Guardian of Vulnerable Flames

Chapter 39

Rain's face got pale as he noticed a Fire Guardian gazing at Zephyr with a charming smile. The man, dressed in a formal outfit with his long black hair secured in a stylish man bun, exuded an air of confidence as he focused intensely on Zephyr. With an open hand extended in front of her, he awaited her response. Caught off guard by the unexpected attention, Zephyr's expression briefly reflected confusion. The intensity of the man's gaze made her uncomfortable, prompting her to glance between his eyes and Rain for a moment. Politely, she declined the invitation, telling the Fire Guardian, "I don't want to dance, thanks." Undeterred, the man persisted, encouraging Zephyr, "Come on, just one dance. I promise you won't regret it." However, Rain, protective and assertive, approached Zephyr, his brow furrowed as he addressed the persistent Fire Guardian. "She said she is fine. Go find another dance partner." The atmosphere around the group became charged with a subtle tension, as the Fire Guardian weighed his options in the face of Rain's protective stance.

As the Fire Guardian withdrew his inviting hand, his gaze shifted from Zephyr to Rain. The calm demeanor that typically accompanied Rain's presence had vanished, replaced by an unmistakable storm brewing within him. His usually serene aura had transformed into an intense energy that now radiated through the Winter Reception hall. Undeterred by the change in atmosphere, the Fire Guardian shifted his attention to Rain, locking eyes with his new target. "I am not talking to you, Water Guardian. I came here to dance with a beautiful lady, not to fight with a foolish water man," the Fire Guardian declared, his words laced with a hint of provocation. Zephyr, sensing the tension escalating, tried to intervene. She attempted to reassure everyone that everything was fine and even reached out to pull Rain away from the confrontation. However, Rain, consumed by the storm within, proved unyielding. His gaze remained fixed on the Fire Guardian, and Zephyr's attempts to mediate fell on deaf ears.

Rain, maintaining his composure despite the escalating tension, calmly told the Fire Guardian to go look for trouble elsewhere. The stranger, however, seemed to relish the challenge, grinning as he responded, "I think I found the perfect place for trouble. We should duel, water man." With a provocative gesture, the man extended his hand towards Rain, inviting him to shake hands before the impending duel. Leaf, observing the scene, initially believed that Rain would never engage in a duel with such an antagonist. However, his assumptions were shattered when Rain, against expectations, reached out to shake the stranger's hand. "Show me what you got, imbecile," Rain calmly declared, surprising not only the Fire Guardian but also his friends—Zephyr, Furie, and Leaf. The trio exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events. The atmosphere at the Winter Reception had taken an unexpected shift, plunging the group into a duel that none of them had anticipated. The question lingered in the air: What had just happened?

Rain and the Fire Guardian, consumed by the intensity of their impending duel, seemed to forget the Winter Reception and the world around them. In search of a suitable space, they navigated through the enchanting ice sculptures, finding an open area where their confrontation could unfold. Furie, shaking her head at the sudden turn of events, followed the two men who appeared to have momentarily lost their rationality. Zephyr, holding Furie's hand now, whispered, "What is happening? Are they really doing this right now?" Furie, equally puzzled, shook her head and replied, "I guess so. I think Rain is either going crazy or has had too much to drink." The trio found a safe spot close to the designated duel space, watching as the two men took their places and locked eyes with furious determination. The Fire Guardian seemed to relish the situation, sporting a sly smile, while Rain's face displayed a steely resolve tainted with anger.

Rain took the initiative in the duel, unleashing a series of water spells with precise control. The Fire Guardian found himself drenched as Rain skillfully manipulated the water around them. The man's once impeccably tailored outfit now clung to his body, waterlogged and heavy. Wave after wave, Rain continued his assault, conjuring water swirls that struck the Fire Guardian relentlessly. Despite the deluge, the man growled in frustration and, with a burst of fiery intensity, ignited himself. Swirling flames enveloped him as he retaliated, creating walls of fire that raced toward Rain.

In response, Rain showcased his mastery over water, swiftly and deftly dismantling each fiery onslaught. The clash of elements intensified, the magical duel unfolding amidst the Winter Reception taking a toll on the ice sculptures around them. The heat generated by the Fire Guardian's attacks began to melt the intricate ice creations, adding an unforeseen layer of complexity to the duel's surroundings. As the combatants pushed their elemental abilities to the limit, the magical display captivated onlookers, both awed and concerned by the power unleashed in the midst of the festive event.