Chapter 100: The Might of the Legendary Knight
Scene: The castle's training grounds, early afternoon. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting long shadows across the wide-open space. The air is thick with anticipation as the knights and heroes prepare for the intense training session led by Commander Thalanor.
Narrator: The time has come for the true test of the heroes' and knights' strength. Commander Thalanor, once known as the greatest Knight Commander in the South Nation, will lead them in a series of trials to gauge their abilities. But this will be no ordinary training session—the stakes are higher, and the challenge more formidable.
Thalanor, his presence commanding and powerful, stands at the center of the training grounds. His hand rests on the hilt of his sword, his gaze sweeping across the assembled knights and heroes. There is a quiet intensity in his demeanor, a clear sign that this training will push them to their limits.
Thalanor: (commandingly) Knights of the South Nation, heroes who have returned from Mula—I will now test your strength. This will not be an easy trial, but it is necessary. I must know that you are prepared for the battle that lies ahead.
The knights stand at attention, their expressions serious and focused. The heroes, too, are ready, their resolve unwavering. They know that this is the moment to prove themselves—to show Thalanor that they are ready to stand against Zarek and his forces.
Thalanor: (firmly) Knights, you will attack me first. All of you, at once. Show me the strength you have gained. Do not hold back.
The knights exchange glances, surprised by the command, but they trust in Thalanor's judgment. They ready their weapons, forming a united front as they prepare to attack. Thalanor, meanwhile, draws his sword—a blade that seems to hum with power, a dark shade of orange emanating from it.
Narrator: Thalanor's sword is no ordinary weapon. It is imbued with an ancient technique passed down through generations in his family, known as Kenjutsu. This technique allows him to wield his sword with unmatched precision, cutting through anything with swift, fluid movements.
With a sudden burst of movement, the knights charge at Thalanor, their swords raised high. The training grounds echo with the sound of their war cries as they move in unison, determined to land a strike on their legendary commander.
Thalanor's eyes narrow as he assesses the approaching attack. With a swift motion, he draws his sword, the blade slicing through the air with incredible speed. His movements are almost too fast to follow, his body flowing like liquid as he weaves between the knights' attacks.
Thalanor: (calmly) Kenjutsu… First Form: Liquid Strike.
The knights' attacks are met with nothing but air as Thalanor moves through their ranks, his sword cutting through their defenses with effortless precision. One by one, the knights are blown back, their swords knocked from their hands as they struggle to keep up with Thalanor's movements.
Knight 1: (shocked) How… how is he so fast?
Knight 2: (in awe) It's like he's untouchable… I can't even see his sword!
In a matter of moments, the knights are all on the ground, disarmed and awestruck by the sheer power and skill of their commander. Thalanor stands in the center of the training grounds, his sword still glowing with a dark shade of orange, untouched and unscathed.
Narrator: The knights have witnessed the true might of Kenjutsu, a technique that makes Thalanor nearly invincible on the battlefield. His movements are fluid, his strikes precise, and his power overwhelming. The heroes watch in shock, realizing the gap between them and their commander.
Eren, Rylan, Aria, and Asher stand together, their expressions a mix of awe and determination. They know that they are next—that Thalanor will test them as well.
Eren: (whispering) Did you see that? He took down all those knights without even breaking a sweat.
Rylan: (grinning) This is going to be intense. But we've trained for this—we can do it.
Aria: (nodding) We'll have to work together if we want to stand a chance.
Asher: (calmly) Let's show him what we've got. We're ready for this.
Thalanor turns to the heroes, his expression serious but not unkind. He sees the potential in them—the strength they have gained from their training in Mula—and he knows that they are the key to the South Nation's defense.
Thalanor: (commandingly) Heroes, it is your turn. Attack me together. Show me everything you've learned. Do not hold back—use your full power.
The heroes nod, their resolve firm. They step forward, their auras beginning to glow as they prepare to unleash their abilities. Aria is the first to move, charging at Thalanor with the hand-to-hand combat technique known as Kito, which she learned from the Master of Combat in Mula.
