Chapter 499 The Fallen Genius
Late summer of the year 368 in the Gregorian calendar.
Morningstar City, the capital of the province of Sal in the southern border of the Kingdom of Theo.
The city is currently immersed in revelry and celebration.
The streets were flooded with flowers, ribbons, and flags symbolizing the Norlin family, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of wine, roast meat, and spices.
Since the newly appointed Marquis of the Stars and Governor of Sar, Reinhard Norlin, officially took office.
This place thus became the focus of the entire Kingdom of Theo.
A banquet and celebration were being held in the courtyard of the Governor's Mansion.
Reinhardt wore a specially made marquis's uniform, with stars and sword patterns embroidered in silver thread on a dark blue background. The "Dawn Silver" medal on his chest shone brightly in the moonlight.
This legendary powerhouse sat upright in the main seat, his face composed.
However, amidst countless praises and ardent gazes, there was also a faint radiance in his eyes, befitting a young man who had achieved early success, and he was full of vigor and ambition.
Inside the courtyard, there were congratulatory processions from all over the kingdom, and even from other kingdoms.
Outside the Governor's Palace, people were also celebrating, with locals crowding almost every corner of the area. They cheered, threw flower petals and confetti into the air, and looked at the Governor's Palace with eyes full of admiration and hope.
That legendary figure, only eighteen years old, was more than just their governor.
He is also a symbol of the revival of the entire Theo!
The title 'The Light' has become widely known.
At this moment, an old nobleman who had come all the way from the capital raised his wine glass.
"The Marquis is truly a genius. I believe that, given time, he may even surpass that Holy King of Lorthern."
“Yes, Governor Reinhardt, you broke through to the legendary level before you were even twenty years old. Such talent is unprecedented in history and there is no precedent for it in the Romanian countries.”
Another representative from a major chamber of commerce quickly echoed this sentiment, his face beaming with flattery and admiration.
"With the Marquis in Theo, he is truly blessed by the heavens! Restoration is in sight, just around the corner!"
“.”
Similar remarks were heard repeatedly.
Like the finest wine, it was continuously poured into the heart of the young marquis.
Reinhardt's brow relaxed, he raised his glass, and responded in a clear voice.
"You flatter me. The Holy King has accomplished countless great feats. He swept across many countries during the war years, established the federation, and brought centuries of peace to the Romanian plains. He is far beyond the reach of us younger generations."
"I only broke through by chance, how dare I compare myself to the Saint King?"
"Although Senior Saint King broke through to the Legendary level slightly later than me, he was skilled in both magic and martial arts. Even before he became a Legendary, he could defeat Legendary experts with his bare hands. Moreover, he was proficient in governing the country and strategizing."
"I am far from being able to compare with him."
He paused for a moment, then a bright smile spread across the boy's face.
He joked, saying, "At least, wait until I achieve the position of destiny before you all praise me and compare me with our ancestors."
His words were humble and appropriate, with a touch of harmless humor, which left a very good impression.
However.
Amidst the surging tide of praise, beneath that humility lay a hint of pride and smugness that even he himself was unaware of, like an undercurrent quietly brewing beneath the water.
Among the crowd, the envoy from the Kingdom of Lorthen frowned slightly.
"My breakthrough came later than yours." Although the following text was a praise of the Holy King, the boy's subconscious mention of this aspect also implied, to some extent, that he believed he had something that surpassed the Holy King.
And his last words.
joke?
Sometimes, those are just the truths that are not suitable to be said directly.
However, Reinhardt's performance was actually quite reasonable.
After all, he's only eighteen.
Faced with this atmosphere that practically elevates a deity to their feet, even the elderly would find it difficult to remain calm, let alone a young person.
The Lorthorn envoy remained unmoved.
His gaze swept over the young legend's spirited face, then fell on the dawn's silver light flowing across his chest, the light so intense it almost burned the eyes of onlookers.
The stars shine brightly at birth, and the silver sword rings out even before it is worn.
An old proverb quietly came to mind.
It describes those young people who are pushed to the peak by fate at an early age.
