Arabella carefully reached below the elegant counter, retrieving five exquisite gems, each radiating a unique array of captivating colors. Each of them were roughly about the size of a walnut.
Green, Red, Blue, Brown and White.
"These are the elemental crystals, each of them representing a different element-nya. We are going to measure your affinity for an element-nya." (Arabella)
"Oooh! Let's see which element you can use, Buraza!" (Milgard)
"I think Ryuji has an affinity for water, after all he created that mist against bandits when we first met." (Clovea)
"Please take any of them in your hand and pour your magicules in it-nya." (Arabella)
"Hmm..." (Ryuji)
Grasping the red crystal, I focused the unknown energy within me by closing my eyes.
The red crystal emitted a powerful glow.
"Woah! Do you also have a strong affinity for fire? That makes two elements!" (Melodia)
I assumed the greater the glow, the greater the bond it signifies.
(I guess I'll try all of them, I know for the fact I can use four elements anyways.)
I reached for the green crystal. It must be the wind element.
"What are you doing Ryuji?" (Clovea)
"I'm going to try all of them." (Ryuji)
Ivorystand members were dumbfounded, as well as Arabella.
"But sir, even two elements are very rare-nya!" (Arabella)
A smirk flitted across my face as the green crystal began glowing with a powerful hue of green.
"What?! That's impossible!" (Melodia)
That makes three elements.
I took the water and earth crystals in my each hand, pouring my energy into those.
Everyone was exasperated while Arabella gasped, covering her mouth with her hands.
"WHAT?!" (Milgard)
"That can't be..." (Clovea)
"A quadruple elementalist?! (Melodia)
(Hoho- Can't you see how amazing I am?! APPLAUSE ME!)
"I think I'm feeling dizzy-nya..." (Arabella)
"That quadruple thing you said, is it that rare?" (Ryuji)
"Are you kidding me?! The last quadruple elementalist lived three-hundred years ago! Even two elements at the same time is very, very rare!" (Melodia)
"Only one on one thousand can use two elements, and three is even more rare. Amazing Ryuji, congratulations." (Clovea)
"Oh, I see... Thanks." (Ryuji)
I gave a very nonchalant reply before I took the white one in my hand.
"Is this a holy element or something?" (Ryuji)
Clovea sighed before replying.
"No, that is for Divergents, people that can use unusual elements such as Wood, Sand, Metal, Lightning, Darkness or Lava. The power of holy magic is linked to your devotion to the Goddess Luminestelle, and it is not inherited but acquired through dedicated religious practice. (Clovea)
The white crystal did not react to my magic, which means I am not a divergent.
(Darkness or Wood would be very cool...Haah.-)
A sigh of relief came out of Melodia's mouth.
"Are you that relieved to see me fail?" (Ryuji)
"N-No! But it is already very scary that you can use the four main elements! That is almost beyond levels of humanity..." (Melodia)
"I think I should report this to the Guild-nya. It's not everyday you see a quadruple elementalist, and he doesn't seem to be a Magic Caster either-nya." (Arabella)
(Eh?! Will I be taken away and be experimented on?!)
"W-Wait! Am I in trouble?!" (Ryuji)
Milgard put his hand on my shoulder reassuringly.
"Don't worry Buraza, our guild is trustworthy and does not give information about Scavengers to outsiders. It's just very rare that a person comes through the door and turns out they can use the four different elements." (Milgard)
(Amazing, this means I am really special!)
I could not contain my excitement within me. I could still get stronger!
Once I completed the form with fictitious details, I eagerly made my way to the training grounds.
image [https://i.hizliresim.com/mrnp253.png]
As soon as I arrived at the expansive training grounds situated behind the building, I was immediately engulfed by a bustling crowd of Scavengers. What surprised me even more was that the reception staff was also there, to meticulously oversee the initiation process to ensure its flawless execution. Arabella joined them too, she was ready to take notes of our fight.
Saull was standing proudly on the concrete platform. It was something straight out of Dragon God X like in those Budokai tournaments. I assumed it was the size of an amateur soccer field.
