That casual action shocked them severely. Magic crystals were rare items with sky-high prices, and dimensional space magic was a high-level ability only possessed by elite mages. Arvin brought them out easily as if it wasn't a significant issue.
"Where did you get those magic crystals?" Rayand asked in amazement.
"Shhh..." Arvin put a finger to his lips. "I promised my 'source' I would never reveal their origin."
Arvin placed the crystals on top of Gaile's sword blades. His hands glowed blue. He activated his cheat ability in Alchemy.
And then, a blinding light enveloped the alley. Arvin didn't use a complicated transmutation circle; he manipulated the atomic structure of the metal directly with his abundant mana. The magic crystals melted, seeping into the pores of Gaile's sword iron, repairing every crack, and fusing the wind element into its core.
Everyone watched the process without blinking. Their mouths hung open.
When the light dimmed, the two sword blades had changed. The shape was still the same, but now the surface shimmered greenish, emitting a sharp aura as if it could split the air just by being still.
Arvin handed the two swords back to Gaile.
"Your element is wind, right?" Arvin asked with a smirk. "Try flowing your mana. Just imagine that wind is not just a tool, but part of the sword blade!"
Gaile accepted the swords with trembling hands. He could feel the energy pulsating within his grip.
"You also know about my magic element? Who are you really...?" muttered Gaile in disbelief.
"Just do what I told you!" ordered Arvin, ignoring the question thrown at him.
Gaile nodded. He closed his eyes, focusing his energy.
Woosh!
Wind that looked almost transparent suddenly enveloped his two sword blades. Not ordinary wind, but sharp and rapidly spinning wind, creating a terrifying whistling sound.
The people around them stepped back a few paces because they felt the air pressure suddenly becoming heavy.
"Wow!" Gaile stared at his swords with sparkling eyes. "These swords... feel so light but very strong! Am I really allowed to use weapons of this artifact level to fight you?"
"What are you talking about? Those are your swords! I just polished them a little. Come on, let's fight! Don't keep me waiting!"
Gaile grinned widely, his fighting spirit burning. "Alright! But I won't go easy on you just because you gave me this gift, Young Man. Prepare to have your bones broken!"
"That's exactly what I expect from you, Gaile!"
The two of them walked away from the crowd, heading to a slightly larger open ground in the middle of the old building ruins. Rayand and the others watched from a safe distance, their hearts pounding in anticipation of what would happen.
Arvin stood ten meters in front of Gaile. He took a deep breath, then spread both his arms.
Shing!
In his right hand, mana condensed to form a long sword made of blinding pure light.
Fwoosh!
In his left hand, burning red fire solidified, forming a sword blade of turbulent heat.
Gaile gaped. "Wow! You use swords from pure magic construction? Light and Fire elements simultaneously?"
"Yes, but I won't use magic spells when dueling you! I will only use these two magic swords to dance with you!" Alvin answered confidently.
"I like your sportsmanship, Young Man! Don't regret it if you end up getting burned by your own fire!"
Both took their stances. The atmosphere was silent for a moment. Dust rolled slowly between their feet.
Then, in the blink of an eye...
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Gaile dashed forward. His speed was incredible for a man of his size. He charged straight at Arvin like a raging bull.
"Hiaaah!"
Clang!
Gaile's two wind swords struck in a cross towards Arvin's neck. Arvin blocked them with his light and fire swords. The collision created sparks and a shockwave that blew the dust around them.
Slash!
Gaile didn't stop. He spun his body, launching a horizontal slash. Arvin jumped back, the tip of Gaile's sword only an inch from his nose.
Clang! Arvin pressed forward, countering with a thrust of the light sword. Gaile parried it easily.
Swish!
Gaile performed a high spinning kick aimed at the head. Arvin ducked smoothly, letting Gaile's leg pass over his head, then tried to sweep Gaile's legs with the fire sword.
Gaile jumped, acrobatically in the air, and landed lightly.
"You're fast too!" praised Gaile.
"Same to you, Gaile. Come on, use more of your ability!"
Gaile got serious. He ran here and there, using building debris as footholds, creating confusing afterimages. His movements were extremely fast, accompanied by the whistling sound of wind from his swords.
Suddenly, Gaile disappeared from the front view.
Behind!
Gaile dashed from Arvin's blind spot, his two swords ready to scissor Arvin's body from behind. That was his signature killing technique. No one had ever escaped this attack.
Swish!
Without looking back, Arvin tilted his body to the side with terrifying precision. Gaile's swords only sliced through empty air.
What?! thought Gaile in shock. I attacked from his most fatal blind spot. Without sound, without killing intent. But he could detect my attack easily?
Gaile didn't know that Arvin had already memorized and could clearly see every movement the man made with his cheat power. In his eyes, Gaile's movements were like scenes from a movie he had watched many times in slow motion.
Gaile still couldn't believe it, but his fighter instincts forced him to keep moving.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The fight turned into a battle of speed. The sound of metal meeting magic clinked like the music of death. Gaile launched a barrage of attacks, upper slashes, lower thrusts, side sweeps, but Arvin blocked them all.
Arvin's light sword moved nimbly to parry, while his fire sword provided counterattacks that forced Gaile to stay alert to avoid getting burned.
What kind of crazy strength is this? thought Gaile, cold sweat starting to trickle down. This young man... his swordsmanship technique is master level, and he uses swords made only of magic, I can barely penetrate his defense! What if he used his magic to attack me?
Arvin saw a small opening when Gaile was too focused on attacking.
Bam!
A hard kick landed squarely on Gaile's stomach.
"Ugh..." Gaile was pushed back a few steps, grimacing in pain. He planted his sword into the ground to maintain balance.
Rayand and his four colleagues gaped. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. Gaile, the strongest monster in Red Sand, was overwhelmed fighting an academy kid.
"Relax, Gaile!" exclaimed Arvin while twirling his fire sword. "I'll cure you of all those bruises later! Don't hold back! Use all your abilities! Where is that famous hurricane of yours?"
Gaile wiped the dirt sticking to his shirt, then smiled broadly. The smile of a fighter's madness.
"Hahaha. You really are great, Young Man! I acknowledge you. You deserve to see this technique."
Gaile took his stance again. This time, his aura changed completely.
Woosh!
A very strong gust of wind suddenly burst out of Gaile's body. His hair stood up, his clothes fluttered violently. The ground around his feet cracked. The swords in his hands glowed bright green, extending their reach with invisible wind blades.
Arvin smiled in satisfaction. This is what I've been waiting for!
"Again! Again! Bring out more of your power, Gaile! I'm looking forward to your signature move! Impress me!" shouted Arvin challengingly.
"There are many questions I will ask after this duel ends! You must answer my questions honestly, Young Man!" shouted Gaile, his voice now echoing due to the wind pressure.
"Ask as much as you want. But never ask where I know about you from!" replied Arvin.
"Damn you! Even though that's what I wanted to ask you!"
Gaile raised both swords high.
Woosh!
A very strong gust of wind was underway, creating a small tornado surrounding Gaile. Dust flew blocking the view, grass was uprooted.