Eclipsed

Chapter 77

High above the chaotic battlefield, Alric and Magnus soared through the skies atop Tiberon, a massive, fearsome beast with wings like storm clouds and scales shimmering like tempered steel. The beast cut through the air with a fierce elegance, each beat of its wings creating powerful gusts. Magnus, seated confidently near Tiberon's neck, had a piece of wheat dangling casually from his mouth. His light brown hair, tousled by the wind, framed his sharp features, and his piercing green eyes glinted with determination as they surveyed the scene below. Yoruzen and Kaiser stood on a rival flying beast, their presence commanding, but Magnus's demeanor was nonchalant, almost smug.

Kaiser stood at the forefront of the opposing beast, a long, tattered scarf-like cloth wrapped loosely around his head, leaving only his sharp, predatory eyes visible. He held his sword tightly, its dark blade gleaming ominously. His stance was confident, almost daring, but that confidence wavered when Magnus gave a subtle signal.

Magnus tilted his head toward Alric and gave a quick nod. "Alright, now, Alric. Go!"

Without hesitation, Alric leapt from Tiberon, his figure cutting through the air like a missile. The moment Kaiser saw the figure descending toward him, his eyes widened in disbelief. "What the FUCK!" he exclaimed, raising his sword too late to stop the incoming assault.

Alric crashed into Kaiser with relentless force, wrestling him off the flying beast. In the chaos, Alric swiftly pulled out a shimmering teleportation pearl. Before Kaiser could react, a burst of blinding light enveloped them, and they vanished into thin air.

Yoruzen, still standing on the beast, blinked in confusion. "Kaiser... What the hell just happened?"

His gaze snapped upward, and there he saw Magnus still atop Tiberon, relaxed and composed, the wheat in his mouth shifting slightly as he smirked down at Yoruzen. Magnus's light brown hair and vivid green eyes were striking against the stormy skies.

"Damn bastard," Yoruzen muttered, narrowing his eyes. "I thought you died."

Magnus's smirk grew wider. "Oh, I'm alive," he said, his voice carrying effortlessly through the wind. "Better start counting your days, Yoruzen."

With those words, Magnus leapt from Tiberon in a flash. His movements were a blur as he closed the distance to Yoruzen. In a heartbeat, he latched onto Yoruzen, and before the latter could react, they disappeared in another flash of light, reappearing some distance away.

As Magnus landed gracefully, Yoruzen stumbled briefly, but his attention was drawn to the sound of a distant clash. He turned and saw Kaiser locked in a brutal fight with Alric. Despite the distance, he could tell that Kaiser was struggling, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face.

"That boy..." Yoruzen muttered, his voice low but impressed. "Still alive. Astounding."

He shifted his gaze back to Magnus, studying the man with renewed interest. "I guess that's one of your students," he said, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and respect.

Magnus tilted his head slightly, the wheat in his mouth bobbing as he spoke lazily. "Guess ya could say that."

Yoruzen's lips curled into a faint smile. "You know, I've never fought you, but I've heard stories. They say you ventured into the so-called Hercules Dimension and came back alive. If that's true, you must be powerful."

Magnus gave a slight shrug, his smirk never faltering. "Why, thank ya. Getting praise from Yoruzen himself is certainly an honor."

Yoruzen's expression sharpened as he reached for his blade, the metal singing as it was drawn from its sheath. "I don't expect you to disappoint," he said, his voice laced with anticipation.