Chapter 679 - Let me see your strength
Irina's smirk widened as she stepped toward the wall and pressed her hand against a glowing panel. Mana surged through her fingertips, activating a mechanism that rarely saw use. The floor beneath them vibrated faintly, and the entire arena began to shift. Targets retracted into the walls, replaced by intricate formations and dynamic structures—pillars, walls, and elevated platforms—that rose from the ground in smooth, deliberate motions. The changes created an environment designed to push the combatants to their limits.
This was no ordinary mode.
"Crucible Protocol"
was reserved for the most intense sparring sessions. Designed with high-level safeguards, it activated the strongest defensive formations embedded in the arena's architecture. These formations monitored the contestants for any signs of critical danger, instantly deploying protective barriers to prevent lethal injuries. Around the edges of the room, concealed compartments opened, revealing shelves stocked with high-ranking and mid-ranking potions, ready to be deployed in case the formations weren't sufficient.
The temperature in the room rose as the mana channels embedded in the floor and walls glowed brighter, amplifying the intensity of the environment. Flames flickered along the edges of the room, casting long, dynamic shadows across the space.
Irina turned back to Astron, her grin widening. "Crucible Protocol," she said, her tone teasing yet serious. "This isn't something I activate lightly. I hope you're ready."
As part of the mode, a new set of sparring clothes emerged from an enchanted compartment.
Both contestants changed into specially designed attire, woven with mana-conductive threads that linked directly to the room's systems. These garments ensured seamless integration with the protective formations, allowing the room to monitor their energy levels and prevent any dangerous spikes or drops.
Astron glanced down at the attire, adjusting the lightweight material that fit snugly yet comfortably. "Impressive," he remarked, his tone neutral but faintly intrigued.
Irina folded her arms, watching him with anticipation. "It should be," she replied. "This mode isn't about holding back. The Crucible doesn't just test strength—it challenges control, adaptability, and endurance. Let's see if you can handle it."
Astron adjusted the mana-conductive attire, his gaze flicking to the intricate formations glowing faintly in the room. "The academy has something similar," he remarked his tone calm but tinged with curiosity. "These types of rooms are incredibly expensive to build and maintain. Is Arcadia Dominion supplying them here as well?"
Irina raised an eyebrow at his question, her expression turning mildly amused. "Impressed, are we?" she teased, though her smirk faltered slightly as she glanced at the shifting formations. Memories flickered through her mind—memories of her training in this very room as a child.
"You could say that," Astron replied, his gaze scanning the room again. "Having direct access to something like this—it's overwhelming, to say the least. How do you even justify using it? Most people wouldn't even dare, considering the cost."
Irina hesitated for a moment, her flames dimming slightly as her expression turned pensive. "You'd be surprised," she said softly. "I've been using this room since I was a child." Her tone shifted, becoming quieter, tinged with something Astron couldn't quite place. "Back then, it wasn't exactly… optional."
Astron's brow furrowed slightly, as he immediately realized what she meant.
"I see…."
There was no reason for Irina to elaborate further after all.
Astron's expression shifted subtly as Irina's words sank in. The Matriarch—Irina's mother—was known for her unyielding demeanor and the high expectations she set for her family. The idea of Irina being forced to train here as a child pushed against opponents far stronger than her, painted a vivid picture of the kind of pressure she'd grown up under.
'I should've seen that coming,'
It made sense now that this kind of room was installed in Irina's building…. It was also quite easy to see, but it appeared that he somehow missed it this time.
'Next time, I shall be careful.'
Though it was not his fault that Irina had such memories, he could at least be more considerate.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Astron realized there was no need to press her further on something so personal. Instead, he decided to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"With this mode," he said, his tone calm and steady, "we should be safe. No real holding back this time, then?"
Irina's smirk returned, her flames sparking to life around her once more. "Exactly. No holding back."
Astron nodded, settling into his stance. The spar they'd just had felt like a warm-up in retrospect. Both of them had held back significantly—there was no real need to go all out just to test the bracelet. But this time, it was different. The air between them was charged with a new energy, competitive and unrelenting.
Irina, for her part, felt a strange sense of anticipation coursing through her veins. She'd been thinking about this moment since the end of the semester. She had fought beside Astron, seen his abilities as a teammate, and marveled at his precise, calculated approach. But she'd never faced him directly, never tested herself against him to see where she truly stood.
Her flames roared higher as her excitement grew. "I've been curious about this for a while," she admitted, her voice carrying a fiery edge. "Fighting beside you is one thing. But facing you? That's an entirely different challenge."
Astron adjusted his stance, his sharp gaze meeting Irina's as the energy in the room seemed to intensify. Her flames danced wildly around her, a clear reflection of her anticipation and determination. For the first time, he truly understood the weight of this encounter—not just for her, but for himself as well.
"It's the same for me," Astron said, his voice steady yet charged with a subtle undercurrent of excitement. He wasn't one to openly display emotion, but he couldn't deny the rush coursing through him. "Back then, I wouldn't have had a chance against you—not enough strength, not enough skill. But now…" He shifted his weight slightly, the mana-conductive attire amplifying the aura around him. "Things are different."
He wasn't boasting—it was a simple statement of fact. Since the end of the semester, Astron's progress has been relentless. His training, combined with his natural talents and the boosts that he'd gathered, had brought his stats to a level where he could truly compete with Irina.
Especially in raw parameters like speed, strength, and endurance, he could feel that he was no longer overmatched.
This was an opportunity to gauge just how far he had come—and how much further he still had to go.
Irina tilted her head slightly, her fiery gaze narrowing as she studied him. She could sense it too. The Astron standing before her wasn't the same as the one she'd fought beside before. His movements carried a subtle confidence, his stance exuding calm control. For a brief moment, she wondered if he might even be capable of surpassing her.
'Interesting,'
she thought, the corner of her lips curling into a smirk.
'This is going to be fun.'
The room pulsed with energy as the Crucible Protocol adjusted to the rising tension. The flames along the edges flared brighter, responding to the heat of their mana. Astron could feel the bracelet on his wrist faintly hums with potential energy, its fusion with the Orichalcum already attuning itself to his rhythm.
"Alright," Irina said, her voice steady but charged with anticipation. Her flames surged, crackling as they wrapped around her arms in a fiery embrace. "Let's see if all that progress of yours means anything."
Astron gave a faint nod, his eyes locked onto her. "You will see."
No further words were exchanged. The room fell silent save for the crackle of flames and the hum of mana, and then...
SWIRL!
Irina's flames roared to life, surging outward in a vibrant display of power. She didn't hesitate—this time, there would be no holding back. With a sharp sweep of her arm, she channeled her mana into a fiery wave.
「
School of Emberheart: Infernal Surge
」
A massive column of flame erupted from the ground, its intensity shaking the room and blasting toward Astron with explosive force. The heat was oppressive, the flames crackling with relentless energy as they raced to engulf him. She smirked, confident that this opening move would at least slow him down.
But then he moved.
Astron blurred forward, his speed far exceeding what Irina had seen before. It was as if he'd been holding back during their earlier exchanges, saving his true speed for this moment. His movements were seamless, weaving through the edges of her flames with a precision that left her momentarily stunned.
'So he was holding back,
' she thought, narrowing her eyes. The realization only ignited her determination further.
Though she couldn't hope to match him in speed, her instincts kicked in. Her 'intuition'—an innate parameter honed through relentless training—allowed her to track his movements despite his velocity. She focused, channeling mana into her body as her flames began to wrap around her, forming a protective layer.
「
School of Emberheart: Pyroclastic Aegis
」
The fiery coating surged along her limbs, reinforcing her body and amplifying her physical capabilities. With her defenses up, she started moving, keeping him at bay with rapid bursts of fire.
「
School of Emberheart: Blazing Scattershot
」
She launched a series of flaming projectiles in rapid succession, each one forcing Astron to adjust his approach. But he was relentless, dodging with an almost supernatural grace as he closed the gap between them. Irina gritted her teeth, taking a step back to create distance while continuing to strike at him with calculated precision.
