my view again, but…I couldn’t see it clearly but I am sure this time he threw three more punches before placing the forth close to my face, blocking most of my view. For the first time, I realize that this is my first time the thought ‘I can not win’ came into my mind, against an Imoogi below less than half my level…

Then suddenly, a memory from my time training with my teacher flashed in my mind when this happened. From the time when I was training my own way while ignoring her instructions on my training course.

----------

“Little Sun, why won’t you heed me whenever I say the sword is about technique, not might? If you keep on following this habit, you should go learn to use an axe instead.” – Mentor

I was swinging my sword not according to my teacher’s instruction on the wooden human dummy like I always did every day. I was more focused on swinging harder and faster than anything else my teacher said otherwise.

“Strength is everything, teacher. Only people with strength can achieve greatness!”

“Little Sun, that thought only works when fighting those weaker than you, and if only strength is needed, we dragons would be the lords of Mundus by now. What will you do if you face an opponent stronger than you, faster than you?” – Mentor

“I will win like always in the end! Nothing is stronger than a Sun Dragon, teacher! All the other dragons can’t beat me at my level, and I only lose when my opponent is higher leveled than me, even by one!”

“Dear, dear. And if you face an opponent lower leveled or not a dragon that can beat you, what would you do?” – Mentor

“What are you saying teacher? There’s no such being like that. That is but fantasies made up by humans to pointlessly encourage themselves so they can live with hope. A work of fiction teacher.”

“I see. Then I will double the usual training for disobedience, and you will be punished with a test to see if you remember my lessons to the letter next week and if you fail, I will take away your favorite sword.” – Mentor

“EH?!!!”

------

After going through the memory, I suddenly have an image of teacher laughing herself to death at this moment from watching me losing like this…and found out the reason why she forced me to listen to all her lectures. She was trying to teach me how to become an actual swordsman, not like I am now. Then when I came out of my thoughts...

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“Hellooooo, is anyone home?” – Imoogi

‘Huh? WHOA!’

The Imoogi came in too close to me looking at me eye to eye, our faces nearly touching! That made me jump back from fright!

“What are you-!”

“You were blanking out, and I am wondering if you’ve learned anything during your trip, my friend.” – Imoogi

“That’s none of your…Wait! ‘Friend’?! What makes you think we’re friends?!!!”

‘The imoogi is calling me his ‘friend’?! He is changing my label from ‘Imoogi hating foe’ to ‘Friend’?!! How outrage-…wait, is he really willing to become my friend? After all I’ve said and thought about him?’

“Why not? We fought and talked this long, so that makes us friends no?” – Outrageous Imoogi

…He does realize I hate him right? So why would he…

“You do realize that I hate you…right? So why would you still consider me as a friend?”

I am very surprised and…a little curious on why would he even call me a ‘friend’. I called him a ‘lowly snake’ when we first met, looked down at him, said very rude things, and yet. Why?

“…Buhahaha, a friend is more than just people liking and talking to each other. They can hate and fight each other, but they will always be together no matter what in the end the other person thinks, especially us when we are in a fight, no? I care not for your rudeness, I only care because I want to. Nothing more, nothing less.” - …Imoogi

‘Huh? What is this…I feel his sincerity this time…he really means it.’

I can feel his anticipation and hopes of a…better tomorrow where everything is happy in the end. He…his words are genuine. This…this is the first time someone is considering me as a real friend, as I am always looked up to here. He thinks me not as someone to look up to, but as a person that he can share a lasting bond with…I now feel very guilty that I called all Imoogis lowly snakes that should be exiled. But my thoughts are interrupted again.

“Yixing and Meixi are talking to each other during the match for TOO LONG!! GET ON WITH IT!!! WE WANT ACTION, NOT IDLE CHATTER!!!!!” – Tantrum Mazupo

…Uhhhh, I do not know how to respond to that. Mazupo and the audience…looking at them now, they are brimming with impatience as they scream along with her, shouting at us to get on with the match.

The Imoogi started moving back to create distance between us, and then followed up with Mazupo’s announcement before resuming his combat stance again.

“She’s right, we are here to fight not talk. One more advice, a quote dad told me, ‘Power is nothing without a purpose, to give it shape and make it firm’. Your swordsmanship and skills are strong, but they lack ‘purpose’. If you give yourself a real purpose, a goal worth striving forward, you will give your strength ‘shape’, a sense of duty to move on. Remember this well.” – …I will now call him Show off.

‘…I see. I didn’t forget why he spared me once, he wants a good fight. Very well. I’ve decided what  should do now. I will fight with my all to the bitter end, whether I win or lose. I have much to atone for once this is over, so I’ll take my first step with this!’

