The Demon Among The Knights-Chapter 23:The clash of auras

The scene opened with a standoff that seemed to freeze the air around the battlefield. Push and Pull stood shoulder to shoulder, their immense presence amplified by their combined aura. Flames rippled faintly in the air around them, their raw energy distorting the scene like a mirage. They didn’t speak right away—there was no need. Their smirking expressions and confident stances were loud enough.

Across from them stood Luci. His crimson eyes were sharp as daggers, and his bound hands were clenched into tight fists, the chains rattling faintly as he adjusted his stance. Every movement was deliberate, a small flex of rebellion against his restraints. He was visibly exhausted, his breaths coming in steady but heavy draws. Even so, his defiance shone as bright as ever. He refused to falter.

"Hey,weak twins," Luci snarled, his voice cutting sharply through the air like a blade. "Prepare for your demise."

For a moment, silence fell over the battlefield, save for the faint crackle of energy that seemed to hum in the atmosphere. Push’s smirk widened, the heat from his fiery aura intensifying as if in response to Luci’s challenge. Pull remained eerily calm, his eyes narrowing slightly, the faintest flicker of amusement flashing across his expression. Together, the twins were an immovable force, their synchronized energy projecting an aura so oppressive that even the distant soldiers could feel its weight.

Not far behind Luci, Vic and Mary stood frozen. The tension in the air made it hard to breathe, and the visible power radiating from Push and Pull was enough to make even the bravest hearts waver. Vic, a lanky humanoid frog with perpetually curious eyes, fidgeted nervously, his webbed hands twitching at his sides. He had no illusions about his own strength compared to the battle about to unfold. Next to him, Mary, a delicate fairy with glimmering wings, instinctively fluttered backward. Her luminous wings quivered faintly, and her gaze darted nervously between the two groups.

Then, Mary froze, her sharp fairy eyes catching something in the distance. She squinted for a moment before gasping audibly. Taking a step back, she pointed toward the figure emerging from the smoke and debris beyond the battlefield.

"That’s..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly with awe, "the legendary knight... Sir Brian."

Vic followed her gaze, his wide froglike eyes widening even further as Sir Brian stepped fully into view. Clad in silver armor that seemed to shimmer with its own light, Brian walked with a calm, measured stride. The intricate engravings on his armor caught the faint light, giving him an almost ethereal glow. His face, now revealed, was calm and steady, but the sheer weight of his presence was overwhelming. It wasn’t just the sight of him that made people pause—it was the feeling. His aura, a blazing silver radiance, emanated outward in waves. It wasn’t as heavy as Push and Pull’s combined energy, but it was sharper, more focused. It carried a sense of purpose that was impossible to ignore.

"I know," Vic croaked, his wide mouth stretching into a small, admiring grin. "He’s cool."

Mary, still staring at Brian, nodded slowly. "Yeah... I can feel his aura from here. It’s silver... the way it’s so intense... It has to be Blaze."

Vic turned his head toward her, his curiosity momentarily distracting him from the scene. "What do you mean? Blaze?"

Mary’s wings fluttered slightly as she turned to explain. Her voice was steady, though her gaze occasionally flickered back to Brian. "Aura energy defines a human’s strength. There are seven types: Spark, Glint, Flare, Blaze, Radiance, Eclipse, and Celestial. No one has ever seen Eclipse or Celestial, but Blaze is the second-highest seen. And it’s the highest that’s ever been documented in combat."

Vic’s eyes bulged slightly, his froglike curiosity deepening. "So... what’s my aura energy rank?"

Mary hesitated, her wings pausing mid-flutter as she considered his question. "You’re probably Spark. Or... you have none."

"Hey!" Vic croaked indignantly, puffing out his chest slightly. "I find that offensive!"

Mary smirked faintly, her demeanor softening for a brief moment. "I’m just being honest," she said, her tone playful.

Her attention quickly shifted back to the battlefield as her expression grew more serious. She gestured toward Push and Pull. "The Push and Pull," she began, her voice dropping into a quieter, more analytical tone, "are the highest form of Flare. And there are two of them. Sir Brian, on the other hand, is just at the starting point of Blaze. Their combined aura energy will surpass Sir Brian’s own."

As if on cue, Sir Brian finally spoke, his calm voice cutting through the heavy atmosphere. "Hey, Luci. Nice to see you’re alright," he said, his tone steady and even. "We came to back you up."

Luci stiffened at the words, his pride flaring instantly. His lips curled into a faint sneer, though he said nothing. Backed me up? he thought bitterly. I’ll take that as an insult.

Brian either didn’t notice Luci’s reaction or chose to ignore it. He continued, his tone firm but not unkind. "You’ve been battling nonstop. Why don’t you go back to the tent we’ve set up for the injured? There are still people there who need protection."

"No way," Luci said immediately, his voice sharp and resolute.

Brian’s gaze remained steady, his silver aura flaring slightly as he took a step closer. "At least gather the injured and take them back to the tent. The equipment is still there, and they’ll need someone to protect them. The people there aren’t strong enough to fend for themselves."

Luci’s fists clenched tighter, the chains on his wrists rattling faintly as his frustration boiled over. He wanted to reject Brian’s words outright, but there was truth in them, and he couldn’t deny it. Still, his pride made it difficult to agree without protest. He glared at Brian, his sharp eyes burning with barely restrained anger.

Brian’s next words left no room for argument. "It’s an order."

The fire in Luci’s gaze flared even brighter as he stared at Brian, his teeth clenching. An order? Who does he think he is? If I weren’t chained, I’d go straight for his head. But... fine. He’s a senior. For now, I’ll listen.

"Okay," Luci muttered begrudgingly, his tone laced with reluctance.

Vic, sensing the tension, spoke up, his voice cheerful and eager to diffuse the mood. "Hey, Captain Luci! We’ll come with you."

Mary nodded quickly, her wings fluttering as she chimed in. "Uh-huh. We’ll help."

Luci turned his sharp gaze to the pair, his irritation evident. "Fine. You—long-tongue guy—and you, insect, can come."

Vic puffed up indignantly, his froglike voice rising slightly in protest. "I’m a humanoid frog!"

"And I’m a fairy!" Mary added, her tone sharp as her wings fluttered pointedly.

Sir Brian remained unfazed by their bickering. His attention was locked firmly on Push and Pull. He raised his blade slightly, the silver glow intensifying around it. His aura surged, growing sharper and brighter as he prepared for the fight ahead.

"If it’s a battle you want," Brian said, his voice calm but resolute, "you will get it."

Push’s grin widened, his fiery aura flaring in response. "How daring," he growled, his voice dripping with anticipation.

Pull, ever the tactician, stepped forward alongside his brother. His tone was icy and composed as he spoke. "A knight should know his limits," he said coldly.

Brian didn’t respond with words. Instead, he raised his blade higher, the silver glow around him intensifying. The ground beneath him cracked faintly as his aura reached its peak.

"To be continued..."