Once everyone was ready and alert. Fire erupted from the four corners of the "ring" commencing the beginning of test 3.

The Colluseum was filled with praise. The excitement was evident on the spectator's faces. Parents cheered for their children: girls cheered for their favourite participants. Boys cheered for their friends and all the beauties on the field. It was finally time for the show they had booked one month ago. This would go down in history and they got to see it in real time!

Lucas saw the fire erupt from the ground and got ready. Once the fire had settled down. The fight began. Immediately multiple skirmishes broke out. Fights were taking place between groups and even fights between two people. It was a light show as the magic of all the elements flew around the arena. It was a tricky maze to navigate. Not only did you have to dodge the spells cast directly at you. But also all the other spells unless you wanted to be collateral.

Lucas stood alone and observed the fights happening. Because he wasn't part of a group he could somewhat disappear from view. On the other side of the battlefield, a group of students were eliminating other students left, right and centre. They were a group of red and white A rankers who paired themselves together as soon as they heard the rules of test 3. These students had great control over their magic. They would cast their spells together creating one massive magic circle. First, the fire mages would cast a fireball. Resulting in a ginormous fireball. The size and heat would increase further. After the wind mages increased the oxygen intake of the fireball. Once complete they would release a fireball that rivalled the sun. Overwhelming the groups that faced them. It would even cause collateral damage as the fireball continued until it dissipated. Knocking out multiple people and groups at the same time. Once you are knocked out your body disappears from the arena.

Lucas saw the group and realised that his freedom from fighting would be cut short. Once people realised how overpowered this group was, they fled. They started picking off the ones who were alone. To them, this was a surefire way to eliminate people without having to put up much of fight. And hopefully by the time they have picked off all the little ones. The rest of the people would have been eliminated. Meaning they make it to the top 200. It's exactly one of those groups that saw Lucas standing alone. And decided to take him out. What made them happier was when they saw he had no colour badge on... Also, he was only an E ranker.

" That's the perfect target. He is weak so we can eliminate him quickly without expending a lot of mana."

"I remember that guy. He took test 2 with me. You should have seen his face when they told him he had no additional elements. It was hilarious."

" So that's our target. Looks easy enough."

They knew they had found the perfect bait. As a group, they stood in front of Lucas. Blocking his way from moving forward. Without deliberation, they began chanting their spells. Lucas looked at each everyone one of them then sighed while shaking his head.

" You guys are such idiots..." Lucas said shaking his head some more.

Lucas words antagonized them even more. Now they were even more intent on destroying him. Once the spell was complete a massive fireball headed towards Lucas. Lucas saw it coming his way and jumped up high into the air. Using his physical strength and the wind element. Once the fire had passed gravity took control. And Lucas descended to the ground. Due to his control of wind, he landed as graceful as an angel. Once he had landed he shook his head again and said, " You guys are such idiots."

But this time someone replied. " Oh, and why is that?"

Lucas smirked inwards when he realised his plan was finally underway. " Well, for starters you keep eliminating the weak ones first."

" That's the natural order. The weak fall prey to the strong." The leader of the group said.

" And by those standards. Doesn't that mean you going to get knocked out too... As of now, there are 600 students left. Because most of the weaker ones have been eliminated. This 600 is full of stronger people. Following this trend that would mean the top 200 would be filled with really strong people. If by chance you actually make it to the top 200. How confident are you in beating any of them in a 1 one 1? Maybe you could beat a few but what about your group? Wouldn't it be better if the top 200 was filled with weaker people... Then you would have a chance of snatching first place. They haven't said anything but I'm sure the rewards are remarkable. You might be personally tutored by Ivys Vinnay herself. Maybe they will give you a secret spell. The possibilities are limitless. Tantalizing isn't it? And you actually throwing that chance away for a top 200 finish. Shame." Lucas said shaking head.

" Well, what else are we supposed to do. We can't fight that group. Their control is insane. That's Royalty and nobility for you." The leader said looking glum.

" You can't beat them alone. But what if you teamed up with other groups to take them out? If you increase your numbers they will fall."

" I see, but the others won't listen to me..."

" They will. You are listening to me and I'm weak. Wouldn't they believe you more? Because of your strength." Lucas said in a flattering tone.

" Mmm, you are right," The leader said laughing proudly.

" Sir this kid has a point. We are allowed to form groups. They placed no limit on the size. If we could somehow manipulate the results of the top 200. The prizes that come with it is a good as ours..." a member said.

The leader looked at the rest of the group for their opinions. And they all nodded their heads. Agreeing that this is the best route to go. Once it had been decided the leader shook Lucas's hand energetically. Introducing himself as Yura Ironwerth. He was a well-built man with a deep voice. Oddly enough he looked familiar. Lucas couldn't quite put his finger on it though. After thanking Lucas for the idea he went on his way.

