Chapter 353: The War of Nobles (5) The Peculiar Noble Son
Lucan’s heart pounded in his chest as he squared off against Lyan, his grip tightening around the hilt of his flaming sword. His armor, glowing faintly with the enchantments woven into it, seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat. The air between them was thick with tension, the battle raging around them fading into the background as Lucan focused solely on the man before him.
(He’s strong...)
Lucan thought, sweat dripping down his brow. The very presence of Lyan was overwhelming, like a force of nature that couldn’t be contained. His eyes flickered to the massive glaive in Lyan’s hand, the blade shimmering with magical energy. One swing from that weapon had sent soldiers flying, cutting through steel and bone like they were nothing. Lucan had seen it with his own eyes, had watched as men who tried to help him were blasted away in the blink of an eye. And yet, Lyan stood there, calm and unshaken, as if this battle was nothing more than a mild inconvenience.
Lucan’s magic sword flared to life, flames licking up the blade as he readied himself. His mind raced, searching for an opening. (I guess I should attack from here!) His thoughts sharpened, and with a quick chant under his breath, he moved.
He lunged forward, his sword blazing through the air toward Lyan’s flank. The heat from the blade shimmered in the cold night air as it arced down in a perfect strike. Lucan could feel the anticipation rise in his chest—this was it. He had found a weak spot, he was sure of it. But just as his sword was about to connect, Lyan’s glaive shifted, moving with impossible speed for its size.
CLANG!
The sound of metal on metal echoed, and Lucan’s sword was deflected with a casual flick of Lyan’s weapon.
"You’ll have to do more than that," Lyan said, his voice calm, almost amused.
(How... how did he block that?)
Lucan’s heart dropped for a moment, his breath catching in his throat. He leaped back instinctively, his eyes wide as Lyan stood there, unharmed and unmoved.
(That’s close...)