I had just challenged Magma, a giant dragon, to a duel.

I knew very well that I was embarking on a tough fight but strangely, I felt no fear. To tell you the truth, I have never felt so confident before a fight.

''I don't mind this idea, I wouldn't lose again against a human, even less against a kid. I'm going to wipe that arrogant, proud smile off your face that irritates me to no end. ''

“That’s great, let’s get started! ''

Magma the giant dragon let out a howl. The sound waves coming from his howl created an explosion which came violently closer to me.

Without panicking, I grabbed Leonard's hand that was standing next to me and threw it into the air. With my left hand, I stored mana then I made a magical barrier appear to counter the powerful explosion.

The magic barrier that was formed was scarlet red in color.

I myself was surprised when I saw the color of my barrier. This was a higher level barrier, no basic spell could pass through it.

Using this barrier to counter a simple explosion was like wearing heavy armor to protect yourself from the claws of a kitten.

Previously, I could only use mid-level magic barriers. Today, I am able to do more with just a snap of my fingers.

As expected, I received no damage.

Screams were suddenly heard. I raised my head and saw Leonard getting dangerously close to the ground.

''Ah, I forgot. ''

I used the mana surrounding him to create a rubber ball that enveloped him. The rubber ball bounced after hitting the ground and moved away from the combat zone

''Good, we're alone now. Now show me how you're going to deal with that! ''

I started by releasing mana into my hand. Then I pointed at Magma with my index finger.

“Lightning from the sky, show me all your power. Slay my enemy in one fell swoop so that he returns to dust. ''

A small ball of lightning began to form on the tip of my index finger.

“Bang! ''

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The ball of lightning propelled itself at full speed towards Magma.

Magma quickly moved to his left, flying away, dodging my attack in the process.

My ball of lightning continued its course and destroyed a mountain that was in its path.

“It’s too slow to reach it…”

Although Magma was giant, he was very fast and agile in the air. The spell I used was lightning fast, but it wasn't enough to reach him.

Saying that this form is its weakest form. At this point, the word

“restrained” was what best described him.

His speed wasn't the only problem. Magma could also easily manipulate the five elements to a level beyond comprehension.

“You make incantations before casting your spells like humans do and you dare to proclaim yourself a demon king? I'm going to kill you! ''

He started twirling in all directions while flapping his wings which created a huge whirlwind of wind which came closer to me.

As Magma flapped its wings, the whirlwind grew until it reached the size of the surrounding mountains.

''Oh my! ''

I was flying in the opposite direction. I should not find myself trapped in this whirlwind.

“No need to run away! ''

The whirlwind continued to grow and eventually sucked me in.

Inside, I lost control of my movements. I was just spinning around as the tears of wind tore me apart all the time.

“It’s not over yet! ''

He then spat out a huge ball of fire and the whirlwind of wind turned into a whirlwind of fire.

I was being torn apart as the flames burned me. It was a remarkable sequence of fates.

Being able to combine the fire element and the wind element to create a whirlwind of fire was not within the reach of anyone. It was not for nothing that he was a lieutenant of the Demon King.

But hey...

“I call on you water spirit. May your tears flow over me and bring me comfort. Blessed Rain. ''

I cast a water element spell to extinguish the flames and dissipate the wind around it.

“Rain? '' Said Magma surprised by this sudden change.

His spell now dissipated, I had lost an arm and a leg. Part of my face was charred by the flames.

However, without lifting a finger, my body began to regenerate itself. My wounds were healing rapidly and the limbs I had lost were growing back. This cost me a bit of mana and it seems to be automatic. I didn't need to cast a healing spell.

This skill came in handy.

“It was impressive Magma. ''I said with a cocky smile.

“Shut up, you dirty human! ''

Lightning came from the sky and struck in my direction.

I took off and twirled in the sky. With ease, I dodged each lightning bolt that aimed at me.

“AAAAAH! ''

Magma let out a loud cry and the earth began to shake. The surrounding mountains were crumbling. Blocks of earth flew towards the sky and formed meteorites that flew straight towards me.

Seeing this attack, I began to move away from the area where I was. It would be annoying if one of his meteorites destroyed the mansion by accident.

“Lightning from the sky, show me all your power. Slay my enemy in one fell swoop so that he returns to dust. ... Bang! ''

Thanks to this spell, I launched a volley of lightning balls which pulverized all the meteorites.

The most dangerous thing was the debris that fell to the ground. The earth began to shake throughout the demon territory and a very large cloud of dust was raised.

Floating in the air, I observed the damage caused by our fight. To tell the truth, I was happy. I didn't think I would ever be able to fight like this. I was on par with Magma without giving my all.

It was the foot...

As I looked around with a satisfied smile, I felt a shadow approaching me.

It was Magma.

I hadn't felt his presence and I didn't have time to dodge his attack. I was violently hit by Magma's tail which threw me violently onto the ground.

Magma then rushed at me and used its weight to trample me as it fell.

I now had half my body crushed and I no longer felt my heart beating.

''It's finished! I told you I wouldn't lose to a human. You dared to proclaimed yourself a demon king, but what you don't know is that the demon king wouldn't have been fooled so easily. ''

''...''

“I crushed your heart and other vital organs but you are still alive. I don't know who you are, or what the source of your power is, but this is the end for you. ''

''...''

“Die! ''

At the moment when he wanted to give me the finishing blow, I felt a strange sensation.

I received fragments of memory, it was that of the fallen demon king.

I could see those last moments on earth, the moment when one of my companions pierced him with the holy sword. I could feel his emotions and I had access to his last thoughts.

Suddenly, time stopped. Everyone around me froze. Someone seemed to be manipulating time.

Then, I started to hear footsteps coming closer to me.

''Who is there? '' I asked in a weak voice.

“See you again, Igneel Lamprok. ''

I couldn't believe my eyes, what I was seeing in front of me.

The demon king.

End of chapter.