Chapter 84: The king’s hubris II
A gust of wind howled through the ruins Meliše had conjured up—away from prying eyes, but more importantly, away from Hael's interference. She was ready to give Ceremus the beating of a lifetime, and she didn't want anyone getting in her way.
The sorceress watched as Ceremus tightened his grip on his gladius, his eyes locked on Meliše. He was glad they moved away from the ship, giving him the chance to go all out in this battle. Though he appreciated Hael very much, he didn't want his interference during this fight either. Since he was the one who instigated her, it was only fair that he would be the one to fight her. Even as king, he preferred not to have others fight his battles.
Ceremus was more than confident that he could defeat Meliše—in fact, it was now his life's mission to do so. He had always had a distaste for sorcerers and all those who practiced dark magic. A true warrior fought with their fists, not with a stick.
The sorceress, on the other hand, stood poised, her onyx robes billowing, her staff alight with swirling embers of magic. There was a cruel smirk on her lips, as if she had already won before the battle had begun.
Ceremus' face hardened, not at all liking the overconfident look on her face. With inhuman speed, he was the first to strike. His blade cut through the air, aiming straight for Meliše's torso. But before steel could meet flesh, a shimmering barrier of violet energy erupted between them. His sword struck it like a hammer against glass, sending sparks flying.
"Tsk, tsk," she teased. "Did you think you could win with brute strength alone? Such a man-ish thing to do."
With a flick of her staff, the air around Ceremus ignited. Fire twisted into tendrils, reaching for him like hungry serpents. He barely managed to leap back, rolling across the temple floor as the flames singed his robes. The heat pressed against his skin, searing, reminding him that Meliše was no ordinary opponent. And yet his confidence in his strength never waned. Not for a single second.
Without hesitation, he charged again. This time, he feinted left before pivoting sharply, slashing at her exposed side. But Meliše anticipated it. She spun gracefully, her staff glowing as a shockwave of force blasted outward. The invisible impact slammed into Ceremus' chest, launching him off his feet. He crashed against a broken column, dust and rubble falling around him.
He coughed, shaking the dizziness from his head. She was faster than he expected. No, not faster—smarter. She wasn't meeting his strength head-on. She was keeping him at a distance, forcing him to fight on her terms, and that alone was enough to anger the king. He was not one to be toyed with.
With a grunt, he surged forward again, his sword now humming with the energy of his divine blood. He swung it downward with all his might, aiming to shatter whatever defense she conjured. But the moment his blade came close, the very ground beneath him vanished.
Darkness swallowed him whole.