"It's normal for young people to become a little arrogant after achieving success at a young age."
He may not yet understand the principle that leaving early does not guarantee going far.
"You like compliments? Then I'll give you some."
The Lorthern envoy pondered for a moment, then smiled slightly, raised his wine glass, and offered his respect to the young legend from afar, saying loudly, "Lord Reinhardt, even if our Holy King were alive, he would speak highly of you."
"Haha, no need to be too modest. The future will ultimately be created by outstanding young people like you."
Without exception, the envoys from other countries also offered toasts and continued to offer praise and congratulations.
Reinhardt couldn't help but smile and raised his glass in return.
Time flew by in a lively and joyful atmosphere, and the celebration reached its climax in the afternoon.
Noble ladies fluttered around the young marquis like colorful butterflies.
Their eyes sparkled with admiration and curiosity as they whispered and smiled sweetly, trying to attract the attention of the kingdom's most dazzling new star.
Reinhardt maintained a polite smile and handled the situation well, but his gaze was gradually drawn to one of the figures.
That was Lycia Frost, the daughter of an earl from the northern border of the kingdom, renowned for her cold beauty and talent.
She had long, pale golden hair like moonlight, and her azure eyes were like jewels. Her temperament was aloof and outstanding, making her stand out like a snow lotus standing alone in the frost among a group of glamorous and charming noble ladies.
She didn't lean in like the others, but occasionally nodded slightly and smiled when her eyes met Reinhardt's.
Finally, during a break in the dance music.
Reinhardt approached Lycia, who was standing quietly by the colonnade.
"Miss Frost, thank you for coming all this way."
Reinhardt raised his glass in a toast.
Lycia returned the gesture with an elegant curtsy, her voice clear and melodious: "It is my honor to witness Your Excellency's glorious moment. Your achievements are truly admirable."
The two avoided the center of the noise and walked to the relatively quiet terrace on one side of the viewing platform.
From here you can overlook most of the vibrant Morningstar City.
A gentle breeze carries the sounds of celebration from afar and the faint scent of flowers.
They discussed the situation facing the Kingdom of Theo, and even touched upon some insights into national policy.
Reinhardt discovered that this count's daughter was not only highly knowledgeable, but also had a unique and calm perspective on the current situation, and her words lacked the ostentation and shallowness of ordinary noblewomen.
During their conversation, Lycia was gradually drawn to the young man's legendary, calm yet subtly sharp demeanor.
A sense of goodwill between young people quietly blossoms during cautious and polite conversations.
Reinhardt gazed at Lycia's exquisite profile in the moonlight, carefully choosing his words, intending to invite her to a lakeside stroll the next day.
But at that moment, his gaze suddenly sharpened, as if he had sensed something.
"Reinhardt, what's wrong?"
The countess asked in a low voice.
The young legend's gaze sharpened, and he said, "An uninvited guest has arrived."
It seemed to be to confirm his words.
A few seconds later, a hurried and loud report abruptly shattered the joyful atmosphere of the banquet.
"Report—!"
An officer dressed in the uniform of a guard from the Sar Province strode closer, knelt on one knee before Reinhardt, and spoke with a mixture of tension and fear in his voice.
“Your Excellency! There is an envoy outside the manor who claims to be from the Kingdom of Aura and requests an audience.”
The officer lowered his head and said, "That was a blue dragon nearing its prime. It claimed to have come on the orders of Regent Aura to offer congratulations to Marquis Star."
Regent Sorog Ignas.
While the Red Emperor was seemingly asleep, he was the de facto supreme ruler of Aura, known by titles such as Emperor's Wing, War Prince, and Iron Prince.
The people of Theo were well aware of the regent's importance.
The music and laughter near the terrace ceased, and the faces of all the nobles and officials who heard the report quickly drained of color, turning pale and filled with fear.
It was as if the previous joyous banquet was just a beautiful dream.
And now, the nightmare has begun.
Reinhardt's heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to remain calm.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please do not panic and remain quiet. We should welcome distinguished guests who have come from afar."
He calmed himself down and then said to the officer, "Please invite the envoy, Orat, inside and invite him to join us in our festivities."
