Free Web NovelChapter 48: Chapter 48: A Duel of Prodigies
Chapter 48: A Duel of Prodigies
The barbecue lasted well into the evening.
Warm laughter occasionally drifted through the Darkmoor gardens as the servants busied themselves preparing the meal beneath the fading light of sunset.
Evelyne stood before the grill with practiced ease, carefully turning skewers of seasoned meat over the glowing coals. The rich aroma of roasting meat soon filled the garden, making even the nearby knights glance over from time to time.
"It has been years since I’ve done this," Evelyne said with a nostalgic smile.
She placed another skewer onto a serving platter before looking toward Andras.
"You know... when you were little, this was your favorite meal."
Andras looked at her.
"Was it?"
"It was."
A gentle laugh escaped Evelyne.
"You would always insist that I cook it myself."
"No matter how skilled the palace chefs became, you claimed mine tasted better."
"And every time I tried to let someone else prepare it..."
She smiled helplessly.
"You refused to eat until I made it."
Seraphina covered her lips with a soft laugh.
"I find that difficult to imagine."
"So do I," Andras replied calmly.
"I don’t remember any of it."
"The memories belong to a much younger version of me."
Evelyne simply smiled.
"Perhaps."
"But some habits never truly disappear."
The three of them continued enjoying the meal beneath the starlit sky.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
Free from politics.
Free from noble obligations.
For a little while, they were simply a family sharing dinner together.
Eventually, the night grew late.
After exchanging goodnights, each of them returned to their respective rooms.
---
The following morning arrived beneath a clear blue sky.
Soft rays of sunlight streamed through Andras’s bedroom windows.
He opened his eyes before dawn had fully broken.
After washing and changing into a simple black training outfit, he quietly left his room.
The estate remained peaceful.
Only a handful of servants had begun their morning duties.
Without stopping, Andras made his way toward the training grounds.
The familiar clang of steel echoed across the open field.
Several squads of soldiers were already training under the watchful eyes of their instructors.
Near the center of the grounds stood General Selene Vaelthorn.
The moment she noticed him approaching, a faint smile appeared.
"You came earlier than expected."
"I woke up early."
Selene nodded.
"Good."
She drew her sword in one smooth motion.
"Then let’s not waste the morning."
A faint smile appeared on Andras’s face.
"As you wish."
He unsheathed his own sword.
The two moved to the center of the training grounds.
The surrounding soldiers instinctively stepped back, creating ample space for the duel.
Everyone’s attention turned toward them.
The spar began without another word.
Clang!
Steel collided.
The sharp sound rang across the training grounds.
Selene’s sword descended with overwhelming force.
Andras met it head-on.
The impact sent both of them sliding backward before they immediately charged once more.
Neither of them used mana.
This was a contest of pure swordsmanship.
Selene’s attacks were direct and efficient.
Every strike reflected countless years of battlefield experience.
Andras answered each attack with calm precision.
His movements were measured.
He never wasted energy.
Every parry flowed naturally into a counterattack.
The duel continued for several minutes.
Neither side gained a decisive advantage.
Finally—
Clang!
Their swords separated.
Both stepped back simultaneously.
A satisfied smile appeared on Selene’s face.
"You’ve improved again."
"You continue to surprise me."
Andras lowered his sword.
"So do you."
Before Selene could reply, Andras noticed a familiar figure standing near the edge of the training grounds.
Long silver-blonde hair.
A pristine white dress.
Calm sapphire eyes.
Seraphina Valebright.
She had apparently been watching for some time.
Andras sheathed his sword before walking toward her.
"When did you arrive?"
Seraphina smiled faintly.
"A little while ago."
"You and General Selene were already sparring when I arrived."
"I went to your room first, but your maid informed me that you had come here."
"So I decided to watch."
"I hope I wasn’t interrupting."
"Not at all."
Andras nodded.
"I’m glad you came."