Astron's expression remained calm, his sharp gaze never wavering as he advanced. But then, to Irina's surprise, he slowed his pace. In a single fluid motion, he reached over his shoulder and drew a sleek black bow from his back, its frame humming faintly with mana. Without hesitation, he nocked an arrow, the motion smooth and practiced.
'A bow?'
Irina's eyes narrowed, her focus sharpening as she saw him pull the string back. He was indeed a marksman, but for the moment Irina had forgotten that he was like that.
After all, he had been fighting in close combat, as a [Marital Artist] all the time before, and she didn't think he would take his bow out at that moment.
SWOOSH!
The mana-infused arrow crackled with energy, and before she could react further, he released it.
The arrow flew fast and true, a streak of light cutting through the air with unerring accuracy.
'What?'
Irina's instincts flared, warning her of its precision. She reacted immediately, summoning a burst of fire to intercept it.
「School of Emberheart: Ember Flare」
The arrow collided with her flames, detonating in a controlled burst of energy. But just as the explosion cleared, Irina caught a glimpse of Astron darting forward through the smoke, using the distraction to close the distance.
'Damn it,'
she thought, her smirk returning despite herself. The way he adapted and took advantage of every opening was impressive—even frustratingly so. But if he thought she'd let him get the upper hand so easily, he was sorely mistaken.
With a flick of her wrist, she redirected her flames, sending a searing wave toward him to force him back once again. "Not so fast, Astron," she called, her voice tinged with both challenge and excitement.
"Let's see what you will do now."
Chapter 680 - Let me see your strength (2)
"Not so fast, Astron," she called, her voice tinged with both challenge and excitement.
"Let's see what you will do now."
The searing wave of fire surged forward, its heat rippling through the air as it bore down on Astron. For a moment, Irina was certain it would force him to retreat—or at least slow him down. But then, something unexpected happened.
A sudden shockwave erupted from Astron's position, blasting her flames apart with a force that left the air crackling. Her eyes widened as she saw the bracelet on his wrist glowing faintly, its surface shimmering with the energy it had absorbed.
'The bracelet… he's using it already?'
Before she could fully process the situation, Astron shot forward, his body enveloped in a layer of mana. His speed was overwhelming, far surpassing the pace he'd shown earlier. It was as if the previous exchanges had been nothing more than a warm-up.
SWOOSH!
In an instant, he was right before her, his hand aimed directly at her exposed stomach. The precision and speed of his strike were undeniable, and Irina knew that evasion was no longer an option. But even as the realization struck her, she remained calm, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.
'Did you think I wouldn't prepare for something like this?'
Her mana surged, flames flickering briefly before she focused entirely on defense. With a quick motion, she activated a spell she had honed to perfection.
「School of Irina: Pyroclastic Barrier」
A barrier of fiery mana materialized between them, but it wasn't just an ordinary shield. Irina's mastery of telekinesis allowed her to compress the psions within the barrier, bending the very space behind it. This compression created a unique effect—stretching the collision time of any impact and dispersing the force over a broader area.
Astron's strike connected with the barrier, and for a brief moment, the room seemed to be still. The collision time extended unnaturally, the momentum of his attack being systematically absorbed and redistributed. Instead of the force transferring directly to Irina, the barrier diffused it, rendering the strike far less effective than it should have been.
The barrier shimmered under the strain, its compressed psions glowing brilliantly as it held firm against the blow. Irina felt a slight jolt as the residual momentum reached her, but it was negligible—nothing she couldn't handle. Her smirk deepened as she locked eyes with Astron, the faint flicker of surprise in his gaze not lost on her.
"You didn't think I was just going to let you land that, did you?" she teased, her voice steady despite the lingering heat in the air that she was channeling.
Now that she had the free time, she couldn't allow him to stay in the same position hence she had already cast her next spell.
SWIRL!
Flames compressed and shot forward to Astron, and he was forced to retreat. But because the barrier had extended the space itself, he was a tiny bit slow to move, and flames pushed forward and burned his skin a little.
SWOOSH!
Though, he didn't let himself get attacked for too long and he had already increased the distance just then.
"Heh..." Irina sneered as she started casting another spell.
On the other hand, Astron's expression didn't waver, but the faintest trace of respect flickered in his eyes as he pulled back. "Clever," he admitted, his tone neutral but edged with acknowledgment. "You compressed the psions and manipulated the impact… not bad."
Irina tilted her head slightly, her flames flaring to life once more as she prepared for the next exchange. "It's my own technique," she said, pride evident in her voice. "You're not the only one who's been innovating."
Astron nodded, stepping back just enough to dodge the trailing remnants of her flames. "It's a good trick," he said, his tone calm and matter-of-fact, though his words carried an undertone that felt like praise.
Irina's brow twitched, though she didn't let it show. How could he already figure out the intricacies of her spell after seeing it just once? The way his sharp gaze dissected her techniques made her feel as though she were facing some kind of battle-hardened strategist, not someone supposedly on her level.
'This guy… He's too much of a cheat,'
she thought, the faintest ripple of annoyance flickering in her chest. Still, she refused to let it rattle her.
SWIRL!
Her flames surged forward, weaving tightly together as she directed another volley of fire toward him. The attack split into multiple tendrils, each one seeking to ensnare him from a different angle.
Astron's expression didn't waver. As he released a slow, measured breath, his body shifted slightly—just enough to let him evade the first wave of flames. His movements were precise, and calculated, as though he were predicting her next strike before it even formed.
"Your control is impressive," he said, dodging another tendril of fire while simultaneously closing the gap between them. His hand darted out, slashing through a burst of flame with a quick swipe of his mana-coated palm. "But you're leaving just enough of a pattern to predict."
Irina's flames coiled back as she raised her hand, casting another spell mid-motion. This time, her flames expanded outward in a sudden, explosive wave.
「
School of Emberheart: Incandescent Tempest
」
The flames roared toward Astron, leaving him no choice but to retreat. Even his agility wasn't enough to completely evade the heat, and Irina smirked as she saw a flicker of discomfort cross his face. A faint scorch mark darkened the edge of his sleeve, and she could tell the heat had gotten to him.
"Heh…" Her smirk widened. "What was that about patterns?"
Astron didn't reply immediately, his focus sharp as he ducked beneath a secondary surge of flames. His movements remained fluid, but Irina could see the faint sheen of sweat on his brow now. It was proof that her relentless assault was wearing him down—if only a little.
"Still not bad," he said at last, his voice steady even as he deflected another burst of fire with a precise twist of his wrist. The bracelet on his arm shimmered faintly, absorbing the lingering energy from her attacks. "But don't think I haven't adjusted."
'He's not just evading,'
Irina realized, narrowing her eyes as she tracked his movements. The way he shifted, the subtle rhythm to his steps—he wasn't simply dodging her attacks; he was testing her, probing for weaknesses while simultaneously building momentum.
Her flames flared brighter, mirroring her resolve. She refused to let him dictate the pace. "Then stop running and show me what you've got!" she called, her tone sharp but laced with anticipation.
Astron's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smirk. "Alright," he said, and with that, he surged forward, his body a blur of motion.
This time, he didn't aim directly for her. Instead, he darted to the side, forcing her to adjust her aim. The shift in his trajectory was subtle but effective, and for a moment, she had to split her focus to track him.
But Irina wasn't one to be easily cornered. She drew her flames inward, channeling them into her core as she prepared for his next move. If he wanted to get close, she'd make him fight for every step. Flames danced along her arms, surging outward in quick, precise bursts designed to box him in.
Astron's speed increased again, his movements almost blurring as he closed the gap. His hand shot forward, aiming for her shoulder this time, but she was ready.
With a sharp motion, she cast another spell, a wall of fire erupting between them just as his strike connected with the edge of her barrier. The flames bent outward, dispersing the impact but forcing him back once more.
