Chapter 133: Knocking Out

Chapter 133: Knocking OutAs Selene completed her chant, the temperature in the training hall plummeted further, and a fierce ice storm began to materialize. The words "Pruina tempestas" echoed with an ancient power, and the storm erupted with a vengeance. Ice shards as sharp as blades whirled in the biting winds, creating a tempest of freezing fury that advanced towards Apollo with unstoppable force.

Apollo’s eyes narrowed as he felt the intensity of the attack. The storm was a testament to Selene’s formidable control over the Ice Element, and he knew he couldn’t take it lightly.

Apollo stood firm as he unleashed his life force, the chilling aura of ice enveloping his entire body. His silvery blue eyes, now glowing with a silvery white aura, shone with an otherworldly brilliance. The temperature in the training hall dropped even further, and the air around him cracked with the raw power of his Ice Element.

With a swift motion, Apollo raised his hand, and a massive wall of ice materialized before him. This wall was no ordinary ice; it was made with his life force, making it harder than rock or metal. The surface shimmered with a frosty sheen, and the intricate patterns of ice crystals glistened in the light.

The incoming tempest of ice collided with the wall, but instead of shattering it, the storm’s force was absorbed and dispersed. The ice wall stood unyielding, its surface unmarred by the onslaught. The shards of ice and biting winds battered against it, but their fury was no match for the power contained within Apollo’s defence.

Everyone in the hall watched in awe, their eyes wide with astonishment. Even Selene, who had unleashed the storm, was taken aback by the sheer strength of Apollo’s defence.

As the storm’s fury began to wane, the ice wall remained intact. The swirling winds and shards of ice slowly dissipated, leaving the training hall in an eerie silence. Apollo lowered his hand, and the wall of ice began to dissolve, the frosty barrier melting away to reveal the untouched ground beneath.

Selene’s eyes sparkled with a mix of shock and admiration as she approached her brother. Despite her best efforts, the result was the same. She realized that Apollo’s simple manipulation of ice force, without any powerful skill, was enough to stop one of her strongest attacks effortlessly.

The raw usage of his life force already demonstrated the significant difference in their strength. Continuing further seemed meaningless.

"Little brother, your control over the Ice Element is truly remarkable," Selene said, her voice filled with genuine pride. "That was an incredible defence. You have really shocked me; you are just as strong as the rumours say."

Their parents, Louise and John, looked on with pride, their hearts swelling with joy at the sight of their children’s accomplishments. It was a proud moment for the Fletcher family to see both Apollo and Selene and their abilities and strengths on full display.

Livia and Cedric, who had initially observed with a sense of superiority, now wore expressions of discomfort. Cedric, in particular, looked slightly pale. The display of Apollo’s power had been far beyond his expectations. As a second-rank mage, Cedric had always prided himself on his abilities, but witnessing Apollo’s effortless defence against Selene’s attack had left him feeling anxious.

The memory of his earlier taunts towards Apollo resurfaced, and he couldn’t shake the worry that Apollo might seek revenge or hold a grudge. Cedric’s unease grew as he considered the implications of having underestimated Apollo.

Livia, too, was visibly affected by the demonstration. Her initial arrogance had been replaced by a dawning realization of Apollo’s true strength.

As the training session between brother and sister concluded, the atmosphere in the hall was charged with mixed emotions. Apollo and Selene shared a moment of mutual respect, while Cedric and Livia grappled with their newfound understanding of Apollo’s capabilities.

At that moment, Apollo noticed Cedric’s face, which looked like a monkey’s ass, and an evil grin appeared on his face.

"Mr. Cedric, what’s with the face? Do you also want to spar with me?"

Cedric’s face turned even redder at Apollo’s words, his earlier bravado evaporating in the face of the young warrior’s undeniable strength. The hall fell silent as everyone turned their attention to the confrontation. Livia, standing beside Cedric, glanced nervously between the two.

"Ah, no, no, I wouldn’t dare," Cedric stammered, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity. "You’ve demonstrated your abilities. I’m simply here to observe and learn."

Apollo’s grin widened, but he kept his tone casual. "There is no need to be modest, Mr. Cedric. Sparring is a great way to learn. Who knows, you might teach me something too."

