Fight with Lazarus

Lazarus marched upon the grassy landscape as occultic energies clinged onto his figure.
His dominant arm, rested upon his katana's hilt, prepared to draw within a moment's notice, shall the necessity arise, or if he simply felt like doing so. It really became a habit to do so lately, not such a bad habit to have.

He kept on walking, and eventually he stumbled across Zaruma.
The occultic energies soon took on the form of occultic flames that engulfed him as a whole, scorching the grass that he stood and walked upon. Reducing it to nothingness.

"Zaruma…" - he spoke his name out whilst tapping his index finger rapidly against the hilt.
For awhile now, Lazarus wanted to put his strength to a test.
He thought he was ready; he became so much stronger. He even faced Arie Hon himself, making it out victorious.

"I'll have you duel me. This will be my way of proving my strength, and loyalty to you." - he added ontop of his previous sentence, his violet eyes glinting with excitement.

He waited not for Zaruma's response; a sinister smile spread across his face as he glanced over his shoulder, as if awaiting for something to appear.
"Come out, come out, kehehe…" - he murmured, following up with a brief chuckle that would send chills down anyone's spine.

The occultic energies intensified and eventually took on a rather peculiar form.
It appeared, right behind Lazarus it lurked. Its sanguine-colored eyes gazing down upon Zaruma, with contempt. Countless deformities adorning its body.

A moment of silence, and then, the horned lad bursted into mad laughter; his laughter echoing throughout the surrounding area and crafthold.
Clearly, he wasn't in his right mind. Occult tends to do that to people. And Lazarus... oh, one could say he overdosed on occult.

"No more waiting.." - the spirit whispred to him.
Lazarus simply nodded and proceeded onto pushing the mounting guard of his katana, essentially partially revealing the crimson katana that's usually hidden by the blackened scabbard.
With that, he insinuated.. no, he made it clear that he was about to attack.

Puff, he vanished, and appeared right beside Zaruma, swinging his blade at him.


(Lazarus)

The Archon was wandering up to the previous places where he stood, perhaps seeking for a place of solace and quiet to practice; yet at the same time, there was a lingering wish of a real challenge, of combat that would actually serve him as a good meaning of training and honing the theory he discussed with Usiel. Perhaps, a combat with a powerful mage?

Yes... that's exactly what he sought for.

And here he was, Lazarus. Wasn't he among the Accursed that have been victorious in raids and even wars? Yes, the Tempest distantly remembered him. A pair of crimson hues turned towards him upon hearing his own name, and the brow was arched at the sudden challenge.

Did he wish to test himself, or was it to impress the Archon? Could be both. But on the other hand, that's exactly what Zaruma wanted- he knew that until he grasps this new technique, he yet remains inferior to other Archons. Something that must be fixed.

"Very well. You'll have your challenge."

A blade was drawn. The winds gathered around him, all to defy the friction and atmospheric resistance, as well as build up a literal layer of defence against hostile magics; his skin has become almost transparent, being an embodiment of wind that he is.

With naught but a slight delay, there was another two layers of wind wrapped around Archon, much as if cocoon that was acting as defence, as means to accelerate his movement via thrusters, and something to deflect incoming spells.

To top it all off, his blade was raised akin to how Usiel was combating; a technique he'd need to grow accustomed to, if he really wished to master this. With his speed accelerated, the winds covering him as a shield, he exclaimed.

"Bring it."
(Zaruma)

Yalda would step back, putting his hands behind his back as a smile crept across his shadowed face. He'd be interested in what was happening.
(Yalda Scorpi)

Yalda Scorpi is now observing Zaruma

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Your body begins heating up painfully!

The battle was more than just quick.

It was /insanely/ fast. A battle between the literal embodiment of Wind, with might and speed enough to cleave in half entire squadrons, and the powerful Accursed mage that could wreak havoc and destroy anything with but a touch?

Clearly, this battle was decided by who takes down another. No holding back, no hesitation, only absolute destruction to see who would come up superior. And while Lazarus was certainly a powerful foe, and quite the adversary to battle against, Zaruma's speed has proved itself to be a threat, even for this powerful Accursed.

The flames were deflected with the wind, much like Usiel has taught Zaruma; with each slash delivered, there was a gust of tempest, an extension of Archon's will, one that defied the threat of magics- and with the superior speed, he was able to avoid fatal damage that would otherwise take him down.

A display of excellent swordsmanship skill. Alas, whilehe was victorious for a moment, this was far from Archon's victory.

"Stand up. We're not done yet."
(Zaruma)

He was surprised at the quickness of the battle. The would be reflected in the sudden frown under his hood.

Perhaps the losing party was just weak? That is what Yalda believed and his interest had dropped a bit. He decided to watch the end of the battle, though.
(Yalda Scorpi)

The presence of the two was horrifying. Their attacks ran amok, quite literally making the surrounding area quake.

Multiple magical blasts had been sent towards Zaruma, although most of them were deflected with the wind and his blade.
However, those that hit the mark, by no means lacked in power. They were strong enough to send even Zaruma staggering backwards.

