Cyziel shrugged his shoulders, smiling at instructor Sara. "Nothing special. Just some simple magic."
"That was not simple!" Sara snorted. "We will talk again about this later! Will you continue challenging someone?"
Cyziel shook his head. "Nope! Unless... someone challenges me again."
"Anyone else?" Sara shouted, rotating her head left and right to check for new challengers.
Ten seconds passed. Then a minute. Even after two minutes, nobody replied. Silence filled the surroundings. The few things that could be heard was the muffled breathing of some top students and the footsteps of the running Aractos who was already almost out of the indoor practice area. Every student who met with Sara's eyes avoided her gaze, afraid that they would be forced to volunteer. It was not until Cyziel jumped down from the stage that the pressure around lightened.
Most of the students are still confused on how the fight ended. They saw Aractos corner Cyziel near the edge of the arena then when he attacked, the wall of flames suddenly blazed stronger then surrounded the two figures. To the perspective of the people around, Aractos had the advantage on the whole fight. They didn't dare to underestimate Cyziel due to his previous showings but they thought that Aractos found Cyziel's weakness. Beat him in hand on hand combat and not letting him cast any spells.
This idea was actually not wrong. Cyziel's knowledge of magic far surpasses his current body's strength. Unfortunately, he is still far stronger than the students here.
Cyziel went back to his group, ignoring the eyes following him. The people around made way for him and didn't dare get close which made the group of Vera quite discernable inside the ocean of students. The group went to the edge of the indoor area where bleachers are located.
"What did you do to him?" Ru asked, seemingly concerned for Aractos. "He is fine. Isn't he?"
"No worries. I just scared him a little." Cyziel chuckled.
"You made quite a performance. Different school organizations here would probably recruit you." Jorak said.
"Those orgs are useless! They are just a selfish bunch of people. You should ignore them." Vera scowled. She has been invited for quite a number of these organizations. Most of these organizations would promise to help the students who join but their real goal was to be the ruling party in the institution. These organizations would threaten students with no strong background or bully them to submission.
"Well, I don't have plans to join any group right now. After all, we won't be staying here for long." Cyziel nonchalantly said.
"Wha- Ah yes. You said before that you would be going to the capital" Ru lowered her head, sulking. "But won't you stay until you graduate?"
"Stop it Ru!" Vera interjected. "Did you forget that Cyziel is currently looking for his family? If it was me then I would already be rushing towards the capital."
"We are also going there to continue our study in the capital's university." Volus added.
"Whaaaat?" The rest of the group with the exception of Cyziel shouted.
"Ah! Yes. Volus was invited to study there so I plan to come with him." Cyziel inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Don't you guys have plans studying there? I heard it was currently the best school here."
"Uhh...Its actually not that easy to be allowed to study there. You need to have some sort of recommendation." Rika then turned to Vera. "Isn't that right?"
"Hmph!" Vera snorted. "I still need to graduate at most in 2 years otherwise my recommendation is forfeited."
"Oh! What's this? Are you being humble?" Jorak laughed.
"Is that your way of challenging me in the arena?" Vera stood up from the bleachers. "Come let's go fight! I'll see how you improved."
"Hey hey! I am still tired! Have you guys forgot that we just arrived after those deadly trials?" Jorak protested.
"That was like 2 days ago! You slept the whole time in the caravan!" Rika grinned, pushing Jorak to stand.
As the group had their chit-chat, the challenges continued for the other students. It was not as attention grabbing as Cyziel's and Ortix's fight but they were still interesting. Some of the challengers were a bit ambitious and got thrashed by their stronger opponents while other fights were a bit close that upsets happened.
--- Morgan's Group Location ---
On the opposite side of the bleachers were Morgan's group. They are currently staring at Vera's group. To be specific, they were staring at Cyziel but it was nothing unique to them because a lot of students and even instructors are currently observing him.
"He has even defeated Aractos! How strong could he really be?" Mara asked.
"That's to be expected!" Morgan was still furiously looking at Cyziel. Because he definitely used some dark magic! I don't know what it was but I am sure of it!
Morgan is proud instead of being competitive! Love really changes people! Mara giggled.