Cedric swallowed hard, realizing there was no graceful way out of this. "Well, if you insist, perhaps just a light spar," he said, his voice wavering slightly.

Selene stepped forward, her expression a mix of amusement and concern. "Brother, go easy on him. We wouldn’t want our guests to feel uncomfortable."

Apollo nodded, still smiling. "Of course, sister. Just a light spar."

The two took their positions in the centre of the hall, the air thick with anticipation. Cedric, though nervous, tried to compose himself, summoning his magical energy. A faint, icy glow surrounded him as he prepared his first spell.

Apollo, in contrast, remained relaxed, his eyes focused on Cedric. "Whenever you’re ready," he said, his voice calm.

Cedric hesitated for a moment but then quickly steeled himself, thinking he still had a chance. He was a rare genius and wouldn’t lose to some weak, noble kid. Gathering his strength, he quickly launched a powerful spell, a stream of Ice energy gathering and turning into a massive mountain-like Ice meteor.

"Take this!" he shouted, his voice full of determination.

The others were shocked by the sheer size of the ice, which seemed to cover the training ground and block the sunlight as it floated above their heads. But just as they were processing the sight, Apollo instantly appeared in front of Cedric, as if he had teleported, standing only a meter away with a devilish smile.

"I don’t have much interest in such big shaved ice, so let’s forget it. But, Mr. Cedric, your face is really something. The moment I saw you, my hands seemed to be out of control. Sorry if it hurts too much."

Bang!

With the speed of sound, Apollo’s punch landed squarely on Cedric’s face, sending him flying and instantly knocking him unconscious. The half-formed spell crumbled like a snowfall, leaving everyone stunned and questioning what the f**k just happened.

The room fell silent as everyone stared at Apollo and the unconscious Cedric. The shock of what had just transpired was palpable. Cedric’s massive ice spell, which had seemed so formidable moments ago, had vanished without a trace, and Cedric himself lay crumpled on the ground.

Livia, wide-eyed and stunned, rushed to Cedric’s side. "Cedric! Are you alright?" She called out, her voice filled with concern.

Apollo, his expression calm once more, turned to Livia. "Apologies if I was too harsh," he said, his tone respectful but firm. "I merely wanted to see how strong the genius of the Tower of Mages was." He then paused and smiled, glancing at his fist. "They do live up to their name."

Selene stepped forward, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of admiration and concern. "Brother, your speed and strength are incredible. But perhaps next time, a little more restraint?"

Louise approached Apollo, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Apollo, you seem to have changed a little, but remember, you have to remain calm."

Apollo nodded, his gaze softening as he realized he had become a bit of a battle maniac. "I understand, Mother. I’ll be more mindful in the future."

Livia, having checked Cedric’s condition, looked up at Apollo with a mixture of fear and respect. "He’s... he’s fine. Just unconscious."

The tension in the room began to ease as Cedric stirred, slowly regaining consciousness. He groaned, his face bruised, and his pride undoubtedly wounded. Livia helped him to his feet, and he avoided Apollo’s gaze, his earlier arrogance shattered.

John cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. "I think that’s enough sparring for today. Let’s all take some time to rest."

As the group dispersed, Selene walked beside Apollo, her expression thoughtful. "Brother, you’ve truly grown. Your power is beyond what I could have imagined. Even the best geniuses from the Tower of Mages are nothing compared to you."

She was genuinely shocked by her little brother’s growth and strength. Despite his young age, he had already surpassed most of the younger generation.

"Sister, now that the sparring is done, why not tell me more about mages and their strengths?" Apollo quickly asked, eager to learn more about the power system he was less familiar with.

Selene, recovering from her astonishment at Apollo’s swift takedown of Cedric, nodded with a smile. "Of course, brother. Mages are quite different from warriors in how they harness and utilize their power. Let me explain the basics and some nuances."

She took a seat, gesturing for Apollo to do the same. "Mages primarily rely on their mana, the energy within them, to cast spells. This mana can be refined and increased through various means, such as meditation, potion consumption, and studying ancient texts. Unlike warriors, who enhance their physical strength and life force, mages focus on their mental strength and control over the elements."