Suddenly, the air around them changed.
The playful tone, the mockery, the back and forth words all vanished as if they had never existed.
In their place came something heavier, something that pressed down on the ground itself. Both sides stopped moving at the same time, as if an invisible signal had been given.
Then, their mana flared.
From Cerys, a deep and dark aura spread outward, like shadows given life. It coiled around her body, crawling across the ground like living darkness, swallowing the light beneath her feet. It was not chaotic, nor was it unstable. It moved with control, with purpose, like a silent predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
From the young man, a radiant glow burst forth, bright and intense. His holy mana rose like a blazing flame, pure and shining, pushing back against the darkness that Cerys released. The ground beneath him glowed faintly, as if blessed by the light he carried.
Two forces.
Two opposites.
And they stood facing each other.
The young man tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a confident smile as he observed the shadow surrounding Cerys.
"So," he began, his tone filled with amusement, "a shadow user."
His eyes narrowed slightly, studying her more carefully.
"From the Shadow Saive Kingdom, perhaps?" he added, tapping the side of his head as if thinking deeply. "That would explain the attribute. Dark, silent, hidden… yes, it fits."
He chuckled softly.
"But are you sure you can take me on?"
He shifted his stance slightly, lifting his sword just enough for the blade to catch the light.
"Tell you what," he continued, his voice taking on a more playful tone, "I actually like beautiful girls like you."
His gaze lingered on her face for a moment longer than necessary.
"So how about this," he said with a grin. "Instead of fighting you, why not let me have a go against your master?"
He pointed his sword lazily toward Clay.
"We settle it quickly, and everyone goes home happy."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—
Cerys's shadow mana exploded.
It did not just rise.
It surged.
The darkness around her thickened, deepened, and spread further, as if her earlier display had been nothing more than a small fraction of what she could truly release. The ground beneath her feet darkened, cracks forming as the pressure increased.
Her eyes, calm just moments ago, now carried something colder.
Something sharper.
The young man blinked.
Then he laughed.
"Ah, there it is," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That reaction. That little burst of anger. That is what I was waiting for."
He slowly clapped his hands together, the sound echoing lightly.
"Impressive. Truly impressive," he continued, nodding as if praising a performance. "To be able to release that much shadow mana at your age… you must think quite highly of yourself."
He took a step forward, completely unfazed.
"Let me guess," he added, tilting his head. "You trained in secrecy, hidden away somewhere, building up your power so that one day you could stand proudly before others and show them what you have achieved."
He chuckled again.
"It is a common story. I have heard it many times."
His expression turned slightly sharper.
"But there is one thing you seem to misunderstand."
He raised his sword slightly, the holy light around it intensifying.
"No matter how much darkness you gather, it will never surpass the light."
His voice grew colder.
"Shadow exists because light allows it. Without light, there is nothing for shadow to cling to."
He pointed the tip of his blade directly at her.
"You stand here thinking you are strong, but in truth, you are only borrowing existence from something greater."
His lips curled into a smirk.
"And now, you dare to challenge that very source?"
Behind Cerys, Clay narrowed his eyes slightly.
System, who is this?
The system responded calmly.
The person is not present in your previous life memories. There is no record of someone like him aggressively pursuing the Ice heroine.
Clay's eyes flickered slightly.
So… he's not that important?
Don't tell me he's another main character or side character?
The system continued.
His personality is overly arrogant and overly proud. He displays a strong sense of superiority, likely due to early success or recognition. Individuals like this tend to overestimate their abilities and underestimate others, especially those who do not display their strength openly…
The explanation continued in detail, breaking down his behavior, his tone, his posture, even the way he held his sword and spoke his words.
He seeks validation through dominance. He enjoys placing himself above others, often provoking conflict to reinforce his self image. Such individuals are rarely central figures in major events unless their personality undergoes significant change.
Conclusion. He is unlikely to be important.
Clay exhaled quietly.
So I can do anything.
His gaze returned to the young man.
He is weak.
But something feels off.
Why is he acting like this?
Should I kill him now?
His thoughts paused for a moment.
No.
Better to wait.
My ability is on cooldown. One week.
If something happens, I need it ready.
His eyes shifted slightly toward Cerys. He decided to slowly crack his neck.
Nah, forget it… Better erase him now.
My maid might not be as strong as the Final Villainess… but she should be enough for this task.
As long as she listens to my commands of course.
Suddenly, before Clay could order his maid to get rid of the man, Frazanna stepped forward.
Her movement was swift and firm, placing herself directly between the two sides. Her sword rose, pointing toward the young man as her icy aura spread outward, lowering the temperature around them.
The young man's eyes widened.
"What are you doing?" he snapped. "I told you not to interfere."
Frazanna did not even glance at him.
"I will interfere if I want to," she replied calmly.
Her gaze shifted briefly toward Clay and Cerys behind her.
"I understand that you are under stress," she continued, her tone steady. "You spoke those words out of frustration. I will not hold it against you."
She tightened her grip on her sword.
"But I cannot allow this to escalate further."
Before she could say more, Cerys stepped forward again.
"No one can stop me," she said coldly. "Today, the one who insulted my master will die."
Frazanna's eyes sharpened.
Her ice mana surged.
The air grew colder.
Frost began to form along the ground, spreading outward in thin layers.
"I will fight anyone who started this," she said firmly.
Her voice carried authority.
Not arrogance.
Not pride.
Just certainty.
The young man stared at her, stunned.
Cerys tilted her head slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
"Okay…" she said softly.
But her eyes told a different story.
To her, this man was nothing.
Nothing but a minor obstacle.
A fleeting presence.
The young man suddenly shouted.
"No! You cannot do that!"
His holy mana flared violently, rising around him like a storm of light.
"You cannot step in front of me like this!" he continued, his voice filled with frustration. "This is not your fight!"
The light around him grew stronger, almost blinding.
Frazanna did not move.
Instead, she spoke again.
"I apologize for the trouble," she said, turning slightly toward Clay. "I will make up for this in the future."
Her voice softened just a little.
"I will do anything to repay you."
Anything.
Those words lingered.
But Clay's expression immediately froze.
Inside his head—
Nope.
Nope.
Absolutely not.
He immediately shook his head internally.
There is no way I am accepting that.
Being connected to someone like her?
A fated individual?
No thanks.
I am not risking everything for that.
Without another word, he spoke out loud.
"No need," he said quickly.
Then he kicked the horse beneath him.
The animal responded instantly, surging forward as Clay urged it to run at full speed.
Wind rushed past them.
Dust rose behind them.
Inside his mind, his thoughts raced.
There is no way I am getting involved with her.
If I get tied to her fate, I might lose everything.
I still have my ability.
I still have a chance to survive the catastrophe.
I am not throwing that away.
Behind him, Cerys followed without hesitation.
But as she moved, she cast one last glance backward.
Her eyes were no longer playful.
No longer bright.
They were cold.
Sharp.
Filled with killing intent.
"I will end this insect later…"