FALYN ELWAY'S P.O.V

The previous day's elimination round had swiftly reduced the candidate pool by half, leaving only those who had demonstrated their skill and determination to move forward in the tournament. But the preliminaries held the promise of further narrowing down the field, ultimately leading to the selection of the strongest candidates to compete in the upcoming matches.

The preliminaries would do the same eventually wiring it down to the last few candidates.

As I made my way to the arena early in the morning, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the tournament grounds.

Hanz still lay sound asleep in his bed. I didn't want to disrupt his well-deserved rest since his match wasn't scheduled until the afternoon. I knew I would be there to support him when the time came, but for now, I needed to concentrate on my own preparations and the tests that lay ahead in the morning's preliminary match.

As I contemplated the challenges that lay ahead in the tournament, I couldn't help but acknowledge that the candidates would only become more formidable from this point onward. The competition was growing fiercer, and each match presented a unique test of skills and adaptability.

With this in mind, I began to wonder about the identity of my upcoming opponent and the battleground where our match would take place. Pulling out my brochure once more, I eagerly scanned the information. To my surprise, I discovered that I was designated to compete in the forest sector.

The forest sector was known for its dense foliage, uneven terrain, and hidden traps, making it a challenging battleground. It was said that this sector favored those with exceptional agility and keen instincts, as well as a mastery of the environment itself. I had trained extensively for a variety of terrains, but the forest posed a unique set of challenges.

I entered the arena with a sense of determination, feeling the cool morning breeze as I made my way towards the designated forest sector.

Where I saw the referee and my opponent.

As I approached the forest sector, I saw the referee and my opponent standing there, ready for the upcoming match. My opponent was a tall, lean figure with a confident and focused demeanor.

He had a chiseled jawline and sharp, penetrating eyes that seemed to size me up as I walked closer. His stance was poised, and it was evident that he was well-prepared for the challenges of the forest sector. He wore a dark, camouflaged uniform that blended seamlessly with the surroundings, showing a keen understanding of the environment's advantage.

A set of knives were strapped securely to his belt, reflecting his proficiency in close combat. His long, brown hair was tied back in a practical bun, revealing a face that bore the marks of countless battles. Scars on his cheeks and a determined expression in his eyes hinted at a history of intense competition.

As our gazes met, a sense of mutual respect and rivalry filled the air. It was clear that my opponent was a formidable challenger, and I knew I needed to bring my A-game to this match in the forest. The anticipation of the battle to come heightened, and I mentally steeled myself for the test ahead.

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"The forest sector battles differ from those in other sectors," the referee explained. "Because I can't see what's happening, we have watch mages stationed in the skies to determine the winner." He gestured toward a mage flying overhead, surveying the forest sector.

"At the beginning of the match, the two of you will enter the forest from two different points. To ensure you both understand, the match won't begin until I fire this." The referee pointed to a flare gun. "When you see it fired a second time, it signals the end of the match. Do you both understand?"

Both my opponent and I nodded in agreement, demonstrating our comprehension of the rules and procedures.

"Alright," the referee concluded, "you may now enter."

The referee raised the flare gun, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, with a sharp blast and a burst of red light, the first flare was fired into the sky. That was the signal that the match had officially begun.

Without hesitation, my opponent and I entered the forest from our respective points. The dense vegetation closed in around us, and the shadows deepened. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot was the only thing that betrayed our movements.

The distant sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling added an eerie yet serene atmosphere to the surroundings. The forest was a vast expanse, and I couldn't see too far ahead due to the thick canopy of trees.

Then, I felt a rush of wind behind me, and I instinctively rolled to the side as a barrage of sharp stones shot through the air, narrowly missing me. My opponent had revealed himself, and he was using earth magic.

I scrambled to my feet and retaliated with a swift gesture, summoning shards of ice from the moisture in the air. They shot toward my opponent, but he quickly erected a wall of earth, deflecting my attack.

We engaged in a fast-paced duel, using our respective elemental abilities to our advantage. I created barriers of ice to protect myself from his projectiles, while he manipulated the earth to create obstacles that disrupted my path. The forest became a battlefield of ice and stone.

As we closed the gap between us, the battle shifted to close combat. We exchanged rapid punches and kicks, each move calculated and precise. My opponent's earth magic allowed him to create earthen weapons, which he wielded with deadly efficiency. I countered with icy punches and kicks, using my elemental power to enhance my strikes.

The forest provided both cover and confusion. As we circled one another, we would frequently lose sight of each other, only to reappear in a different location moments later. The sounds of our clashes echoed through the trees, and it was clear that this match was far from over.

With a powerful thrust of his hand, my opponent sent a wave of earth toward me. I reacted quickly, using my ice magic to freeze the ground, creating a slippery barrier. The earth wave collided with the ice, causing a violent explosion of mist and debris.

I seized the opportunity and lunged forward, landing a solid blow to my opponent's side. He grunted in pain but swiftly recovered, using the earth to create a barrier of rocks between us. It was a momentary respite in our intense battle.

As we continued to trade blows and evade each other's attacks, I realized that I needed to resort to a different tactic. My opponent's earth magic was proving to be a formidable defense, and I needed a way to break through.

With a deep breath, I drew upon my training and focused my magic. In an instant, I shifted my elemental power from ice to fire. The change was evident as flames danced around my fists. I knew that this was a risky move, as using fire magic in a forest could have dire consequences, but I had no other choice.

With a burst of fiery energy, I charged forward, the flames condensing into a concentrated stream. My opponent's eyes widened in surprise as he attempted to raise an earthen shield, but my condensed fire magic easily pierced through his defenses.

The flames engulfed him, and he let out a cry of pain. The forest became illuminated by the fiery display as my opponent struggled to regain his composure.

It was a risky move that carried the potential for collateral damage, but in that moment, it was the only way to gain the upper hand in our intense battle.