A moment later, the envoy from Orat arrived.
It was a male blue dragon, its breathing like thunder. Its imposing size and sharp claws made the guests turn pale.
It did not lower its head, but merely lowered its eyelids slightly to survey the humans around it.
"By order of the great Iron Prince."
The blue dragon spoke, his voice deep and resonant, like thunder rolling across the ground, saying, "I have come specifically to offer my congratulations to Reinhard Norlin, the 'Marquis of the Stars' of the Kingdom of Theo."
"Your Highness has heard that Theo has a young prodigy who has reached the legendary level before he even reached adulthood, and his talent is truly astonishing."
"You deserve special...attention and congratulations."
Opposite him, Reinhardt stood up straight, looked up at the blue dragon, and had a solemn expression.
He felt no fear of the dragon itself, which was not a legendary creature. However, he felt a heavy sense of oppression emanating from the blue dragon, not from the dragon itself, but from the Kingdom of Aura behind it.
"Thank you for your congratulations, Prince Iron."
Reinhardt nodded slightly at first, then changed the subject, saying, "However, besides congratulations, what other advice do you have for the special envoy's visit?"
The blue dragon opened its massive jaws, and sparks crackled and popped between its sharp teeth.
"The Marquis is quite direct, hehe, he does have a bit of the arrogance that comes with youth."
After a pause, the blue dragon's voice suddenly became grand and solemn.
"Imperial decree from Prince Iron."
"Theo has a son, Reinhard Norlin, whose talent is exceptional and unparalleled in his time."
"His achievement of legendary status at such a young age is an unprecedented event on the Romanian plains. Such a hero should be tempered by battle and proven by blood and fire, so as not to fail his talent and his great reputation."
The air in the hall seemed to freeze; everyone held their breath, listening to the Iron Prince's decree.
"Therefore, I hereby issue this decree, inviting Marquis of the Stars, Reinhard Norlin, to Twin Moon Valley one week from now, on the night of the full moon, for a fair duel with our Ranger General, Aura's Edge."
The blue dragon's vertical pupils were fixed on Reinhardt, and its voice grew increasingly deep.
"If Reinhard Norlin wins, the Kingdom of Aura will return the two provinces of Theo and promise not to impose the military restrictions imposed on Theo under the Treaty of Norton for the next hundred years."
"This battle aims to hone skills, demonstrate bravery, and enhance relations between the two countries."
"If Aura's Edge wins, Theo will not have to pay any price."
"I hope that Reinhard Norlin... will live up to his youthful spirit and the expectations of the entire nation of Theo, and gladly accept the invitation to prove his legendary status."
As soon as Lanlong finished speaking, everyone in the hall, including Reinhardt, fell into a brief silence.
Returning two major provinces and lifting military restrictions within a century... the stakes are so high that they are almost equivalent to smashing the heaviest shackles on Theo!
But failure "does not require paying any price"?
The conditions were so good it was almost unreal, like a pie falling from the sky.
But this very fact made the atmosphere fall silent.
Everyone knew that the Iron Prince would never give them a truly free gift.
"Their target is me."
Reinhardt's alarm bells rang loudly.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, his eyes flashing, and then looked at the blue dragon.
"This matter is of utmost importance. The duel involves two countries, and I cannot agree to it without authorization."
“A week is too short. I need to inform His Majesty the King and hear the opinions of the Kingdom Council and the ministers. Could you please... ask the special envoy to convey to the Regent that we may have more time to discuss this carefully?”
He chose the safest approach: to buy time.
"One week later, on the night of the full moon, in Twin Moon Canyon."
"Whether to go or not is His Excellency the Marquis's own choice; the Prince merely provided an opportunity."
Blue Dragon paused for a moment, then continued, "My mission is complete. I have delivered my congratulations and the imperial decree. Now, I take my leave. I look forward to witnessing the Marquis's splendid performance in Twin Moon Canyon in a week."
Having said that, it stopped and turned away with heavy steps, circling into the night sky.
After this incident, the joyful atmosphere of the banquet was completely gone.