Selene also approached them, resting her sword across one shoulder.
"So..."
Her crimson eyes shifted toward Seraphina.
"The famous Lady Seraphina Valebright."
"I’ve heard much about your talent."
"I’ve been curious to see it for myself."
Seraphina offered a graceful smile.
"I’m afraid rumors often exaggerate."
Selene chuckled.
"Perhaps."
She crossed her arms.
"But I doubt all of them are exaggerated."
A brief silence followed.
Then Andras spoke.
"Since you’re already here..."
"Would you care for a duel?"
Seraphina looked at him for a moment.
Then a small smile appeared.
"Why not?"
"I’d enjoy that."
Selene’s eyes brightened with interest.
"Excellent."
She stepped back.
"I’ve wanted to witness Lady Seraphina’s abilities for quite some time."
"It seems I’ll finally have the chance."
The surrounding soldiers immediately became excited.
Many quickly moved farther back, making room for the upcoming duel.
Andras walked toward the center of the training grounds.
His hand rested upon the hilt of his sword.
Seraphina followed him with graceful steps.
Unlike Andras...
She carried no weapon.
As a pure mage, her greatest strength had never been close combat.
The two stopped several meters apart.
A gentle breeze swept across the field.
Their eyes met.
One was the heir of House Darkmoor.
The other, the daughter of House Valebright.
Both were recognized as among the Empire’s most talented young nobles.
Before the duel began, Andras spoke inwardly.
"System."
"Show me Seraphina Valebright’s status."
A familiar metallic notification echoed inside his mind.
[Ding!]
---
Name: Seraphina Valebright
Race: Human
Age: 18
Class: Mage
Talent: Celestial Codex (S-Rank)
Realm: Mid Stage Fourth Circle Mage
---
Andras quietly examined the status window.
Just as I expected...
Nothing had changed.
Her talent was exactly the same as it had been in Rise of the Sword Hero.
Even her cultivation realm matched the point where she first entered the Imperial Academy.
The story had not diverged—not yet.
His gaze remained fixed on the translucent screen.
"System."
"Show me the details of Celestial Codex."
[Ding!]
---
Talent — Celestial Codex (S-Rank)
Type: Supreme Magic / Arcane Knowledge / Celestial Authority
Description:
A legendary talent said to grant its bearer an innate connection to the celestial laws governing mana. The user possesses extraordinary magical comprehension, unparalleled mana control, and the ability to analyze, optimize, and master spells at a terrifying speed.
Those blessed with the Celestial Codex are regarded as natural-born Archmages whose understanding of magic far surpasses ordinary geniuses.
---
Abilities
1. Celestial Insight
- Instantly analyzes magical structures and spell formulas.
- Greatly accelerates the learning and mastery of new magic.
- Reveals flaws within enemy spells and magical formations.
2. Absolute Mana Control
- Allows near-perfect precision over mana manipulation.
- Greatly reduces mana consumption.
- Significantly increases spell stability and casting efficiency.
3. Arcane Memory
- Possesses flawless memory regarding spells, magical theories, and mana signatures.
- Can perfectly reproduce previously witnessed spells after sufficient understanding.
4. Celestial Resonance
- Dramatically increases spell power and casting speed.
- Greatly enhances mana recovery during battle.
- Improves affinity with all elemental magic.
5. Star Scripture
- Allows the user to comprehend advanced magic far earlier than ordinary mages.
- Grants exceptional compatibility with high-circle spells.
- Further enhances magical growth as the user’s realm increases.
---
Weaknesses
- Offers almost no enhancement to physical abilities.
- Requires exceptional mental focus during prolonged battles.
- If the user’s concentration is disrupted, overall combat effectiveness decreases significantly.
---
Andras quietly read through every line.
An S-Rank talent worthy of its reputation.
No wonder Seraphina had become one of the Empire’s greatest mages in the original novel.
A talent like this...
Could shape the future of an entire nation.
