Chapter 63: A Goblin

Chapter 63: A Goblin

Kegrog stood up with shaky feet. He had taken the brunt of the explosion from Callums potion. At least he was able to keep Nora safe. The human girl struggled to her feet.

Nora grabbed Kegrogs arm, Are you okay?

Kegrog nodded with a small wince. Im alright. Are you ok-

Kegrog turned with a swiftness belying his enormous size and raised his left arm just in time to block Strygs fist. Kegrog skidded back from the force of the blow.

Tch, Stryg spat.

Kegrog grimaced in pain. His left arm was bent in the wrong angle, it was clearly broken. Stryg wasnt a brown mage, yet he wielded strength rivaling Kegrogs magically enhanced arms.

If he was only a yellow mage like Clypeus, he would have been able to endure Strygs attack. Actually, why wasnt Strygs hand broken from the force of the punch? Was his hand made of iron or something? It would explain why his own arm was broken so easily. It didnt matter, he couldnt give up now.

Kegrog grit his teeth and raised his only good arm, You wont get further than this, Ill make sure of it.

Stryg looked up at the orc, You wont get the chance to try.

What? Kegrog frowned.

Stryg didnt answer. He attacked the orc with several jabs. Kegrog backed away, intent on trying to buy time for Nora to back him up.

Over here, Miss Azol, Callum called out.

Nora turned towards him, Mister Veres. I wont go easy on you.

Callum raised his hands, Id hope not.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

He didnt have his long sword, but judging from Noras previous performance at the grove, he was confident in winning. After all, he had a trick up his sleeve.

Callum channelled red mana into his index finger. A small red light dotted the tip of the finger. With precise motions he drew the spell word for water. So long as the proper spell words were written and the caster could maintain focus and a steady stream of mana, a ward spell would create an energy shield to block whatever the spell word symbolized. In this case, water.

The water in the miniature pool Clypeus had made began to shiver. Nora flicked her fingers, whips of water flew out from the basin. The tendrils attacked with blinding speed smashing right into Callum. He tried blocking with his arms, but was still pushed to the edge of the pillar. He hadnt had enough time to finish the ward spell.

Cant we just talk for a second? Callum asked, hoping to buy even just a few seconds.

Pass, Nora slashed the air with her arm.

The water whips mimicked the motion towards Callum. He scrambled to his feet, barely doding the attack.

Callum grit his teeth, Damn, shes a fast caster.

This was different than when she had the quarterstaff. She was actually a formidable mage. It was time to put his vampiric gifts to the test. Callum ran straight at her. Nora flicked her hands, the water whips shot out. He tucked and braced for the impact. The whips slammed him into the ground. His body didnt move.

Nora went to help Kegrog. She raised her hands and shot a torrent of water at Stryg. The goblin jumped away, giving the orc a bit of breathing room.

A red glow appeared from the corner of Noras eye. Her whips lashed out and attacked Callum from behind, but the water bounced off. She stepped back and took another look at the vampire hybrid.

A faint red dome covered Callums body. A small magical symbol hovered over him.

You should have pushed me off when you had the chance, Callum grinned.

Nora frowned. Well, thats not fair.

The remaining water in the basin surged forward and tried wrapping itself around Callum. The wards shield shook from the tension. He could feel the red mana in his body draining fast. There wasnt time. Callum struggled to his feet. He hoped to his goddess Bellum that the ward shield would hold under movement.

He charged at Nora. Her eyes widened, she raised her hands, the water shifted in front of her to form a wall. The wards red shield pushed the water aside.

He frowned, I dont despise hybrids.

He paused and threw himself to the ground, narrowly dodging Strygs kick. They both rolled to their feet and faced each other. Clypeus glanced at the other nearby pillar. Kegrog lay on the floor, unmoving. Nora was nowhere to be seen, neither was Callum.

Well, I despise you, Stryg hissed, fangs glinting in the torchlight.

Clypeus froze, then burst into laughter. And yet youre the only person I admire in our entire class.

You admire me? Stryg muttered in shock.

Of course. A mysterious stranger who just happens to appear in Hollow Shade and not only beats a vampire in speed, an orc in strength, but also excels in magic. Despite your size and the way others view your appearance, you have never once let it stop you from showing others what you are. You are a warrior, Stryg. I am honored to fight you. Clypeus bowed his head.

This is a fight between the greatest warriors among all the 1st-years, Clypeus raised his swords. He had a better chance fighting one at a time. I, Clypeus of House Gale, challenge you, Stryg, to a duel.

Stryg glanced at a worried Kithina. Before I am a warrior, I am first a goblin. His lilac eyes focused back on Clypeus. A lone goblin would get picked off by the wolf packs, but a group of goblins could slay a dire bear. Kithina, with me.

Got it, Kithina nodded.

So be it, Clypeus sighed and prepared his stance.

You will be my shield, Stryg stared at her yellow scales.

Then you will be my sword, she grinned.

Together then, Stryg nodded.

Stryg rushed in. Clypeus took a step back and swung his gladii in large flourishing arcs. Stryg ducked and dodged the blades. He tried getting closer, but Clypeus was waiting for him. The vampire stepped forward and stabbed the blade at the goblins chest. Kithina stepped in between, the gladius skimmed off her scaled arm. Strygs fist appeared from behind her and smashed into Clypeus chest.

The vampire wheezed in pain as his body was sent skidding to the edge of the pillar.

Push him off! Kithina yelled.

Stryg was already on it. He ran at the vampire and kicked him in the chest. Clypeus caught the blow and barely budged an inch.

Not yet, Clypeus said through grit teeth. Yellow scales of light shimmered over him, enhancing his durability and weight.

He grabbed his gladii and swiped at Strygs leg. Stryg kicked away, but Clypeus pushed inwards, his blades licking the air where Stryg had been. He tried creating some space, but Clypeus anticipated the move. His gladius slashed Strygs arm.

Stryg! Kithina shouted weakly. The potions effects had worn off. Her body felt numb, she could barely stand.

Stryg needed her help. She released the durability spell, her scales faded into dust. She gathered what little yellow mana she had left into her right hand. Her vision was beginning to blur, her feet were unsteady. Her hand shook as she aimed at Clypeus.

One hit, just one hit, she mumbled.

The wind curled and condensed around her hand. She fired off the wind spell, the blast of air flew forward.

Clypeus caught sight of Kithina through his peripherals. He ducked and swung at the goblin with a surprise low kick. Stryg jumped, right into Kithinas attack, and was blasted off the edge.

No! Kithina whimpered.

Clypeus dashed at her. She tried to recast her scales, but her heart had no more mana to give. She stumbled backwards. Clypeus slashed her legs with one swing, severing the muscles in her thighs. She cried out in pain as her legs gave out.

He took deep breaths. I win. Concede.

I-in your dreams, she grit her teeth, tears streaming from her eyes. She couldnt lose, she couldnt afford to fail.

Clypeus chuckled, Youre even more stubborn than Stryg. He brandished his blades, So be it.