Silence and repression became the dominant theme.
Just then, a commotion arose outside the mansion.
"Agree! Let those monsters see the spirit of Theo, the young legend!"
"My lord! The fate of our nation rests on this! You are our hope, we must not back down!"
"Victory is certain! The Light of Theo will prevail!"
“.”
The blue dragon's voice was like thunder, and its contents could be clearly heard even by the people outside.
The crowd chanted Reinhardt's name, shouting for battle and certain victory, their voices rising higher and higher, almost breaking through the walls of the governor's mansion.
Just then, the envoy from the Kingdom of Lorthen stepped forward from the crowd.
He asked, "Lord Reinhardt, what do you think?"
The boy shook his head slightly and said frankly, "I haven't made a decision yet."
Seeing this, the Lorthern envoy chuckled and said, "Aura's Edge, Ranger General, Centaur Elvie."
"This member of the Dragon's family has consistently performed poorly."
"She has only recently broken through to the legendary realm and doesn't have any truly illustrious achievements. If the other party in the duel were Aura's Fang, that Gluttonous Demon, I would directly advise you to give up. However, Aura's Edge? You can give it a try."
Reinhardt gazed at the Lorthorn messenger.
“Envoy, if I remember correctly, Lorthen and Aura are allies.”
He said meaningfully.
"Of course, this is a fact that everyone knows."
The Lorthen envoy said with a serious expression, "However, we Lorthen are people-oriented. Although we have an alliance with Aura, it does not mean that we will completely agree with their way of doing things."
Reinhardt nodded, neither confirming nor denying.
After the Second Civil War ended, Lorthorn and Aura's honeymoon period also came to an end.
Although the two countries still maintain normal exchanges, their relationship is indeed not as good as it used to be.
Aura's Edge, this legend's fame is indeed not yet widespread, and like me, he is a newly crowned legend. However, it seems that none of the legends in the Kingdom of Aura should be underestimated.
Reinhardt hesitated.
At this moment, the Lorthorn envoy proclaimed, "The Kingdom of Lorthorn is willing to bear witness to the fairness of this duel and to record this momentous event."
Envoys from other countries, seeing this, also stepped forward to express their views.
"My Kingdom of Ripos is also willing to bear witness!"
"The Kingdom of Matna second this!"
“.”
All the kingdom's envoys, regardless of their relationship with Theo, were willing to vouch for the duel, and at the same time praised Reinhardt's strength, believing that with his talent, he was bound to win.
Outside the Governor's Palace, the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd continued.
Hearing the praises, with his eardrums assaulted by cheers and clamor, Reinhardt couldn't help but feel somewhat dazed.
He seemed to see himself returning victorious.
The people lined the streets to welcome him, the king himself came out to greet him, the lost land was returned, the shackles were broken, he would become Theo's hero, a true legend...
However, Reinhardt remained somewhat clear-headed and did not immediately agree.
"I will seriously consider this matter."
He spoke slowly.
Immediately afterward, the banquet ended, and Reinhardt returned to his room.
The noise outside the window gradually subsided.
Reinhardt had shed his ornate marquisate and was now dressed only in simple dark casual clothes. He stood with his back to the door, gazing out the window at the now-silent city.
The moonlight was bright and clear, yet it couldn't penetrate the solemnity between his brows.
To go or not to go?
This question lingered in his mind.
He felt as if he were surrounded by countless flowers, and in a daze, he seemed to be standing on the edge of a cliff, with a surging crowd pushing him forward behind him, and a bottomless fog in front of him.
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door, the rhythm steady.
"Come in."
Reinhardt did not turn around.
The door opened, and a figure walked in.
The newcomer was tall and slender, dressed in a noble formal suit made of exquisite materials but with a slightly outdated style. His hair was meticulously combed, with graying temples. His face was serious, even somewhat rigid, and his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.
Reinhardt's father was a baron, Ernest Norlin.
Ernest walked slowly to the center of the room, his gaze first sweeping over the simple yet expensive furnishings, and finally settling on his son's tall and straight back.
"Are you still bothered by that?"
"Ernest asked."