"You're persistent," she said, her tone a mix of irritation and respect as she readied her next move. "But don't think I'll let you off that easily."
Astron didn't reply to her taunt, his focus unwavering as he shifted his stance. Irina felt the weight of his concentration, and for a moment, she realized he was preparing to strike harder and faster.
But she wasn't one to back down.
With a sharp motion, she extended her arms, her mana surging in two distinct directions. On one side, five fiery spears materialized in the air, their tips glowing molten red as they hovered, ready to strike. On the other, her flames began to coil and twist like a living creature, forming into a whip of concentrated fire that lashed outward with crackling energy.
「
School of Emberheart: Ember Spear Volley
」
「
School of Emberheart: Whip of Inferno
」
Irina's movements were seamless as she directed both spells simultaneously, her whip slicing through the air toward Astron's chest while the spears launched forward in rapid succession. Each spear tore through the air with unerring speed, forcing Astron to respond.
His reaction was immediate. Dropping his center of gravity, he moved like a predator—a tiger stalking its prey. His form was low, his body fluid and efficient as he weaved through the incoming spears. The fiery whip lashed toward him, but he ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the searing heat as he repositioned himself.
Irina's eyes narrowed. 'He's faster than before.'
Astron's speed had doubled, his figure blurring as he darted forward. It was unmistakably a skill—one that amplified his already impressive agility. But Irina didn't panic. Instead, she smirked, her mana flaring even brighter.
'So you're going all in, huh? Then let's see how you handle this.'
Astron closed the gap in an instant, appearing right in front of her with his hand poised to strike. But Irina's flames surged to life again, her whip snapping back to guard her flank while her barrier spell shimmered into existence between them.
At the same time, the spears Astron had dodged earlier suddenly reversed direction, twisting midair and flying toward him from behind. The shift was almost imperceptible, but Irina's telekinesis proficiency allowed her to manipulate the trajectory with precision. The fiery projectiles shot toward him with deadly accuracy, catching him in a pincer attack.
Astron's sharp eyes flicked to the spears, his instincts warning him of the incoming danger. But it was too late to fully evade.
One spear grazed his shoulder, leaving a faint burn. Another singed his leg as he twisted to avoid a more direct hit. The others slammed into the ground near him, creating bursts of flame that forced him to retreat once again.
But, he did something different.
THUD!
His palm rushed forward as it aimed through Irina's body.
Chapter 681 - Let me see your strength (3)
Astron's palm shot forward, cutting through the searing heat and directly toward Irina's body. His movements were decisive, his eyes locked onto her with a determination that ignored the burns on his shoulder and leg. His singular focus on the offensive sent a clear message: he wasn't backing down.
Irina smirked, her flames burning brighter around her. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," she said, her voice steady despite the charged atmosphere. "But you should know by now—"
The faint shimmer of her barrier came into view as his palm neared it.
"—this won't work," she finished confidently.
Astron's hand stopped just short of the barrier, his movements suddenly shifting. His sharp gaze flicked downward for a fraction of a second before his leg swept low in one fluid motion. The unexpected strike aimed directly at her balance point, catching her off guard.
Irina's smirk faltered slightly as she realized what he was doing. Her telekinesis was focused on compressing and bending the space around the barrier, creating an anchor that absorbed momentum from direct attacks. But that same precision also meant she couldn't shift her focus quickly enough to counter his leg sweep.
THUD!
Astron's leg connected, sweeping her feet out from under her. The sudden loss of balance caused her to stumble, the carefully compressed space of her barrier shifting awkwardly as she instinctively tried to reorient herself.
"Damn it—" she muttered, catching herself just before she hit the ground by flaring her flames outward for stability. Her eyes snapped up to meet his, blazing with both irritation and grudging respect.
Astron stepped back, his stance balanced and ready. "Barriers are great for stopping direct attacks," he said calmly, "but they don't help much if you can't stay on your feet."
His hand was right before her face, shimmering. The exchange just now, had already made it evident.
This fight.
Irina lost.
Irina let out a slow breath, her flames dimming slightly as she lowered her hands. Her gaze remained locked onto Astron's, his hand still hovering near her face, the faint shimmer of his mana a silent declaration of victory.
She straightened, brushing off the lingering heat around her shoulders, and gave a wry smile. "Alright," she said, her tone calm but edged with reluctant acceptance. "You got me."
There was no need for useless pride—Astron had acted decisively, exploiting her weakness with precision. As much as it stung, she couldn't deny that he'd earned this win.
Irina's thoughts turned inward, analyzing the exchange. Her barrier, while strong, had an inherent limitation: its focus. Compressing psions to bend space required pinpoint accuracy and control, but that precision also made it difficult to shift the focal point quickly. Even with her immense telekinetic proficiency, moving the barrier's focus mid-battle remained a challenge.
'It's still a new technique,'
she thought, her flames flickering faintly in response to her frustration. '
I haven't had enough time to refine it—especially against someone like him.'
Her gaze softened slightly as she glanced at Astron, his stance still poised but without arrogance. She could tell he wasn't gloating; he was simply acknowledging the result of the duel. That alone eased the sting of her loss—slightly.
"You exploited the weakness perfectly," she admitted, rolling her shoulders as her mana settled. "My barrier's strong, but it's not invincible. I can't move the focal point fast enough to counter something like that. At least… not yet."
Astron lowered his hand, his expression neutral but carrying a faint glimmer of respect. "You're already miles ahead with it," he said evenly. "The technique itself is incredible. It just needs more time."
Irina tilted her head, studying him. "You figured it out mid-fight, didn't you?"
He gave a small nod. "It wasn't hard to notice the way you shifted focus. The compression is flawless, but there's a slight delay when you transition. That's the only opening—and even then, it's small."
'Small, but he exploited it perfectly,'
Irina thought, her respect for his analytical skills growing despite herself. She folded her arms, the corner of her lips twitching into a faint smirk. "You're really something…..Not bad…."
Astron tilted his head slightly. "Neither are you. That technique is something I'd rather not face once you perfect it."
The compliment caught her off guard, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond. She shifted her weight, hiding her reaction behind a casual shrug. "Give me a little time, and you won't be able to exploit that opening again."
"Is that so?"
"Then, let's try again."
The faint shimmer of the arena's restorative formation activated, bathing Astron in a soft, golden glow. The burns on his body faded in an instant, his skin knitting back to its original state as if the damage had never occurred. Irina's eyes flicked to the light briefly, noting the same effect on her own residual strain, though hers had been far less significant.
The system had determined the exchange was over, and with that, it reset the field. It was one of the reasons they could keep pushing each other like this—injuries and fatigue were temporary, allowing them to test their limits without fear of long-term consequences.
Astron rolled his shoulder experimentally, flexing his fingers as if testing the restoration. "Impressive setup," he remarked, his tone calm as he glanced at the glowing formations embedded in the walls. "No wonder you're used to fighting at full force."
Irina folded her arms, her flames flickering faintly around her. "It's convenient," she admitted, though her tone carried an edge of pride. "But don't think the system's doing all the work. You still have to handle the heat when it's on."
Astron's lips twitched faintly at her quip, his sharp eyes studying her for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough," he said. Then his stance shifted slightly, more relaxed but no less focused. "If you're ready, then so am I."
Irina raised an eyebrow, her own smirk widening. "You're not backing out of this one, huh?"
"There's no reason to," Astron replied smoothly, his voice carrying a quiet confidence. "Fighting you pushes me as much as it does you. And it's not like I need to hold back just because you're getting stronger."
Irina's flames flared brighter, her excitement rising at his words. There was something gratifying about hearing him acknowledge her growth, even if he said it so matter-of-factly. She let her arms drop, her stance widening slightly as she channeled her mana once more.
"Good," she said, her voice laced with challenge. "Because I don't plan on losing this time."
Astron's response was a slight tilt of his head, the smirk in his eyes deepening, somehow she could see it, as his aura flared to life around him. "Then let's see what you've got."
