The sound of clashing metal rang through the smoke-filled dungeon as Gale faced off against the mysterious swordsman. Their blades met in a flash of sparks before both fighters stepped back, eyeing each other. The man let out a chuckle, breaking the tense silence.
"I haven't introduced myself yet, have I?" His voice carried a mocking tone as he twirled his blade. "I am Kieran. At least you should know the name of your teacher, don't you think?"
Gale scowled. "You're too confident."
Without hesitation, he lunged at Kieran, his sword flashing through the haze. But just as he was about to strike, his body wavered—his legs buckling beneath him. Gasping for breath, he fell to one knee, his vision blurring.
Kieran laughed. "Ah... so it's finally taking effect."
Gale clenched his teeth. "What… did you… do?" His grip on his sword trembled.
Kieran grinned, tilting his head. "So many questions. But since I'm your teacher now, I suppose I should break it down for you." He lifted his hand, gesturing to the thick smoke surrounding them. "This isn't ordinary smoke. It wasn't just for cover—it's a spell that slowly drains mana from those who breathe it in."
Gale's eyes widened as the realization hit him. His mind flashed back to the beginning of the fight. That's why he put up the smoke right away… he never planned to fight us at full power. He just wanted to wear us down first.
"Now you get it," Kieran said, his voice almost pitying. "But it's too late."
He raised his sword for the final strike. Gale struggled to lift his blade, but his body refused to move.
Is this it?
Then—
"Frost upon the heavens… Hyorinmaru!"
A sudden burst of cold swept through the dungeon as a blade of ice clashed against Kieran's sword, stopping the attack. Kieran quickly retreated, his amused smirk unwavering. His eyes landed on the figure standing before Gale—Arthur, his ice-forged blade gleaming in the dim light.
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "You looked like you could use some backup, Senior."
Seraphina landed beside him in a blur, her blade raised in a defensive stance.
Gale coughed, trying to push himself up. "You fools... I told you to keep going!"
Arthur turned his head slightly. "We're not leaving a comrade behind. This mission is ours to complete, and you've done enough. Just rest."
Gale hesitated before sighing. "Where are the others?"
Seraphina answered, "They've gone to the treasure room."
Kieran clapped his hands. "Ahh, what a touching reunion." His tone dripped with amusement. "Now that you're all done catching up, shall we continue the lesson?"
Arthur's gaze hardened.
Gale gritted his teeth. "Be careful—that smoke drains mana."
Arthur smirked. "Isn't that a bit underhanded? Or are you afraid we'd actually stand a chance against you?"
Kieran let out a deep chuckle. "Oh, I love this class. The theme is discipline—and students who refuse to behave must be taught a lesson."
Arthur's grip on his blade tightened. In his head, Hyorinmaru's voice echoed, This man is strong. He has experience.
Arthur smirked. I know. But we have something he doesn't—each other.
He gave Seraphina a quick glance. She nodded. In an instant, Arthur charged forward, blade flashing. Kieran dodged, smoothly backing away—but that was the plan.
"Now, Seraphina!"
A golden light burst behind Kieran. Seraphina moved at blinding speed, appearing right at his back, her sword ready to strike—
Then her body wobbled. Her vision swam.
She collapsed.
Arthur barely caught her before she hit the ground.
"What… happened?" Seraphina murmured, struggling to move.
Kieran's laughter echoed. "Oh dear, you're the daughter of the God of Light? That was disappointing." He leaned on his sword, shaking his head. "I wasn't even sure if my countermeasure would work. But it seems you haven't mastered your potential yet. Your speed is nowhere near your father's."
Arthur glared. "What did you do to her?"
Kieran grinned. "The same thing I did to your friend over there." He gestured toward Gale, still struggling to breathe properly. "While you were busy having your little team bonding moment, my smoke has been spreading. It's been draining you all this whole time."
Arthur suddenly felt his knees weaken. A wave of dizziness washed over him.
Kieran smiled. "And now you feel it too."
Gale's voice was hoarse. "Arthur… Seraphina…"
Kieran stepped forward. "Your plan was decent—distract me, strike from the blind spot. But there was a flaw."
He raised his sword.
Arthur gritted his teeth. Damn it…
Then Kieran smirked. "I'll let you in on a little secret." He leaned closer. "I'm not alone. My partner is already at the treasure room. And your friends? Well… let's just say they won't be coming back."
Arthur's breath caught in his throat. Leo… Riven… Callista… Felix...
"Too bad," Kieran sighed dramatically. "You should have just stayed here and let me finish you off quickly. Now, they'll have to suffer first."
Arthur's fingers clenched around his blade. A sharp breath escaped him.
And then—
The air turned cold.
The ground beneath him frosted over, his breath visible in the chill.
Arthur's voice was low, filled with icy determination.
"That's not true."
Kieran's eyes widened slightly.
Arthur lifted his gaze, his expression deadly serious.
"Leo might be rude to me, but he's still my rival. Riven is always calm, but he's strong. Felix never gives up. Callista is clever. They won't lose to someone like your partner."
Kieran let out a small chuckle. "Has the thought of their deaths driven you to despair?"
He raised his sword. "Then let me put you out of your misery."
His blade swung down.
Arthur caught it.
With his bare hand.
Ice spread from his fingers, crawling up Kieran's sword.
"Frost Touch," Arthur murmured, his breath fogging in the air.
Kieran yanked his blade back, retreating as ice started to form on the metal. He examined it with a small, amused smile.
"Well, well… you've still got some mana left, huh?" He cracked his neck. "Let's see how long you can last."
Arthur placed a hand on the ground.
Crack!
Shards of ice surged forward, racing toward Kieran. He leapt back, dodging with ease.
"That all you've got?"
Arthur stood up slowly. His breath was ragged, but his gaze was unwavering.
Hyorinmaru's voice echoed in his mind.
Arthur, you haven't mastered this technique yet. You have five minutes before your body succumbs to the cold.
Arthur exhaled. Frost curled from his lips.
"Five minutes…"
He raised his blade.
"That's enough time."