SPELLBOUND

The others could only solemnly nod in agreement. Even Levy shut his mouth as he realized that it was not as easy and as straightforward as he had initially thought. He could only agree that if Zanya could not prove herself to be capable enough, it would be better if she just stayed put in this place as it would no doubt be safe for her and patiently wait and pray for the princess' safe and victorious return.

At that moment, the fight finally started.

Zanya was the first to attack. She was faster than what the vampires had thought she would be. But Leon easily blocked her attack with a single counter.

Zanya kicked off the ground with a puff of dirt and literally zipped over to Leon like a bullet. As she approached Leon, she extended her legs and kicked him square in the chest before immediately flipping in the air and landing on the ground in a such a graceful manner. Despite not using any magic, it appeared that Zanya's body was very light. Her movements were extremely fluid as well.

However, what she showed so far was yet to impress the vampires, much less Leon.

"Why are you not attacking?" Zanya said, her eyes intense as she glared at Leon. "If you're holding back because I'm a woman or because I have no magic, then quit it. That's the same as looking down on me."

Leon's purple eyes twitched a little and then he sighed heavily. He looked up at Evie and others then towards Zanya again.

"I'm not looking down on you." He said and then his eyes turned red.

Zanya swallowed and her instincts made her magic threaten to come bursting out in self- defence. Thankfully, she was fully in control. She realized that it was the first time any of these vampires turned their eyes red, and Zanya could not help but have a flash back on the vampires in the past.

"Get ready," Leon warned, "I'm coming at you for real."

"Bring it on." She challenged. Her eyes fixed intensely on Leon's red eyes. And before she knew it, they were clashing against one another. He was strong but she was fast. And at that moment, because of those red blazing eyes Zanya had hated in the past, she fought Leon like she was fighting an enemy.

Leon immediately felt the change in her, so he began to be truly serious. She was fighting for real this time and Leon was glad. He could tell, she had already envisioned him as her enemy.

Zanya again flew towards Leon as before. As Leon prepared himself to counter her high kick as before, Zanya then kicked out her leg. However, before her leg hit his forearm, she pulled back and spun around. Leon then realised it was a feint! But he could not pull back his arm fast enough before she flipped over his head and kicked him right in the back. Leon stumbled forward a few steps. The corner of his lips curved up a little. He had to admit that she was really fast in her movements. Zanya then proceeded to zip around Leon and used her legs to her advantage in kicking him in his stomach, the back of his knees, and the sides of his head. Though all those attacks were blocked, Zanya continued attacking with vicious swings of her sword whenever she found an opening in his attacks. Of course, Leon didn't stop attacking as well. However, as Zanya's responses were very quick, she could minimise his attacking power by kicking or pushing back whenever his blows almost landed on her body. That way, the impact on her was reduced significantly.

"Amazing," Evie exclaimed, watching the incredible match. Zanya was really very fast. It was like a match between a lion and a tiger. "I can't believe Zanya is this good!"

"Well, she has already passed in my opinion." Zolan agreed and then the men looked at Samuel. The big man was yet to decide. Well, they already know that Samuel was always the hardest to impress among the rest of them.

The fight continued, until Zanya's sword was thrown off her hands. Leon's sword was aimed right at her throat as he immobilized her, standing right behind her.

The men and Evie clapped their hands. And Leon put down his sword.

Zanya on the other hand looked quite worried. She was very confident with her skills, but she could not believe this Leon was this good. She had fought countless of men in the past, she even fought against dark faes but this man was still better than them. She could not remember vampires being so good in sword fight. She remembered the vampires in the past being just fast and strong. But this man was obviously very intelligent too. It was as if he already knew her next move before she could even carry the move out!

Biting hard on her lips, Zanya could not help but grit her teeth. This was the first time she lost this quickly and badly in a sword fight.

Suddenly, Leon spoke from behind her, "You did very well." He said in a whisper, and Zanya froze for a moment realizing that he had just whispered very closely on her ear.

He backed away immediately and released her as Zanya turned to look at him suspiciously. He was already facing the princess and the other vampires.

"I believe she can survive outside of the Middle Land." He said to the princess and Zanya was once again surprised. She honestly thought that she had failed. Her eyes fell on Leon, never suspecting that he would speak up for her.

"I also believe she'd be fine, right Samuel?" Evie seconded as she looked behind her, towards Samuel. The big man blinked at the princess' expectant look, and he could only nod.

"Yes Princess." The man said and Evie happily approached Zanya and held her hands. "You're going to come with us, Zanya!" she then grinned at Zanya, satisfied with the outcome of the sparring match.