As soon as the crowd caught sight of me, an enthusiastic roar erupted from their midst. The atmosphere evoked memories of the Japanese Martial Arts tournaments I competed in during my youth. A crowd of no fewer than one hundred Scavengers filled the area, erupting with exuberant cheers. It appears that the news of Saull personally testing someone has spread rapidly.
“Oooh! Here he is!”
“Do your best!”
“Try not to get killed!”
Before I stepped on the platform, Milgard put his hand on my shoulder while Clovea and Melodia were confidently smiling at me.
(They have faith in me.)
“Buraza, do your best.” (Milgard)
“Mhm! I’ll give it all I have, Buraza.” (Ryuji)
We did a fist bump of bromance before I walked up to the platform and faced Saull who was standing on the other side across from me.
“Sorry I kept you waiting.” (Ryuji)
“You took too long, shitty brat. You gotta learn how to be quick if you want to be a Scavenger.” (Saull)
(Tsk— I’ll show you who is quick during the fight…)
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Put up the barrier!” (Saull)
Three mages emerged from the crowd and in unison they began chanting. Their voices echoed as each of their staves emitted a golden light while the surrounding air about them also emitted light.
“Our great Goddess, bless us with your power and grant us the power to protect the weak! [Obice Splendida Lumineus!]”
(I knew it. They use different chants to use their magic...)
Out of nowhere, a magnificent dome made of pure gold started to take shape, encasing the entire arena. I noticed some of the Scavengers backing away to not get trapped inside.
The dome was made from a transparent golden wall that emitted a subtle glow.
“I’ll tell you the rules, kid.” (Saull)
“If any of your limbs touch the grass around this arena, or if you end up unconscious you will lose and be rejected by the guild. However,” (Saull)
(Just like in those Budokai tournaments in Dragon God X…)
Saull continued as he made a ‘one’ with his index.
“If you manage to land a single blow on me, I will not only accept you, but also start you from Silver rank.” (Ryuji)
The crowd appeared to be taken aback by his proclaim, even I could tell that this was a big deal.
I grinned slyly while drawing my Ninjato from its sheath on my back. I said I was going to give it all I got, however I didn’t want to use my suit as it would draw too much unnecessary attention, since I already have because of being a quadruple elementalist.
Besides, I really wanted to see the extent of my own strength, especially with the Ninpou I can do now. If I want to get stronger, I should stop relying on my suit.
“Before we start, I’d like you to know that I haven’t lost a single fight in 50 years. Now, are you ready?” (Saull)
“Hah—I’ve accepted any outcome as I stepped up here. Even death.” (Ryuji)
Saull looked at me with a puzzled expression before erupting into a hearty burst of laughter.
“Hahaha— I like your resolution. How honorable. Now show me that resolution through your skill. I’ll give you a shot now, hit me with your strongest attack. I shall not dodge.” (Saull)
(He won’t dodge... Which means he will block it.)
Suddenly the receptionist signaled for the start, the crowd burst into a resounding cheer as a result.
“Fight!!”
“Alright then, geezer. Don’t regret it if you get hurt!” (Ryuji)
I stabbed my Ninjato into the concrete, it wasn’t going to get dull with something like that. Besides, I needed both of my hands to use Ninpou if I was going to hit him with one of the most powerful attacks that I was able to do for now.
My hands blurred as they moved very fast, channeling the unknown energy within me. I felt the energy flow from my chest to my hands, then up to my mouth.
This process seemed to puzzle everyone that was watching.
“What is he doing?” (Melodia)
“I don’t know, he doesn’t even have a wand or staff. How is he going to cast magic?” (Milgard)
(This is not magic. This is Ninjutsu!)
“[Ninpou: Great Fire Annihilation!]” (Ryuji)
I filled my lungs with air… Then began spitting out flames like a dragon would. The massive cloud of flames flew towards Saull before a large explosion shook the entire arena, immediately increasing the temperature within the golden dome.
-BTOOMMM!-
(Hoo— It is more powerful than I expected...)
With that, I was sure that in this world, the thing they call magicules was within the air we breathe, which means a person cannot produce magic by themselves.
