Become The Bodyguard of Villainessess?

Chapter 23: First Encounter-6

The wistful pinkish orange sky has turned its shade, transitioning into the canvas of black and deep purple.

Countless sparkling stars and clusters of constellations lit up the sky, so brightly and brilliantly that one wouldn’t need moonlight to walk through the night.

’How beautiful, unlike earth in this world there really is almost zero pollution.’ Calix thought as he looked up at the sky, now standing in the middle of the ring.

Apart from him, Vian stood at front practically radiating unbounded confidence and anticipation for the bout to finally begin.

Calix sighed.

He was aware...aware of the differences between them, aware that there was an extensive gap between them.

However, deep in his heart. He couldn’t help but be eager to finally know how much of a gap was between them. How powerful he has to become and...

How will an Extra fare against the Protagonist?

It was without a doubt a stupid question. He was an individual who had only awakened just three months ago, yet here he was thinking how to fight against the protagonist.

With a light shake of his head. He smiled to himself. Similarly to him, Vian was also excited for the match to begin.

It had been a really long time, since he was this excited for a simple duel. He himself couldn’t understand why he was so eager to fight this guy who was nothing but a mere stranger some hours ago.

He could instantly tell that the guy before him was just an Novice+ ranked individual a whole rank below him who was an Intermediate.

Yet, beyond the ranks he could somehow sense that Calix before him possessed way more power than an ordinary Novice ranked individual.

Both were ready.

"Vian vs Calix, ready... Go!"

The referee’s hand cut through the air with a sharp whoosh, and he vanished from the center of the ring without a second glance.

For a fraction of a second, silence followed in the ring. Then—

Golden light burst, lighting up the whole ring with a majestic brilliance.

Vian moved first.

A golden flare exploded beneath his feet as he dashed forward, his speed tearing across the arena like a streak of sunlight.

His hand came out of his pocket mid-motion, fingers glowing as condensed light gathered instantly.

Calix reacted.

Amethyst lightning cracked violently around his body as he shifted sideways, barely avoiding the first strike.

Boom

The spot where he stood exploded in a flash of golden light, cracking up the marble beneath. Calix slid across the arena floor, stabilizing himself quickly.

’Fast’ he thought.

Faster than anyone he had faced so far, since coming to this world. He didn’t get much more time to think.

Vian was already there again.

A blade of condensed light formed in his hand and swung downward. Calix raised his arm, lightning wrapping around it as he blocked.

The collision rang out.

Light and thunder clashed violently.

The force pushed Calix backward several meters, his boots carving lines into the stone.

He gritted his teeth, his hands felt like they had been struck with a car, as his bones trembled from the sheer force behind the strike sending waves of agony through his hands.

’He’s strong, not just speed and power. Everything about him feels truly... overwhelming.’ The thought came into his mind.

Vian didn’t stop even for a single moment.

He stepped forward again, his movements were smooth and efficient. There was no wasted energy. No hesitation, as another strike came.

Calix dodged, barely. The light blade grazed past his shoulder, tearing through his new robe and leaving a faint burn on his skin.

Calix clicked his tongue. Amethyst lightning surged around him as he counterattacked.

Multiple spears of amethyst lightning shot toward Vian in rapid succession, each one crackling with destructive energy.

Vian raised his hand, from it light expanded forming a thick barrier around him instantly.

The spears struck and dissipated like the wisp of smoke not even leaving a mark or a scratch.

Calix’s eyes narrowed.

’What...?’

Vian tilted his head slightly, then he spoke.

"Hm, how do I say this you see, your lightning is strong almost too strong to be honest," he said calmly. "But it has a flaw, it’s formless...too scattered as if instead of letting it flow freely, you are trying to control it too much. Ah wait, we were in a duel."

"What?"

Before Calix could respond by listening to him, Vian in a flash of golden light vanished again.

Then...pain flared.

Calix’s body jerked as a strike landed on his side, sending him flying across the arena. He hit the ground and rolled, barely managing to stop himself before crashing into the barrier.

The crowd erupted.

"Too fast!"

"Damn, I can’t keep up!"

Calix pushed himself up, breathing a bit heavy now. Lightning flickered around him, but it wasn’t as steady as before.

Vian stood in the center of the arena.

Calm and Untouched.

"You’re good," Vian said. "Your instincts are better than the most here, after all you are somehow able to keep track of my attacks, truly astonishing."

Calix wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, then spoke up.

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

Vian smiled slightly.

"No." Light flared again and he disappeared.

Calix reacted on instinct this time. Lightning exploded outward from his body in all directions.

The arena flashed purple, as if bathing in the storm of amethyst.

Vian reappeared within the storm, and moved through the gaps in it, effortlessly.

His body weaved between the lightning arcs as if he could see every path before it formed. He stepped in close again.

Calix threw a punch. Vian blocked it immediately.

Light and lightning clashed once more.

But this time...Vian overpowered him, easily.

A burst of light detonated from the contact point. Calix was blasted backwards again, his body hitting the ground hard.

His breathing grew heavier. His body ached, yet all of it was somehow exhilarating.

"Damn...haha." He chuckled lightly.