The Copy Mage

Damian lay before Larry and his subordinates as his body was void of energy and suffering from slight backlash, after not only using the Shadow Speed Technique to its maximum, but also using a skill that his body was accustomed to or trained in.

If it was an ordinary skill it may not have caused Damian any backlash, but it was a skill that changed the state of his body and allowed him to enter a Shadow Form, which if his body wasn't accustomed to, would shock it massively.

"Hahaha, look at you know. Not so arrogant are you?" mocked Larry as he laughed and mocked Damian, who was unable to move, with his subordinates.

He had a very vengeful and arrogant personality that had come from his father, that was quite powerful and influential and was the Originator of the Wind Sythe Soul Spirit. His father held the influential position of an elder in the central Akegria Academy, which was the largest of all its branches and had great strength.

Damian didn't answer and couldn't answer even if he wanted to as he began dreading what was about to happen to him.

But it didn't seem as though Larry wanted to torture or torment Damian, and seemed more focused on killing him, so that he couldn't come back for him after recovering and strengthening himself.

The weird ability and talent that Damian displayed during their encounter couldn't be left to grow, otherwise not only would he be in danger, but so would his younger brother's position as one of the rising talents in the younger generation of Akegria Academy.

Compressing Wind Energy in his arm, Larry prepared to use his Soul Spirit's ability on the defenceless Damian to end his life once and for all.

Slashing outwards he released a blade of wind energy and aimed towards Damian's neck, aiming to kill him in the single strike.

The Wind Sythe was incredibly fast and powerful, and it could easily cut through Damian's neck.

Just as Damian thought it was all over, there was a sudden gust of wind.

In the depths of the training centre was a youth with long black hair that was tied backwards in a long ponytail.

The youth had an elegant, gentle and scholarly look, but the aura around him was that of a warrior and his strength was incredible for his age. He seemed no older than 13, but had the strength that could rival that of an elder within the academy and had trained in all kinds of powerful skills. His talent was top class within the Gobe Country, but despite his strength the youth wasn't arrogant and was righteous.

He had been training within the training centre which was closest to him upon visiting and after hearing screams for help, he approached the scene and observed what occurred. 

He was disgusted by the behaviour of the older student towards the incredibly talented young boy.

Just as the Wind Sythe was about to cut Damian, it was suddenly moved by a gust of wind released by the blade of the elegant youth that was watching what had occurred.

He was a practising swordsman and a swing of his blade was enough to sway the Wind Sythe narrowly enough to miss Damian's neck and hit the ground beside his head.

"You would dare to act so audaciously within an academy that prides itself in its community" stated the youth furiously.

Despite his tone, his pale face was still and calm and his beauty was mesmerising.

"I... I.... know you. Aren't your the academy swordsman, Darren Shan" stuttered Larry.

He couldn't help but shake in fear as he stood before a Core Student that had similar influence and power to an elder of the academy.

Even though his father was similar in terms of influence and maybe even superior to Darren in terms of power, Larry knew he was in the wrong and his father may not be able to go against Darren and the backers that he had with him.

Larry fell to his knees as his subordinates followed suit and began to beg Darren for mercy.

Darren came from humble beginnings in an impoverished household, however, his talent in swordsmanship was remarkable and ever since he could remember he had been drawn to swords.

Practising in it for 10 years, ever since he was 3 years old, his swordsmanship was unrivalled within the academy and matched with his talent in cultivation, he was able to become a Core Student within a year and a half of joining the academy.

Despite not having a Soul Spirit his talent in cultivation was slightly above average, and with his hard-working and perceptive nature, he was able to reach a level of strength and combat prowess that was unrivalled within his generation.

There were many rising young talents within the Gobe Country and although the old powerful bloodlines and Soul Spirits were diluted over time, new bloodlines and Soul Spirits were being formed.

"Leave my sight and if I ever catch you doing something like this again, I will punish you" declared Darren as he returned his sheathed blade to his side.

Darren didn't use his blade unless he was facing a worthy opponent, and with a simple wave of his sheathed blade, he released a gust of wind that knocked the Wind Sythe.

However, Darren didn't have a Soul Spirit or the ability to use the Wind Element and the strength and speed alone of the wave alone, was enough to form a gust of wind. It not only required strength and speed, but also incredible control and precision in order to be confident enough to do so.

Damian seeing what had occurred was amazed and wanted to thank his incredible saviour, but his body that was drained of energy and had suffered backlash couldn't stay conscious.

"It seems there is another rising talent within the new generation of the Aria Branch of Akegria Academy, and this year's tournament will be an interesting one to watch" mumbled Darren to himself as he lifted up Damian's unconscious body and carried it to the infirmary where his body was cared for by a nurse.