On the first day of the Blade Dance, every team moved with caution through the forested ruins of Megidoa. Once a grand city of spirits, it was now a wasteland of relics, trees, and rivers. With careful scavenging, surviving seven days here was feasible.
The Holy Spirit Knights, representing the Holy Lucia Kingdom, were among the competitors. Unlike the Areishia Spirit Academy's students, these elite soldiers underwent militarized training, each member a seasoned warrior with exceptional skills.
The Holy Lucia Kingdom, their sponsor, was notorious for researching spirit control, later dominating the Fire Spirit King and using him to wage war.
"Our mission from the Sacred Law Institution is clear: win the Blade Dance and ensure the elimination of the highest-ranking dark spirit." Luminaris Saint Leisched, the team's captain, declared.
"You mean Ren Ashbell?" A teammate asked.
"Exactly. The dark spirit in Ren Ashbell's possession is also our target." Luminaris confirmed.
"Sounds thrilling! Fighting the legendary strongest Blade Dancer should feel incredible." Another knight said eagerly.
"Don't get cocky. I faced her in the last Blade Dance. You're no match for her." Luminaris warned.
Luminaris Saint Leisched, a holy elementalist contracted to a sacred spirit, led the team as an operative of the kingdom's espionage-driven Sacred Law Institution. Moments after entering Megidoa, they began their mission.
"We don't know where Ren Ashbell's team is. Finding them will take time, so there's no rush. First, we collect magic stones to secure our spot in the finals." Luminaris said, prioritizing the tournament victory over their assassination task.
"Magic stones are scattered across the battlefield. We'll start here at the edge, gathering for three days, then move toward the center to seize stones from other teams."
"Yes, ma'am!" Her team responded in unison.
"Then, let's, "
"Captain, watch out!" A teammate shouted, deploying her spirit weapon to strike at something behind Luminaris.
"Enemy attack!" Luminaris barked, diving forward to evade while issuing orders. "Everyone, take cover and prepare for combat!"
As she hit the ground, a chilling shockwave grazed her back, raising goosebumps. Before she could react, two voices echoed from above.
"Rip apart, gale!"
"Roar, flames!"
A blazing green whirlwind fused with fire, forming a massive firestorm that plummeted toward them.
Boom!
The firestorm struck the ground like a tidal wave, erupting into a surge of flames that spread rapidly. The Holy Spirit Knights were scattered instantly, but Luminaris, reacting swiftly, endured the searing pain and summoned her spirit.
"Manifest, sacred spirit!"
A golden glow formed a barrier around her, shielding her body, but the intense heat still overwhelmed her, sweat beading on her forehead in seconds.
"Damn it, an ambush? They struck without us noticing, right at the tournament's start. This kind of power, they're aiming to end us in one blow!" Luminaris thought, bracing against the heat while analyzing the situation.
"Magic Ice Barrage!"
The fiery whirlwind subsided after five seconds, but as it faded, another voice rang out. A white light streaked down, landing just behind Luminaris.
"What!" She gasped, catching a glimpse of an ice arrow that nearly grazed her as it hit the ground.
Close call. Their aim was off…
Crack!
The arrow exploded, blooming into a jagged ice flower that sent Luminaris flying. She reacted quickly, turning to shield herself with her sacred spirit's power. But the ice's sharp edges tore through her clothes, slicing her arms, legs, and chest. Her pristine uniform was reduced to tatters.
Tumbling across the ground, Luminaris clawed at the earth to stop herself. The clash of fire and ice created a thick mist, obscuring the battlefield.
"What's happening? Where are they? Fire, wind, and ice, what team is this?" She muttered, unable to see through the fog.
"Captain, hel, ahh!" A teammate's voice cut off with a scream.
"They're here, argh!" Another cried out.
"Damn you, die!" A third shouted, followed by another wail.
The fog echoed with her teammates' voices, each cut short by screams. They were being picked off one by one.
"Holy Light, protect!" Luminaris roared, unleashing her spirit magic. A radiant glow burst from her, illuminating the area.
"Sacred Sword, manifest!" She commanded, grasping a golden longsword, her spirit weapon.
"Holy Light, cleave!" She slashed forward, the light dispersing the mist and revealing the battlefield.
Her four teammates lay defeated on the ground. At the center stood a brown-haired girl, back turned, holding a familiar blade.
"That sword!" Luminaris recognized it instantly, her shock turning to fury. "Demon Slayer, the Sword of Piercing Truth! You're Ren Ashbell!"
Kamito, as Ren Ashbell, glanced back impassively, then crouched and charged. In a blink, he was before her.
"Damn you, don't, " Luminaris gripped her sacred sword, ready to counter, but Kamito's speed was overwhelming. He dodged her blade effortlessly.
"Sorry, I'm in a hurry." He said flatly, driving his dark magic sword into her chest.
The Holy Lucia Kingdom's Holy Spirit Knights were annihilated at the Blade Dance's opening.
***
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