Chapter 22 Battle in Poor Land Part 5

Across the room, Baron Bartemus swung his weapon brutally.

Slash!

Ar moved faster. His sword, imbued with an aura of mana, slashed at Bartemus' muscular shoulder. But the man was quick enough to turn and block Ar's sword with his big hand.

A grin graced his face. "Boy, you're quite the prodigy," he murmured, his voice almost admiring. "But can you defeat me, the great Kaelith?"

Ar's breath was ragged, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His small body felt heavy, fatigue beginning to creep into every muscle, but his eyes remained sharp, never leaving the large figure before him.

Baron Bartemus.

The man stood tall, his body as strong as a steel fortress, with a satisfied smile that made Ar's blood boil. The greatest enemy of the Floressia District was now before him, and he had to face him alone.

Ar took a step back and rebalanced his body. His Essential Power was indeed unique, rare - but not perfect. He realized that every technique had its limits. His opponent this time was much bigger, much stronger, and much more experienced. Even the Essential Protection he had just used was not enough to completely dampen the impact of the man's attack.

Suddenly, without warning

Bang!

Baron Bartemus' powerful kick slammed into his body. The air seemed to be sucked out of his lungs as he was thrown backward, sliding across the dirty floor covered in wood chips and dust.

But before his body could hit anything, Ar twisted his body in the air. In one swift motion, his feet landed firmly on the ground and his body regained its balance.

A low laugh came from the man.

"Good..." Baron Bartemus chuckled, his hoarse voice echoing around the room. "You're pretty tough for a kid from Ethel's garbage."

Ar didn't answer. The insult was nothing new to him. To him, words were nothing more than a nuisance that needed no attention. More important was to find an opening.

But he didn't get the chance.

Baron Bartemus was already moving.

The man's large body shot out with surprising speed, his dagger glowing red as if it were an extension of his body. Ar jumped aside as the flames shot towards him.

BANG!

The heat scorched his sides. He looked down, the edge of his black robe grazing the flames, leaving a smoking scar.

Ar gritted his teeth. "Calm down."

"I have to stay calm."

He had to find an opening. Some small chance to turn the tide.

But - Baron Bartemus gave him no time to think. The attacks came in waves, brutal, merciless.

Baron Bartemus moved with a strength and speed that seemed impossible for a man of his size. Each stroke of his dagger left a fiery red flash, slicing through the air with deadly menace.

Ar tried to dodge, his feet dancing nimbly on the dirty, debris-filled ground. But as he moved to the side.

Srek!

The sole of his foot caught a small stone.

He lost his balance.

In an instant, Baron Bartemus' eyes caught the gap. The man's predatory smile cracked, and his dagger immediately lashed out, aiming straight for Ar's eyes.

"Damn!"

Ar didn't have time to think. His reflexes took over.

Trang!

The sound of metal clashing echoed through the still smoking embers. Ar managed to raise his sword just in time to block the attack that nearly cost him his life. But Baron Bartemus' strength far exceeded his. The impact made his arms shake violently, his body staggered backward.

And before he could reposition himself.

Thump!

A powerful kick hit him in the stomach.

The world seemed to spin as the air was sucked out of his lungs. Pain quickly spread throughout his body, nearly knocking him unconscious. He flew backwards.

Bam!

His body slammed into the old, brittle wooden beams. A crack was heard, then the wood shattered, leaving splinters that stabbed his skin.

Ar lay on the ground. His breath was ragged, every breath felt like a dagger piercing his ribs. It hurt. As if his whole body was being crushed.

He tried to move. "I have to get up."

But his body refused to cooperate.

Heavy footsteps approached.

Ar turned his head and saw a large silhouette blocking the light of the fire behind him.

Baron Bartemus stood over him.

The man's cruel smile was more terrifying than the flames that began to consume the ruins around them.

Ar raised his head with difficulty. His vision was blurred, but the silhouette of the tall man was still clearly visible in front of him.

Baron Bartemus stood upright, the dagger in his hand still covered in flames that trembled like the flames of a curse.

The baron chuckled softly. "Did I hurt you, brat?"

Ar gritted his teeth and tried to force his body to move, but the pain that gnawed at every muscle in his body resisted every effort. Before he could react, Baron Bartemus' large hand shot out and brutally gripped his neck.

Click!

Ar's body was lifted off the ground, his legs dangling in the air. He tried to struggle, but the grip was like steel pincers, unyielding. His breath was choked, his lungs screaming for air that was getting thinner and thinner.

Baron Bartemus' eyes stared at him with a triumphant glint.

"You are helpless, brat," he said, his voice deep and threatening. "No more pretending to be a hero. This world doesn't need trash like you."

Ar opened his eyes wide, refusing to submit to this bastard. His eyes burned red, not with fear, but with burning hatred.

Blood flowed from the corners of his lips. His body felt weak. But giving up? Not an option.

Even though his strength was almost gone, even though the pain was gnawing at his consciousness, he still held on to one thing: he would not lose.

Baron Bartemus grinned. "Now it's time for you to die."

In his left hand, a dagger covered in a mana aura blazed with fiery fire, bright red mixed with orange like a sunset, ready to burn everything. The light from the dagger's blade reflected the cruel glare in his triumphant eyes.