Arthur exhaled, his breath visible in the freezing air as he stretched his hand toward Kieran.
"That's enough time." His voice was steady as his hands moved, a chilling aura spreading from his fingertips.
A burst of ice followed—sharp, jagged, and relentless. The frost surged forward like a crashing wave, aiming straight for Kieran.
Kieran's eyes narrowed as he dodged, his movements swift and calculated. He remained cautious, knowing full well that touching the ice would be a mistake.
"You haven't mastered this technique, have you?" Kieran's voice carried a hint of amusement as he studied Arthur's attack.
Arthur's expression didn't change, but inwardly, he was surprised. He noticed?
Not wanting to give away any weaknesses to the enemy, Arthur feigned ignorance. "What do you mean?"
Kieran chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "You know exactly what I mean. Your attacks are slow. A technique like this requires you to embrace the cold… but that also means you have a limit."
His gaze sharpened. "Like I said before—this is now a battle of endurance. Let's see how long you can withstand the cold."
Arthur's grip tightened around his blade. "Then let's find out."
Without hesitation, he lunged forward, his sword slashing down with precise force.
Kieran reacted instantly, bringing up his own blade to deflect the attack. Sparks flew as steel met steel.
Arthur pushed forward, refusing to let Kieran regain his footing. Ice seeped from his blade, traveling across the ground toward his opponent.
Kieran whispered under his breath, "I need to be alert… one wrong step and I'll be caught in the ice."
Arthur wasn't done. He slammed his hands onto the ground.
A surge of frost erupted, spreading from both sides toward Kieran, trapping him in the center.
Arthur smirked. "Now you have nowhere to run."
But instead of panic, Kieran grinned. "Aren't you getting too ahead of yourself?"
He took a deep breath and channeled his mana.
"Smoke Magic… Ember Veil."
Dark smoke condensed around his blade, glowing embers forming within.
As the ice closed in, he swung.
The moment his blade cut through the frozen trap, the ice melted instantly.
Arthur's eyes widened. "He melted it…?"
Without missing a beat, Kieran charged forward, blade raised.
Arthur braced himself. "You're the one underestimating me, teacher!"
A loud crack filled the air.
An ice pillar shot out from the side, slamming into Kieran.
Kieran's body crashed against the stone wall.
"Gah—!" He coughed up blood.
Arthur exhaled, his breath cold and steady as he approached.
From a distance, Gael—who was still regaining his mana—stared in shock.
"An enemy I couldn't even defeat… and Arthur just did this much damage?" His voice was filled with disbelief.
Seraphina tried to stand, but Arthur turned to her. "Rest. Regain your mana. Leave the rest to me."
Kieran groaned, his hand glowing as he melted the ice trapping him. Blood dripped from his mouth, his body trembling slightly.
He clutched his waist and gritted his teeth. "How dare you…?"
As he stepped forward, pain shot through his ribs.
His eyes widened in realization. "Tch… a broken rib?"
He exhaled sharply. "This kid… he was waiting for an opening this whole time?"
Arthur didn't hesitate. He lifted his sword, pointing it at Kieran.
"It's over."
Kieran's lips curled into a smirk. "Not today."
Before Arthur could strike, Kieran's body dissolved into smoke.
Arthur swung his blade, but it cut through nothing but air.
Gael sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Looks like he ran off… You drove him into a corner."
Arthur let out a shaky breath and stumbled.
Seraphina rushed to his side, catching him.
"Your body temperature is dropping!" she said, concern in her voice.
Arthur shook his head weakly. "I'll be fine."
Ignoring his words, Seraphina placed her hands on him. Light Magic radiated from her palms, warming his body.
Arthur took a deep breath.
After a moment, he gently pulled away. "That's enough. Save your mana for the next fight."
Seraphina hesitated before nodding.
A small gust of frost swirled in the air as Hyorinmaru materialized beside Arthur.
The dragon spirit gazed at him and said, "Well done."
Arthur smirked, giving him a thumbs-up.
Gael stretched his arms. "Can you walk?"
Arthur steadied himself. "Yeah."
Gael cracked his knuckles. "Then let's regroup."
Together, they moved forward, following Seraphina's lead toward the treasure room.
---
Meanwhile – The Other Side of the Dungeon
Felix, Riven, and Leo followed Callista through the dim corridors.
Felix glanced back. "I hope they're okay."
Riven smirked. "Arthur can handle himself."
Callista added, "Seraphina is strong too. They'll be fine."
Leo scoffed. "Can you all shut up? Focus. You're getting on my nerves."
Felix sighed. "You're the one who wanted us to split up."
Leo gritted his teeth. "That bastard divided us because he knew we'd beat him together. He's just buying time."
The group came to a stop. A large, imposing door stood before them.
Callista placed a hand on her Guardian Flower, its petals glowing softly. "This is it."
Felix pressed his hand against the door. "How do we open it?"
Riven stepped forward and pushed. The door didn't budge.
Callista frowned. "There's no mistake… this is the place."
CRACK—BOOM!
Lightning tore through the air.
"AGH!" Callista cried out as a bolt struck her, sending her flying.
Her Guardian Flower dimmed.
Felix, Riven, and Leo turned—eyes locking onto the source.
A young man, no older than eighteen, stepped forward. His expression was cold, his presence suffocating.
"You're in my way. Move."
Leo's eyes gleamed. "Tch. Finally, a real fight."
Felix's gaze darkened. "Look at his coat… he's from Velundria."
Riven scowled. "So, he's with that bastard from before."
Leo cracked his knuckles. "So what? The outcome won't change."
The boy's eyes remained unwavering. "I won't repeat myself. Move."
Leo smirked. "And what if we don't?"
The boy tilted his head slightly. "Then you die."
Leo grinned. "Ahh… I like that word. Maybe I'll finally get a good fight."
Callista groaned, struggling to sit up.
Riven knelt beside her. "Don't move too much."
Callista shook her head. "I'll heal myself and help you."
Leo scoffed. "We won't need your help."
Callista smiled faintly. "Plant Magic… Flower Basket."
Vines and flowers wrapped around her, forming a cocoon-like barrier.
"I just need a little time," she murmured.
Riven stood, rolling his shoulders. He stepped beside Leo and Felix.
The three of them took their stances.
The battle was about to begin.