I looked at Hanz with a sense of praise. Internal lightning was an amazing idea and it would no doubt make this battle rage on longer than I expected.

Despite the added challenge, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This was a battle of not just physical prowess but also of wits, strategy, and innovation. Hanz was pushing the boundaries of his abilities, and I knew I had to do the same to keep up.

As sparks continued to fly, I decided to take a more cautious approach. Hanz's internal lightning gave him an edge in speed, but it came at a cost. I observed that every time he unleashed a burst of lightning, he seemed to tire slightly. I realized that if I could weather his assaults and remain patient, I might find an opportunity to strike.

Hanz noticed my change in tactics and grinned knowingly. "You're trying to outlast me, aren't you?" he taunted.

I didn't respond, instead opting to focus on my defense. I blocked, dodged, and parried his lightning-infused strikes, all the while conserving my energy.

Minutes turned into hours, and the battle raged on. I could see the strain on Hanz's face as he continued to push his limits. He was sweating profusely, and his movements were becoming less precise. I bided my time, waiting for the right moment.

Finally, it came. Hanz's lightning flickered for a split second, a sign of fatigue. Seizing the opportunity, I lunged forward, delivering a powerful strike that sent him sprawling to the ground.

Hanz gasped for breath, his internal lightning momentarily exhausted. As he gazed up at me, his eyes revealed a mixture of fatigue and admiration. "You've bested me this time," he confessed, his voice tinged with respect.

I reached out, offering my hand to help him rise from the ground. "It was an amazing sparring session, Hanz. You've come a long way since our days at the castle."

Hanz nodded, grasping my hand and pulling himself back to his feet. "It's only natural. How else will I ascend to the top of the academy leaderboards?"

"True," I replied, casting a glance into the distance. "Now that our match has concluded, I'm going to lead my team to the finish line." I signaled to Lina and Lily to join me. "I'll catch up with you on the other side, Hanz."

With a wave, I turned and led my team forward.

After we had covered a few miles, Lina finally broke the silence. "Hanz has truly grown stronger, Fal. It's almost as if he's an entirely different person. I've watched our older brother fight hundreds of times with Zeph and have never seen him use anything like what Hanz just displayed."

"Yes," I said with a smile. "Hanz's internal lightning spell is an anomaly, but it's good that he has something like that. Hanz is a wild card. Sometimes, you need a wild card."

As we approached the final leg of our journey, I couldn't help but think of Hanz. He was a wild card, a force to be reckoned with, and I couldn't predict the path he would take in the academy. But that unpredictability was part of what made our world of magic and competition so thrilling.

Only if Rye was awake to witness the battle. I’ll have to tell him about it.

Our steps quickened, the finish line now within sight. At the end of the path stood Professor Rinehall, alongside his colleagues. The professor stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on us. "Well, if it isn't the princess's team. First to the finish line, I see. Did you receive the shard?"

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I reached into my coat and pulled out the shard, handing it to Professor Rinehall.

He examined the shard closely, holding it up to the light. "This is it, indeed. But I'm curious," he said, his eyes locking onto mine. "Was it your team that slew the beast?"

I shook my head. "No, it wasn't."

Professor Rinehall's lips curled into a knowing smile. "A smart choice of strategy, I see. It's not always about brute force but about making the right decisions at the right time. Well done, team. You've completed this challenge with both speed and intelligence.” he beckoned us to follow him into the cabins. “Now wouldn’t you like to receive your rewards.”

Upon reaching the cabin, Professor Rinehall had already arranged a bag of mana stones and three vials of potions on a table. He gestured towards them with a welcoming smile, indicating our rewards. "The mana stones and potions, as promised," he said, his voice filled with satisfaction.

We gathered around the table, our eyes fixed on the precious mana stones and the mysterious potions. The mana stones shimmered with an inner glow, each one pulsating with arcane energy. I could feel the potential power contained within them, ready to be harnessed.

Lina picked up one of the mana stones and examined it closely. "These are exquisite, Professor Rinehall. They will be a great asset to our magical studies."

Professor Rinehall nodded. "Indeed, they are a valuable resource for any aspiring mage. Use them wisely, and they will aid you in your quest for mastery."

Lily, always practical, reached for one of the vials of potion. "And what are these potions, Professor?"

Professor Rinehall's eyes twinkled with a hint of mystery. "Ah, those are special concoctions I've crafted. They enhance your magical abilities and replenish your energy. Think of them as a secret weapon in your arsenal."

Lina smiled, "Thank you, Professor. Your guidance and support have been invaluable."

He waved off our gratitude with a modest smile. "It's my pleasure to witness the growth and success of young talents like you. Remember, the path to becoming a great mage isn't just about power but also about wisdom. Keep honing your skills, continue learning, and make the right choices. The world of magic is vast and teeming with wonders. Now, I have one more thing for you."

His gaze swept across the three of us. “I need you three to discuss and decide who will receive the spell book, as they are element-coordinated.”

Lina spoke up instantly, “There's no need for discussion. Falyn Elways should be the one to receive it.”

“Agreed,” Lily chimed in.

I looked back at both of them, “Are you both sure?”

Lina smiled, “We just received free mana stones and potions thanks to you; of course, we're sure.”

I smiled and turned back to Professor Rinehale.

Over the years, Zeph had provided me with every spell book I could ask for, except for one particular element that was rare to find spells on - dark magic.

I only had one dark magic spell book, a gift from Zeph on one of my birthdays. It was how I learned to use Shadow Step and Dark Negate, but since then, they had become increasingly hard to come by.

“Can you make it a dark magic one?” I asked.

Professor Rinehall nodded at our quick decision and the request for a specific element in the spell book. "Very well," he replied with a knowing smile. "I have just the thing for you, Falyn."

From a nearby shelf, he retrieved a beautifully bound spell book. Its cover was dark and mysterious, adorned with intricate designs that seemed to writhe and move, giving the impression of shadowy tendrils. It was a truly rare and unique tome.

"This is a Dark Magic spell book," Professor Rinehall announced as he handed it to me. "Inside, you'll find a collection of powerful spells that will further expand your knowledge and abilities in the realm of shadows and manipulation."

I nodded and instantly put the book in my dimension ring.

Soon, the chatter outside the cabin grew louder, and we all turned our attention to the door.

"It seems the other team has started to arrive. Let me go address everyone on the situation, and after that, we can head back to the academy," Professor Rinehall smiled once more. "I'm proud of you three. I'll make sure to put in a good word with the headmaster. Perhaps I'll see one of you in this year's tournament."