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheer, leaving many in awe of the sheer display of power I had demonstrated.
“What?! That is easily a Magister Tier Flame Magic!” (Melodia)
-Magister is a middle tier rank among the Magic Casters, which is considerably high.-
“Looks like he has a chance after all. As expected from my Buraza!” (Milgard)
As the smoke cleared out, I saw Saull encased in a cage of lightning, standing there without a single scratch as the pale blue cage crackled.
(It didn’t even scratch him, as I expected.)
“Hoho— Seems like I wasn’t wrong about you. And to think that you don’t even need a wand. Never seen any magic like that.” (Saull)
“No. That isn’t magic. It’s called Ninjutsu. A forgotten art of my people.” (Ryuji)
“Ninjutsu? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Are you a gifter? No, perhaps…” (Saull)
There was a commotion within the crowd as the powerful Orc stood there for a moment, quickly sorting out his thoughts before he spoke again. He seemed like he noticed something.
“I see how it is now. Haha… You look like a promising kid. Now, don’t die on me!” (Saull)
Saull took a stance, rising his hammer to the air.
(If he uses lightning I’ll use earth style!)
Saull began casting in Orc language, however I was able to understand unlike the others.
“[Twin Headed Dragon of Lightning!]” (Saull)
From his Mjolnir-like hammer, multiple strands of pale blue lightning erupted, coalescing into a massive ball of lightning before transforming into two imposing dragon heads.
As the dragons of lightning charged towards me, their roars filled the air with a deafening power.
My hands moved quickly enough to form another hand seal.
“[Ninpou: Great Mud Wall!]” (Ryuji)
The earth before me transformed into a deep, dark mud, soaring five meters into the air and hardening just as the dragons collided with it, creating a thunderous boom. The sturdy mud wall managed to protect me from the explosion, crumbling into pieces as it flawlessly absorbed the impact.
-BTOMM!-
“Amazing! He nullified lightning magic with earth!” (Melodia)
“He can use Earth Magic too?!”
A Scavenger said in disbelief while murmurs began to spread within the audience.
I reacted quickly enough and made two Shadow Clones which emerged from the explosion cloud, charging towards Saull…
“[Shadow Clone Jutsu!]” (Ryuji)
"There are three Ryujis now!" (Milgard)
Each clone used [Flash Step] to blitz the Orc Shaman from each side with their individual attacks as they jumped high.
“[Ninpou: Fireball Jutsu!]” (Ryuji’s Clone)
“[Ninpou: Water Dragon Jutsu!]" (Ryuji’s Clone)
I quickly threw five shurikens simultaneously, then lit them on fire with the fire I breathed out behind them.
“[Ninpou: Blazing Shuriken Jutsu!]” (Ryuji)
“He is using two elements at the same time!!” (Milgard)
“That Shadow Clone technique… I have never seen anything like that!” (Melodia)
“They are both on a different level!” (Clovea)
(I'm not going to give you any time to recover, shitty geezer!)
With a stunning display of skill, he swiftly neutralized the flock of flaming shuriken by unleashing a barrage of lightning from his powerful hammer. Simultaneously, he deftly evaded both of my Shadow Clones and delivered a forceful blow to the one on the left, propelling it against the impenetrable barrier before it vanished into thin air.
(Shit! He has a solid defense!)
I commanded my other clone to dodge, however Saull was faster to react and quickly finished him off with a spell as a magic circle appeared before his hammer. It appears that Saull was quick on his feet despite his bulky appearance, possibly because he was able to summon the power of lightning.
“[Lightning Javelin!]” (Saull)
-Bzzzt!-
A spear of pale blue lightning formed within Saull's grasp, then he hurled it towards my clone, successfully impaling it.
Simultaneously I took up my sword and began charging at him. I also sent a kunai his way before making a hand seal.
“[Kunai Shadow Clone Jutsu!]” (Ryuji)
The kunai in mid air suddenly multiplied into ten, and each individual kunai was as real as the original one, and I knew Saull was going to easily deflect them, so I followed up with a shuriken and hit the explosive kunai, triggering a small chain explosion in front of him, giving me enough cover to use my [Flash Step] and get behind him.
