Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey

Chapter 25: Adrian Vs Aric [ 2 ]

Adrian's eyes locked with Aric's as a spark of tension flared between them, and for a fleeting moment, his emotions got the better of him. Killing intent emanated from him, a raw display of his pent-up frustration and anger.

The intensity of Adrian's emotions didn't go unnoticed by Ravi, who swiftly halted the match. He knew that such volatile emotions had no place in a friendly sparring session, and he had experienced firsthand the consequences of unchecked aggression when Evelyn unleashed her fury.

Adrian, with conscious effort, regulated his breathing and gradually released the hold of his emotions, letting them dissipate like a passing storm. He understood the need to keep his emotions in check, especially in a situation where he was watched so closely.

"Eric, you don't have to use magic in a friendly match," Adrian remarked, his tone edged with annoyance.

Aric, however, didn't seem inclined to heed Adrian's advice. He responded with a smug smile and a taunting retort. "Why can't I use magic? She should have used it too, but she didn't. That's her fault." He continued his needling with a sense of superiority. "And besides, did you forget what Evelyn did to that loser in the previous match?"

The mention of the previous match, in which Evelyn had caused unintentional harm to Lucas, struck a nerve with the ebony-haired girl. A pained expression briefly flashed across her face, and she seemed burdened by a sense of guilt.

Emma, who had been observing the exchange, shook her head and bit her lip. She couldn't but feel the weight of her inability to use magic as freely as Aric, given her intense focus on archery. Her determination to prove herself only grew stronger.

"One day I will wipe that smug smile from his face if Adrian doesn't," Emma muttered to herself, her resolve unwavering.

Without further ado, Adrian stepped into the arena, his determined eyes locked onto Aric's. Both combatants exuded their respective auras, and a subtle but powerful wind began to sweep through the room.

"Begin," Ravi announced.

In the blink of an eye, an arrow was unleashed, and both adversaries vanished, reappearing in the centre of the arena. Their movements were swift and left after images in their wake.

The onlookers, including most of the students, watched in awe as the two fighters clashed. Adrian and Aric displayed extraordinary speed and precision, making it challenging for many to follow their actions. Even I, as the observer, was taken aback by the sheer skill and strength on display.

Lucas, observing the battle with a mixture of awe and frustration, clenched his fists. "I lag too much. They're too far ahead of me in terms of strength," he muttered, acknowledging the vast gap between him and the top-tier cadets.

Unbeknownst to Adrian and Aric, they continued their battle, each move carefully calculated, each strike aimed with deadly precision. Adrian's agility and speed were matched by Aric's keen reflexes and anticipation. They moved with grace and skill, their sweat-soaked faces reflecting their intense effort.

Suddenly, Adrian's speed surged as he launched a rapid series of attacks, his swordplay resembling an intricate dance. Each strike was honed with precision, targeting different angles and vulnerabilities in Aric's defence.

Yet, Aric, undaunted by the flurry of strikes, gripped his broadsword tightly. With remarkable skill, he blocked and parried each incoming blow aimed at his perceived weaknesses.

Lucas, who had been keenly watching the battle, noticed something unusual. There was a distinct glow emanating from Adrian's sword, an eerie, ethereal light that hinted at a deeper power within.

Lucas's eyes widened as he recognised that faint glow.

It's [ Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata.] This sword art is a grade of 4.5.

***

?[Sword Art]

Name: Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata

Rank: 4.5 Grades

Description: Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata is a meticulously crafted sword art that embodies the grace and luminance of the moon itself.

This art was created by the legendary swordmaster Seraphina Lycanheart, known for her unparalleled mastery of both the sword and the moon's mystic energies. The Great Sonata is the culmination of her lifetime of devotion to the moon's elegance and the art of the blade.]

This is the [ The Great Sonata ] or [ Moonlight Serenade ] whatever you want to call it.

As the discretion said this sword art is '4.5 Grade' just a little shy away from reaching 5 grade art.

In this world Sword art, movement art and Defence all of them are graded From 1 to 5 grade. So you can guess what type of power this sword art held.

And this [ The Great Sonata ] is in the hand of Adrian. How did it come into his hand? Well system gave him before he entered the Nova Academy after he completed his quest that the system had given him.

'Yes, I know that I kind of made him overpower but give me some slack.'

And there is one 5 grade he gets in future.

Yup, I made him overpowered.

But there is one more grade that even with his system he can't get, and that's a [ 0 Grade ] but let's talk about [ 0 Grade ] some other time.

Let's focus on [ Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata ]

The art channels the serene power of the moon, granting Adrian enhanced agility, precision, and a peerless connection with his blade.

As he wields his sword, it leaves behind an iridescent trail akin to moonlight on water, mesmerizing all who witness his artistry in combat.

Adrian moved with remarkable speed and finesse, his strikes resembling flashes of moonlight.

He weaved in and out of Aric's counterattack attempts with graceful footwork, evading each strike with impeccable timing.

His swordsmanship was a symphony of dazzling movements, combining offensive and defensive manoeuvres seamlessly.

Just a while ago, it was Adrian who had the upper hand in the fight, but with Aric's broadsword and his formidable swordsmanship, the situation had reversed now.

With the broadsword in his hands, Aric went on the offensive this time, successfully escaping from Adrian's flurry of strikes.