The air between them grew charged again, the energy of the arena responding to their rising mana. Flames crackled along Irina's arms, coiling like serpents, while Astron's presence sharpened, his movements already hinting at his readiness to strike.
Neither hesitated.
And then Irina moved first, her flames surging outward in a fiery wave as she cast a barrage of searing spears, each one aimed with precision.
Astron darted forward, weaving through the assault with practiced ease. His speed had increased again, and Irina noted the subtle adjustments in his movements.
'He's already improving,' she thought, her respect for his adaptability growing even as her resolve hardened. 'But I'm not done yet.'
With a flick of her wrist, she redirected the spears mid-flight, her telekinesis bending their trajectories to cut off his escape. At the same time, she summoned a wall of flames to block his advance, forcing him to shift his approach.
Astron didn't falter. His movements were fluid, almost instinctive, as he shifted his weight and countered with a sudden burst of mana, propelling himself into an unpredictable trajectory. He aimed for her flank this time, his hand already poised to strike.
But Irina was ready.
Her barrier shimmered into existence, not as a single point of defense but as a flowing, adaptive shield that moved with her. She had learned from their last exchange, and this time, her telekinesis allowed her to counter his speed more effectively.
"Not bad," Astron remarked, his voice calm even as his strike met the edge of her barrier.
"Still think you've got me figured out?" Irina shot back, her flames roaring as she pressed forward.
Their fight intensified, the room pulsing with heat and energy as their spells and strikes collided in a seamless blend of offense and defense. For both of them, this wasn't just a spar—it was a test, a challenge to see who could adapt faster, strike harder, and push themselves further.
And neither had any intention of holding back.
*******
The arena was a battlefield of scorched floors and lingering mana, the air thick with the heat of flames and the tension of unyielding combat. Three hours had passed since the duel began, and neither Irina nor Astron showed any sign of backing down.
Irina's flames burned fiercely around her, though they flickered more unevenly now. Her breathing was labored, and beads of sweat dripped down her face, dampening strands of her fiery red hair that clung to her skin. Blood trickled from a shallow cut on her arm, the result of Astron's relentless offensive, and her once-pristine sparring attire bore scorch marks and tears.
Across from her, Astron stood, his figure shadowed by the faint glow of mana still emanating from his body. Though his stance remained composed, his condition was no less telling. His clothes were tattered, singed at the edges with streaks of soot and blood where her flames had found their mark. His calm breathing belied the strain of their prolonged battle, but the gleam in his eyes showed no sign of fatigue—only focus.
Irina wiped the back of her hand across her brow, smearing a streak of ash. Her lips twitched into a faint smirk despite her exhaustion. "You're not making this easy," she said, her voice hoarse but steady.
"Wouldn't want to disappoint you," Astron replied evenly, his tone calm but edged with quiet resolve. He shifted his weight slightly, his muscles tense and ready for the next exchange.
Both combatants remained still for a moment, their gazes locked as they assessed each other. The silence was heavy, the only sounds were the faint crackle of dying flames and the steady rhythm of their breathing.
"You've improved," Astron said at last, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her. "Even when you're tired, your control hasn't slipped."
Irina chuckled faintly, though it was laced with exhaustion. "You're not so bad yourself," she admitted, rolling her shoulders despite the ache that settled in her muscles. "But you're starting to look a little ragged. Are you sure you're not running out of steam?"
Astron glanced down at his torn sleeves, the faint sheen of blood visible beneath the fabric. He raised an eyebrow, the ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips. "You could say I've had worse," he said, his tone dry.
Irina's smirk widened, though it was tempered by the fatigue pulling at her features. "Is that so?"
She stepped forward, flames flaring to life once more around her arms. Despite the strain in her body, her mana surged, the familiar heat rekindling her resolve. If Astron thought he could outlast her, she was determined to prove him wrong.
"Then a final fight?"
"Indeed. A final fight."
Chapter 682 - Let me see your strength (4)
"Then a final fight?"
"Indeed. A final fight."
The arena felt like a furnace, the heat of Irina's flames mixing with the oppressive energy radiating from both combatants. Despite the exhaustion weighing heavily on them, the anticipation of one final clash rekindled their resolve.
Irina raised her arms, flames coiling tightly around her wrists, crackling with raw intensity. This fight had tested her in ways she hadn't expected. Astron's relentless speed and adaptability had forced her to push the boundaries of her control, her multitasking skills, and even her creativity.
'This isn't just about winning,'
she thought, her eyes narrowing.
'It's about becoming better.'
Astron's stance shifted slightly, his sharp gaze locked on her movements. While his agility gave him an edge, he'd come to respect Irina's ability to adapt. Her quick thinking and sheer power had kept him on his toes, and every mistake he'd made had been met with punishing retaliation. Fighting her was an entirely different challenge from anything he'd faced before—a constant tug-of-war between precision and survival.
"Don't hold back," Irina said, her voice carrying over the heat between them. "If this is the last round, I don't want any excuses."
Astron shook his head, his body lowering slightly as his aura sharpened. "I will not."
The air between them seemed to pause for a brief moment before they moved simultaneously.
Irina unleashed a wave of fire, her mana surging to its peak as she cast multiple spells at once. Flaming spears materialized in the air, shooting forward in rapid succession, while her flames twisted into a whip that lashed toward Astron with pinpoint accuracy.
But Irina had anticipated this. She split her focus, using her telekinesis to redirect the flaming spears mid-flight. They arced through the air, targeting Astron's blind spots.
He reacted instantly, his instincts honed from the experience of fighting many stronger opponents. A burst of mana propelled him sideways, narrowly avoiding the first spear. Another grazed his shoulder, leaving a faint burn, but he didn't falter. His eyes flickered toward Irina, his determination unwavering.
'She's gotten faster,'
he thought, a flicker of respect passing through his mind. '
But that just means I need to be sharper.'
Astron changed his approach, feinting left before surging right. His sudden burst of speed caught Irina off guard, and for a moment, he was within striking distance. His hand shot forward, aiming for her side, but her barrier shimmered to life, absorbing the blow and dispersing the impact.
Irina smirked, her flames roaring as she countered. Her whip lashed out, forcing Astron to retreat, while the redirected spears boxed him in. She could feel the strain of maintaining so many spells at once, but she refused to let it show.
Astron dropped low, his body twisting as he launched himself upward in a spiraling motion. The force of his movement created a small shockwave that disrupted her whip, giving him just enough space to close in again.
This time, Irina didn't back down. She compressed the flames around her, creating a focused explosion that forced Astron to adjust mid-air. He landed with a roll, but she was already on him, her flames surging forward in a relentless assault.
The clash continued, both of them adapting and countering in real-time. For Irina, it was an opportunity to push her multitasking to its limits, balancing offense and defense with precise control. For Astron, it was a lesson in patience and timing, finding openings in her overwhelming power without getting caught in her traps.
The minutes stretched on, each exchange leaving its mark on the arena and their bodies. Sweat dripped from their faces, mingling with the faint streaks of blood from their earlier wounds. Despite their exhaustion, neither showed any sign of giving up.
The intensity in the arena reached a fever pitch, the scorched air thick with mana and the heat of Irina's relentless flames. Both Astron and Irina were moving at the edge of their limits, each exchange pushing them closer to exhaustion. Yet, Irina's mind raced, weaving together a new strategy mid-fight.
She knew the risks of her most powerful spell—a devastating area attack capable of obliterating enemies like Astron in a single blow. But the memory of its destructive potential, from her duel against Seraphina, gave her pause. She'd nearly lost control then, and the thought of doing so now was unthinkable.
At that time, many instructors had all pushed their energy into the formations around the tournament arena. This time, her mother could possibly intervene, but there was no need to take such a risk.
Especially she wouldn't put Astron's life into such a danger.
And she was sure that, he was doing the same. Even though he was using nearly all of his power, she was %100 sure that Astron was not fighting to kill her.
