"You must be Rictor, the second priest of the demon guild." Lucien recognized the hooded figure from the rumors he had heard.

"Indeed. I am Rictor, the great dark mage." Rictor announced with a cold and arrogant voice.

He stepped out of the shadows, revealing his face and black cloak. His eyes glowed with a sinister purple light, reflecting his mastery over the darkness. He looked at Lucien with contempt and malice.

"And today you will have to face my might." He said, as he raised his hand, forming a ball of shadowy energy in his palm. He threw it at Lucien, aiming for his chest.

Lucien reacted quickly, dodging the attack with a roll. He got up, shaking off the remnants of the dark mist. He knew Rictor was not an ordinary foe, but a formidable adversary. He had to be careful and smart.

He clenched his fist, igniting a flame in his hand. He threw it back at Rictor, matching his move.

Rictor smiled, catching the flame with his other hand. He squeezed it, snuffing it out. He tossed it aside, as if it was nothing. He laughed mockingly, as he saw Lucien's expression.

"Is that all you got, Fire Mage? You'll have to do better than that to beat..Aagh!!" He wanted to continue but before he could finish his sentence, he felt a burning pain in his chest.

He looked down, and saw a small flame piercing his cloak. He gasped, as he realized what had happened.

"You talk too much." Lucien said, after completing his casting. He had used the first flame as a diversion, and cast a second one while Rictor was distracted. He decided to step up his game, unleashing a more powerful spell.

He spread his arms, summoning dozens of fireballs. He directed all of them at Rictor, creating a barrage of flames.

"You cowardly fire mage." Rictor shouted angrily, as he saw the incoming attack. He felt fear and rage, as he realized he had underestimated Lucien.

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He raised his arms, creating a dome of shadows around him. He blocked the fireballs, but felt the pressure. He could hear the crackling of the fire, and smell the smoke.

Rictor knew he had to act fast, or he would be overwhelmed by Lucien’s relentless assault. He raised his hand and muttered a dark incantation, sending a wave of black energy towards Lucien.

But Lucien countered with a blast of fire, creating a wall of heat that vaporized the dark wave. He felt a surge of adrenaline, and a burst of excitement. He smiled and taunted him.

Rictor frowned and summoned a swarm of bats from his cloak, directing them to attack Lucien. He was annoyed by Lucien's mockery, and his resilience. Lucien smirked and snapped his fingers, igniting the bats in mid-air.

Rictor growled and cast a curse on Lucien, hoping to weaken his defenses. He felt a pang of desperation, and a hint of doubt. He realized Lucien was stronger than he expected, and his spells were ineffective.

Lucien felt a chill in his bones, but shook it off and hurled a fireball at Rictor. He felt a twinge of pain, and a trace of respect. He acknowledged Rictor's persistence, and his power. He admitted he was a worthy opponent, and a challenge. He nodded, and gave him his best shot.

Rictor dodged the fireball and conjured a shadowy blade, lunging at Lucien. He felt a flash of courage, and a spark of hope. He saw an opening in Lucien's defense, and a chance to strike. He believed he could still turn the tide, and claim victory. He yelled, and attacked with all his might.

Lucien blocked the blade with a fiery shield, and kicked Rictor in the chest. He knew he had the upper hand, and the advantage but he also realized that Rictor was their only to stall him.

Rictor stumbled back and raised his hand to the sky, calling forth a a giant dragon made of dark energy. He felt a surge of power, and a blast of rage. He summoned his ultimate spell, and his final gamble. He hoped to unleash his power, and destroy Lucien. He roared, and unleashed his fury.

Lucien raised his hand to the sky, summoning a meteor of fire. He felt a wave of energy, and a flare of determination. He conjured one of his strongest spells. He aimed to end the duel, and finish Rictor. He shouted, and released his fire.

The two spells collided in a deafening boom, creating a shockwave that knocked surrounding players off their feet. They felt a shock of impact, and a blast of heat. They saw a flash of light, and a cloud of dust. They wondered who had survived, and who had fallen. They held their breath, and waited for the dust to clear.

As the dust settled, both of the mages were exhausted and on ground. They were covered in dirt, blood, and sweat. They had used up most of their mana, and their bodies were aching. They had fought with everything they had, and neither of them had given up.

"You are strong." Lucien admitted. He felt a mix of admiration and curiosity. He wanted to know more about him.

"You are also strong, fire mage." Rictor said. He felt a combination of respect, annoyance, and intrigue. He also wanted to learn more about him.

"Lucien. I am Lucien." Lucien said. He felt a pang of pride, and a hint of vulnerability. He wanted to introduce himself, and make a connection. He smiled, and offered his name.

"I know your name anyways, we should finish our fight." Rictor said. He felt a surge of impatience, and a touch of fear. He wanted to end the fight, and claim the victory.

"Yeah." Lucien said. He felt a twinge of agreement, and a trace of hesitation.

They tried to stand up only to fall back as they felt intense bloodlust coming from Echelon base.

"I guess we have to continue our battle next time." Rictor said as he commanded his group to retreat.

"Everyone, let's go back." Lucien ordered his group.