"Oh! I thought I shouldn't praise him but why are you praising him?" Lucia jested, crossing her arms and raising her left eyebrow at Morgan.
"I'm not praising him." Morgan coldly replied.
"Heh!" Lucia gave a last laugh before turning serious. "Do you think that he could beat you?"
Morgan turned silent before giving a sounding answer. "Definitely. As of now, I don't think I could beat him."
"So what do you plan to do?" Lucia asked.
Morgan started to ponder. I need to observe him more before I could uncover his plans. My best bet would be his current groupmates. She then breathed loudly. "For now, I will just observe him but I will make sure to understand why he is teaming up with Vera."
Oh! This is so spicy! Morgan is just contented at looking at him but she won't let Vera take him! Mara giggled again. "I understand you Morgan. As friends, even though it pains me, I will support you."
"It won't be easy but thank you." Morgan nodded not knowing that the two of them were actually not in the same page.
--- Jaza's Group Location ---
Jaza's group was currently in the north of the practice area just near the entrance. Jaza still did not want to go near the central arena where the people are currently gathered. Still, they were able to watch Cyziel's fight from afar.
"This is just bullshit!" Jaza shouted, forcefully opening and closing his fingers as if trying to crush a non-existent object. "How is that guy so strong? How did he beat Aractos?"
"Ca-lm down sir!" Grozo said, fearfully looking at Jaza. He wanted to tap Jaza's shoulder but decided not to.
"How can I calm down? Isn't that guy friends with Ortix? Wouldn't that make him another enemy of ours?" Jaza rebuked before walking around in a circle. What if he is actually the one who killed Tarak? Or wait did one of them fought Tarak and the other fought Gabo? Even if it wasn't them, I still can't let them live. Jaza then stopped in his place. "I have no choice, we will ask help from the org. Nobbi go inform Helar that we need help!"
"Would it be good to implicate the whole Mundus group for this?" Nobbi asked fearfully. He is one of the weakest in their group so it was also natural that he easily gets scared. That is the reason why he chose to work like a scout -- or errand boy -- for their group. "Wouldn't that-"
"Shut up! Just tell Helar that I would like to talk with him." Jaza shouted. For those ignorant, Mundus group is just one of the organizations that has power in the institution. For those who actually know like Jaza, it was actually something more. Its goal is far higher than just ruling a school and it has connections with the Vile brigands.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
--- Back at Vera's Group ---
"Come on now! I really don't want to fight!" Jorak pleaded.
Rika chuckled. "Loot at you being so scared. Don't you two always spar!"
"That's different! That's just physical and combat arts sparring!"
"Hmph! Don't worry, I don't like to waste time on you. I will actually be challenging someone else." Vera turned to look at Morgan who was still looking at their direction.
"She seemed to have been looking this way for quite some time." Ru uttered.
"Yeah yeah! Go challenge her instead!" Jorak shouted, feeling relieved that Vera was actually just joking with him.
The group then walked back towards the center arena. As soon as they did, Morgan's group also went to the center arena. It was as if Morgan already knew that she would be challenged. It was not really something unexpected because there was only her and Elvin who have a higher rank than Vera. Unfortunately, Elvin would not be able to fight anymore so that leaves her as Vera's target. The two groups met just in front of the Arena.
Mara shyly waved at Cyziel. "Uhmm! Hello. How are you?"
"I'm fine I think. I'm not really hurt anywhere." Cyziel replied innocently.
*Stupid!* Rika and Jorak murmured simultaneously.
"Mara!" Lucia softly called, pulling Mara to her side. *You actually know him!*
"Oh... Did I forget to tell you that he was the one who bought before in Auntie's store?" Mara replied with a muffled tone.
"Ah! So you are Lucia! Nice to meet you!" Cyziel smiled then nodded his head.
Lucia straightened her body then reached out her hands. Her demeanor changed like that of a noble. "Nice to meet you to-"
"Enough of your flirting!" Morgan shoved Lucia away before standing close to Cyziel. Since she was a bit short and only reached Cyziel's shoulder level, she was looking up at him. She stared at Cyziel with hostility but it only made him smile. "Morgan. Remember this name because-"
"Oh! Shut up Morgan!" Vera pulled Cyziel then stepped in front of Morgan. "I will be your opponent."