Preparing my sword stance again, I plan to finish this fight in one move, as I am not in top fighting condition. The Imoogi got me this time, so if I’m going to fall, I will fall with dignity.

We both prepared our stance and are ready to move-

*BOOOOOM*

…A celestial glow came down from above and struck me with…comforting light.

‘?!? What is this light? It feels so, secure and calm.’

Congratulations!

You’ve curried favor from Warrumunga, Dragon God of Light and Creation!

•5% Light Affinity

You obtained two skills from his blessing.

Photon Forge

Sacred Life

Congratulations!

Your Light affinity reached 50%, thus earning you a new skill.

Lightspeed Step

“...Huh?”

‘What...I am healed...and I’ve been...blessed?’ I am trying my best to understand what just happened, though Mazupo helped hasten the process with her announcement.

“I don’t believe it! Meixi...has earned a Dragon God’s blessing! What a heart popping twist!” - Mazupo in excitement.

‘...No way… I cannot believe it...I’ve been blessed by a Dragon God! Mom and Dad will be so proud of me!’

I was immersed in my thoughts and joy of this joyous occasion as those who are blessed are destined for greatness...

However my time was interrupted by a baffled Imoogi, jealous of my blessing judging from his expression...the sight of him cringing with envy is very satisfying for some reason...and I don’t care!  

+1% Darkness Affinity

Errr...I think I now know the reason...It seems that my dark thoughts are starting to surface...I am a bit worried.

“What? Wait, wait, did I hear right? Meixi was blessed by a dragon god...? How unfair! I’m the one winning here despite being lower leveled and yet she is the one that received a Dragon God’s blessing?!” - Show Off in disbelief

“What? Don’t tell me you’re jealous? I am a True Dragon after all.” I said smugly. It feels so good returning the smug remarks back at him. The Imoogi unable to accept my smug remarks then...

“…Oh ye majestic Dragon Gods of Old! I beseech thee, grant this poor Imoogi your blessing….” - Imoogi in disbelief and silly desperation.

The Imoogi is raising his hands in the air waiting for a response...but all he gets back is silence.

‘......Kuku.’ I was laughing in my mind as I watched him try his best to curry favor from a Dragon God to no avail. It is very funny as I snickered, though the Imoogi heard my mocking snicker and grimaced.

“....Nothing? Seriously? Not one Dragon God wanting to give me a blessing? ...Screw it, I will defeat your champion then, whoever blessed her.” - Imoogi in anger

The Imoogi decided to vent his frustrations on me while I smiled at his misfortune.

The Imoogi then appeared before me with my guard down...or so he thinks. I...can see him now for some reason, as he tried to kick my jaw, but I tilted my head backwards and side kicked...his manhood.

*Whack*

“!!!!!!!!!!!!!” - Imoogi in dire pain.

The Imoogi’s eyes bulged upon impact as he spun around to maintain his balance standing firm on the ground and then closed his legs together and placed both hands to grip his damaged manhood.

The sight of him cringing in pain like that...is kind of refreshing in a way.

“!!! Ohhh..why you little…”

The Imoogi then launched himself and headbutted my nose from his awkward position, sending me back a few meters.

*BAM*

It hurts...that is what I want to say but...

“That hurt!” - Imoogi still in pain.

The Imoogi said it first before me.

“You hurt me much more than that!” I retorted against his accusation.

“That hurt even more!” - Stubborn Imoogi

“Nooo! What you did hurt even more!”

“My pain is greater!” - Very Stubborn Imoogi

“No mine!”

“MINE!” - Extremely Stubborn Imoogi

“MINE!!!”

‘This arrogant little...I swear…’

“Ahahahahahah! Seems your little one just made a friend!” - Heiyang

“Hmmm...they do seem to get along…” - Dad

I cannot believe what I am hearing.

““DAD! He(She) is not my friend!”” - Me and the Imoogi

Upon hearing each other’s words...we slowly turned our heads and match each other’s eyes...I will just pretend that did not happen, but the Imoogi won’t let this go.

“....Well not yet anyways but...THAT HURT!!” - Imoogi with God-level stubbornness

“Who would be friends with you?!”

“What? We are talking aren’t we?” - Imoogi now becoming very annoying.

“!!! So what?!”

“You sound like a child, but...it makes you so adorable hahahaha!” - Mocking Imoogi

I am being made fun of...by someone like him. And I don’t like it! The Imoogi stopped talking as he took a fighting stance, raising his fists while steadying his feet.