However, even though Adrian was bombarded by Aric's attacks, he managed to evade most of them with ease and counterattacked whenever he saw an opening.

Adrian's movements were a mesmerizing display of swordsmanship, incorporating spins, feints, and swift changes in direction. His strikes were like beams of moonlight, each one landing with pinpoint accuracy, creating a dazzling spectacle as they clashed under the artificial lights of the arena.

"Kugh!" Aric groaned as he struggled to keep up.

With each passing moment, the tides had turned in Adrian's favour once again.

He chipped away at Aric's defence with a barrage of precise strikes, seamlessly transitioning from offence to defence, always staying one step ahead of his opponent.

Finally, they broke off the clashing and stepped a few paces back, keeping their distance, and preparing for a decisive finishing move.

"Let's end this match with this final move… Here I come, Adrian!" Aric shouted as he sprinted toward Adrian at full speed, his broadsword raised high.

Adrian remained silent, his eyes focused and determined. He spun the hilt of his sword and gripped it tightly, then rushed forward to meet Aric head-on.

In their final, decisive move, Adrian unleashed a flurry of strikes with blinding speed and precision, even faster and more precise than before.

The glow on his sword became vividly visible to the audience, a radiant testament to his mastery of the Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata.

— "His sword is glowing!"

— "His swordsmanship is beautiful…"

Cheers and screams erupted from the female students, primarily from the first year, who were captivated by Adrian's skill and elegance. Their voices melded into a harmonious chant that resonated throughout the arena.

Meanwhile, the male students in the audience rolled their eyes, some annoyed, others jealous of Adrian's skill and the attention he was receiving.

Adrian's techniques and overall combat skills proved to be superior to his senior Aric as he overwhelmed him. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Aric redoubled his efforts for the final move. He backstepped and horizontally slashed his broadsword, creating a horizontal shockwave that launched forward.

However, Adrian sidestepped gracefully and reached for Aric, attacking him from unexpected angles with blinding speed.

Clang—!

Aric was caught off guard, and the full might of Adrian's sword blasted him mercilessly. He was sent flying, clothes tattered, and ended up sprawled on the ground, unconscious.

The impact had been severe, likely causing internal injuries. Aric was in no condition to continue the fight.

"Aric is no longer in any shape to continue the Fight, Adrian is the winner." instructor Ravi's voice sounded bringing everyone into reality.

Huff... Huff...

The audience and fellow students watched in astonishment at the sudden turn of events.

Adrian's condition was far from good. The last move had taken a toll on him, draining a significant amount of his mana and leaving him in a weakened state.

This was why the Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata was classified as a Grade 4.5 sword art; it was powerful but came with substantial risks.

Unless there is a life-death situation or you have reached [ D+ ] this sword art shouldn't be used carelessly.

He was about to drop any moment.

Adrian staggered, pale and with blood around his lips, as he exited the arena.

Emma, with an enchanting smile, offered him her shoulder for support. This was the moment when the two started to feel something for each other, although it would take time for their relationship to fully develop.

On the sidelines, Lucas watched with a mix of admiration and jealousy, biting his lip at the romantic scene unfolding before him.

The reason why they were able to easily steal girls' hearts was, that they always stood for them where they had no one to rely on.

The protagonist always seemed to have incredible luck in love, which Lucas couldn't help but envy.

'Let's leave him. He has the power and right to enjoy the fruit of love. An extra like me has no right in this world.'

He knew he had no place in this world as an "extra" and turned away, leaving the room before anyone could notice his simmering jealousy.

***

Sometime before the end of the match.

Miss Lillian and Ravi watched the intense match between Adrian and Aric, their expressions betraying their thoughts.

Miss Lillian leaned in and whispered to Ravi, "Impressive, isn't it? Adrian's swordsmanship is like poetry in motion."

Ravi nodded, his eyes never leaving the arena. "Indeed, he's a remarkable talent. It's not often we see such skill and precision in a student. The control of his sword art is exceptional."

Miss Lillian glanced at Adrian's glowing sword and added, "It's almost as if he's dancing with the moon itself. I've never seen anything quite like it."

Ravi crossed his arms, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yes, but it comes at a cost. I don't know what type of sword art Adrian has but this is a double-edged sword, both in power and toll. Adrian is pushing himself to the limit. I hope he knows what he's doing."

As they continued to watch, Aric was sent flying by Adrian's final move.

"Aric is no longer in any shape to continue the Fight, Adrian is the winner." Ravi Mishra announced the winner as the match ended.

Miss Lillian winced at the impact. "That looked painful. Aric won't be getting up anytime soon."

Ravi sighed, concern evident in his voice. "Adrian is a force to be reckoned with, but he needs to learn restraint. That sword art seems to be dangerous, especially at his age."

Miss Lillian nodded in agreement. "True, he must be careful. But there's no denying his potential. He could become one of the greatest swordsmen of our time."

Ravi's gaze remained on Adrian as he was helped out of the arena by Emma. "Yes, he could. Let's hope he makes the right choices and doesn't let his power consume him."

The two teachers continued to watch as the students reacted to the dramatic match, both knowing that Adrian's journey was just beginning, and it held the promise of greatness and challenges alike.

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