Chapter 139: Stricking
Gathering the last of his strength, Drak violently spread his arms. A powerful bluish energy suddenly surged from his trembling body, instantly forming a blazing circle of swirling flames around him. This infernal wall of fire furiously rushed towards Alexandre, violently igniting the icy surface and raising thick waves of scalding steam that engulfed the entire ice arena.
Alexandre immediately felt the deadly heat of the approaching spell. However, this time he made no attempt to dodge. Instead, in an unpredictable surge of mad determination, he charged headlong toward Drak without slowing, plunging recklessly through the ring of flames. The crushing heat hit him full force, lightly charring his skin, blackening his hair, and marking his naked body with new, deep burns. Yet Alexandre, indifferent to pain, continued his charge, completely ignoring the damage inflicted on his body.
Drak, breathless and exhausted from intensive use of his magic, widened his eyes in shock as Alexandre emerged from the flames. Caught off-guard, he instinctively attempted to protect himself, clumsily raising his hands to block the impending assault. But Alexandre, with a precise and violent gesture, delivered a devastating punch directly into Drak's hands. The impact resonated sharply, accompanied by a horrific cracking sound. Both the mage's hands shattered instantly under the force of Alexandre's reinforced gauntlets.
Drak let out a piercing scream of agony, his face contorted by pain and terror, as he collapsed heavily onto the already fractured ice. Alexandre, consumed by irrepressible rage, leaped on him, arm raised, ready to deliver a fatal blow to his opponent's chest.
But before his fist could strike, a shadowy figure appeared with supernatural speed. Jack Blade intervened, firmly catching Alexandre's wrist, instantly halting his murderous intent. The collision between the two Hunters was so powerful that a slight shockwave swept across the ice, causing dangerous new cracks to form around them.
Jack Blade stared directly into Alexandre's eyes, his voice cold but remarkably calm:
— "That's enough. You've won, Hautville. Take the ring and end this trial."
Alexandre, muscles tensed and eyes blazing with adrenaline and anger, turned defiantly toward the instructor:
— "Release my arm!" he commanded in a dry, menacing tone.