Reinhardt turned to face his father.
He was not surprised by his father's late-night visit.
"Father."
Reinhardt nodded respectfully.
Ernest did not respond to the greeting. He walked straight to the window and stood side by side with Reinhardt, looking out at the night sky as if overlooking the territory that was about to be acquired.
"Aura's Edge, Elvie".
Ernest slowly spoke, saying, "The Lortheren people are right. He is an ordinary dragonkin who has only recently broken through to the legendary level and has no noteworthy achievements."
"How can anyone compare to my son?"
He turned his head and looked intently at Reinhardt.
“Reinhardt, my son,” the Baron said, “you must understand that you were born different from everyone else!”
“When your brothers were still scheming to inherit the barren baronies, when your mother… that gentle but short-sighted woman was still worried about your frail health, I knew you were different.”
When Ernest mentioned his deceased wife, his tone was completely flat, as if he were referring to an insignificant servant.
Reinhardt frowned slightly.
His mother... the one who always had a gentle yet weary smile in his memory, was the only warm color in his gloomy childhood before he showed his talent.
During that period, his father almost completely ignored him.
Until one day, when Reinhardt was only six years old, he showed a swordsman's talent as if he were an extension of his own arm after touching a sword for the first time. After he was able to embark on the path of the extraordinary within a week and level up continuously, his father's eyes changed.
His father hired the strictest tutors and devised the most brutal training program for him.
During those years, Reinhardt rarely saw his father smile; all he heard were "not enough," "again," and "you must do your best."
Every step forward brings not praise, but higher standards and stricter requirements.
My father was just a baron, but like all nobles, he harbored great ambitions and saw me as the only hope for the family's rise.
Reinhardt desperately longed to hear a simple word of approval from his father, a warm touch, but he never received it.
He buried this longing deep in his heart, transforming it into even greater motivation, believing that as long as he was strong enough and dazzling enough, one day...
Look at yourself now!
The father's words interrupted the boy's reminiscence.
"An eighteen-year-old legend! The light of Theo! Even the regent of Aura has to congratulate you! What an honor! This is a glory the Norin family has never experienced before!"
He took a step closer and stared intently into his son's eyes.
"My child, you will definitely win, and you will win decisively."
"The whole plains of Romania will know that my son, Ernest Norlin, is the greatest genius of our time! What saint? He was nearly thirty when he achieved legendary status."
"And you, my son, you are only eighteen! You possess an immortal quality!"
"Your future achievements will surely surpass those of the Holy King, allowing you to ascend to the legendary position of destiny, and even achieve immortality!"
Upon hearing this, Reinhardt's heart beat slightly faster.
"But, Father..."
His throat was a little dry as he said, "Aura would never be so simple. This duel is most likely a trap set to deal with me."
“A trap?” Ernest scoffed, interrupting him.
"Which of the destined powerhouses in history hasn't fallen into countless traps?!"
"If you can't even face the minions of the Kingdom of Aura, how will you face the arrogant Red Emperor in the future, and how will you lead Theo to revival?"
The Baron himself was of mediocre talent and had been unremarkable in his early years until Reinhardt showed extraordinary talent. In the Baron's eyes, his son was the most outstanding, and his excellence would become his topic of conversation and glory.
But the Baron was not satisfied.
He wanted to gain more glory and wanted to prove that he was not mediocre through his son.
So he placed his hands on Reinhardt's shoulders, his gaze intense.
“Reinhardt, my dear son, I believe in you.”
"You never let me down, and this time is no exception. Go to Twin Moon Canyon, defeat that Aura's Edge, and win back the glory that belongs to our Norlin family, and the future of Theo!"
"I will be proud of you."
Upon hearing this, Reinhardt was slightly taken aback.
For the first time in his life, he felt valued and recognized by his father.
"I"
He was still somewhat hesitant and did not answer directly.
The baron interrupted him again, released his hand, and smiled, "I believe in you. You always make the right choices, and you always win."
Soon after, only Reinhardt remained in the room.
But he hadn't fallen asleep yet, gazing absently at the night view outside the window.
Just then, a light shone from the badge he carried with him.
