Blade Over Magic

The Hunt

”We accept the wager and those terms.” A brief shocked silence fell over everyone. Not just because many people—specifically other noblewomen—were mortified that Falael, a female, had interrupted in a conversation like that. But also because, well, she was the one agreeing to the terms when her time was specifically stated to be part of the wager.

This implied that she had absolute confidence in Xander’s abilities.

Dorian saw this and frowned a little. His intent was both to humiliate Xander and secure Falael’s time. Specifically the latter to try and get her back at the humiliation she brought upon him last night. But if she was the one agreeing...

’No, this is actually a good thing. If I can come out on top during this wager, it will shake the deep trust she has in that guy. Moreover, I’m sure the look of shock on her face when she sees his loss will make me feel much better.’ His frown eased.

Meanwhile, the group was having a very fast conversation telepathically.

’Falael, why would you...?’

’Okay, hear me out. My dislike for that guy aside, I think it’s about time we changed the general perception of the people here about you. Till now, many still think your skills are a fluke. However, in the domain of an Archmage. If you perform well, no one can call nonsense. If you prove yourself superior to him, their evaluations about your skills will have to change. Right now, they are still being so blatant in their attempts because they think that you’re only riding your father’s coattails. But if you show that you are a threat on your own, they will have to tread carefully. As your reputation rises, their perception of your strength needs to rise with it. I’m not saying you should lay all your cards on the table, but you need to be more proactive as well.

After all, your goal is to make swordplay propagate more, right? Imagine how it would be if you managed to plant the seed of doubt in some of the people here. Or even more? Your father said this place us our debut. But so far, we’ve been on the defensive since. Don’t you think it’s time we changed that? Not much can change if we are constantly on the defensive. You gotta actively push forward your philosophy.’ Falael, who was very obviously prepared, gave a lengthy explanations about her actions, leaving the group silent.

’... You’ve really thought about this, huh?’ Xander sighed and rubbed his face.

”Alright, yeah. We agree.” He said aloud, and Dorian grinned.

”Wonderful.”

Meanwhile, Aubrey communicated with Falael privately.

’That was the half truth. What’s the other reason you agreed?’ Falael glanced briefly at her.

’Well, I heard that guys are prone to trying extra hard when anything related to their partner is on the line. So I kinda wanna see what Xander will do now that I run the risk of being alone with that guy.’ Aubrey opened her mouth, thought about it, then closed it.

’You know what? That’s fair.’ She hummed, then her eyes narrowed imperceptibly as she thought to herself.

’My dear Falael, you’ve been making quite a lot of moves recently. It’s great that you’re becoming more and more confident in your new form but... It seems like I may need to step up my game soon.’ Unbeknownst to anyone, a silent resolution was made.

Gradually, more and more people who would participate in the hunt joined the growing group. And eventually, a fairly sizeable crowd had gathered.

’Xander, I probably don’t need to tell you this, but those guys are probably gonna try some underhanded tactics to ensure you fail. For instance, other people interrupting your hunts or stealing your kills to aid Dorian. So you gotta be careful.’ Curtis gave his friend a warning, and Xander just nodded, his expressing uncharacteristically serious. It sort of looked like he was... psyching himself up.

Curtis sighed and looked at Dorian with barely masked pity. The guy was currently receiving advice from his seniors from the Mage Tower. No doubt having full confidence in his abilities.

Curtis sighed.

’You picked the wrong opponent for this type of thing.’ It was then than a voice caught the attention of everyone there, and they turned to see King Hemlock calmly move forward on his mount, the Archmages moving alongside him.

”Good morning to you all. I believe you all had a good night’s rest, so I won’t take much of your time.” He looked at all of them, and Xander swore the man’s gaze lingered on him for a fraction of a second.

”Many of you must be itching to go on. Whether for your own pleasure, to compete, and so on. Hence, I hope you all have a good hunt.” He gestured to Irene who snapped her fingers.

The sound of a bell sounded, resounding trough the area as King Hemlock said calmly.

”Let the hunt begin.”

With that said, everyone began moving towards the treeline. Many could be seen casting spells on themselves and their allies to increase their speed. Many were also using tracking spells to find their prey easier, and so on.

As for Dorian and some others from the Mage Tower, a magic circle lit up beneath each of their feet as a moment later, they began to levitate, a controlled gust of wind propelling them upward.

Dorian gave Xander one last smirk before flying off., and Xander could feel many glancing at him, wondering what he would do next as he sighed and began to stretch calmly.

’I’m gonna go ahead first if that’s fine with you guys. Aubrey, could you help send me information about every beast in the vicinity?’ He asked.

’Done. I’ve mapped out the surrounding hundred miles and divided the beasts by the overall strength and numbers. Have fun.’ She very casually sent him the information telepathically as Xander took it gratefully.

’You guys too. Y’all try and hunt as much as you can to.’ With that, he stepped towards the treeline. His sharp hearing allowed him to catch the murmuring of some of those that had yet to set off.

”Look at him. He can’t even fly. By the time he kills even one beast, Sir Dorian would have hunted a dozen.”

”And that’s under the assumption that he can even kill them. He’s obviously catered towards small foes. Many of the beasts are huge. His sword will be like a toothpick to them.”

”That girl with him was too confident. Now she will have to endure time with the same person she humiliated last night. We can only hope he’s lenient on her.”

That last comment caused something inside Xander to rage.

He didn’t know why... but the thought of Falael spending extended time with someone like Dorian. It made him want to swing his sword very, very hard.

Once he reached the true line, he took a breath and entered a running stance. But it wasn’t what anyone was used to.

The onlookers thought it looked strange, but anyone from earth would recognize that it resembled the stance Olympic runners used.

You see, Xander could have easily just used Vibration Traversal to just move towards his first target. But he did not for two reasons.

First, it simply was not necessary.

And second... he wanted to humiliate Dorian.

He had a genuine desire to make him look like a fool after the stunt he pulled.

Taking a breath, he channeled his mana.

True channeling worked as long as the physical movement was proper, augmenting it accordingly. It’s why Mary could use it to augment her Kung Fu strikes and Falael could use it to augment her boxing.

Moreover, after constantly tempering his body with Mana Breathing, Xander’s raw physicality was actually bordering on monstrous. This fact was simply inconspicuous due to how he fought.

However, what would happen if those sheer stats, coupled with the insane boost channeling gave, were used for the single purpose of propelling oneself forward?

Well...

The ground cracked beneath Xander’s feet in a spiderweb pattern as he pushed off, and...

BOOM

A cloud of dust was raised as Xander shot forward faster than a bullet, and a secondary explosion was heard as he very easily broke the sound barrier.

Many of the onlookers stood rooted with their jaws dropped, their hair having been blown upwards by the sheer pressure created by Xander’s acceleration.

Xavier felt the gazes of his fellow Archmages fall on him, and he simply closed his eyes. However, anyone who knew him well enough would know that he was currently trying not to laugh.

Meanwhile, the King looked at this scene with a trace of interest in his deep blue eyes.

’Seems like your plan succeeded.’ Aubrey shook her head, but she appeared more amused than anything.

’Of course it did. Now come on, how hilarious would it be if we, who aren’t a part of the wager, get more kills than that Dorian guy?’ With that, Curtis, Falael, and Aubrey, also made their way into the forest.

Mary looked ready to follow, but a hand stopped her. She looked back to see Mia shaking her head.

’Let them have fun.’ Mary paused, then nodded slightly.

Not Keir, though. While invisible, he shot into the air from Mia’s shoulder and flew deep into the forest. No doubt going for the more powerful beasts inside the forest.