"Heh!" Morgan smirked. "Did you actually think that the outcome this time would change? I have beaten you before and I will beat you again."
"Oh! They are fighting for him! I wish I would also have a courage to do that! But for now.." Mara, with her continued fantasies, breathed deeply. "Go Morgan!"
"You even have someone to cheer for you! Well! You will need that! You won't be as lucky as last time!" Vera laughed.
"Are you two just going to argue down there or are you going to fight?" Instructor Sara asked, looking down from the arena.
Vera and Morgan simultaneously jumped up the arena. Morgan took the left side of the ring while Vera went to the right side. The two just stared at each other even when the divider disappeared. They were carefully observing each others actions. The moment Morgan gathered water essence on her hand, Vera immediately gathered fire essence.
"Quas Ciraculus!"
"Firas Ciraculus!"
The ball of water and the ball of fire clashed, causing large amount of steam to envelop the arena.
Using the steam as a cover, Vera prepared for her next attack. Vera gripped her left arm with her right hand then focused wind essence on her left hand. "Iara Aeze! Wind blast!"
The blast of wind blew the steam in the arena and revealed Morgan who was now currently gathering earth essence on her body.
Seeing the blast of wind, Morgan transferred the essence she had gathered towards her feet before stomping on the ground. "Tegar Riclus Laxae! Earth Wall!"
A wall made of soil was erected in front of Morgan. It blocked the impact of the exploding blast of wind which caused it to almost crumble. To Morgan's surprise, a flaming fist appeared from the wall. Vera actually charged after casting her spell. She punched through the wall causing it to completely fall. The punch continued through Morgan. Unfortunately, Morgan was surprised and didn't have enough time for complex spells.
Morgan tried to condense water essence to the supposed place of impact. She was too late and got hit by the punch in the face. She flew back and hit the arena's barrier. Luckily, the water she condensed prevented her face from being burned.
Morgan rubbed her cheeks. She could still feel the pain from the punch. "You actually hit my face!"
"Well! I planned to hit your stomach but I forgot that you are too short!" Vera sniggered, trying to enrage Morgan.
"I'll make sure to return the favor!" She closed her eyes as she gathered darkness essence around her. "Noxum Vumae Ciraculus! Eternal Orb of Darkness"
Four black spheres appeared near Morgan. Two on her right and two on her left. Without pausing, she casted another spell. "Noxum Reep! Threads of the Night!" She was finally serious.
Hair-like strands of darkness energy slowly came out from each orb and they extended forward. Instead of running away, Vera charged. She coated her hands with flames again and swatted the threads, burning them away. Unfortunately, the threads just grew back and extended again towards Vera. She ignored it and directly dashed towards Morgan.
Suddenly, one of the orbs moved and blocked her path. In just a second, hundreds of threads came out of the orb and tried to envelop her. It was not the same as the previous threads. The new threads extended quickly. The speed that they are produced are faster than she could burn them with her fist. She was starting to get surrounded. She needed to cast a stronger spell but the threads were not giving her time. With no other choice, she leapt back and temporarily retreated.
The threads didn't stop chasing after Vera. She started to run around the arena to give herself time to gather fire essence. She finally gathered enough essence to cast a fire wall, stopping the threads from chasing her. The threads immediately burned when they tried to pass through the wall. With the threat of the threads temporarily gone, she was finally able to recover and recollect herself. Light essence started to gather on her arms.
Morgan saw what was happening so she immediately acted. The threads started to twist around themselves forming thick ropes of dark energy. They then lashed out through the wall of fire. The outer parts of the rope burned but parts of it were able to pass through the fire. Sadly, those that were able to pass lacked enough strength to cause enough injury. The lashing of the joint threads only caused minor stinging pain.
Morgan immediately changed her strategy. More ropes passed through the flames. Those ropes were also continually getting burned by the flames but the remaining dark strands was enough. She aimed for Vera's feet. She was aiming to pull her on the other side of the wall. She was successful. Vera fell down the ground and was dragged by the threads.