That was why…..
'
This isn't the time for brute force,'
she thought, her eyes narrowing as Astron closed in once more.
'I need precision. Speed. And control.'
With that resolve, Irina shifted her approach.
--Spellcasting Speed and Multitasking
Her flames surged outward, but instead of channeling her mana into a single massive spell, she cast multiple smaller ones in rapid succession.
「School of Emberheart: Flickerburst Volley」
A flurry of fireballs materialized around her, each one a smaller, more concentrated burst of flame. They shot toward Astron in unpredictable arcs, forcing him to weave and dodge in a chaotic rhythm. At the same time, Irina kept her body enchanted with a layer of flame armor, reinforcing her defenses and enhancing her agility.
Astron darted through the barrage, his movements fluid and calculated. His sharp gaze never left her, even as he twisted and turned to avoid the onslaught. Despite her rapid casting, he managed to close the gap again, his footwork precise as he prepared to strike.
But Irina wasn't done.
--Multitasking with Telekinesis
As Astron moved, Irina's telekinesis flared to life. The fiery projectiles she'd cast didn't dissipate after missing their target. Instead, she redirected them mid-flight, bending their trajectories to target Astron's blind spots. Each adjustment was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it forced him to constantly shift his focus.
Astron's eyes narrowed as he realized her intent. He launched himself upward, using a burst of mana to propel himself above the redirected flames. But Irina had already anticipated the move.
She extended her hand, flames coiling into a focused whip that lashed upward to meet him mid-air. At the same time, her telekinesis compressed the space around the whip, amplifying its speed and precision.
SWIRL!
Astron twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the strike. As he landed, his feet barely touched the ground before he surged forward again, his speed nearly overwhelming.
--Experimenting with Teleportation
Irina's mana pulsed as she tried something new—something she'd been testing throughout the fight. Her flames flickered around her feet, forming a circular sigil beneath her.
「School of Irina: Ember Step」
In an instant, her body flickered out of view, reappearing a short distance away just as Astron's strike passed through where she'd been standing. The teleportation wasn't seamless—it required immense focus and drained her mana significantly—but it worked. For a moment, she had the upper hand.
WARP!
Astron's eyes twitched slightly at her sudden displacement, but he adjusted quickly, his body pivoting toward her new position. Irina used the brief opening to launch another volley of spells.
--Relentless Adaptation
SWOOSH!
Astron evaded the incoming attacks, his movements becoming sharper, more deliberate. His figure blurred as he closed the distance again, his body low and his hand already poised to strike. Irina summoned another barrier to deflect his blow, but this time, Astron didn't follow through with a direct attack. Instead, he feinted, spinning low and aiming a sweeping kick at her legs.
Irina jumped, her flame-coated body propelling her higher than a normal leap would allow. She retaliated with a downward slash of her flame whip, forcing Astron to leap to the side.
SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
As Astron leaped sideways to evade Irina's flaming whip, his body twisted mid-motion, and his hand reached for the sleek black bow slung across his back. With a fluid motion, he nocked and loosed five mana-infused arrows in quick succession. Each arrow cut through the air with lethal precision, forcing Irina to react.
Her whip dissipated in a burst of flames as she refocused, her hands raising to conjure a defensive spell. With a quick gesture, a barrier of flickering fire formed before her, intercepting the incoming arrows. Each impact sent sparks flying, the force of the collisions pushing her back slightly.
Astron landed gracefully, his bow lowering as he stabilized his stance, his sharp eyes watching her every move. But Irina was no longer content to stay on the defensive.
Her flames flared brighter as she shifted tactics, her body moving with renewed determination. "Enough of this," she muttered, igniting her hands in a surge of fiery mana. With a decisive motion, she clapped them together, and a massive wave of fire roared forward, rolling across the arena like a tidal wave of heat and light.
「School of Irina: Inferno Breath」
The flames surged toward Astron, but Irina wasn't done. Her eyes gleamed with intent as she anticipated his response.
'You'll use that bracelet again, won't you?'
she thought, already preparing her next move. With a quick motion, she conjured five fire spears, hurling them directly into the path of her flames.
Her strategy was clear: use the overwhelming wave of fire to obscure his vision, hiding the true threat of the spears behind it.
BOOM!
Astron's bracelet shimmered faintly as he raised his arm. A sudden shockwave erupted outward, propelling the flames away from him in an explosive burst of energy. Just as Irina expected.
SWIRL! SWIRL!
But as the flames cleared, his sharp eyes immediately caught the gleam of the incoming spears. Despite their sudden appearance, he moved with precision, narrowly evading each one. His movements were almost instinctive as if he could see through her ploy.
'How does he—?!'
Irina's thoughts were interrupted as Astron leaped into the air, twisting gracefully to avoid the final spear. She smirked faintly, already manipulating the trajectory of the spears with her telekinesis. They curved mid-flight, homing in on him once more.
At the same time, she began casting another spell, her mana surging as a complex sigil formed beneath her feet.
But Astron wasn't idle. From mid-air, his hand moved swiftly, drawing four daggers from his belt. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled them toward her in rapid succession, each one imbued with a faint glimmer of mana.
SWOOSH!
The daggers flew toward her with incredible speed, forcing her to abandon her casting. Irina growled under her breath, raising her hand to blast the projectiles away. The first three daggers were deflected in quick bursts of flame, each one detonating in a harmless flash of light as they collided with her magic.
But as she prepared to deal with the fourth, her eyes widened in realization.
The final "dagger" wasn't a dagger at all—it was a vial.
The glass container shimmered faintly as it arced toward her, its contents swirling with a volatile mixture of mana. Irina's heart skipped a beat as the implications hit her.
'A trap!'
It was a trap, and she had fallen for it right away.
She couldn't keep it at all.
Chapter 683 - Don't Escape
'A trap!'
Irina's flames surged outward as she blasted the incoming vial, her instincts guiding her actions faster than her reasoning could catch up. The glass shattered mid-air with a sharp crack, releasing a pressurized burst of dense, swirling gas.
The arena filled with the substance instantly, a strange pressure assaulting her eyes and lungs. Irina recoiled, coughing as the gas clouded her vision. Her mind raced, cursing her decision to act on instinct rather than taking a moment to assess the vial. In the chaos of battle, judgment was often a luxury she couldn't afford, but this time, it had cost her.
'Damn it—what is this stuff?!'
The pressure around her eyes grew unbearable for a fleeting second before her flames flared defensively, dispersing the gas slightly. But the damage was already done. Her vision blurred, her balance wavered, and for that split second, she was vulnerable.
As she blinked rapidly to clear her sight, Irina felt the air shift around her—a warning that sent her instincts screaming. Her eyes snapped forward, and the first thing she saw was Astron. His figure blurred as he closed the distance in an instant, his hand already mid-motion.
His fist aimed directly at her stomach.
Irina gritted her teeth, bracing herself for the impact. Her flames surged around her body reflexively, forming a thin layer of defensive heat. Even so, she knew the force of the strike would send her reeling.
But it never came.
Astron's fist stopped just shy of her midsection, the rush of displaced air brushing against her as he held his position. His stance was firm, his expression calm but resolute, as if he'd made his point.
Irina froze, her breathing shallow as she stared at him. For a moment, the gas, the heat, and the tension of the fight seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them in the silence.
"You need to watch for traps," Astron said evenly, his voice carrying a faint edge of admonishment. He didn't step back immediately, his sharp gaze meeting hers, unflinching.
"Haaaah...Haaaah..."
Irina's flames flickered, the intensity around her diminishing slightly as her body relaxed involuntarily. She exhaled slowly, her mind catching up with the situation. There was no mockery in his tone, no arrogance in his stance. His words were simple, almost matter-of-fact—a reminder of her mistake.
"That was a cheap trick," she muttered, her voice hoarse from the gas. "Haaaaah…."
Astron raised an eyebrow but didn't respond immediately. Instead, he slowly lowered his hand, his posture relaxing. "Cheap," he said finally, his tone calm but pointed, "but effective."
