The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

The horrific onslaught was like a raging river in full spate. A fierce inferno was rolling forth as if the beast pen itself was on the brink of destruction. The spectacle was so immense it blurred the line between reality and illusion.

Lucan and the others were shocked, nearly affected by the illusions themselves.

Alavin intended to completely ignore the Hallucination Craft, waiting for Sveinn's attack. Still, a sudden gust of wind swept toward him, literally lifting him off his feet, throwing him back with such force that he nearly spat blood, though he forcefully swallowed it back down.

This was Erica's real Combat Magic! She could create Hallucination Craft but also launch genuine attacks. The blending of illusion with real strikes was what made her a powerul Inner Protégé of the Blessed Citadel.

Alavin activated his energy shield, enveloping his body in defense. His hair whipped wildly as he stood defiantly. The ancient sword in his hand was resonating fiercely as if struggling to contain its lethal power. The overwhelming illusions engulfed him, reality indistinguishable from fantasy, enough to unsettle anyone without firm resolve.

The beast grounds were in disarray, and the onlookers outside the arena held their breath. Their eyes were locked on the unfolding battle with nervous anticipation. Though the clash lacked the explosive energy of the battle against Romarn, it was fraught with a different kind of danger and tension.

Erica and her brother Sveinn worked together in perfect harmony. They didn't need to exchange glances; a simple gesture was enough to communicate their intentions and coordinate their attack. Sveinn targeted Alavin, pouncing like a leopard in a swift assault. At the same time, Erica intensified her control over the illusions, overwhelming Alavin with a deluge of deceptive images. "Here it comes!" Alavin's voice was calm as still water, though he detected the faint scent of blood. In an instant, he struck out, transforming into a beam of light that surged forward, and aimed straight at the charging Sveinn.

At that moment, dozens of lightning bolts laced with fire rained down upon Alavin. They were illusions, yet each was as perilous as the last, a terrifying barrage designed to halt his advance.

But Alavin was undeterred, pushing through the danger with certainty in his judgment. Erica's illusions were a smokescreen for Sveinn. The true Sveinn was ahead. Alavin burst through the layers of resistance, and as he did, a hurricane enveloped him, emerging from the depths of the illusion, wild and thick with blades swirling around its core. Alavin roared, his body erupting in a tumultuous tide of thunder. "Thunderous Deluge!"

Electricity rampaged, and whips of lightning danced ferociously, shattering the hurricane. Amidst the roar of thunder and the uncontrollable gusts of electric wind, Alavin's assault continued unabated. He forged ahead, his blade seeking Sveinn.

"Alavin, meet your end!" Sveinn's eyes shone like stars, his approach fierce, his swordplay skyrocketing in that instant. It became a sword rain that resembled a raging river with flames igniting every blade. Sword's energy mingled with the fire; sharpness and ferocity fused into a destructive torrent. He was confident this blow would decide the battle.

"Excellent!" The Citadel Protégés watched intently. Their teamwork was exquisite, and their timing was impeccable.

However...

Alavin was not startled nor afraid. Instead, he launched his attack before Sveinn could strike.

"Enigma of the Ether Cloud."

The Dawnedge Blade cast a sky full of sword shadows, a relentless surge that swept forward like a sudden wave. The force of it was astounding. The trees around them were reduced to splinters, torn apart by the sword's energy. Nine layers of sword power, nine critical strikes, and amidst the chaos, Alavin burst forth like a fish leaping through the dragon's gate, his momentum surging, a point of his blade rapidly expanding in Sveinn's vision, red and blinding. The escalating force of the blade sent chills down one's spine.

The sudden twist left no room for maneuver.

Clang!!

The Dawnedge Blade collided point-to-point with Sveinn's fiery sword, emitting a piercing ring. The fiery sword shattered into glimmering fragments, while the Dawnedge Blade remained unscathed, its killing intent undiminished. It grazed Sveinn's neck, drawing a crimson line of blood. The dissipating sword wave then engulfed him, exploding into a spray of fresh blood that sent him flying. "Halt!" The Citadel Protégés jumped to their feet in alarm, as if they had seen Alavin slay him.

The Elders of the Blessed Citadel furrowed their brows slightly, impressed by the strength of the swordplay and the precision of the control. Alavin had managed to seize the initiative amidst the endless illusions and had controlled his blade so precisely during the deadly exchange that it merely grazed Sveinn's neck without truly piercing through.