Chapter 45 THE PACESETTER ROOKIE BATTLE

"That should do it" Alaric eventually said as he removed his hand away from Kaelen's head. Right after that, Kaelen quickly got made a slight bow as he said gratefully. "Thank you Venerable Alaric, I will be eternally grateful for what you have done for me today" "Oh you don't have to be so serious about this, you were meant to get these things from me since it's your destiny after all" Alaric replied with a soft chuckle. Right after that, he shifted his attention towards the ball of light that has been on the air for a while while he said. "Now then, I can finally bring out your girlfriend out of that ball of light" 'Oh! I forgot about her' Kaelen suddenly thought as realisation dawned on him. But not long after, he quickly thought of what Alaric just said now before he exclaimed with a flustered look on his face. "She's not my girlfriend!!" But Alaric didn't have time for him at the moment as he put his full attention on the ball of light. As soon as Alaric put his attention on the ball of light, the light started to fade, the sphere slowly dissipating into the air like mist. Sofia was gently lowered back to the ground, her feet touching the earth with a soft thud. The glow around her dimmed, leaving behind a faint, lingering shimmer on her skin. She stood there, momentarily disoriented, as the last remnants of the light flickered out. Her eyes met Kaelen's, and he could see a newfound clarity and strength in her gaze. Whatever had just happened in that ball of light, it had changed her in some profound, inexplicable way. 'Huh? Who is he?' As soon as Sofia put her gaze on Alaric, she immediately became confused as she thought. But before she could ask, Alaric quickly spoke up. "Well then, if you guys which to train here for a while longer, then you are free to do so. Besides, I created this place for you guys and this place isn't excluded. My work here is finally done, good luck on your destiny Kaelen" And in the next moment, Alaric's ethereal form flickered slightly, the glow of his presence growing fainter. He looked at Kaelen with a mixture of pride and sorrow, knowing that his time in this form was drawing to a close. "Kaelen," Alaric's voice was softer now, almost a whisper. "Always remember that you have within you the strength to carry forth our legacy. But also remember, power must be wielded with wisdom and compassion" Kaelen's heart clenched at the sight of Alaric fading. He had just received a part of this great sorcerer, and now, to see him dissipate felt like losing a guide he never fully had. "I won't forget, Venerable Alaric. I will honor everything you've imparted into me." Alaric's form shimmered, becoming translucent. The Veilwood ruin's runes, which had glowed brightly during the Alaric transformation, began to dim in response. The air grew cooler, the sense of ancient power receding. "As long as the blade exists, so too will the spirit of our teachings," Alaric said, his voice echoing as if coming from a great distance. "This is not the end, but a new beginning." With a final, serene smile, Alaric's form dissolved into a cascade of shimmering particles. The light they emitted scattered throughout the ruins, briefly illuminating every corner before fading into nothingness. The runes on the rough walls dimmed to a soft, residual glow, and the ruins itself Quick steps!! Sword Mastery Activate! Kaelen countered with a powerful thrust, his blade aiming for Sofia's midsection. She twisted gracefully, evading the strike and retaliating with a burst of flame. Kaelen raised a barrier of mana, absorbing the heat and light before launching himself at Sofia once more. The two danced around the ruins, a flurry of magic and steel. Sofia's spells were quick and relentless, each one designed to test Kaelen's defenses. He parried and dodged, his movements a blend of raw power and practiced skill. But Sofia's newfound agility and strength were formidable. She moved with a fluid grace, her attacks both strategic and unpredictable. Minimal Aura of a Swordsman!! Bang!! Kaelen lunged forward, aiming a decisive blow at Sofia's shoulder. She sidestepped and brought her wand down, summoning a column of water that crashed into Kaelen, sending him sprawling to the ground. He rolled to his feet, only to be met with a gust of wind that knocked him back again. "Sofia, you've gotten stronger," Kaelen admitted, his voice strained but respectful. Sofia's expression was fierce but focused. "I've had good reason to," she replied, her voice steady. She conjured a sphere of crackling energy, hurling it at Kaelen. He raised his blade to block, but the force of the impact sent him skidding across the moss-covered ground. Kaelen gritted his teeth and summoned all his strength, launching himself at Sofia in a final, desperate attack. He swung the Blade of Eternity with all his might, the air humming with its power. But Sofia was ready. She sidestepped and with a swift, practiced motion, she unleashed a binding spell. Vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around Kaelen's arms and legs, immobilizing him. Breathing heavily, Kaelen realized he was trapped. Sofia stood over him, her wand glowing with a soft, triumphant light. "Yield, Kaelen," she said, her voice both commanding and compassionate. Kaelen sighed, lowering his head in defeat. "I yield." Sofia released the spell, and the vines receded. She extended a hand to Kaelen, helping him to his feet. "You fought well," she said, a hint of a smile on her lips. "But remember, strength isn't everything. Control and strategy are just as important." Kaelen nodded, accepting her words with a mixture of humility and determination while he also thought. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Sofia." 'It seems like I need to level up more if I want to compete with her' "Now I am strong and confident enough to participate in the Pacesetters Rookie battle" Sofia suddenly said with glittery eyes. But when Kaelen heard her, he immediately had a confused look on his face as he asked. "What's a Rookie battle?"