And she didn't have much to say to that.
"Haaah….." Her breathing had yet to be adjusted, after all.
The heat of the arena lingered even after their clash had stilled, the roaring crowd now a distant hum in the backdrop of Irina's labored breaths. Her body felt heavy. The adrenaline that had carried her this far was fading, leaving exhaustion in its place. Her flames, once wild and relentless, flickered weakly around her as her mana reserves dwindled.
Astron remained where he stood, his chest rising and falling in rapid succession, sweat glistening on his skin. His once-pristine clothes were torn and singed, revealing glimpses of his pale, jade-like skin beneath. He looked as tired as she felt, but his composure remained unbroken, his sharp purple eyes watching her carefully.
'I can't—'
Irina's thoughts stumbled as her vision blurred. Her legs gave out beneath her, and before she could react, she was falling forward.
Warmth met her instead of the hard, unforgiving ground. Astron's hands caught her with startling gentleness, steadying her as her weight collapsed against him. His arms wrapped securely around her, one hand resting lightly against her back, the other supporting her shoulder. The firmness of his hold contrasted with the unexpected tenderness in his touch.
For a moment, she couldn't move, her head resting against his chest. The sound of his heartbeat, strong and rhythmic despite the strain, filled her ears. Her breathing slowed, syncing almost instinctively with the rise and fall of his chest.
'He's… so close.'
The realization hit her like another wave of heat. Her senses, dulled by fatigue, sharpened all at once. She felt the dampness of his sweat against her cheek, the faint tremor in his arms as he held her steady. His scent—lavender, familiar, and grounding—wrapped around her like a comforting haze.
'Why does he smell like this? How does anyone smell this good after all of that?'
Her gaze drifted upward, and her breath caught. His face was impossibly close, his purple eyes luminous like a night sky scattered with stars. They weren't just looking at her—they were seeing her, drawing her in with an intensity that made her heart stutter.
'Those eyes… they're unfair.'
Her gaze wandered unbidden, tracing the elegant lines of his face. His features, so refined they bordered on ethereal, were framed by strands of dark hair sticking to his damp forehead. She felt her cheeks warm despite the exhaustion weighing on her limbs.
'Even his skin,' she thought, her eyes catching on the exposed planes of his chest, pale yet flushed with exertion. It seemed to glow in the dim light of the arena, smooth and unmarred despite the battle they'd just fought.
'It's not fair. He looks like… like a painting. Like he doesn't belong here.'
Astron's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts, soft and even. "You overdid it."
She flinched slightly at the sound, her body stiffening against his. "Haaah… haaaah…" She couldn't form words, couldn't even muster the energy to push herself away.
Or rather, she did not want to use her remaining strength to push him away, but rather for something else.
Her chest heaved as she struggled to steady her breathing, the heat of their battle still lingering in the air between them. Her exhaustion weighed heavily, her limbs refusing to move. Yet, beneath the haze of fatigue, a flicker of defiance burned bright.
'I can't let him think he's won. Not like this.'
Her eyes narrowed, a mischievous glint sparking to life even as she leaned against him. Astron stood motionless, supporting her without complaint, his calm composure unshaken despite the strain of their fight.
'Perfect. He doesn't see it coming.'
Silently, she called upon the faint remnants of her mana, focusing what little strength she had left into a subtle burst of telekinesis. Her energy gathered near Astron's heels, a nearly imperceptible ripple in the air. The force wasn't enough to harm him—just enough to shift his balance.
Before he could react, the ground seemed to shift beneath him. His sharp eyes widened for the briefest moment as the telekinetic force swept his feet out from under him. Caught off-guard, his stance faltered, and his body tipped backward.
Irina smirked, satisfaction blooming despite her fatigue. But as gravity took hold, she realized too late that she hadn't accounted for her own precarious position. The momentum of her push carried her forward, and before she could stop herself, she tumbled along with him.
"Ah—!"
Astron hit the ground with a muted thud, the impact cushioned by his reflexive use of mana. Irina landed unceremoniously on top of him, her hands splayed against his chest to steady herself. For a moment, neither of them moved, the silence filled only by the faint crackle of dying flames and their ragged breaths.
'Oh no.'
Her heart skipped a beat as she took in the scene—the proximity, the heat radiating from his skin, the unmistakable firmness of his chest beneath her hands. His lavender scent enveloped her, sharper now, mingling with the faint saltiness of sweat. She blinked, her gaze darting up to meet his.
Astron's face was mere inches from hers, his sharp features framed by his tousled hair. His purple eyes, wide with surprise, locked onto hers.
For the first time, the unshakable calm that defined him seemed to falter, replaced by a flicker of bewilderment.
'This… is bad.'
It was not good…..Really not good….
Because she felt her heart which was tired just before beating again.
THUMP! THUMP!
And much faster than she was expecting.
Her chest tightened, her breath caught somewhere between exhaustion and something else entirely. Her eyes refused to stray, locked onto Astron's face with a force she couldn't explain.
His features seemed impossibly clear, as though the chaos of the fight and the lingering exhaustion had sharpened her focus to a razor's edge. Her gaze traced the curve of his nose, the sharp line of his jaw, and the elegant angles of his cheekbones. His long, dark lashes framed those vivid, cosmos-like purple eyes, still fixed on her with an intensity that sent a shiver through her.
'Why is he like this?' she thought, the rhythm of her heartbeat deafening in her ears. 'Why does he always look… perfect?'
Her eyes betrayed her, wandering further. They lingered on the strong, defined lines of his brows, the way they knit together faintly in confusion or… something else. And then, as though drawn by some invisible pull, her gaze fell to his lips.
Soft, curved, and just slightly parted, they seemed to beckon her closer, though he hadn't moved a muscle. Her pulse quickened, and her breathing hitched, each thud of her heart a heavy drumbeat echoing in her chest.
THUMP. THUMP.
'Stop,'
her mind whispered weakly, but her body didn't listen. The heat from his skin seemed to seep into hers, the faint scent of lavender wrapping around her like a spell.
'I shouldn't…'
Her hands trembled where they rested against his chest, her fingers brushing lightly against the firm warmth beneath them. He hadn't said a word, hadn't moved to push her away, but his silence only made the moment heavier.
Her exhaustion blurred the lines between thought and action. Before she could stop herself, she leaned forward.
It wasn't a grand motion, more a subtle, instinctive tilt of her head. The distance between them closed in an instant, her gaze flickering back to his lips even as her mind screamed at her to stop.
'This is insane. I shouldn't. But… I can't…'
Her lips hovered just a breath away from his, her heart pounding like a wild drum in her chest. The world around them faded—the heat of the arena, the distant roar of the crowd, the lingering aches of their battle—all of it melted away, leaving only the two of them in silence.
Astron's eyes widened slightly, his breath brushing against her lips as he finally spoke, his voice soft and low. "Irina…"
Her name on his lips sent a shiver down her spine, breaking the fragile stillness. Her face flushed a deeper shade of crimson, and for a fleeting moment, she thought she might pull away.
But she didn't.
"….Don't escape…."
Maybe these two words were said towards herself, or towards him….
It didn't matter….
She moved closer instead.
Chapter 684 - Don't Escape (2)
"….Don't escape…."
Irina's breath mingled with his, the faint lavender scent of his presence intoxicating and grounding her all at once. Her body moved with a will of its own, every ounce of hesitation burning away as she closed the gap, her lips brushing against his with a softness that sent a shiver down her spine.
For a moment, everything stopped—the echoes of the arena, the weight of exhaustion, the rational whispers in her mind—all silenced by the warmth of the kiss.
Her lips pressed fully against his now, tentative but firm as if she feared he might vanish if she let go. Her hands, trembling moments before, steadied against his chest, feeling the solid strength beneath her touch. His heartbeat, steady and strong, thrummed against her palms, matching the frantic rhythm of her own.
