Icarus, who knew about the existence of Cal Yuen, could still not believe his eyes.
Ingel, however, was in shock that simply could not be described with words.
The Ancient Bronze Drake king was a legendary creature; he thought it was only a myth, seeing that it had instantly made him feel like death was close at hand.
However, after escaping, this man had killed the beast with one slash.
Icarus, who wielded magic that could kill him if it hit him, had hit the beast with a spell even more powerful.
However, his spell had just grazed the beast.
Cal Yuen stood for a moment; the time had seemed to slow almost to a stop after he swung, the two halves of the Drake separated by a slash that divided space itself.
The clouds above and the ground beneath had also been parted by the slash, although the cut was so narrow and precise it was barely noticeable.
But this stopped time suddenly resumed, and Icarus found he had been holding his breath unintentionally.
He breathed in quickly as Cal Yuen turned around, and the two halves of the Drake fell apart far in the distance.
Icarus had many things to say, but he did not get a chance.
Ingel suddenly shouted from behind.
"You! Please! Take me as your student!"
Cal Yuen tilted his head, "Why would I do that? I don't know you, you aren't a member of the royal knight academy, do you even know who I am?"
Ingel clenched his fist for a moment, then spoke.
"I need power! Please! I know it's ridiculous and I can't give you the exact reason right now, but surely you can sense there is meaning behind my desperation!?"
Icarus was surprised by all this, but it made sense.
Ingel, of course, wanted to save his people; he did not know what could happen to them while he was gone, so undoubtedly, he would take any opportunity that would lead him to his desired outcome as quickly as possible.
Cal Yuen seemed intrigued. "Hmm, well, I can't fathom why you can't tell me the reason, but it seems you speak truly on that, and I can sense your intent is at least positive, but I will need some confirmation of your ability."
Ingel nodded rapidly. "Anything! I'll sacrifice anything that is mine to give!"
Cal Yuen held the air once again. Icarus faintly saw the shimmering outline of a sword.
"You will survive one strike from me, I will personally take you as my disciple, and sponsor your ascension through the royal knight academy."
Icarus shuddered, remembering the damage done to the Drake. He felt the urge to tell Ingel not to do it right then and there, but he turned to him and opened his mouth, but was met with a look of iron resolve from Ingel.
Ingel drew Azlat and walked toward Cal Yuen.
A smile crept across the sword god's face, and Ingel spoke to Icarus without looking at him.
"You can make it on your own, right?"
"Yeah."
"We'll meet again, you're heading to the capital as well, right?"
"That's right, but I can't take one of those strikes, so coming with you isn't an option."
"I didn't expect you to take the strike, go find a way there by yourself, but don't stay here, I need to do this by myself."
Icarus nodded, goodbyes had been said, and he sensed he would not be able to persuade Ingel against his rather suicidal actions.
He silently cast a spell that would let him perceive the mana from afar. It was very simple, but the closest to an observation spell that he had access to.
He walked for a long while before checking the observation device.
The outline of Ingel stood before Cal Yuen, gathering energy into Azlat, which he held above his head.
He felt the heat from this distance; he couldn't believe Ingel was taking that much power in.
Suddenly, a force tore through his spell, and he lost contact.
.
.
.
Ingel stood, his entire being encased in a pillar of solid fire.
Cal Yuen's smile had widened. "Burning years of your life to temporarily draw out the power of an immortal treasure? Your resolve is insane to behold, and your talent to know such an object at such a young age. I have high expectations for you."
His expression turned firm, and the next words were more of an order than a statement.
"Do not die here."
He swung his blade.
.
.
.
Icarus gasped as he felt the communication device being severed. Half a second later, he heard a massive impact that made his ears ring.
He looked back and saw the clouds had parted once again in the opposite direction as before.
He shuddered, feeling the urge to go back, which was repressed by another urge to stay as far away from that spot as possible.
The second urge was strange, as it felt like it was emanating from a separate source, outside of his body.
The words of Ingel 'i must face this alone' rang through his head, and he bitterly turned, deciding upon trusting him.
He suddenly felt something perched on his shoulder.
He looked and saw a golden orb rising out of his shoulder.
It took shape, its color glowed brightly and took a shape.
Two small wings, an equally small tail, and four stubby legs.
And a familiar head with two bronze horns.
The Drake, albeit a much smaller version.
It was strange, though.
Icarus felt no hostile intent from the miniature beast.
In fact, it looked at him with wide eyes, behind which was very little intelligence.
The Drake had also not had wings, meaning this was, somehow, a golden dragon.
However, all other signs pointed to the fact that it was evidently the same beast.
"Reincarnation?"
Icarus curiously asked noone in particular.
The beast seemed to have hidden a part of itself in Icarus at some point, but it had not been able to save its consciousness.
This part was ingrained with Icarus' mana.
A familiar, Icarus had been planning on a lonely journey for a little while, but it seemed he would at least have some company.
He smiled and scratched the little fellas chin.
Turning, he headed in the direction of the clouds
were parted, looking up, he saw a streak of light zip that way, though it was broad daylight, it appeared like a shooting star.