Once they disappeared Lucas sighed in relief. And let out an evil laugh. This has always been his strategy. He would never engage in battle unless he had too. Whenever he played Risk. He would remain stagnant letting the war between everyone else unfold. Once someone strong arrived everyone else would team up against him/her to take him/her out. Then Lucas would casually swoop in and eliminate everyone one for one. The same with this group. People are going to get eliminated in the process. This was perfect for him while they take each other out he can just chill.

After talking to Lucas, Yura Ironwerth went around to groups informing them of the plan. One for one they joined in agreeing with his plan. But the other side was not blind and noticed what they were up to. So they too began recruiting people other than potential A rankers to ensure they don't get wiped. They didn't have a hard time recruiting as people jumped at the opportunity to join their group. Because of Lucas the battlefield that was moments ago rife with war: turned into a recruitment field. It was a whole different battle as both sides sold their pitches trying to get people to join their side. Once all was done. Yura Ironwerth had roughly 400 people on his side. And the A rankers group had 200 people. Their group leader was Brutus Maximus.

Once everyone had joined a group. They stood on opposite sides of the ring. The leaders delivered their speeches psyching up the morale of their soldiers. Now they were just waiting to let loose. The battlefield was quiet. Yura Ironwerth looked towards where Lucas was previously. But he couldn't find him. He knew he wasn't in his team nor the other. So he assumed he got eliminated. Yura Ironwerth returned his gaze to the other side and then screamed, " Attack!" And with that, the sounds of war sounded out.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Yura Ironwerth's team charged at the other team while prepping their mana. Confident in their numbers. As they had twice the number of people than the other team had. Yura Ironwerth stayed behind giving orders like a general in a war. Oddly enough, while they were charging the other team was standing still. Brutus Maximus had commanded them to focus on something else. Yura Ironwerth was confident in his numbers so he didn't pay much mind to their plans. However, he did increase the pace of their charge and told them to be careful. If he could get to them before their plan was complete it would be 2 against one. Because of his order, they ran faster while prepping their mana. Ready to release it whenever they were commanded to.

Once they were 5 meters away. Brutus Maximus screamed, "release!" Yura Ironwerth got the fright of his life and commanded everyone to focus on defence. The group of 400 stopped charging and focused on defence. However, it was unnecessary as the spell that was being prepared by Brutus Maximus's side was not an offensive spell. After the release of their spells. The ground began rumbling and from the ground, a battle station erupted. Brutus Maximus team was now all 3 meters above the ground. Once the battle stations were built by the Earth mages. The water mages filled the trenches with water.

Next, the fire and wind mage climbed on top of the battle station and began chanting their spells. Yura Ironswerth saw the error in his ways and screamed retreat across the battlefield. He was angry, embarrassed, jealous all in one. "These fucking nobles," He thought. Yura Ironswerth was well aware of how nobles were raised. From birth, they were given the best of the best. The best education, the best tutors, the best food, the best training. Once a boy reached 7 years old they were trained in military arts. From tactics to learning how to command and more. They were groomed to be generals of their own battalion. But somehow this information slipped his mind. He had assumed since the leader of the other group was barely 18. He wouldn't think of this as a real-life war scenario. Thus he attacks head-on.

But he was wrong. Brutus Maximus was brutal and maniacal but also very calm, collected and conceited. Brutus Maximus analyzed the situation. Then set up a plan to change the tide of war to his favour. He purposely let them charge so close to him. So that there would be no way to retreat without massive loss. They held the high ground so they could attack relentlessly: while reducing the chance of being hit by magic themselves. Brutus Maximus stretched his arms towards the opposing side. Then all the fire and wind mages released there magic. Like a torrent, the spells flew in the air then exploded upon impact. Because Yura Ironswerth had advised his side to be careful. Most of them were safe. A few got eliminated and a few got hit by the spells. But they only survived the first wave. Next, the Earth mages stood on the platform after picking up a stone from the ground. Moments later they lobbed the stones at the enemy.

Yura Ironswerth's team began laughing when they saw the stones coming at them.

"Oh no, I'm going to get hit by a pebble" A member mocked.

"Save me from this vicious onslaught" another teased

" Do they think they are Bavid and we are Loliath. Another scoffed.

They all watched the stones fly into the air laughing. They had completely forgotten about the fear they had felt moments ago. On the other hand, Yura Ironswerth didn't take it lightly. He commanded them to retreat slowly while focusing on defence. But no one wanted to listen to him rant about defence. Instead, they focused on attack. Yura Ironswerth felt desolate when no one was listening to his commands. Again he cursed his fate for not being born as a noble.

Once the velocity of the stones reached 0. They began to descend. But for some or other odd reason the stones kept increasing in size... Yura Ironswerth's team blinked their eyes and then again multiple times. Pinched their skins but it wasn't a dream. The rocks were really getting bigger. It was an undeniable truth. The rocks kept growing in size as they descended. They were now the size of a boulder. Panic ensued on the opposing team. They had been prepping offensive magic. There was no way they could change now. Or cast defensive magic strong enough to stop this attack. Within the time they had. Also if they fired their magic against the rocks it would just create more rocks.

