Arcane Era-Chapter 44: Regal Grade

Armaments are classically divided into five Grades.

Standard, Regal, Imperial, Grand Imperial, and Supreme Grade. Armaments that fall below the Standard Grade are commonly referred to as Junk Grade, and those that exceed the scope of measurement altogether are deemed to be Outliers that exist outside the scope of conventional grades.

Various means of measurement exist to determine the Grade of an Armament, but the most accurate tool is the Oculus Diviner—one of the rare technological developments that could be said to rival the miraculous effects of Arcane Instruments.

Grades exist for a reason, and even if an Armament Wielder possesses ten Arcane Instruments of a lower Grade, there is no guarantee that they can win against someone with a single Armament that is one Grade above theirs.

In this world, the concept of hierarchy exists not only among living beings like mortals... but also applies—perhaps even more strictly—to the discarded possessions of the Divine as well.

’So how exactly am I supposed to beat him like this?’

Theo seriously pondered on the matter as he carefully stared at Arlet, watching him deactivate the translucent clam that shrouded him. Regal Grade Armaments were very powerful, but that also meant they consumed a lot of Ne’sh. As such, they couldn’t be used very carelessly and as frequently as Standard Grades.

’But I have no idea how much Ne’sh he has left, so waiting around for him to run out isn’t the best move to make. It’s more likely that I will get hit by his attack before that moment comes.’ He sighed, eyes wide open. ’So what should I do? His lightning Armament is also a Regal Grade Armament, from what I’ve observed, though its drawback makes it considerably possible to avoid. The problem is that second Regal Grade Armament of his...’

In the first place, how could someone as young as Arlet have two Regal Grade Armaments?

Armaments, even those of the lowest Grade, were worth a lot of money. Going higher up, and they easily cost a fortune. Liyah and Kaycee had told Theo that the Bouli’jer Family that Arlet belonged to was very rich, but he never expected their wealth to reach this extent.

He could understand having one Regal Grade Armament, but two was pushing his suspension of disbelief.

’Still, this isn’t the time to focus on that...’ Preparing his body to move, he clenched his fist and focused his attention on the pointed staff that Arlet aimed in his direction.

Within a split second, he raced.

BOOOM!

He avoided the attack—albeit barely, and charged towards Arlet, while he was still recoiling from the temporary blindness. However, once again, the translucent clam appeared—this time with its lips facing the ceiling while its hard shell blocked Theo’s path.

"Tch!"

He hit the clam with his strongest punch, refusing to waste Ne’sh on a pointless task, and his bones rattled upon impact.

’It’s... really strong!’ Wincing, he staggered back, once again avoiding the next strike of lightning that surged in his direction.

Unable to maintain his position, due to the scattered—seemingly random—eruption of electricity that flowed around Arlet, Theo leaped away and unintentionally created a considerably wide distance between himself and his foe.

’Looks like I can’t catch him off guard. The Armament either automatically activates, or he has insane reaction speed. Judging from what I’ve seen so far, I think the former is the case.’ While Theo was still processing his thoughts, he heard Arlet’s calm voice filter into the air.

"I see... so you were studying my face all this time. You noticed I close my eyes before firing a shot, which gives you time to alter your position at the last minute when you know I’ll be unable to correct for error." As he said this, a smile formed on his face. "Smart... you’re smarter than you look."

Theo frowned as he listened to Arlet.

’The more time I waste, the more he’ll learn about me and the better he’ll be at covering up his weaknesses. If enough time passes, he might be able to adapt to my movements and adjust his attacks so they get a hit.’

All Arlet needed was one strike, and Theo could be sent out of commission.

Lightning was incredibly powerful, and even Theo doubted he would be durable enough to handle a serious strike from his opponent. It was too risky to test the waters, so he found it safer to operate on the assumption that he would be done for if he received a single strike.

’But... what am I supposed to do in this situation?’ His eyes narrowed. ’Think, Theo! Think!’

BZZZTTZ!

