The Vastness of Magical Destiny

```

"Whish!" Vladimir Koff’s fierce and ruthless sideward counter-sweep sent his knight spear through a stunning arc of dark glow, unleashing Magic power of Dark Devour that surged up at the moment it collided with the opposing knight spear.

Jack’s body shivered lightly, as the Sacred Fighting Qi, already mustered to its utmost within him, suddenly burst forth in waves, radiating outward. His knight spear issued a faint metallic tremor, particularly at the spearhead, which emanated a silver-white holy radiance, clashing and melding with the upward rush of the Dark Devour Power.

Both Vladimir Koff and Jack felt a tremendous backlash from this straightforward collision, devoid of any trickery. The Dark Devour Power, like an insatiable black hole, seemed poised to engulf the Sacred Fighting Qi completely, but amid the turbulent surge, the Sacred Fighting Qi always managed to break through at the last moment. Amidst the tumultuous skies, thirty-three clear clinks of metal on metal reverberated as the two combatants who were continuously changing postures in mid-air eventually had to land, disheartened.

Neither had managed to secure a decisive victory in their final strike. The power struggle between the Black Flame Knights’ chief and his deputy remained unresolved, with the conclusion still awaiting the next duel in three months.

Once on the ground, Vladimir Koff took stock of his adversary. His blood and breath oscillating slightly, suggesting the stir of more Dark Devour Power within him, Vladimir Koff was unconcerned. With his current strength, such backlash posed no real threat to him. He was more interested in how the opponent had fared under his ferocious attack. It seemed as though the opponent had handled it with ease—at least, on the surface. But Vladimir Koff was certain that Jack was not as unbothered as he appeared, otherwise the leadership position within the Black Flame Knights might well need exchanging.

Jack was also steadying himself, quieting his own turbulent blood. As Vladimir Koff had predicted, withstanding that astonishing blow had been no easy task. The vicious Dark Devour Power nearly eroded his Mana. If he hadn’t continuously unleashed his Sacred Fighting Qi to counteract it until the very end, the fierce strike might have disgraced him on the spot. Jack knew that he was still slightly outstripped in strength, and although his opponent looked drained after the blow, Jack himself was genuinely unable to launch a counterattack. Fortunately, the aura he displayed preserved his dignity and laid the groundwork for their next encounter.

This was a routine sparring match within the Black Flame Knights, free from excessive worries or constraints, guided by the principle of enhancing personal strength and experience. The disparity in the combat capabilities among the dozens of knights was minimal, so easily subduing an opponent was highly unlikely. The small attack groups, formed based on individual specialties, boasted considerable fighting strength. Besides the knights’ one-on-one sparring, exercises involving tactical offense and defense between small units were also a major part of their training, which proved highly beneficial for enhancing teamwork and understanding within the Black Flame Knights.