Chapter 407

Chapter 407: Battle Against Cuide

“We meet again, human.” Cuide stared coldly at Midi.

“My name’s Midi Asreks, not ‘human.’ Remember it.” Midi answered lightly, his face utterly calm.

This composure filled the Blue Serpent Tribe’s second warrior with inexplicable anger.

After being forced into that humiliating compromise, Cuide had rushed back to report everything to the waiting elder council, emphasizing Midi’s “round-eared” heritage.

Only later did he learn this race hailed from Arad’s surface—rare in the Shaded Realm, and notoriously weak.

But “weak” clearly didn’t describe Midi.

Cuide estimated the human’s potential could become limitless given time. Unbound by Shaded Realm traditions, Midi blended martial arts from both Arad and the underground realms—a natural advantage. Like that Black Dragonkin, his lack of constraints made him dangerous.

Which meant Midi needed to die before growing stronger.

Cuide expected their next clash at a tribal bonfire gathering. Instead, the Wolfspider Tribe had thrust Midi into a critical territory challenge affecting their future—even assigning him to fight Cuide!

Unaware of the Wolfspider’s internal strife or Midi’s role as cannon fodder, Cuide seethed. Everyone knew his status as Blue Serpent’s second warrior. Yet famously cautious Alexis had sent this human against him—implying Midi could suppress Cuide?

Unthinkable.

“Last time, my Terrorclaw Scorpion injuries let you steal victory.” Cuide drew his longsword, flames already coiling around the blade. “Now I’ve recovered—even grown stronger. You’ll die here, human!”

Before Midi could speak, fire exploded along the steel.

Asura skill: Explosive Flame Wave Sword.

Their last battle revealed Midi’s fatal advantage—speed surpassing even Cuide’s. For a mid-range fighter like an Asura, such agility meant death if closed in. Though Cuide mocked aloud, his heart held grim respect.

He attacked first, unleashing everything.

Two techniques defined his strength: power-accumulation for deadlier Exploding Flame Orbs, and momentum-drilling for faster casts. Simple methods, honed through endless battles—the same methods that crowned him second only to Great Warrior Monks.

Flames roared.

He couldn’t believe a human could withstand his direct attack.

As for Midi’s potential evasions, breakthroughs, or stealth tactics—Cuide had prepared counters for them all.

Every angle had been calculated. This strike was guaranteed to hit!

Yet the moment his Exploding Flame Orb launched, it detonated prematurely.

Scorching winds erupted instantly, flames roaring so close that Cuide’s blood seemed to boil. His silver hair singed into curls, lips blistering under the heat.

Only his familiarity with the orb’s power and swift evasion saved him from Severe Injury.

Still, Cuide was utterly stunned. Never before had his own Exploding Flame Orb harmed him. How?

As the smoke dispersed, Blue Serpent Tribe’s second warrior gaped—magic rippled along Midi’s dual swords!

This coalescence of magic on blade edges marked an Asura skill. Not only could Midi wield Asura techniques, he’d outpaced Cuide, intercepting the orb mid-launch.

“You…!” Cuide’s expression twisted.

“Correct. I master all four categories of Demon Swordman—Asura, Berserker, Ghost Cry, Sword Soul.” Midi stated plainly.

This wasn’t revealing his trump card. The Wolfspider Tribe already knew his fourfold mastery; better to declare it now for intimidation. His true aces—flying skills and psychic energy—remained hidden.

Since choosing direct combat, Midi saw no need for trickery. “Don’t fret. I’ll stick to Asura skills against you. Let’s see whose Explosive Flame Wave Sword reigns supreme.”

Cuide’s calm cracked, anger flaring. Challenged in his own field? Arrogance or idiocy?

“Try, human!” Fire streaked from Cuide’s longsword. He’d maxed his acceleration technique, secretly charged power during Midi’s speech. The Exploding Flame Orb shot faster than a slash!

But Midi had reserves too. Twin swords flickered, unleashing a storm of fire orbs. Though freshly promoted to Level 61 without Cuide’s charging techniques, Midi’s magic reserves and purity surpassed the Level 62 warrior’s. Enhanced by Radiance of Darkness and Terrorclaw Scorpion essence, his explosive skill matched Cuide’s.

It mirrored the Wolfspider slave warrior rankings—Midi bombarded relentlessly. Cuide outclassed Ice Hand, but faced a Level 61 opponent. Asura’s attack power trumped Ice Mages’ defense. Normally, Cuide overwhelmed foes with rapid firepower. Yet against Midi—equally fierce, willingly tanking hits—his flaws surfaced.

The initial exchange seemed even. But stray shots slipped through the bullet barrage. Cuide dodged them, avoiding catastrophic damage. Standard practice for practitioners.

Midi chose differently. He stood firm, enduring explosions through Dragon’s Blood-forged resilience. Even charged orbs hurt, but uninterrupted attacks mattered more. Pain meant nothing—his will forged steel.

Choices diverged. Outcomes shifted. Midi’s early wounds mattered less than his relentless assault. Each Cuide evasion ceded ground. More strays struck Cuide; fewer hit Midi. The cycle fed itself—dodging created firepower gaps inviting more attacks, while endurance bred control.

Within cycles, Cuide found himself cornered. His orbs now detonated mid-air, denied range. Midi pressed forward, battlefield clarity his ally.

Time to end this.

A glint sharpened in Midi’s eyes.