Once again, Theo avoided the strike of lightning, though this time a spark of electricity grazed his left arm, sending a numb sensation into his bones. He endured the odd sensation, gritting his teeth as he narrowly escaped the flashing danger.

’He’s slowly adjusting... trying to match my movements by predicting the path I’ll take.’ Theo’s frown deepened. ’He’s learning at a fast rate... how terrifying.’

If he didn’t figure out a way to handle the situation, he was bound to lose.

’If I could just... hold on, could it be—?’

A bright amber light suddenly flashed in Theo’s eyes, nearly resembling a golden glimmer as he stared at Arlet. His frown quickly vanished, replaced by an expression of sheer curiosity.

’It’s a bit risky, but... I’m out of options. Might as well try it.’ With that in mind, he pressed his feet against the ground’s surface and then—

WHOOSH!

—He charged straight towards Arlet. frёewebηovel.cѳm

Stunned by his sudden increase in speed, Arlet hurriedly fired a shot of lightning towards Theo, its whitish blue sparks decorating everything in the vicinity. However, since it was coming in a predictable trajectory, Theo easily avoided it by sliding down.

His body flowed towards Arlet with little to no obstruction, boosted forward by the bustling wind from Theo’s dagger. He closed the distance between the two of them in seconds, ready to slam into Arlet’s legs at that moment.

However, right on time, the translucent clam appeared.

’Heh!’ A smile formed on his face as he buckled his feet and twisted his body so it aimed upward instead. Using the full force of the winds that guided him, he sent himself flying to the air, where the lips of the clam faced upward.

Then—

’I’m not sure about this, but...’ He flung his blades into the air and sent all the strength he could muster to both of his hands, tightly holding the two parts of the clam’s mouth.

"What are you—?!"

Arlet blinked numerous times before his eyes bulged as he witnessed Theo attempt the unbelievable. He was trying to pry the translucent clam’s mouth open.

... And he was succeeding!

The tightly shut lips of the clam slowly began to open up, revealing the vulnerable Arlet, who remained stunned by the display, trapped inside.

"Hehe! I’ve got you no—!" Before Theo could complete his sentence, the clam suddenly disappeared, forcing him into a free-fall towards Arlet while the latter held his wand and aimed at Theo.

"Impressive... but this is the end of the line."

The crackles of lightning buzzed around Arlet’s wand, signaling the end for Theo. However, right at that moment, Theo grabbed his falling blades and hurriedly combined them together—realizing he would be unable to evade the strike in time.

BOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

The eruption of power from the Armaments fusing together overlapped with the clap of lightning that surged from Arlet, creating a beautiful display of destruction that tainted the stage. Bright blue flashes, mixed with bright crimson flames swirled around each other to form a purple storm that trapped both contestants inside.

The growling storm of energy roared with power, displaying unbridled chaos.

The audience went still as they watched with silent anticipation and sheer trepidation, the chaotic blend of colors reflecting in their eyes.

Then—

FSHUUUUUU!!!

—The purple cyclone imploded, sending both sides flying in opposite directions.

Theo fell to the ground, sliding on the ground for a few more meters before stopping, while Arlet merely slid on the floor with his polished shoes, nearly falling to his knees before quickly picking himself back up.

He was enraged at this point, gritting his teeth as he cast a deep glare on the fallen Theo.

"Just stay down." He growled.

However, Theo acted contrary to his wishes as he slowly rose to his feet, coughing loudly while his two hands tightly gripped something.

It was too short to be called a sword, and too long to be referred to as a dagger.

The weapon clearly wasn’t built for piercing, or stabbing as it had a crooked edge, with a blunt end at its tip. Rather, the sharp glint that manifested at its sharp corner revealed its true purpose.

"Why would I do that?" Theo smiled, his shirt partially torn as he winced as a result of the pain circulating his body. Despite the damage he had taken, a confident grin still decorated his scathed face as his amber eyes kept glowing brighter.

A roaring tempest of flames danced around him—far stronger than ever before—as he took a proper stance while brandishing the blade.

"I’m just getting started!"