Aria: (shouting) Kito—First Strike!
Aria's fists fly at Thalanor with incredible speed, each strike aimed with precision. Asher quickly follows, using the same technique to attack from the opposite side. Their movements are fluid, a perfect combination of speed and power.
Thalanor, however, blocks their attacks with ease, his sword moving almost lazily as he deflects each strike. His expression is calm, almost as if he's testing their strength rather than fighting them seriously.
Thalanor: (calmly) You're skilled, but you'll need to do better than that.
Rylan and Eren take the opportunity to swoop in, attacking with a barrage of fists from different angles. Thalanor blocks their attacks just as easily, his movements precise and controlled. He seems almost untouchable, his sword moving with such fluidity that it's as if he's anticipating their every move.
Asher, seeing an opening, uses his mana liquid to create a large sword, charging at Thalanor with all his strength. The liquid sword clashes with Thalanor's blade, but the force of the impact sends Asher flying backward, his attack easily overpowered.
Asher: (gritting his teeth) He's… so strong!
Eren, realizing they need to combine their strength, calls out to Asher.
Eren: (shouting) Asher, let's use Fusion Burst!
Asher nods, quickly recovering and focusing his mana. The two heroes channel their energy together, creating a powerful burst of combined mana that they launch at Thalanor. The impact is immense, the force of the attack blowing Thalanor back a few steps.
For a moment, it seems like they've gained the upper hand, but Thalanor quickly recovers, his expression still calm as he adjusts his stance.
Thalanor: (impressed) Not bad. But you'll need more than that to take me down.
Aria, seizing the opportunity, throws a mana grenade at Thalanor, the explosive energy hurtling toward him. At the same time, Rylan uses his Black Arrow ability, firing a dark projectile straight at Thalanor's heart.
Thalanor's eyes narrow slightly as he senses the attacks coming from both sides. With a swift motion, he pours his mana into his sword, the dark orange aura flaring up around the blade.
Thalanor: (shouting) Mana Slash!
With a powerful swing of his sword, Thalanor unleashes a wave of mana that cuts through both Aria's grenade and Rylan's arrow, nullifying their attacks in an instant. The power of the slash sends shockwaves through the training grounds, leaving the heroes momentarily stunned.
Narrator: Thalanor's power is overwhelming, but the heroes refuse to give up. They know that they must push themselves to their limits if they hope to stand against him. Eren and Rylan exchange a quick glance, a silent understanding passing between them.
Eren uses Spacial Drift to move with incredible speed, appearing behind Thalanor in an instant. He forms his mana liquid into two clones, each one attacking from different angles to keep Thalanor on the defensive.
Thalanor, however, easily cuts through the clones with his sword, his movements swift and precise. But as he does, he feels a shift in the air—Rylan and Eren are preparing their next attack.
Eren and Rylan: (in unison) Abyssal Blade! Golden Blade!
Rylan and Eren charge at Thalanor, their mana blades glowing with dark and golden energy. The two blades clash against Thalanor's sword, creating a powerful explosion of mana that sends shockwaves through the air.
For the first time, Thalanor is forced to take a step back, his expression one of surprise and approval. The heroes have managed to push him further than he expected, and he is genuinely impressed by their strength and teamwork.
Thalanor: (smiling) Well done. You've managed to catch me off guard. Your strength is enough to fight even the toughest of enemies.
The heroes, panting and exhausted from the intense battle, lower their weapons. They are tired, but there is a sense of pride in their hearts—they have proven themselves worthy in the eyes of the legendary Thalanor.
The knights and warriors watching the battle erupt into applause, amazed by the display of power and skill. Even King Alden, standing at the edge of the training grounds, is filled with pride for the heroes and their determination.
King Alden: (proudly) You have all done exceptionally well. The strength you have shown today proves that you are ready to face the coming battle. With Thalanor leading us, we will stand strong against any enemy.
The chapter ends with the heroes and knights standing tall, their resolve strengthened by the trial they have faced. They know that the battle ahead will be difficult, but they are ready—united and determined to protect the South Nation at all costs.