Reborn As Noble

The sun shone through the thick trees of the forest, creating patches of golden light on the ground. The peaceful sound of birds was broken by the noise of clashing swords and heavy breathing.

Javier smiled as he quickly stepped back to block Liana’s sword with his own. Sparks flew when their blades hit.

”Heh... not bad,” Javier teased, his grin getting bigger.

Liana narrowed her green eyes, looking calm but focused. Without saying a word, she turned and kicked at his ribs.

Javier ducked just in time and spun away. With a flick of his wrist, he created seven fireballs around him, glowing brightly.

”Think fast!” he shouted, sending the fireballs flying toward Liana.

Without hesitation, Liana raised her hand and created a shimmering barrier. The fireballs exploded harmlessly against it, scattering sparks in the air. Then, she quickly formed an ice blade in her other hand.

She threw the ice blade with great accuracy. Javier twisted his body to avoid it, feeling the cold air brush against his cheek.

”Whoa! Easy there!” Javier joked, but he was clearly focused.

Before he could react, Liana created a thick smokescreen that covered her. Javier swore quietly, scanning the mist to find her.

Suddenly, he saw movement behind him and jumped forward just as Liana’s spinning kick came close to his head.

”Close one!” Javier said, rolling away to create space.

Liana came at him again, moving with grace and precision. She pretended to strike with her blade, making Javier block, then quickly kicked low at his legs.

Javier jumped over the kick, showing off his quick reflexes. Seizing the moment, he thrust his palm forward, sending a burst of wind magic that pushed Liana back a bit.

”Not bad yourself,” Liana said, still calm as she stood tall.

Javier’s eyes sparkled with excitement. ”Oh, I’m just getting started!”

He put away his sword and clenched his fists, feeling his magic rise. Green and gold sparks appeared around him as he combined wind and lightning magic. He shot forward with incredible speed, aiming his charged fist at Liana’s barrier.

The impact created a shockwave, shaking the leaves around them. Liana steadied herself, but Javier’s force pushed her back.

”Are you really going all out, young master?” Liana asked, her voice steady as she focused her magic to strengthen her defenses.

Javier grinned, his amber eyes shining. ”Of course! If I hold back, you’ll just scold me later.”

Liana smirked slightly at his playful comment before dropping her barrier and attacking with quick slashes and kicks, testing his speed and skill.

The two continued their intense sparring, the sounds of their battle echoing through the forest. Despite the sweat on their brows and some minor scrapes, neither of them showed signs of stopping.

Javier grinned mischievously as he stretched out his arm, the air around him buzzing with magic. His voice rang out with authority:

”Summon! Puppet Knight!”

A loud clattering filled the forest as a tall knight in shiny armor appeared before him. Its red cape fluttered, and its glowing symbol looked intimidating. The Puppet Knight drew its sword, ready for battle.

Liana’s eyes widened for a moment before narrowing with determination. ”Ngghh! You cheater!”

Javier smirked, enjoying her frustration. ”There’s no cheating in fighting, Liana. This isn’t just for fun—it’s practice!” He turned to his puppet and shouted, ”All knights! Charge!”

With a mechanical roar, the Puppet Knight rushed forward, its big sword shining in the sunlight.

Liana took a deep breath, her green eyes focused. ”Very well, young master,” she said softly. She placed her hand on the ground, sending her magic into the earth. ”Summon! Golem Earth!”

The ground shook as dirt and rocks came together to form a giant golem. Its glowing eyes fixed on the Puppet Knight, and with a deep growl, it charged to face its opponent.

Javier’s jaw dropped in surprise. ”Guh! You have a hidden skill!?”

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Liana smiled slightly, looking calm but a bit smug. ”There’s more to me than you think, young master.”

Before Javier could reply, Liana rushed at him, her blade aimed low to force him to defend himself.

”Whoa!” Javier shouted, blocking her strike just in time. The sound of their swords clashing echoed as the Puppet Knight and the Golem fought fiercely in the background, shaking the ground with their blows.

Javier grinned despite the struggle. ”Looks like I’ll have to get serious now!”

Liana, calm but firm, parried his strike and quickly spun to slash at him. ”You should’ve been serious from the start, young master.”

The forest clearing turned into a chaotic battleground. The Puppet Knight and Golem clashed powerfully, shaking the earth with each hit. Meanwhile, Javier and Liana exchanged fast strikes and counters, neither willing to give in.

Javier sidestepped her thrust and sent a small blast of wind at her feet, making her jump back. He used the chance to summon another Puppet Knight beside him.

”Double trouble!” he said, clearly enjoying himself.

Liana raised an eyebrow, a smirk appearing on her lips. ”Oh, you’re really going overboard now.”

With a flick of her wrist, she commanded the Golem to split into two smaller golems, each one targeting a Puppet Knight.

Javier smirked, watching Liana with confidence. ”Too slow, Liana! What if a gang of, I don’t know, 30 to 50 thugs attacks you? What’s your plan then?”

His teasing tone was playful as he pointed at his advancing Puppet Knights.

Liana’s calm expression didn’t change, but determination flashed in her emerald eyes. Without a word, she raised her hand, and magic swirled around her.

”Earth Bind.”

Thick, twisting vines shot up from the ground, wrapping around Javier’s Puppet Knights and stopping them in their tracks. The glowing runes on the vines pulsed with her magic, making sure the knights couldn’t escape.

Javier’s jaw dropped. ”What the—?! Hey! My knights!”

Liana didn’t waste any time. She dashed toward Javier, her sword glowing with magic.

”Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Javier stumbled back, quickly summoning another Puppet Knight for protection.

Liana was faster. She slipped past the new knight, her blade sparking as it clashed with Javier’s defense.

”This is how I handle 30 to 50 bandits, young master,” she said calmly, a hint of smugness in her voice. ”Now stop hiding and fight me properly.”

Javier laughed nervously, dodging her next strike. ”Okay, okay! I get it! But let’s not completely destroy my knights, alright? They’re expensive!”

Liana’s blade swung toward Javier, fast and precise, stopping just short of his neck. Her emerald eyes shone with calm determination as she tilted her head.

”Expensive, you say? Young master, I think you can fix them in an instant with your magic crafting. Or am I wrong?”

Javier chuckled nervously, backing away a bit. ”Hehe... you got me there, Liana.”

But Liana wasn’t done. She lunged forward, her strikes getting faster and sharper, forcing Javier to defend himself.

”Whoa, Liana! No need to be this intense! This is just sparring!” Javier exclaimed, ducking under one of her swings and rolling to the side.

Liana smiled faintly as she kept attacking. ”Sparring or not, young master, you shouldn’t tease your opponent if you can’t handle their response.”

Suddenly, Liana pretended to strike, then spun and kicked at Javier’s stomach.

”Eeep!” Javier squeaked as he barely caught her ankle and twisted away, stumbling a bit.

Regaining his balance, he raised both hands in mock surrender. ”Alright, alright, Liana! I yield! You win this round!”

Liana stopped, lowered her weapon, and straightened up, her composed demeanor returning.

”Good. Maybe now you’ll think twice before teasing me.”

Javier grinned, brushing dirt off his clothes. ”Hah! Not a chance. It’s way too fun.”

Liana sighed, shaking her head, but a warm smile flickered on her face.

(End of Chapter)