Fear crept on all of them when they realized this is it. They regretted not listening to Yura Ironswerth. In fact, they regretted ever listening to him. They all wished they had joined the other side. To make matters worse. The fire mages stepped in and cast fire upon the rocks setting them ablaze. As if the previous wasn't scary enough. Now they had molten boulders. Next, the wind mages decreased the wind resistance surrounding the rocks. Further increasing the speed it descended at and increasing the fire. Now not only were they afraid of losing. They were afraid of losing their lives. Brutus Maximus looked from his vantage point with a smile. As he marvelled in his leadership skills. He was quite proud of his first mock battle. The enemy was double his. However, he still managed to checkmate them in a few moves.

Yura Ironswerth gritted his teeth and watched the stones descend. He was outside of their range but his team was definitely done for. He subconsciously looked towards Lucas. Angry he ever let him deceive him. Thinking he had a chance against royalty and the nobles. Even when the odds were in his favour. He still couldn't beat a noble. Angry at himself he bit his lip. And promised to get revenge on Lucas wherever he was.

The rocks were just about to hit his team. They all closed their eyes and braced for impact. Brutus Maximus watched apathetically as some cried other soiled their pants. He did not care if they died. The rules didn't state killing was illegal. So he made sure that there was no escaping his plans. The fiery rocks were just a few centimetres from impact and then boom! The sound of impact sounded across the entire battlefield as the boulders landed on the ground. Creating craters. Yura Ironswerth could barely watch as his rage for revenge burned hotter. He was the only one left on his team the rest had been eliminated. Brutus Maximus laughed maniacally when the rocks landed.

Then he looked around to count how many people he could see. There was a total of 203 left including Yura Ironswerth. Once everyone else realised that three more people had to be eliminated. Before the end of part 1, they stood on edge. Nobody moved a muscle. As a movement would mean that you might antagonize more than one person. Having them both casting on you. Getting yourself knocked out instead. But someone couldn't bear the suspense and they moved. As a result, two mages fired at him. Eliminating him. Because these two mages fired magic this put the others on edge. As a result, those two got fired on by four other mages eliminating them. But this further antagonized the others. It was like a ripple of water. However, someone screamed "stop" before they fired their magic. They all looked to the source. Once the source saw she had their attention she said, "Look there are 200 people left. We are the top 200 there is no need to fight."

Everyone recounted and saw that there really was 200 people left. They all sighed in relief. Especially Yura Ironswerth he was happy that he made it. So they all patiently waited for Ivys Vinnay to call it. But for some reason, she didn't say anything. In fact, the timer just kept going. According to the timer, an hour and 20 minutes had passed and counting.

One of the students got annoyed by this. Then said, " We were promised that after 200 people are left the battle ends: what's going on?" As he said that everyone else joined in and questioned the staff.

Suddenly a lacrima appeared and it was Ivys Vinnay. When the students saw her they relaxed. As this would mean that part one was finally over.

"We are the top 200 students why are we still forced to battle?" a student asked

"There are more than 200 students here," she said.

A nerve twitched on all of the student's faces as their faces contorted into unimaginable expressions.

"We have counted innumerable times and the number adds up to 200. You guys have it wrong!"

Ivys Vinnay then said, " I said the top 200 will make it through. But there are more than 200 people here."

This student couldn't take it anymore. But he counted one more time to make sure. And just like before he counted 200. He then thought that they were lying. Maybe this whole test was a lie. They just wanted to see them fight each other and make money off of them, so he said, " Listen here, bitch. I don't know what sick game you are playing but..." "I'm not going to take part in this anymore," he said the last part while he was flying in the air, heading for the outside of the ring.

When he realized that he was flying in the air he exclaimed, " What the heck!" Then he saw he was on a direct course to the outside of the ring. He began flailing his arms in the air. Doing everything he could to try and stop himself from going outside. But everything proved futile as with a thump, he landed outside on his bum. Then he disappeared.

Then Ivys Vinnay said, " Stop the timer. The top 200 has been decided."

"Top 200 we are clearly 199" the students cried out.

But suddenly as if out of nowhere. Lucas appeared in front of everyone. Dusting his hands off and then rolling his shoulders to stretch them out. Everyone looked at him bewildered. Lucas just revealed a wide white toothy smile.

[ Quest: Take first place in test 3 ( Rank 200 reached)

Reward: 3000 Exp

SP-20

AP- 100

Sidequest: Reveal all your elements.

Fire: 5 SP, 25 AP ✔ ( Rewards will be given after the end results.)

Water: 5 SP, 25 AP✘

Earth: 5 SP, 25 AP✘

Wind: 5 SP, 25 AP ✔( Rewards will be given after the end results.)]