However, Zaruma quickly regained his posture, and closed the distance between himself and Lazarus astonishingly fast. He came up close and personal, and went for the "kill".

Lazarus did his best trying to deflect and avoid Zaruma's attack, however, his speed and swordsmanship were simply too superior.

Soon, Lazarus found himself sent sprawling across the grassy terrain. However, he didn't give up, not just yet. He had to show him everything.

The occultic energies around him intensified to the point where they were quite literally visible to the naked eye. The vegetation surrounding Lazarus withered and eventually died completely due to the insane pressure.

"Erghh-... not yet.." - he grunted whilst pushing himself back up onto his feet and fixing his violet gaze onto the Archon he admires the most.


(Lazarus)

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Your body begins heating up painfully!

Your body begins heating up painfully!

Yalda wouldn't have even been able to keep up with the battle. He'd stand there, stunned at the speed and power that the two had demonstrated.

He would glance around at the lingering magic, then stared at the two. He would strain his eyes to keep a good watch on the two, being inclined to rub them after keeping them open for such a long time.

His opinion of both parties had changed. He now knew of their overwhelming power, and he was aware that the previous loser would've whipped through Yalda's defense in a heartbeat.

Yalda would decide to 'take notes' and incorporate their fighting styles into his own to better himself. Perhaps then he could do as he pleased..
(Yalda Scorpi)

Lief Toran whispers something.

Lief Toran is now observing Lazarus

Lin Xiaohui whispers something.

"Tear him apart..." - the spirit whispered into his ear yet again, its sanguine-gaze meanwhile is fixed onto Zaruma, observing him with contempt.

"Yes, mom." - he murmured, responding obediently. Yes, Lazarus believed the spirit to be his mother.
Clearly, the person wasn't quite in his right mind, which isn't too surprising considering the occultic magic he wields.

He lowered his posture ever so slightly and prepared to launch himself... He was about to make it a battle of speed. Lazarus, unlike most magis never neglected training his physical body. Therefore, he as well, was rather quick on his feet.

Without a prior notice, he disappeared from Zaruma's line of sight, seemingly vanishing out of existence. There was no trickery involved, neither was it any sort of magic. He was simply moving too fast for one to follow using their eyes alone. The by-standers, surely won't see a thing, Zaruma on the other hand might catch a glimpse..
He was fast, he deserved to be called an underling of the Tempest Archon.

Shortly after having seemingly vanished, he re-appeared right beside Zaruma, a cackle escaping his lips, and then, with a swift, precise movement he had sent the hilt of his blade flying straight into Zaruma's ribcage.

Now, one wouldn't expect a magi to inflict much damage which a physical attack, however, little did Zaruma know that the hilt was imbued with shadowflame magic.

SWOOSH

Upon impact, a lethal blast was set off, erupting from the very core of the katana, making the whole surrounding area QUAKE in the process. It scorched Zaruma's skin as the recoil created by the blast had quite literally sent him flying across the grassy terrain.

"Grghhhh-..." - he grunted savagely, clearly he was in a frenzy. He lost it, he had been overtaken by the dark spirit.


(Lazarus)

Lief Toran whispers something.

Lin Xiaohui whispers something.

Lief Toran whispers something.

Lin Xiaohui whispers something.

Lief Toran whispers something.

Lief Toran whispers something.

Lief Toran whispers something.

Lin Xiaohui whispers something.

Lief Toran whispers something.

Lief Toran whispers something.

The battle between Accursed and the Archon was truly something fierce; the speed with which they exchanged blows was unrivalled, and while your common swordsman or magi were rather swift in their combat- this one? It was hard to keep up with even.

The Tempest graced the battlefield as he were the wind itself, while the flames of Accursed burned and snuffed out every single ounce of life that was in this place. Truly a horrifying power held in the hands of these two-

But it made such practice all the better, right?

However, Zaruma was soon to find a weakness in his defence. Despite the cloaks of wind that he surrounded himself with, despite the constant layers of defence that were meaning to protect him from such flames, there was a defect in his maneuver.

A defect that cost him the victory in this battle. There was still breath left in Zaruma, however, and the Accursed's flames did not manage to put him down just yet.

While the normal human would be blasted away by such, and perhaps immediately die, the Archon's durability disallowed for such- with a hiss, and grit of his teeth, the towering Archon suddenly grasped at Lazarus' wrist and his upper chest, a yank at his clothing, if only to shove him backwards through the sheer brute force that Zaruma held in his hands.

Was it the physical strength of Archon at display? Seemed so.

The blade was drawn once more. At the spot where he was struck and burned, additional layers were built; the friction and atmosphere themselves were defied, all to accelerate the Archon, and he prepared himself to battle once more.

"Not done yet."
(Zaruma)

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Your body begins heating up painfully!

Lazarus has rolled 2 or over: they may escape capture attempts (unless otherwise specified)!

Lief Toran whispers something.

Lin Xiaohui whispers something.

Lief giggles.
(Lief Toran)

Yalda would exhale, having seen nearly nothing but blurs during their match.

