What sets a paladin apart from a regular knight?
The distinction lies in their role as knights of the church, bound by the tenets of faith and religion.
The church has access to a wealth of knowledge accumulated over time by faithful believers, giving them a variety of techniques that were once monopolized.
'And one of them is right before my eyes.' Callius thought as he watched Arden supplying the bright yellow mana into his sword. 'In the end, not everyone can be a paladin either.' Remembering the requirements to become a paladin, he measured the magic as he started getting ready to confront it.
"By the light's embrace, I wield my might."
The mighty voice of chant started as Arden took his position with his sword raised on his head.
"What is he doing?" The surroundings got surprised as they saw Arden stopping in his tracks with his sword positioned above his head.
"He is chanting the judgment magic of paladins." A young man with glasses answered his friend as he fixed it with his middle finger. "Judgment magic? What is it?" His friend asked in response. "A technique to punish the heretics determined by the church. A very strong technique that was said to use the power of goddess Celestia." As her friend answered, the other one had a gaze filled with excitement. "Does this mean that the perpetrator will face the consequences?" she asked, observing the young man who had his eyes shut. "Only time will tell. But, I can only say one thing." Was his response. "What?" the girl asked. "This magic can only be used when permission from the church is granted." He answered as he was looking at the scene. "Not everyone can use it randomly."
This type of dialogue filled the arena, as the audience started looking at the scene with the eyes that were shining.
'Such a huge mana consumption.' Callius thought as he saw the mana that was getting absorbed by the magic with his All-Seeing Eye. 'Then, should I show the world how it is done.' He thought as he remembered a certain chant that he found in the book of a certain dead mage.
"In the realm of fire, where embers blaze," As Callius' mouth moved, the words of magic entered the world, making an abrupt change. The aura of orange enveloped the atmosphere as the mana around him started getting more and more dense.
"A paladin's magic, radiant and bright." Arden kept going with his chant, as the aura of light started shining around, illuminating the arena that had witnessed countless types of magic before.
"Ancient powers, a fiery haze."
"With armor strong and heart devout,"
"I call upon inferno's might,"
"I smite the darkness, casting light throughout."
"To wield its magic, burning bright."
"With righteous fury, my blade does sing,"
"Ignite the fire, let it soar,"
"A beacon of justice, to which evils cling."
"From spark to the pyre, forevermore."
"I stand as a shield, defending the weak,"
"By dragon's breath and phoenix's flight,"
"Guided by honor, the path I seek."
"Unleash your flames, in radiant light."
With their gazes locked in a fierce intensity, the combatants pressed on, their voices resonating with power. The cadence of their incantations intertwined, creating a chaotic symphony that confounded the audience. A palpable tension gripped the vast arena, as both adversaries understood that this decisive clash of magic would determine the outcome of their relentless duel.
"Through battles fierce, my magic ignites."
Amidst the echoing words of the mighty paladins of the church, the radiant light converged upon the young boy, casting a dazzling glow upon his form. His sword gleamed with an ethereal brilliance, a luminescent pillar of light extending from its very tip.
"With hands raised high, words of power,"
Within the rhythm of Callius' unyielding chant, the very air seemed to ignite with his fervor. Flames danced and twirled around him, forming a tempestuous vortex that cloaked him in a blazing inferno. The scorching heat emanating from his being became a testament to his formidable command over the elemental forces, as he stood as the epicenter of a mesmerizing display of fiery power.
"Divine energy courses through my veins.
In the name of virtue, I proclaim.
I shall make this world fair and clean, once again."
As the chant of judgment magic finished, brilliant light of pillar surged from the tip of Arden's sword, as the tip was pointing to the sides, which would normally target the audience. However, the beam was blocked by the magical barrier that was surrounding the arena, as the audience was safe.
"RADIANT VALOR!"
Shouting the name of his magic with a strong voice, Arden swung his sword as a beam of light spread to the arena, aimed at the young boy whose hands were raised to the sky.
"I summon fire in this very hour.
Dancing flames, chaos untamed,
Break free from chains, be unashamed!
PYRALITHIA!"
As the ancient words of Pyralithia echoed through the air, a shimmering wave of crimson energy surged forth. Sparks danced and flickered, swirling in a mesmerizing display, forming a swirling vortex of fiery hues. Flames erupted from the ground, snaking and writhing like living entities, hungry for release.
As Callius stood firm, his eyes ablaze with the color of blood, he raised his hand, a searing inferno engulfing his palms. With a commanding gesture, he thrust his fiery appendages forward, sending forth crackling tendrils of flame that danced and writhed through the air.
In a clash of elemental forces belonging to each contestant, the fiery tendrils collided with a beam of pure, radiant light that streamed toward Callius. The collision created a dazzling spectacle—a fierce struggle between fire and illumination. The fiery tendrils swirled and twisted, battling against the ethereal beam, creating a vortex of contrasting energies.
"How beautiful…" The audience was in awe as they witnessed the pure display of magic in front of their eyes. "So, this is the magic of the first rank….." A mumble couldn't help but escape from their mouths.
