Chương 23: Spoiled Child.

I watched the unfolding spectacle with an uncanny sense of déjà vu. I had foreseen every twist and turn of this fight, yet the experience was exhilarating. What was once a blurry spectacle to my naked eyes was now a clear and vivid clash of figures. Progress indeed.

As I made my way towards the exit door, I couldn't help but notice the upcoming battle on the schedule - Adrien versus Loren. I had my own personal reasons for wanting to witness this showdown. With a sense of eager anticipation, I headed to the next arena.

The duel was scheduled to begin at 11:30, and as I entered at 11:25, the entire spectator stands were alive with excitement. Scanning for a seat, I finally found one, and as I settled in, my gaze was drawn to the arena.

To the left stood Adrien Vortexbane, the character I'd prefer to avoid at all costs. To the right, there was Loren Goldwing, a man whose narcissistic behavior and future actions filled me with disdain. I had foreseen what lay ahead for both of them, and that's what drew me here.

As I got comfortable in my seat, I noticed a burly guy with brown hair passionately cheering for Loren Goldwing as if his life depended on it. Then, a sudden screeching sound pierced the air, grabbing everyone's attention. It came from a small guy with vivid blue hair, green eyes, and a petite frame. He floated gracefully to the center of the arena, capturing the gaze of the entire crowd. Once he reached his designated spot, he took a comfortable pose and announced, "Alright, everyone, the battle will commence in 3, 2, 1!"

But in a mystifying twist, as soon as he finished his announcement, the blue petite guy vanished into thin air, leaving the crowd in a state of shock.

This young man held the title of the number one student in the third year at Etherstar Academy. In my novel, I had portrayed him as perpetually bored with life, given his exceptional skills in everything he attempted. He was also destined to be the future companion of the main character.

The shock on the faces of Adrien and Loren mirrored that of the entire audience. Here was a character who, in my writing, looked down upon the English prince and the future second strongest person on Earth. Little did he know, but experiencing this moment with my own eyes was a thousand times more exhilarating.

My thoughts were interrupted by the unmistakable sound of metal colliding. The duel had finally begun. I refocused on the arena to witness a striking spectacle: a beautiful man wielding a sword emanating a brilliant, crystalline yellow aura, facing off against another with dual daggers, their shadows cast deeper than the depths of this arena.

Adrien Vortexbane, known for his insatiable competitiveness, wouldn't give up easily, especially when pitted against worthy opponents. Unfortunately for Loren Goldwing, Adrien had no interest in those he deemed weaker. I couldn't help but think, "Adrien Vortexbane will likely make quick work of him."

Loren's POV:

In my entire life, I've had it all - beauty, wealth, strength, and reliability. But how dare that piece of garbage Adrien talk to Erica? HOW DARE HE. I'll crush his skull so that no one else ever dares to think about approaching Erica. He disgusts me, a lowly commoner. He should be thanking his lucky stars that I'm going to put an end to him. I'll have to stain my hands with commoner's blood. Ugh, I hate it! But I'll do it for Erica!

Entering the arena, Adrien was already there, waiting for me. As the blue-haired oddball announced the start of the battle, I immediately enveloped my sword in a golden aura. This power was a gift from my father on my 18th birthday, a power that could turn the impossible into reality. I could wield a aura, a skill on par with legendary ranks in skill books. Heh, I didn't even need to train to acquire this.

But there was Adrien, looking at me indifferently, as if my very existence meant nothing to him. His nonchalant demeanor only fueled my rage further, stoking the fires of my indignation. With each passing moment, my heart pounded louder, and a storm of emotions raged within me.

As I studied his astral profile, I couldn't help but notice that he was slightly stronger than me, and that fact gnawed at my pride. But it wasn't just his strength that irked me; it was his Nexus affinity rating. How did this lowly commoner, born of a lowly bloodline, manage to attain a higher Nexus affinity rating than mine, the scion of a prestigious lineage? The very thought of it was infuriating.

Curse you, Nexus affinity! The rage inside me burned like a wildfire, threatening to consume my reason. My thoughts were a tempest, a maelstrom of jealousy and anger. It was as if the world had conspired against me, favoring Adrien over someone who was clearly superior in every other aspect.

With nothing but this seething mixture of emotions in my heart and mind, I launched myself at Adrien, determined to make him pay for his audacity.

Aura.

Aura is a mysterious and ethereal energy that envelops those who possess it. It acts as an extension of an individual's inner power, taking on various forms and colors, reflective of the user's nature and abilities.

The color of one's aura is a deeply personal and unique aspect. It depends on the elemental affinities, and inner balance. The hue of an aura can also shift and change in response to the user's emotions and intentions.

Central to the mastery of aura is the concept of aura control. Those with advanced control can manipulate their aura with precision, altering its size, intensity, and even shape. They can channel it into various forms, such as protective barriers, energy blasts, or augmentations of their physical capabilities. The depth of one's control over their aura often distinguishes novice users from seasoned experts.

In combat, aura control becomes a pivotal skill. It allows individuals to harness their inner energy to enhance their strength, speed, and agility or to create formidable defensive measures. As the duel in the story unfolds, the characters draw upon their mastery of aura control to engage in a breathtaking display of power and skill.

Overall, aura is a fascinating and versatile element that varies in color, shape, and intensity, reflecting the uniqueness of each individual. The mastery of aura control is a crucial factor in unleashing its potential and plays a significant role in the unfolding events of the narrative.

Adriens POV:

Facing Loren, I couldn't help but feel a sense of boredom wash over me. His stance with the sword was painfully predictable, and I could already envision a thousand ways he might attempt to attack me. As the battle commenced, he lunged at me, just as I anticipated. I sidestepped his horizontal slash from the top, leaving Loren wide open for a counterattack. I prepared to thrust my sword at his right arm, confident in my strategy. However, to my surprise, some kind of golden aura suddenly blocked my blade.

"Huh, what's this?" I muttered, opening up some distance between us to study the mysterious golden aura. I realized that Loren would likely continue attacking relentlessly, always leaving himself open, while his aura would protect him from my sword strikes.

"So, this is how he's going to play? Fine," I stated coldly, my demeanor unwavering.

Loren's POV:

Ahahaha, this is so much fun! I can attack however I want, and he can't do anything about it. Since we aren't allowed to use artifacts, he's stuck with just a normal sword, making me invincible until my mana runs out. I lunged at him, expecting the same pattern to repeat, but then I heard him say, "Fine."

As my sword connected with his left arm, blood streamed from his left hand, he dropped his daggers and touched my blade. As the shadow went up to my sword, as it touched my body Suddenly, my vision changed. I found myself in the midst of a brutal war, witnessing my family being torn apart before my eyes. I saw my mother, covered in blood, resting on a dirty stone. I rushed to her side, but all she could muster was a helpless face as she whispered, "Ugh, Loren, my little child, it hurts. Please, please help me, Loren."

Desperation gripped me as I frantically looked around for someone to assist us, but there was no one in sight. Returning to my mother's side, I was met with a horrifying sight. My own father and sister were devouring her. I couldn't comprehend it.

"N-no, what are you DOING! Dad, sister, please STOP! P-please stop, Dad, please stop, n-nooo Dad, please stooOOPPp!" I screamed, my world descending into madness.

Opening my eyes again, I found Adrien standing in front of me, his voice quiet and cold as he asked, "do you give up?".

Authors note: finally i am back from my vacation! and ugh i love adrien, he is so cold and badass!