It had been so long—too long—since they had shared something like this. Her mind flickered back to that night under the moonlight, where the stillness of the world had allowed them a fleeting moment of vulnerability. She hadn't touched him like this since then, hadn't allowed herself to feel this close.
But now? Now, her restraint crumbled.
'Was I always this weak?'
she thought, though the question lacked any real venom. Instead, it carried a raw honesty she rarely let herself feel.
'Or… did I just miss this? Miss him?'
Her body betrayed her further, leaning into him as though seeking to erase the distance that had lingered between them for weeks. It wasn't just the fight, the adrenaline, or the heat of the moment—this was something deeper, something she hadn't let herself acknowledge until now.
'I was craving this,'
she realized, the admission crashing into her like a wave.
'Craving him.'
Astron didn't pull away. His body tensed at first, as though caught off guard, but he didn't stop her. Slowly, hesitantly, his hand rose, fingers brushing against her back. The touch was light, almost as if he feared breaking the fragile moment, but it sent a spark through her all the same.
Her kiss deepened slightly, her desperation breaking through the careful mask she usually wore. This wasn't about pride or power or even winning—it was about something far more vulnerable. And though she'd never admit it, not even to herself, she didn't want this to end.
When she finally pulled back, just barely, her breath came in soft, uneven gasps. Her face flushed, her lips tingling from the kiss. She didn't dare meet his gaze at first, fearing what she might see there. But when her eyes flicked upward, she found him looking at her, his purple eyes wide and unreadable.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Astron seemed genuinely caught off guard. His calm, unshakable demeanor had cracked, and beneath it, she saw something raw—something real.
She swallowed hard, her cheeks burning as she realized the weight of what she'd just done. "Don't…" she whispered, cutting him off, though she wasn't sure what she was asking for. "Just… don't say anything."
Astron's eyes narrowed slightly, the faint flutter of his dark lashes betraying a fleeting hesitation before he composed himself once again. Irina could see the shift, subtle but unmistakable—the moment he began to regain his control, steadying the cracks in his usually unshakable demeanor.
'He's getting a hold of himself,'
she thought, a pang of annoyance and something else entirely tugging at her chest.
'Just like he always does.'
But even as the calm returned to his features, his piercing purple eyes locked onto hers once more. The intensity in them made her stomach flip, drawing her in as if the entire world had faded again. They weren't just looking at her; they were seeing through her, leaving her utterly captivated.
Her breath hitched as her hands began to move, her body acting without permission. One hand slid down from where it had rested, her palm pressing gently against his chest. Beneath her fingers, she felt the unyielding strength of his muscles, firm and robust in a way they hadn't been before.
'This is different,'
she realized, her thoughts swirling.
'He wasn't like this back then… during the finals.'
Her memory flickered to their previous battles, how he had moved with speed and precision but lacked the sheer physical power she now felt beneath her touch. His body had changed, and improved, just like his strength and speed. And yet, as her fingers lingered, her thoughts drifted to another possibility.
'Or is it me?'
she wondered, her cheeks warming further.
'Am I… noticing him more because… I've fallen for him?'
The thought made her heart stutter, but she pushed it aside, letting herself focus on the moment instead. Her other hand moved almost instinctively, fingers tracing the line of his neck with a delicate touch. His skin, smooth and warm beneath her fingertips, was damp with the sweat of their intense fight, yet it only added to the strange allure he seemed to exude.
She swallowed hard, her fingers swirling gently against his skin, collecting a small droplet of sweat. Without thinking, she brought it to her lips, tasting it with a soft flick of her tongue. The saltiness mixed with something she couldn't quite place—a lingering trace of lavender, perhaps, or maybe just the intoxicating effect he seemed to have on her senses.
Astron's reaction was immediate, though subtle. His eyes twitched, the faintest flicker of tension passing through his otherwise composed expression.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
Astron's question lingered in the air, his steady, low tone laced with a tension Irina couldn't ignore.
But instead of embarrassment clawing at her, she felt something else entirely—a spark of exhilaration. The moment his composure cracked, however subtly, a sense of triumph flooded her. The thrill of seeing him caught off guard outweighed the mortifying reality of her actions.
'So even he can't completely keep his cool,
' she thought, her confidence rekindling as she leaned in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's wrong? Not so composed?"
The faint tremble in Astron's body didn't escape her notice. Barely perceptible, but it was there, a small sign that she'd managed to unsettle him in a way few—if any—ever could. Her confidence surged at the realization, and when his sharp purple gaze locked onto hers, his words came with an edge of dry provocation.
'Finally,'
she thought, her lips curving into a sly smile.
'Finally, I'm winning.'
"I wasn't expecting you to have such… preferences."
Irina didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her smirk unfaltering as she leaned closer. "So what if I have?" she murmured, her voice low and teasing. "Do you have a problem with it?"
Before he could answer, she moved again. Her head dipped, her forehead brushing lightly against his as her face lowered toward his neck. The faint scent of lavender grew stronger, mingling with the warm saltiness of sweat. Her lips brushed against his skin, soft and deliberate, before she buried her face fully against his neck.
"I don't hear you complaining," she added, her words muffled against his skin.
Astron's breath hitched, a sound so quiet that anyone else might have missed it. But Irina was too close, too attuned to him now to miss even the faintest reaction. Her hands shifted slightly, one still pressed against his chest, the other moving to rest lightly on his shoulder as her lips found his neck.
She kissed him there, softly at first, her lips testing the sensation before her tongue flicked out, tasting him. The warmth of his skin mingled with the odd, lingering sweetness of lavender, and for a fleeting moment, her mind stuttered at the absurdity of it all.
'Lavender?'
she thought, her brow furrowing as she lingered against him
. 'Why does he taste like lavender? That doesn't even make sense.'
The realization made her pause, but only for a moment. The taste wasn't unpleasant—strange, yes, but it was undeniably him, and the sheer intimacy of the act sent another jolt of adrenaline through her. She pressed closer, letting herself sink into the moment, the weight of the arena and the world outside falling away.
To be frank, she also doesn't have such preferences, and this action is something that she had never thought that she would do. And in fact, if someone were to say that she would do something, she would even feel repulsed by that.
Irina's thoughts spiraled as she lingered against his neck, the taste of lavender and salt on her tongue, her senses heightened to an intensity she hadn't expected.
'To be honest, I don't even have preferences like this,' she thought, a flicker of self-awareness breaking through the haze. 'This isn't me. This is something I'd normally hate. If someone told me I'd do something like this, I'd laugh. No, I'd be disgusted.'
But disgust wasn't here. Not even close. Instead, she found herself leaning into the moment, enjoying it in a way that felt entirely out of character. The intimacy, the warmth of his skin, the strange allure of the lavender-like taste—it was all so foreign yet so… good.
'His sweat doesn't taste bad. No, it's not just that—it's almost like it's… pleasant?'
She frowned slightly against his neck, her thoughts racing.
'Wait. Can sweat even taste good? Or is that something unique to him?'
Her fingers brushed against his chest again, tracing the lines of his muscles as her mind wandered.
'It could be related to whatever's changed about him recently,'
she reasoned, her thoughts drifting to his sharper features, the way his skin seemed to glow even after their battle.
'His body's different. His aura's different. He's more… everything. Handsome. Refined. Even charming—damn it.'
Her lips hovered over his neck, but her mind kept pulling her into deeper musings. 'Could that have affected this, too? His sweat? That would… actually make sense.'
A bold idea began to form, fueled by her curiosity and the lingering heat of their closeness.
"What if?" she murmured aloud, her voice barely audible against his skin.
"What if?" Astron repeated, his voice steady but low.
SWOOSH!
But then, before she could even think she acted.
Since her mind played a certain scene…
BITE!
And then she bit him on his neck.
Chapter 685 - Don't Escape (3)
Irina's teeth sank into his neck, her mind a whirlwind of sensations—heat, adrenaline, and a strange, intoxicating sweetness that filled her senses. For a fleeting moment, she reveled in the taste, the peculiar blend of lavender and salt that seemed to permeate his very being. But then, like a spark catching on dry tinder, another thought ignited in her mind.