“Anyways, come at me. I need to take revenge for my wounded manhood.” - Imoogi

The Imoogi cut the small talk as he resumed his stance. I prepared my stance in response as I readied myself to take him on. I will overwhelm him in a complete victory no matter what!

Yixing’s POV:

‘OW! Seriously what the hell…?! Her power’s increased quite a bit...is this the power of a God’s blessing? DAMMIT! I WANT ANOTHER ONE!’

I shouted in my mind while I observe her movements, she is faster and her movements much more fluid, though it is probably unintentional on her part. Damn...If I was like the usual low level, I would be destroyed instantly, but fortunately I can read her movements and keep up to some extent. I should have been defeated due to our level difference, but my skills and experience are what kept me alive, and now...I do not know how long I can keep this up, even if I go all out.

I continued to gaze at her while she returned it with her own gaze as I watched her foot twitch, and the next second she appeared in front of me in a blink of an eye.

“Whoa!” I ducked as she slashed sideways.

I Shadow Warp to her left and side-kicked her stomach, or so I thought. I retreated my leg the moment I saw signs of a counterattack from her breathing and muscle tensions as she swung down her sword where my leg used to be, so I teleported back to gain some distance.

“Ok...So blessings are really good, I admit it…”

Her movements are still the same but just faster. I just need to amp up my game or I will lose. Meixi just eyed me watching my move, with renewed confidence...and some malevolent intentions. Don’t tell me she is aiming for my crotch again…

I took several deep breaths as I tensed my body and muscles, preparing myself for the challenge ahead.

“What’s wrong? Ready to admit defeat?” - Meixi with a smug look

‘Hah! This girl is learning how to have fun for once! That won’t deter my need for vengeance though Muahahahaha!’

“Who’s forfeiting?! I’m just getting warmed up!”

I shouted as I sprinted towards her with my left fist ready.

She is about to slash fast, so I stopped running and slowed down, making her miss her swing by making her misjudge her timing.

*Swish*

“Not this time!” - Meixi

She raised her leg to stomp kick me as I slid to her at a slower pace, but I was prepared for her counter. I dodged left while simultaneously performed a reverse roundhouse kick to the back of her neck...but she ducked and knocked my standing leg with her free hand, knocking my balance off as I fell on the ground...but I still countered from there as I do a leg sweep and knocked her feet off the ground.

*Thud*

And before her body touched the ground, I rose up from the ground uppercutting her gut sky high into the air.

*Bam*

“*Cough*!!” - Meixi coughing out from the blow.

Meixi however regained balance in the air and landed back on her feet, while I am also back up and jumped back to create some distance between us.

“Aiya...and you’re all healed up too…” I complained as it is really unfair as her Dragon God took the liberty to heal her. That is cheating...she is healed by a third party, but no one will call her out as it was a dragon god that did it...Unfair. And worse she received less damage than before she was blessed...

“So what? You healed me once, so don’t complain.” - Meixi with a smart mouth.

‘Since when did you learn how to wisecrack?’ I thought as Meixi somehow appears in front of me in the blink of an eye after shining in a bright flash...and struck me good in the torso swinging her sword sideways.

But...for some reason I felt the sword passing through me...I felt some kind of pain including some of my strength draining, so I tried to react, but she kept slashing at me in succession, not letting me get the chance.

“Dammit!” I shouted as I used Gravity and Psychokinesis to push her away when she was about to strike again successfully creating some distance between us. I see her legs twitching, so I fire some dark magic orbs at her to pressure her to jump and dodge away, and thankfully she did.

After I’m sure she won’t charge at me, I pointed my right open palm at her, I patted my torso with my left where the sword went through me, and found no wounds here and there whatsoever, but I did feel significant damage inflicted on me. The HP bar even showed my health depleting from each slash as well.

It would seem that her sword is very special...which explains why she slashed at me without fear of me dying. I will need to get even more serious here.

I took a deep breathe as I prepared my usual stance, and emptied my mind as I focused on Meixi, ready to engage in combat. I will pull no punches this time as I infused mana into my fists.

“You are finally serious.” - Meixi with a prideful smile

Meixi noticed my change, but no matter...With a burst of profound speed, I became a blur as I rush to Meixi.

This time I will not just attack...as she swung her blade I deflected it with another Pulse Palm, as she swung down on me after recovering her momentum.

I knew that she would respond and fend off my attacks with ease, so I decided to keep on attacking and fend off her counters until she cannot. I threw my right fist into a hook as she swung her sword at it, but I pulled back my attack to make her sword cut air as I raised my right foot striking it deep into her stomach.

*Thud*

“Oooffff!” - Meixi

Misdirection for the win, hehehe. This fight is finally going to be worth the effort and all the patience.

**Chapter end