The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 180. 2 Dark Blue Eyes, 2 Dark Yellow Eyes, 100s of Dark Green Eyes

                                                                    John Ericsson's Point Of View

" GO!"

With Delcan's shout, Charlotte and I run at each other. It was when we were about halfway towards each other that I realized I didn't have Scarlet or a training sword with me.

" Got you!"

Charlotte yelled at she raised her sword preparing to split my head open like a knife through a watermelon.

/CLANG!/

" What!?"

A sound echoed through the arena as Charlotte's sword was stuck in mid-air like she hit an invisible wall.

" A Barrier!?"

" Well, I do have a few options!"

Using that brief moment of confusion, I jumped back around 15 feet. I really need to ask Angela to thank the God who made Holy Mana available for Humans. I'd be able to place 1st in any Olympic event with ease now with how strengthened my body has become.

" So, you chose to run from me?"

As Charlotte landed on the ground from being stuck in my Barrier, she couldn't help but notice how far away I got from her. It seems she didn't like my decision. 

" What can I say? Swords are scary when you don't have one yourself."

I cracked a smile at her as I answered her. Huh? Her face... Why is it red? Did the Barrier really surprise her that bad? I mean... It is warm out today, like a spring day that's on the hotter side. The summer is ending though. I wonder if the temperature will drop soon? I could really use a glass of water right now. Wait! I just realized! I didn't control the output! I looked at Sarah and Anna as I realized it. Ah, they're both looking at me with knowing looks. It looks like I'm going to punished even if I win this. I've got to remember to use the image I thought up for the mana output.

" What? Why are you making that face?"

Charlotte has gotten more talkative since the fight started. I guess the blood is rushing to her head and she's being more aggressive? I guess she saw that I made a " I've made a mistake" face.

" Sorry, I was thinking about... The future..."

Charlotte heard my words and she seemed to misunderstand something.

" Don't worry! My Mom... Queen Crystal isn't going to ask for anything terrible from you, Marquess Matthew... It's actually something nice... At least I think it is."

While puzzled at the fact that she thought I was worried about the requests, I decided not to correct her. The distraction took my concentration away from my new image to practice managing my mana output. It wasn't too difficult to be honest, I just returned to the image of a waterfall and only allowed a certain amount of " water" out to fill a bucket. After some practice, I can fill the bucket only halfway to make my magic work. Usually, it took a whole bucket's worth of " water" to use my magic. When I explained this to Sarah and Anna, they were happy for me... But they said in time I'll be able to reduce it to 1/10th of what is needed for a beginner. I need to remember to think of the bucket when I use my magic. 

" But, if you're so concerned, just accept my sword now! So, I can prove what I've said!"

Interrupting my thoughts, Charlotte began to rush towards me. Wait! She's running at me in a straight line again! I can use this!

" Hyah!"

Charlotte swung her sword from above. Just like I hoped for! First, I set a Barrier shaped like a bed out behind her. The half full method worked! Next, I waited for the strike to come towards me so I could dodge it.