"Reinhardt."
The king's voice came from inside.
The badges bestowed upon them were not merely symbols of honor, but also allowed for direct communication with the king.
Reinhardt immediately stood up straight: "Your Majesty, I salute you."
The king sent a message about a duel.
Without any preamble, he said directly, "Reinhardt, I know you're highly praised right now and used to compliments. You might feel that backing down would make you look down on, but let me tell you, a true strongman is not a reckless fool who doesn't know fear, but a wise man who knows how to assess risks and prepare for the future."
"If you refuse now, no one has the right to call you a coward."
"I will announce to the public that this is the kingdom's decision, and you are not allowed to participate in the duel."
“You are still young, and you have a long road ahead of you. Theo has waited for you for twenty-four years. We can wait another ten, twenty, or even a hundred years until you are truly fully grown and your foundation is unbreakable. Then you can challenge Aura however you want! But not now.”
Reinhardt said in a low voice, "But the people's voice is very strong, many nobles, and ambassadors from other kingdoms also..."
There was a brief silence on the other end.
A few seconds later, the king said wearily, "You are too young and do not understand the unpredictability of people's hearts. Those who smile at you are not your friends, but a pack of wolves and tigers."
Reinhardt remained noncommittal.
"Your Majesty, I will seriously consider this matter."
The young legend responded, "Don't worry, although I am young, it doesn't mean I am easily influenced. I know my limits."
Early autumn, a night with a full moon.
Twin Moon Canyon is a treacherous place located between Aura and Theo.
On both sides are steep cliffs, as if cut by a knife and axe, towering into the clouds, barren of any vegetation, while the valley floor is wide, with the ground covered with rough sand and gravel and jagged rocks.
Tonight, the howling wind seemed to have subsided considerably, replaced by a sense of desolation.
The area within a hundred miles has been cleared.
On the highest points on the east and west sides of the canyon, some figures can be vaguely seen.
Those were legends from various countries who came to witness the duel.
In the center of the valley, a figure stood silently.
It was a being with the body of a human and the body of a horse, and it also had many dragon-like features.
Her upper body was as lithe and agile as a cheetah, covered with taut skin. On either side of her forehead, a pair of steel-gray horns pierced the night sky, their tips gleaming coldly. Her shoulders, arms, chest, and key parts of her strong horse body were adorned with hard black dragon scales, like natural armor.
What is most striking is the pair of enormous wings that fold behind her.
The feathers are pure white, but the edges gleam with an iron-like luster; they appear soft, but in reality, they conceal a sharp edge.
On the ground beside her, a heavy, dark broadsword was stuck diagonally, while on the other side, a longbow with elegant curves hung silently.
He was the Ranger General of the Kingdom of Aura.
Aura's Edge, a dragon-blooded centaur named Elvie who has reached the legendary realm.
Finally, as the moonlight was clear and full, footsteps were heard from the east side of the canyon.
Tap, tap, tap...
The sound of boots stepping on gravel, unhurried and gentle, echoed in the utterly silent valley.
A tall, slender figure arrived here under the watchful eyes of many.
Reinhard Norlin.
Youthful spirit overcame all doubts.
After much struggle and deliberation, the youngest legend in the history of the Romanian plains finally decided to come as promised.
They gazed at the elegant, agile, powerful, and dangerous centaur opposite them.
Reinhardt felt a heavy sense of oppression.
In particular, those eyes. When they met, Reinhardt seemed to see a majestic dragon silently watching him, scrutinizing him, its gaze indifferent and utterly unmoving.
"This is strange."
Reinhardt felt a chill run down his spine.
The opponent is definitely not a simple legend!
However, he did not regret his choice.
"If you can't even face the minions of the Kingdom of Aura, how will you face the arrogant Red Emperor in the future, and how will you lead Theo to revival?"
He agreed with his father's words.
The Aura Blade before them was not even one of the legendary dragons of the Aura Kingdom, but merely a servant.
If even she cannot defeat him, how can he be worthy of the title "The Light of Theo" and the trust and support of countless citizens?
Moreover, he didn't think he would lose.