A memory.
It hit her like a gust of wind, dragging her out of the moment and into a vivid scene she thought she had buried deep.
That time.
Irina's heart pounded as the image flashed before her—Maya, her fangs buried in Astron's neck, drinking deeply as though she owned him. Irina had been there, her body still and breath shallow, pretending to be unconscious. She had heard every word, seen every moment.
'That witch,'
Irina thought, her bite on Astron's neck tightening instinctively. The image burned in her mind—Maya clinging to him, her face buried against his skin, her crimson eyes filled with hunger and desperation. She could still remember the faint sound of Maya's trembling apologies, the quiet murmurs exchanged between them.
She hadn't known why she hadn't stirred back then, why she had remained still, her chest tight with something she couldn't name. But now, as the memory played out in her mind, she felt the smoldering embers of that emotion flare to life.
Anger. Possessiveness. Something primal.
'Me,'
she thought, the word surging in her mind like a declaration. Her lips pressed harder against Astron's neck, her fangs sinking deeper as if to erase the memory of Maya's mark on him.
'Only me. Only I get to do this.'
The fire inside her burned brighter, consuming her thoughts. She could see it so vividly—the way Maya had looked at him, the way he had allowed her, even comforted her. That scene, that intimacy, felt like a trespass, a violation of something that should belong solely to her.
She growled softly against his skin, her hands gripping his shoulders with a force that made him tense beneath her. A flicker of hesitation passed through her mind—what was she doing? But it was quickly drowned out by the torrent of emotions she couldn't suppress.
'She touched him like this. She tasted him like this.'
Her mind conjured the image again, unbidden, and she felt her body flush with frustration.
No.
She wouldn't allow that. She wouldn't let anyone else have this connection with him, this closeness.
Astron stirred slightly, his voice low and steady despite the sharp sting of her bite. "Irina," he murmured, his tone calm but questioning.
His voice only fueled the fire. She pulled back, her lips stained faintly red, her breathing uneven. Her eyes locked onto his, her own burning with a mix of anger and something she didn't dare name.
"You let her," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "You let her bite you, didn't you?"
Astron's purple eyes narrowed slightly, confusion flickering across his expression. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't play dumb," Irina snapped, her hands still gripping his shoulders. "That night. I saw it. I heard it. You let her drink your blood."
He didn't deny it, his gaze steady as he watched her. His silence only stoked the flames in her chest.
"Why?" she demanded, her voice rising. "Why did you let her? Why do you let her get so close to you?"
Astron sighed softly, his calm demeanor infuriatingly unshaken. "She needed it," he said simply. "It was the only way to help her regain control."
Irina's teeth clenched, her anger bubbling over. "And what about me?" she asked, her voice quieter but no less intense. "What about what I need?"
For a moment, there was silence between them, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Her breathing was ragged, her emotions raw and unfiltered.
Astron moved suddenly, his body a blur of strength and precision. Before Irina could process it, he was upright, his hands steadying her as he leaned back against the wall of the training room. Irina found herself still straddling him, her body perched on his lap, her heart hammering in her chest.
The shift in their positions left her breathless. Astron's height, even in this seated arrangement, gave him a natural advantage, his face slightly above hers, his piercing purple eyes locked onto her with an intensity that made her stomach twist. The weight of his presence was undeniable, and she hated how much it thrilled her.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence crackling with unspoken tension. Irina's gaze flickered up to meet his, her breaths shallow and uneven.
"What do you think you're doing here?" she asked, her voice sharper than she intended, a desperate attempt to break the silence and regain some semblance of control.
"No. That is the wrong question." Astron replied. "You…..What do you think, I am doing here? For what reason did I come here?"
Astron's expression remained unreadable, his eyes steady as they bore into hers. He didn't answer, and the quiet stretched on, pressing down on her like a tangible force.
Irina's jaw tightened, her frustration mounting. She wouldn't let him have the upper hand, not like this. "You're here for the reward," she said, her voice tinged with defiance. "The bet. That's why you came, isn't it? To get what you wanted. Access to the armory."
Her words hung in the air, the accusation biting. For a moment, Astron didn't respond, and she thought she had him cornered. But then, his expression shifted—a flicker of rare, unmistakable anger crossing his face.
His gaze narrowed, sharp and cutting, and his voice, when he spoke, was low and deliberate. "Do you really think I'm here just because of that?"
Irina froze, the weight of his words and the intensity of his tone catching her off guard. She opened her mouth to retort, but no words came. Her mind raced, but her body betrayed her, her cheeks flushing as she felt the raw emotion behind his question.
Astron's hands were still on her, one steadying her back, the other resting lightly at her side. His grip was firm, but not restraining—a balance of control and reassurance that only made her heart race more.
"You're not being honest," he continued, his gaze piercing through her. "If I were here only for a reward, I'd have taken it and left. Do you think I'd waste my time coming here just for a spar if that were all I cared about?"
Irina's lips parted as she tried to summon a response, but the truth he spoke left her momentarily speechless. He wasn't wrong. If all he wanted was the reward, he wouldn't have bothered coming here, wouldn't have bothered sparring with her, wouldn't have lingered like this.
But acknowledging that truth meant confronting her own feelings—feelings she wasn't ready to name.
"I…" she started, her voice faltering. She looked up at him, her eyes locking onto his again. The depth of his gaze, the quiet anger, the unyielding resolve—it was too much, too overwhelming.
Her hands, which had been braced against his chest, trembled slightly. "Then why?"
Astron scoffed softly, the sound low and almost amused. "Isn't that obvious?" he asked, his tone carrying a mix of exasperation and certainty.
Irina's eyes snapped to his, searching for meaning behind his words. His purple eyes, narrowed with a flicker of rare emotion, caught her off guard. There was something in them she hadn't seen before—a glint that made her breath hitch, her chest tightening.
Astron continued, his voice steady and unwavering. "If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't be here."
The simplicity of his words carried an undeniable weight. Irina felt her heart warm, the quiet sincerity in his tone wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. A shiver ran through her body, and she couldn't stop the small tremble in her hands as they clutched his shirt.
Her gaze drifted to the faint mark on his neck—the mark she had made. Her fingers moved on their own, brushing over it softly, tracing the indentation her bite had left. Her lips tingled at the memory, and she couldn't resist the pull drawing her closer.
Slowly, she leaned in, her breath brushing against his skin. Her lips pressed against his neck once more, this time not in a fit of anger or possessiveness but with deliberate purpose. She kissed the mark, her lips lingering, before she sucked on it with an intensity that surprised even herself. She poured everything into the action—her confusion, her longing, her desire to hear those words again.
"Say that again," she whispered against his skin, her voice trembling yet firm.
Astron's response wasn't immediate. Instead, his hand moved to her head, his fingers threading through her fiery red hair with a gentleness that made her knees weak. He stroked her hair in slow, deliberate motions, his touch grounding her even as it sent a fresh wave of warmth coursing through her.
Then, he shifted slightly, lowering his head until his chin rested lightly on the crown of her head. The move trapped her against him, his presence overwhelming in the best possible way. She felt cocooned, surrounded by his scent, his strength, his steady calm.
And then he spoke, his voice low and rich, the words a quiet whistle that sent shivers down her spine. "I want to be here."
The moment the words reached her ears, her body reacted on its own. She trembled, the raw sincerity in his tone hitting her like a tidal wave. Her grip on his shirt tightened, and her breathing grew shallow as she struggled to process the weight of his admission.
It wasn't just the words—it was the way he said them. Rare, so rare, for him to speak with such openness. Astron, who always carried himself with a calm detachment, now allowed her to see something deeper, something real.
Irina buried her face against his neck, unable to meet his gaze. Her lips brushed against his skin again, softer this time, almost reverent.
"You're really unfair, you know that?"