The crowd was riled up.
-Btommbtommbtomm!-
“They multiplied!” (Milgard)
“He’s fast!”
“What an amazing fight!!”
“He is evenly matched with Saull!”
(Check mate!)
However Saull reacted quickly and parried my blade with his hammer.
(He noticed!)
“I knew that you were something, you shitty brat. However, this is it!” (Saull)
He charged my blade with lightning, making it glow red with the heat.
"What?!" (Ryuji)
"Haha." (Saull)
However little did he know that my blade did not allow the lightning to travel to my body as it had electricity absorption properties. The special material held the electricity within the material while my blade crackled with lightning.
“Impossible!” (Saull)
“Haha— I guess we get to fight a bit longer, shitty geezer.” (Ryuji)
I replied with a wide grin drawn across my face as I made a cross cut he parried with his hammer again. The electricity in my blade travelled back to his hammer, though it did nothing.
(Tsk— I guess I can’t give him the taste of his own medicine...)
Both of our arms began blurring as I unleashed a flurry of vicious slashes and precise thrusts, however the Guild Master was quick enough to masterfully block and parry. Sparks rose from the exchanges of strikes, making the crowd roar in excitement.
"This is so unreal... Clovea, tell me this is a dream..." (Melodia)
-Clang! Clang! Ching!-
The Orc certainly had more strength than me, however my wide array of fast slashes kept him on the defensive. The Orc began casting as he leapt back abruptly, but this time however, I was not able to understand the contents of his magic words.
It seems like only the basic element castings were in an ancient tongue.
“[Terra Tormentum!]” (Saull)
(He can use earth too!)
Pieces of rock began rising from the ground which broke away and formed a drill before the brown magic circle he created, the rock drill spun rapidly before he launched it towards me with a motion of his hammer. I heard Melodia’s voice from the corner.
“My blood boils, kid!” (Saull)
“Watch out Ryuji!” (Melodia)
(I can’t stop that.)
I swiftly dashed to the left just as he anticipated. The first drill he sent broke away into pieces as it hit the barrier behind me.
“[Terra Tormentum!] (Saull)
My hands formed a seal quick enough before the rock drill hit me.
“[Kawarimi no Jutsu!]” (Ryuji)
-Body Replacement Jutsu-
Instead of hitting me, the second drill struck a straw scarecrow that had a resemblence to me, causing it to shred into pieces with a poof as I swiftly used [Flash Step] to get behind Saull once again. It looked like I teleported, but I simply moved very fast.
“He teleported?!” (Milgard)
“No, he summoned a scarecrow with his Ninpou thing to both protect himself and distract everyone including Saull with it. That’s just very smart. Our friend may be a genius at misdirection…” (Clovea)
Clovea commented as her eyes emitted a green glow. Seems like she understood the logic behind my technique with her [Elven Eyes].
“Not just misdirection! I have never seen such techniques before!" (Melodia)
“I think he is a Gifter. Ryuji is using different magical words and those weird hand moves to cast his magic too.” (Milgard)
I swung my short blade from above, which Saull dodged and countered with a powerful swing of his hammer. I was barely able to dodge the attack that was imbued with lightning magic.
(I see, he can react to my speed and misdirection because I am not able to erase my presence completely. That's another flaw I guess...)
I swiftly moved away from the Orc to create enough space for the powerful jutsu I was about to test out. I was satisfied with the results so far, however I almost neared my limit.
“Huff—I’ll show you something real nice, shitty geezer!” (Ryuji)
The Orc put his hammer down.
“Nope. That’s enough, kid. I have seen enough.” (Saull)
“What?” (Ryuji)
The Orc laughed.
“Hahaha—I haven’t felt that much enjoyment for a long time. You passed, kid. Welcome to the guild.” (Saull)
The entire training grounds shook with cheers, giving me goosebumps as I wiped the sweat on my brows with my arm and raised my sword in the air.
In the end, none of us managed to get a hit in, however I knew the Saull was holding back, which hurt my pride a little bit.
“WHOOAAAAAAAHHHH!!!”
—End of Chapter 5—