Other students: "What? No chance, he just lost!" Zander: "I admit my defeat. You're small but quite mighty." Rion: "Thank you, sir. It was a fine duel. You're not bad at all." Celestia, Kain, and Rose: "Good one! You really never run out of surprises, do you?" Rion: "Thanks." Then it was Kain's duel. He also won easily, and Rose and Celestia did as well, so we all passed the second test and moved on to the third of four tests. We had to show our most powerful magical attack. Kain engulfed his sword in flames and unleashed a devastating shockwave with his strike. Everyone was taken aback, and I now knew what he had been training for. It was my turn. Rion: "Incite Battle Arts!" All my aura burst out. I concentrated it, and my aura turned from orange to red—the next form. I charged up and shot a beam of aura. I called it: Rion: "Draconic Arrow!" I accidentally destroyed the school's field. Instructor: "Are you crazy? Why would you use such a spell on school grounds?" Rion: "I am sorry, madam." For the fourth test, we were to get through the forest of dragons. We would be in teams of five. We had four members: me, Rose, Kain, and Celestia. Rion: "We have to find a fifth member." Kain: "I am backline because my strong suit is magic. Rion is our most powerful player; he is the front line. Rose and Celestia will protect from the sides. We need a healer in the middle." Rose: "True." Spencer: "You filthy rat, take this!" He was punching a girl dressed in a white cross. Liora: "Stop, leave me alone!" Spencer: "Why even take the test, you weakling? It's pathetic, healing magic. You know what? I'll give you the honor of being in my team. We'll have some fun, hehee." Celestia: "Stop, leave her alone or else." Rion: "You are the one who is pathetic and weak." Kain: "Too weak to pick on someone your own size." Rose: "How disgusting, picking on the weak." Spencer: "Oh please, just because of your titles, you're all high and mighty. And hey, Rion the commoner, piss off. I don't need a commoner challenging me." Rion: "Oh yeah? Then take me in a duel if you're not scared, that is." Rose: "Are you sure? He is one of the most promising mages there is." Rion: "Oh yeah, time for some action." Spencer: "Let's then, pretty boy. Ready to die?" Rion: "Enough trash talk, let's get this party on the road." He started by shooting magic at me—flares, ice bullets, and light strikes. I evaded them all with ease, my movements fluid and precise. Each attack missed by a wide margin, leaving Spencer frustrated and off-balance. Rion: "Time to end this. You really disappointed me. For all that bark, there's no bite to back it up." Spencer: "OH, THEN THIS!" He unleashed every ounce of magic he had, a desperate attempt to overwhelm me with sheer volume. Fire, ice, and light converged in a chaotic barrage. I stood still for a moment, yawning theatrically before bursting into action. Rion: "Infernal Incite Battle Arts!" My aura flared with intense energy, surrounding me in a blinding light. In an instant, I moved with blinding speed, darting around Spencer and leaving afterimages in my wake. He struggled to keep up, his eyes wide with panic as he tried to track my movements. His attacks grew more frantic and desperate, but I was always one step ahead. I casually sidestepped another flurry of flares, making it look effortless. I could see the frustration building in Spencer's eyes as he realized how outmatched he was. With a smirk, I leaped into the air, effortlessly avoiding his ice bullets and landing a powerful kick on his jaw, sending him skyward. I ascended to meet him, time seeming to slow as I delivered a series of rapid strikes to his midsection. Each blow sent shockwaves through his body, and I could see the pain etched on his face. I grabbed his arm, spun him around, and threw him back to the ground with immense force. The impact created a crater, dust and debris flying up from the collision. Hovering above him, I watched as he struggled to get up, his movements slow and pained. I floated back down, landing gracefully beside him. Spencer pushed himself to his feet, determination in his eyes. He raised his hands, gathering his remaining strength for one final attack. Spencer: "I'll show you! Take this!" He unleashed a torrent of magic, a chaotic mix of fire, ice, and light. I stood my ground, my aura flaring even brighter as I prepared to counter. Rion: "Infernal Incite Battle Arts!" I burst forward, my speed and power overwhelming. I weaved through his attacks effortlessly, leaving afterimages that made it impossible for him to track me. I closed the distance in an instant, my fist connecting with his chest and sending him flying backward. Before he could recover, I was on him again, striking him with a series of rapid punches and kicks. He tried to defend himself, but my attacks were too fast and too powerful. With a final, powerful kick, I sent him crashing into the ground once more. As he lay there, dazed and defeated, I hovered above him, my aura still blazing. The onlookers gasped in awe at the display of power and skill. I floated down, standing over Spencer with a look of pity and disappointment. Rion: "Next time, try to put up a real fight." Spencer lay there, defeated and humiliated, as Liora rushed over to heal him. I turned away, my aura slowly fading as I walked back to my friends, ready to face the next challenge. Liora: "Thank you, you saved me back there. Oh, how rude of me, I didn't even introduce myself. I am Liora von Ashford." Rion: "Wait, Ashford? So you're related to me. I am Rion von Ashford, son of Rangio." Liora: "Wait, Uncle Rangio? I was told that he met me when I was a toddler. How is he?" Rion: "I have never seen him after the attack. I was forced to flee, and he fought and held his ground. I am ashamed I didn't help him." Liora: "Oh, I am so sorry." Rion: "It's alright. I wanted to invite you to join our party." Liora: "Are you sure? I can only heal." Rion: "You're perfect. We needed a healer anyway, so join us!" Liora: "Thank you, elder cousin Rion, for giving me this chance. I promise not to disappoint." Rose: "You better not." We then headed inside the forest in the morning. As we walked, we were attacked by many ogres and smaller monsters. We overcame all of them and defeated them swiftly. Before we knew it, it was afternoon, and the sunset signaled that we needed to sleep. We had to set up camp. The goal of this test was to survive in the forest of monsters for 31 days and see which team could get the most monster kills. We found a river that runs through the forest. It was our best option because it provided a source of water and there was fruit growing nearby. So we set up camp. The only equipment we were allowed to bring was sleeping bags. We didn't have much time; in about 30 minutes, it would be night, and we wanted to avoid roaming in the dark. So: Rion: "Let's split up." Kain: "Are you sure?" Rose: "He is right; it's our only option." Liora: "Then it is decided." Kain: "I will use my earth magic to build a wall and 5 huts." Celestia, Rose, and Liora: "We will collect fresh water and prepare dinner." Rion: "Alright, I will collect firewood and help all of you out. If you get attacked, continue what you're doing; I will handle it." So we headed out. Everything went smoothly. The camp was attacked by a few ogres, but we made short work of them and everything was prepared. However, we were all exhausted and needed to sleep in shifts in case we were attacked during the night. Even though we had walls, we could never be too sure. If any dragon appeared, they could use a simple fire breath to kill us all in our sleep.

Stolen novel; please report.