Chapter 139: Chapter No.139 True Protagonist Vs Villains (7/7)
[Samael Ashwood's POV]
"Poisonous Smoke Magic: Toxic Veil!"
With a swift motion, Allen unleashed a dense cloud of thick smoke that enveloped the courtyard, reducing visibility to almost zero. I felt the oppressive weight of the mist settling around me, and the faint scent of toxins filled my lungs. It was a strategic move, designed to disorient me and give him the upper hand.
"Think you can hide in your little fog, Allen?" I called out, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the growing unease. "That won't stop me."
My left hand wrapped around the hilt of my sword, while my right hand's thumb pushed the hilt sightly for others to look upon it's blade.
I took a quick draw stance as I spread my legs apart while leaning forward with my center of gravity shifted slightly to prepare for an impending strike. The heavy mist swirled around me, obscuring the crowd's view and creating a tense silence. Allen's laughter echoed through the fog, but I could sense the uncertainty hidden behind it.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance. "But in here, I'm the one who controls the game!"
I closed my eyes momentarily, focusing on my other senses. I could hear the shuffling of feet and the whispers of the onlookers, but more importantly, I could feel the energy around me—an electric tension crackling in the air. I summoned my own affinity, drawing on the energy that surged through me.
As I activated the technique, the world around me sharpened into focus. Time slowed, and I could feel the pulsing energy coursing through my body as I prepared to unleash the full force of my magic. With a swift, decisive motion, I drew my sword, the blade gleaming like a bolt of lightning ready to strike.
"Thunderclap and Flash—Six Folds!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the suffocating mist.
In an instant, I dashed forward, my movements blurring into a streak of electric blue. I felt the energy coiling around me, propelling me faster than I had ever moved before. The poison-laden fog swirled, but it couldn't hinder my senses; I could hear Allen's shocked intake of breath, feel the momentary shift in the air as I closed the distance between us.
With each step, I sliced through the haze, a blur of motion and intent. I unleashed the strikes in rapid succession, each one imbued with the power of lightning. The blade sliced through the mist, creating a path of shimmering energy, and I could see the outline of Allen through the smoke, his confidence shattering like glass.
Before he could react, I struck. My blade met flesh, and I felt the resistance as it cut through. I executed the sixth fold in a final, explosive burst of speed, sheathing my sword as I halted just inches from Allen, who stood wide-eyed in shock, his body trembling.
The mist dissipated around us, revealing the scene to the onlookers. Allen staggered back, his hand instinctively going to his neck, where a thin line of crimson began to seep through his fingers. He hadn't expected this. He thought he could hide behind his illusions and tricks, but I had cut through them all.
"You… you're insane!" he gasped, his bravado crumbling as panic spread across his face.
"No, Allen," I replied, my voice low and steady. "I'm just stronger than you think."
The crowd stood in stunned silence, processing what had just occurred. Whispers began to ripple through them, a mix of admiration and fear. I could sense their eyes on me, the realization that I was no longer just Samael Ashwood—the newcomer. I was a force to be reckoned with.
"Consider this a lesson," I said, stepping forward, my gaze locking onto his. "Respect goes both ways. If you want to threaten someone, make sure you can back it up."
Allen's confidence was shattered, replaced by a fear that had never existed before. He stumbled backward, his arrogance replaced with vulnerability. "You'll regret this," he hissed, struggling to maintain a façade of strength. "I'll make sure of it."
"Oh! You can try~ And try is all you gonna do," I retorted, my confidence surging as I turned my back on him. I could feel the weight of the crowd's gaze shifting from Allen to me, and I let it fill me with strength rather than ego.
[Ding! Mission Successful.]
[1000 Destiny Points Credited.]
As I began to walk away, Seraphina stepped beside me, her eyes wide with admiration. "You were incredible, Samael!" she exclaimed, the tension in her voice giving way to relief. "I didn't think you'd go that far!"
I glanced back at Allen, who was still struggling to comprehend what had just happened. "Maybe next time, he'll think twice before underestimating someone." I said, a smirk creeping onto my face. "And for what it's worth, I think I'll be sticking around to protect you. Consider it a promise."
