"Fire Magic: Leo Rugiens!"
Fuegoleon's fiery lion unleashed flames, but it couldn't catch Patri, who moved like a beam of light.
"Trying to escape?" Drake leaped high, unleashing a Fire Dragon's Iron Fist.
He only hit the incoming light swords; two more struck him, sending him flying.
More light swords descended, but a spiral fire pillar deflected them.
Blood flowed from Drake's shoulder, soaking his cloak. The wound under his ribs was shallower but still bleeding heavily. Drake cauterized the wound with flames—a temporary measure.
The flames didn't hold Patri long; his light whip severed Fuegoleon's fire pillar.
Drake longed for Yami; Yami's dark magic would have been easier against Patri's light magic.
Drake realized his arrogance. Defeating Lotus Whomps in the Magic Palace didn't mean he was at a Captain's level. Experience was crucial, sometimes even more important than magic power or spells.
His fight with Lotus Whomps was a good example; he couldn't have defeated Lotus without Luck. Drake hadn't fully mastered the core, forbidden power of Dragon Slayer magic.
Each Dragon Slayer mage has a Dragon Seed; as they grow, the seed sprouts. When it blossoms, the mage masters the Dragon Force and transforms into a dragon.
Drake could feel his Dragon Seed growing stronger with his body and magic power. Activating it would unlock further Dragon Slayer magic power.
But the Dragon Seed remained unresponsive, seemingly dormant. Drake suspected his World Magic might be affecting it, but Igneel would have warned him if that were the case. There must be another reason, his biggest concern. Fortunately, his magic power growth wasn't affected.
Drake thought this was enough; his power was sufficient to handle any situation before the demons' arrival. But it wasn't enough; he wasn't fast or strong enough!
"Damn it!" Drake muttered.
Fuegoleon used Little Sun's Radiance, deflecting Patri.
"What are you thinking?" Fuegoleon's voice brought Drake back.
"Sorry, I was distracted," Drake said, creating distance from Patri.
Fuegoleon said seriously, "Focus during battle!"
"Yes!" Drake regained his composure.
Fuegoleon, relieved, focused on Patri. He'd mentally prepared all his strategies but couldn't easily defeat Patri.
Patri felt the same; Fuegoleon was a strong, versatile opponent, and Drake was a significant obstacle. The magical space wouldn't last long; they'd face other Magic Knights.
Their expressions changed; they moved simultaneously.
The fiery lion blocked incoming light swords, but its claw shattered.
Patri attacked Fuegoleon.
"Got you!" Patri said.
But a spiral fire pillar struck Patri's light sword.
"I got you," Fuegoleon replied.
The light sword cleaved the fire pillar, but the impact weakened it.
Drake appeared behind Patri but didn't attack; he opened his mouth towards the severed fire pillar.
"He's eating the flames!" Fuegoleon exclaimed.
Drake consumed the flames. "Thank you for the meal! My power's surging!"
Drake, engulfed in flames, charged at Patri.
'What?!' Patri thought. 'He's faster! What growth rate?!'
Drake's magic power had increased significantly. He engaged Patri in close combat.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Drake's fist missed, but his attack continued.
"Claw, Elbow Strike, Wing Beat, Horn!"
Drake's kick forced Patri to duck. Drake's elbow strike, fueled by flames, enveloped Patri.
Drake had landed his first hit, sending Patri flying. Drake's flaming arm swept towards Patri.
As Patri reached higher ground, Drake, moving through the flames, headbutted him.
"Damn it!" Patri's calm expression changed.
Numerous light swords were shattered by Drake's headbutts, sending Patri flying.
More wounds appeared on Drake's shoulder; blood sprayed. But Drake grinned. "How's it feel, bastard?!"
Patri crashed into the magical space's boundary. As he tried to rise, a shadow enveloped him.
"I'm taking over, young man," Fuegoleon said, his fiery lion ready to devour Patri.
The flames surrounded them; Fuegoleon prepared for Patri's attack. Drake's attack was powerful, but Patri's magic power hadn't weakened.
Patri slowly raised his head, revealing his face to Fuegoleon.
"Fuegoleon…!"
"You are…?"
Fuegoleon, who'd told Drake to focus, was shaken. Patri's face was shocking.
Patri struck Fuegoleon in the chest.
The flames dissipated; Drake saw Patri's face change back to William Vangeance, holding a necklace. This shook Fuegoleon. Patri wouldn't miss this opportunity.
Patri looked at Drake. "That's all for today! Take this filthy royal away; consider it charity!"
Patri vanished into a spatial portal. The magical space crumbled. Drake chose to save the injured Fuegoleon, escaping the space.
They fell onto the street.
"Captain Fuegoleon!"
"Brother!"
Everyone saw Drake supporting Fuegoleon, shocked by his injuries.
Drake, placing Fuegoleon down, clenched his teeth, looking at the blood on his hands. He lost consciousness, his body reaching its limit.
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