The Inner Odyssey

Chapter 30 Clarity

Staring at the shadowy figure opposite him, Alden clamped down on his displeasure and slipped into a battle-ready state as effortlessly as breathing.

Even though darkness shrouded his opponent, the night obscuring most of their features, the young man's eyes slowly became accustomed to that blackness. He vaguely determined his foe possessed a slender physique.

'Odds are they're pretty agile. I have to be careful.'

While it was not the end of the world if they were slim, Alden would have preferred it if they were bulky.

That way, he could only worry about dodging and ensuring he outmatched his opponent's speed.

Although... it probably wouldn't matter too much in the end.

One touch from him and Alden knew his enemy would be dead.

As he circled the mysterious figure - using the help of Ignia's senses and his own eyes to determine their exact position - Alden slowly tightened the grip on his dagger.

His lips curled into a cold grin.

Before he acted on any of his dark thoughts, however...

"Who are you?"

...It was better to glean a few things first.

Alden purposefully made his voice deeper, hoping it would intimidate the figure into talking.

Unfortunately for him, his foe seemed utterly unfazed.

He inwardly clicked his tongue.

"Are we acquainted?"

Again, no response.

Alden's brows furrowed.

"Why are you trying to kill me? I don't believe I've done anything to warrant your ire."

Alden sensed his opponent flinch a little, and his gaze immediately sharpened.

"Is it because-"

Before the young man could continue, the figure rapidly lunged at him.

Alden calmly stepped to the side.

A glint of steel flashed from where he had just been a moment prior.

Alden whistled internally, increasing his concentration.

Within the confines of the Territory of Flame, shrouded under the cover of darkness, two figures clashed, both seeking an end to the other.

Light snow fell from the heavens above.

***

Alden dashed forward, kicking the ground.

Unfortunately, however... Alden came up short.

His lack of control and mastery over mana manipulation held him back here.

He had no time to curse, though, for in the next moment, he sensed the mysterious figure's frame abruptly speed up!

Alden belatedly realised his opponent had used [Haste].

Clenching his jaw so tight he feared all his teeth would crack, Alden hurriedly moved his body out of the way. He also brought his dagger down in a defensive stance, right in the trajectory of his opponent's attack.

Sparks flew as his knife, and the figure's weapon collided.

The fleeting illumination generated dispelled the darkness for a brief moment.

...Enough for him to gain a glimpse of pupils the colour of flame staring at him with immoral intensity.

Alden's arms trembled as he parried the killing blow.

The mysterious figure then launched another strike, aiming for one of his legs.

'Bastard!'

Alden cursed at the near miss, managing to step back in time.

A bead of sweat slid down his face as he retreated a few paces.

So too did his breath cloud over, escaping his mouth in great vaporous puffs.

Alden panted lightly, ignoring the rising and falling of his chest.

He increased his grip on the knife, determined not to fall.

The young man attempted to coat his weapon once more with the insidious power of the Abyss, but as soon as he did, he lost control over the tendrils of mana.

'Wretched Asterons!'

It seemed like he had to find another way to bypass his opponent's guard.

Unfortunately for Alden, there was no more time to think.

His enemy pounced, using the split-second where his guard was incomplete to slip in an attack bolstered by [Haste].

As he sensed the weapon hurtling towards him menacingly, a wave of calm washed over Alden.

In that tranquillity that came before death, he achieved an epiphany.

His mind whirred, sharpened to an extreme degree.

Alden's lips curled.

Then, with stunning clarity, he viewed the fruit of his efforts as the mysterious figure suddenly paused.

It was as if they had just stumbled into an unnatural barrier.

Of course, this wasn't just any normal barrier.

It was... a [Shield].