Reinhardt is a sword saint. Although he has just stepped into the legendary realm, he has already created five major traits. In terms of the number of traits, he even surpasses the legendary dragons. His talent is undeniable.
"That silly boy, he still came."
On a high ground, Theo's legends exchanged glances, each seeing the solemnity and helplessness in the other's eyes, before turning their gaze to the center of the duel.
Reinhardt slowly drew the longsword from his back.
The sword hummed softly, and his eyes instantly sharpened. Countless sword energies swirled around him, transforming into a domain.
With a blur of movement, rubble exploded beneath his feet, and Reinhardt transformed into a bolt of lightning, closing the distance at incredible speed.
Hypersensitive nerves, insight into weaknesses.
The dual-effect properties take effect first.
In Reinhardt's perception, time slowed down, and the nodes of magical flow on his opponent's body and the subtle signs of muscle exertion became clearly discernible.
At the same time, he clearly saw the dashing horsemen raise their longbows.
Buzz buzz buzz!
Dense golden lightning burst forth from her body, causing her aura to surge.
at the same time.
The centaur raised his left hand, which had been hanging by his side, and with a slight grasp, the elegantly curved longbow fell into his palm.
His right fingertip traced the bowstring, and countless lightning bolts extended from it, condensing into a golden arrow in mid-air. He then nocked the arrow and released it.
Reinhardt's pupils contracted sharply.
The sense of time slowing down brought on by his hypersensitive nerves remained, but the speed of the arrow seemed to completely ignore this slowing down, leaving a straight and blurry golden line in his perception, as if it had teleported to his front.
What a fast arrow!
It's almost unavoidable.
However, Reinhardt's body reacted before his thoughts could.
The forward momentum was abruptly reversed into a sideways block, the longsword coated with a layer of domain, held horizontally in front of the chest at the critical moment.
clang!
A powerful force traveled through the sword, causing Reinhardt's arm to tremble violently. He was pulled to the side and slid backward, his attack instantly thwarted before he could even get close.
Before he could adjust his posture, arrow after arrow came hurtling through the air.
Reinhardt was enveloped in a dense rain of arrows, but he was extremely fast. His longsword danced like a phantom as he weaved through the arrows, deflecting or cutting them off one after another.
Suddenly, an arrow struck his longsword and burst forth with a blinding light.
My senses were momentarily affected, and my vision was filled with golden light.
Boom!
He heard the ground cracking, like being trampled by heavy hooves.
The centaur's speed surpassed sound, and as the thunderous roar resounded, it had already approached its target, its greatsword already slashing horizontally towards the human swordsman.
clang!
Reinhardt instinctively raised his longsword to block the attack.
Intuitive counterattack – when the body senses a crisis, it retaliates at a speed that surpasses thought.
The two swords clashed.
Time seemed to freeze for a moment.
Immediately afterwards, Reinhardt felt as if he had been hit by a high-speed moving mountain, and he was thrown backward, with countless terrible cracks appearing in the area covering the sword.
Elvie did not give chase, but instead flapped her wings and flew into the air.
The bow was drawn to its fullest extent, reflecting the full moon hanging in the night sky. Then, the bowstring vibrated repeatedly, and a rain of arrows fell.
The human swordsman had barely regained his footing when he was once again engulfed in a hail of arrows.
After he paid a heavy price to break through the rain of arrows, what awaited him was a heavy slash from the charging horses, which his body was completely unable to withstand head-on.
The men and horses were strong and powerful, their attacks were fierce, and they seemed tireless.
High-intensity combat often means high-intensity attrition.
Under her onslaught, Reinhardt gradually became overwhelmed, his domain began to weaken, and his perception and reaction time gradually declined.
Just then.
The horseman leaped into the air again, his body almost overlapping the full moon, drawing the bowstring taut.
Then, the arrow pierced the air without making a sound.
They fell silently like countless golden lightning bolts.
Reinhardt dodged again, but his movements were too slow to completely avoid or block. When forced to do so, he could only shrink his domain in front of him, forming a thin but hard barrier.
Click click click!