"Thank you," she said, her voice softening as she stepped closer to me. "But you didn't have to go that far. He's powerful in his own right, and he can be vindictive."
"I can handle it," I replied, my expression growing serious. "It's not just about strength. It's about making sure you're safe. If that means dealing with a few arrogant third-years along the way, then so be it."
Seraphina's lips curled into a smile, and for a moment, the weight of the academy's politics seemed to lighten. "You're really something, Samael. I appreciate your support, truly."
As the crowd began to disperse, their murmurs fading into the background, I felt a sense of triumph swell within me. I had not only defended Seraphina's honor but also asserted my place within this chaotic world of academy politics.
With Allen wounded in more ways than one, I felt the mission's objectives already completed, though I couldn't shake the sense that this confrontation was only the beginning.
"Let's get out of here," I suggested, nudging Seraphina gently. "I'm not keen on lingering in the aftermath of this."
She nodded, and we made our way through the throng of students, their eyes still on us. As we stepped away from the courtyard, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
My actions had forged a stronger bond with Seraphina, and for once, I was beginning to understand the true implications of the Heavenly Destiny System—how it didn't just reward physical strength, but also the alliances and relationships that were built along the way.
"Where do you want to go?" she asked, her expression thoughtful. "We could head to the café, or maybe back to the library…"
"Let's go somewhere we can talk freely," I replied, glancing over my shoulder to ensure Allen wasn't following us. "The last thing we need is another interruption."
As we walked side by side, a comfortable silence enveloped us, the tension of the duel slowly dissipating. I felt lighter, as if the weight of expectations had been lifted.
"Hey, Samael?" Seraphina said, breaking the silence. "You were really brave back there. Not just for me, but for everyone. I think people are starting to see you differently."
"Bravery is just the absence of fear," I said lightly. "But I appreciate it. The support helps."
Her gaze softened, and I could feel a connection blossoming between us. "I'm glad I have you in my corner."
"Always," I promised, meeting her gaze with a sincerity that made my heart race. "Now, let's grab something to eat. I'm starving after that little spectacle."
"Good idea," she replied, a smile breaking through the earlier tension. "I could use some food to recover from the adrenaline rush!"
***
[Seraphina's POV]
As we walked together, the chatter of the academy's students faded into the background. I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness—Samael had just defended me in a way I never expected, and I couldn't shake the feeling that our relationship had shifted.
The café was just around the corner, a quaint little spot filled with the aroma of fresh pastries and brewing coffee. We entered, and the cozy atmosphere wrapped around us like a warm blanket. I found a corner table near the window, a perfect spot for some privacy. Samael followed me, his presence both comforting and exhilarating.
"So," I said as we settled into our seats, "you really did a number on Allen back there. I'm still trying to process how quickly you took control of the situation."
Samael shrugged, a nonchalant smile on his face. "He was all talk. It's easy to hide behind flashy magic when you're not facing someone who knows how to cut through it. Besides, I won't let anyone threaten you or our friends."
His words made my heart flutter. "You have a way of turning the tables on people," I noted, leaning forward slightly. "You used similar spell on me too, When I tried to control your mind, right? But this one was more powerful, I guess."
"So, You finally admitted! A month ago when I called you out, you denied so I had to make it clear that you were out of your depth. It's not that I don't respect you, but I just can't let anyone mess with my mind." His smirk faded into something more serious. "And I certainly won't let anyone threaten you again."
I could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it made my cheeks warm. "Thank you, Samael. You have no idea how much that means to me."
The café was buzzing with activity around us, but in this moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. As I looked at him, I couldn't help but admire how he handled himself with such confidence. It was a stark contrast to the vulnerability I often felt in this cutthroat academy environment.
"So, Our team for Dungeon Exploration Test. How are we gonna plan about it?" I asked as I ordered coffee for us.
Samael bowed his head slight as if hiding something on his face, "Honestly, I fully expected you to reject offer to join my team."
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[To Be Continued]
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Stone Me!, I can take it.
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