He'd look up and crossed his arms, a bit disappointed with himself, and the fact that he couldn't mimic their fighting styles.
(Yalda Scorpi)


Alaron asks, "Hello mam, would you like to purchase some ores or crystals?"

Lin Xiaohui says, "I'm broke, go away."
The Archon was focused on defence as much as offense as never before. To bob and weave, to be agile in combat and to ensure that Lazarus cannot defend himself properly... that was the goal. He must be quick enough to avoid any such damage as it was done previously, and all while ensure that the cloak of the wind does not fall off him.

The battle has started rapidly, and submerging himself in the wind, he suddenly appeared right at Lazarus, delivering a powerful blow that was meant to throw him off guard- a re-engage technique followed, with the Archon coated not only in the winds, but in the sheer energy of Occult that was meant to enhance his protection even further.

He knew that Accursed was powerful, and he knew that very well. Not even a slightest breach in his defence should be allowed, or otherwise, he would lose this one- despite being Archon, it did not mean that he was invincible, or that powerful magi cannot beat him.

Not by a long shot.

And with the second brawl, the blows were dealt even far quicker, being sent one after another to ensure that Lazarus could not defend himself efficiently; all while his flames were deflected with the shield of wind, much like the technique that Usiel showed him.

Yet... there was even another obstacle. The flames on the ground. He knew how to deal with them, thankfully, allowing the wind to carry him through the battle and actually floating above them, all to avoid being burnt and letting any damage happen to the Archon.

Such was the intention of this practice, after all.

It wasn't too long before the two were separated, if only briefly, to rest and prepare themselves for another part of this battle. Yet- before Lazarus could escape far, the Archon swiftly transported himself on the winds, becoming quite literally the embodiment of Tempest, to deal the final blow that would reduce Accursed's efforts to defeat.

As much as he was powerful, the Archon won.

"--You did well."

"Stand up, Accursed. Lying on the ground is above you. You've impressed me."
(Zaruma)


Alaron says, "Same here..."
Ug'roth clapped his claws in slow, respectful manner
(Ug'roth)

A blur. That's what most of the by-standers would see.
The two moved astonishingly fast, perhaps even surpassing the speed of sound.
Sonic booms resonated throughout the surrounding area as their exchange of blows made everything quake due to their sheer force.

It was merely a duel, and yet, to someone who watches from the sidelines, it might look like a full-out blown war.

The wind howled, and the archon was riding upon it as shadowflames spread about like wildfire, scorching everything it comes in contact with, reducing it to nothingness.
No one would want to come inbetween these two while they're clashing.

Yet again, a battle of speed ensued. Lazarus moved in, trying to find a breach in the Archon's defenses, just a tiny breach would be enough to send him into oblivion. However, as unfortunate as it is for this horned lad, there was no such thing.
Absolute defense.

The Archon of Tempest managed to evade most of the attacks. Some he deflected using his wind, some he just evaded by utilizing his inhumane agility. And all of that he did while counter-attacking.

Each attack that connected with Lazarus' body had sent him staggering backwards, gasping for air. Slowly, he began to be overwhelmed. Suddenly, he couldn't keep up anymore, his arms, legs, his body as a whole began to fail him.

"Why?!" - he yelled out whilst releasing a lethal occultic blast that quite literally formed a crater underneath him. Needless to say, the Archon evaded it at ease.

The two were separated, mustering their last bit of power for one final clash.. And before Lazarus could initiate his final onslaught, Zaruma swiftly transported himself on the winds at an astonishing speed to deal the final blow that would put the Accursed down for good.

Lazarus came to realize that the reason for his loss was most likely stamina. While he did manage to match his speed to Zaruma's, he couldn't keep doing that for too long. The burden on his body is simply to great.

And with that, the fight was concluded.
(Lazarus)

Yalda would take a final moment to look around at the damages. This could only be seen in Yalda's eyes as two demons in the heat of battle.

He would sweat a little bit as each blur clashed, each blade of grass cut and burned, each piece of matter decimated. His smile would creep up his face as he watched, though he was unsettled.
(Yalda Scorpi)

The Archon was satisfied. There was the result that he was clearly looking forward, the result that proved to him there's still much to learn for him - even as such powerful being, there were new edges to be discovered, new limits to be broken.

And with the fight concluded against Lazarus, there was no point in keeping his blade unsheathed. Though, he'd keep in mind the power of this Accursed- the power that could be well used for the goals of Aetherius in the future, the power that could not be allowed to go to waste.

There was a final reflection on what he just did, the acknowledgement of his prowess with the wind. He carefully inspected the structure of winds that were built up around him in the course of battle- his dodging could be worked on, still, but otherwise his technique with the winds was rather... satisfying.

"I expect you to grow in power for future to come, Lazarus."

"You certainly have a lot of untapped potential."

Yet, he couldn't help but have a thought in his mind: 'so do I.'. Indeed. There was still much that the Tempest could improve himself on.

But on that note, he merely floated back towards his house. The show was over, and there was no need to linger.
(Zaruma)