The moment the light arrow touched the barrier, cracks began to appear.
The rain of arrows seemed endless, and the cracks on the domain grew more numerous and deeper, first as fine as spider demons, then collapsing with a roar, transforming into countless fireflies.
"it's over"
Reinhardt seemed to hear those three words, not from the air, but from his own heart, from his body on the verge of collapse, from those indifferent eyes that were watching him.
Several golden arrows pierced through the final defenses and entered Reinhardt's body.
He groaned and slammed his body heavily onto the ground, sending sand and gravel flying everywhere.
Warm liquid gushed from several penetrating wounds on the chest, shoulders, and sides, soaking through the clothes. Even though vital organs were avoided, the human body is fragile, and these injuries were already quite serious.
Worst of all, the residual energy from those arrows was still wreaking havoc within his body.
All the internal organs were severely damaged.
In the night sky, the centaur's pure white wings fluttered gently, its longbow was fully drawn, and arrows were locked onto the swordsman's head and heart, ready to deliver the final blow.
Just then, several figures rushed over.
"The duel is over, we concede!"
Theo's legends stood in front of the centaur.
The legends of other kingdoms watched coldly, with no intention of intervening.
In fact, they would have preferred to see Reinhard die here, an eighteen-year-old legend whom all the kingdoms, except Theo, considered a thorn in their side.
However, he himself was unaware of the cruelty of this world.
Reinhardt lay on the ground, staring blankly at the sky, his consciousness gradually fading.
It turns out that, let alone the arrogant Red Emperor, even his subordinates and henchmen were no match for him.
Under the moonlight, he suddenly felt that all those flowers and praises, all those compliments and adoration, seemed to be just a fleeting dream, his own fantasy, so unrealistic.
"Was it all a dream? Time to wake up."
He murmured softly, then lost consciousness.
In mid-air, Elvie put away her weapon and did not insist on giving chase.
She glanced down at the humans lying in pools of blood, then turned around, her four hooves leaving the ground, her wings flapping, and soared into the distant night sky.
For a human being to suffer such a severe injury, even if they survive, their innate potential will be greatly diminished.
She has achieved her goal.
This duel is, after all, ostensibly for friendly sparring. If the duel is to be carried out with the intention of killing, it might give other kingdoms some excuse to use against it. Prince Iron has already considered this and has given instructions in advance.
368 AD (New Calendar)
The young legend Reinhardt suffered a devastating blow in Twin Moon Canyon and disappeared without a trace, with news of his death spreading. Theo's hope was ignited, but he was soon plunged into deeper despair.
Time continued to flow by, neither hurried nor slow.
In the blink of an eye, several years have passed.
King Lorthorn, O'Brien, suffered multiple severe injuries due to the intense use of the domain during the two wars, resulting in serious damage to his life essence and a gradual weakening of his body.
In the year 371 of the New Calendar, the throne of Lorthorn passed to Raymond, the ninth son of O'Brien.
In the year 372 of the new calendar, the new King Lorthorn broke through the legend.
In the new calendar year 374, the Iron Prince of the Kingdom of Aura began to sleep.
In the year 375 of the new calendar, the old king of Lorthorn passed away, and the entire nation observed a moment of silence.
In the year 376 of the New Calendar, in the Kingdom of Aura, another Emperor's Wing, the Fire Prince, went into slumber.
Time passed quietly, and the Romanian countries entered a period of peaceful development. No major events occurred, and the Kingdom of Lorse absorbed the fruits of victory, growing stronger day by day and gradually regaining its former glory, faintly regaining the prestige it once had as the head of the federation.
until
394 in the Gregorian calendar.
On the continent of Aurotara, where the elves reside, a magnificent and dazzling meteor shower fell from the sky, then transformed into countless meteors that struck the earth. Many legends tried to defend against it, but still could not intercept them all.
The catastrophe swept across the continent of Aurotara, which the Nausir Empire called a natural disaster.
Atlanta was not affected.
Instead of taking advantage of the situation, the Holden Human Empire remained focused on its Abyss development project, which appeared to be making significant progress.
(End of this chapter)
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