The Darksield Chronicles

Chapter 29: Duel

Wraith POV

One hour later, Wraith stepped out of the tunnel and onto a glassy plain of smooth black rock outside a volcano. The volcano was massive, easily five times taller than Warfang. Scorpions lined the sides of a circular field that was at least thirty feet wide in diameter. On the other side of the field stood Magma.

"Little Legend," Magma called. "Do you still think you have what it takes to beat me?"

Scorpions started whispering among themselves at the mention of Wraith. In answer, Wraith stepped onto the field and drew his sword.

Magma grinned. "Get ready to die."

Wraith glanced toward Sandstorm. "So, what are the rules?"

"You fight until either one of you submits, or until one of you dies," the fire scorpion said grimly.

Wraith nodded. He had expected something like this. He walked forward, as did Magma, until they were standing ten feet apart.

Horizon came forward and stood in the middle of the ring. "You all know the rules of engagement," he announced. "So, I will make this simple. If Magma wins, the loser shall leave the forgotten city to find his own path. Should the challenger win, then he shall lead us into battle against the dark master. Begin." He stepped away amidst many whispers among the crowd.

Wraith surveyed his opponent. His opponent's size would give him advantage, but that impressive armor of his would probably slow him down. Going on offense would be a problem. If he tried to attack from behind, Magma could fight him off with his tail, same with an aerial attack. If he tried an attack from either side, the pincers would get him, and if he tried a full-frontal assault, he would be faced by both the pincers and the tail. So, he needed to fight smart. Wraith drew his dagger and changed it into its sword form. He got into a fighting position. First, he needed to determine his opponent's speed.

Magma charged and swiped his claws at Wraith.

Wraith backflipped and parried a tail strike. Then he charged forward and lashed out with his swords, but they clanged off Magma's armor. Wraith had to jump backward to avoid being skewered by the tail. He grinned. Time to really start fighting. He charged. As soon as Magma swung his tail at him, Wraith teleported behind him and disappeared into the shadows.

Sandstorm POV

Sandstorm watched as the two dueled. Wraith seemed to be testing Magma. He watched as Wraith attempted what looked like a suicide charge, but at the last possible instant, he disappeared. Sandstorm's eyes widened. He had heard that the chosen one would have unusual powers, but he had never anticipated something like that. Apparently, neither had Magma.

Magma spun around but Wraith did not appear. Suddenly, Magma's head jerked sideways as if he had been hit by something. A series of sharp clangs rang out, and several sparks flew from all around Magma, mostly around his joints. Magma went nuts and swung around wildly, trying to hit Wraith. But judging from the continued barrage of attacks, Magma did not succeed.

Suddenly, Wraith appeared out of nowhere above Magma's head. The scorpions gasped as Wraith brought both fists down, swords still clenched in each hand, and slammed Magma's head into the ground. Then Wraith vaulted away and faced Magma who had managed to free his head.

"I will kill you for that!" Magma roared and charged.

Wraith stayed put. The distance closed until Magma was almost five feet away. Then Wraith made an uppercut motion, and a fist of shadows burst out of the ground and sent Magma flying into the air.