Vera purposely didn't defend herself. She was risking it all for her spell. Unfortunately, Morgan was not stupid. She could feel the light essences gathering on Vera's arms and it would be dangerous if Vera got close. After pulling Vera outside of the wall of fire, Morgan stopped dragging her. She didn't let go but instead the thick ropes of darkness started to lash again. Vera had no choice but to spend some of the light essence she had gathered.
"Brit Sica Blatt! Shining blades!" A blade of light appeared on each of Vera's hands.
Vera slashed through the threads and ropes of darkness. It was as if there was no resistance. Even the thickest rope dispersed as her attack hit. She was also able to free herself from the threads around her legs. She immediately stood up and charged towards Morgan. She was quite sure that Morgan has used up a lot of energy with her spell but the blades of light were also consuming Vera's energy quickly.
Vera sidestepped left and right dodging the countless threads that are trying to entangle her. Those that were able to get close were cut swiftly. She finally was able to reach her but one of the orb blocked her again. Multiple threads were coming out again of the orb but she noticed that it was actually not as many as the previous one. Unexpectedly, the threads suddenly expanded and stretched, blocking her view. Morgan was preparing something. This time, she couldn't escape. She needed to attack. Otherwise, she might lose.
One of her blades disappeared but her blade on the left doubled its length and width. She charged again, ignoring the attacks approaching her. She pierced through the orb. The orb cracked and the threads around her disappeared. She was successful or so she thought.
"What are you doing?" Vera shouted, looking at the three remaining orbs in front of her.
The three orbs were combining into one. To be specific, the dark essences of the two other orbs were being transferred to the third orb. The third orb was starting to grow. Vera could have attacked but she understood that the growing orb was unstable and dangerous.
Morgan opened her eyes as she coldly looked at Vera. "I did not plan to use this. I thought of using level 5 water magic at first but since I knew that you are proficient with fire magic, I knew that I need to advance my darkness element. Honestly, the black orbs from before was the only level 5 darkness spell that I knew. I didn't think that I would still not be able to defeat you. So this one would be a gamble!"
"I admit that you are really strong Morgan. You might have won if this exam happened a week before today. Unfortunately, I feel really lucky these days. If you could take a risk then so do I!" Vera shouted as the blade of light in her hand dispersed into particles of light. She then breathed deep. She was preparing to cast a spell she has never casted before. Fortunately, Morgan was also busy finishing her spell.
The mark that Vera's group received started to show its strength. Their achievement today was due to their connection with the elementals being strengthened. This had lead to their understanding to improve and unconsciously caused their confidence to go up.
Vera raised her two hands. "Brit Waar Blatt!" A long sword of light appeared in Vera's hands. Her hands were shaking as she held the sword. Its radiance was incomparable to the light of the blades she previously used.
"Noxum Vumae Ersta! Collapse of darkness!" Morgan shouted. The lone remaining orb traveled towards Vera while slowly expanding as if it was trying to envelop everything around it.
At the same time, Vera brought down her sword towards the orb. The orb was stopped on its track and so was the sword. The two were in a stalemate until the orb started to show some cracks. Due to the lack of mastery of the spell, its instability started to show. The orb exploded hitting the two people near it. Instructor Larka even protected herself because the strength of the spell was already strong enough for her to be careful.
Both Vera and Morgan were thrown away in opposite sides of the arena. Vera was lying down gasping for breath. The sword in Vera's hand was already starting to disappear. She was the one closest to the orb and without her sword then she would have felt the full brunt of that burst. Morgan was in a similar situation. She was not moving. She was depleted of her energy. Her strongest attack was countered. She knew that she had actually lost.
Perhaps the result would be different if Vera didn't get her mark. Morgan might have been the only student who could cast level 5 spells in two different elements. In retrospect, if this match actually happened after a few weeks or months then Morgan might not have been a match. Vera might actually have mastered level 6 spells with her new mark.
"Since the two of you are down. I sentence this match to be a draw." Sara declared as she signaled the other instructors for Vera and Morgan to be healed. "You two have done well! Level 6 spells for people who have only been studying here for less than a year."
The result of the match caused a great commotion in the crowd. It was just as big as what the previous commotions were. The people are now hypothesizing how Cyziel and Ortix would fare against Vera and Morgan.