HANZ STELLAR’S P.O.V

The morning sun bathed the tournament grounds in a warm, inviting glow, gently rousing me from my comfortable bed. In the distance, the echoes of battles and the hum of excitement filled the air, but I had no reason to rush. My preliminary match wasn't scheduled until the afternoon, granting me the luxury of a few more hours of rest.

After a well-deserved respite, I finally roused myself from slumber. I knew my match drew near, and I had to prepare both mentally and physically. The thought of the impending battle stirred a potent mix of excitement and anticipation within me.

I commenced my morning routine, a series of stretches and exercises to limber up my body. While physical readiness was essential, maintaining a focused and uncluttered state of mind was equally crucial. I needed to be prepared to adapt to any challenges the tournament might throw my way.

Following a light breakfast, I attired myself in my tournament garb – a sleek, comfortable outfit tailored for optimal mobility and spellcasting. I ensured my spellbook and wand were securely fastened to my belt, poised for swift access.

My match would be held in the sand sector and from watch Fal’s previous match I had to be ready for anything.

The arena's entrance was a grand archway adorned with intricate carvings and banners representing the various sectors of the tournament. As I walked through the arch, a sense of anticipation and excitement washed over me. The crowd's eager chatter and the resonance of clashing elements filled the air, and I knew I was about to partake in an ancient and prestigious tradition.

I joined the candidates and spectators gathering in the stands, my eyes scanning the arena for any potential hazards or strategic advantages. Every candidate had a unique approach to battle, and I was no exception. The sand sector required adaptability and control over the shifting terrain, and I was determined to showcase my abilities.

The stands were filled with fellow candidates, supporters, and those curious to witness the spectacle. The atmosphere was electric, with an air of camaraderie and friendly rivalry that was emblematic of the tournament.

The time for my match finally arrived. As I made my way down to the sand sector I observed my opponent.

They were a tall, lithe figure with an air of confidence that spoke of experience and competence. Their eyes, keen and focused, seemed to scan the arena as they stepped onto the sandy battleground.

Dressed in attire designed for agility and ease of movement, my opponent was clearly prepared for the unique challenges of the sand sector. A staff, adorned with intricate carvings and elemental symbols, was held firmly in their grasp. It was a testament to their proficiency in elemental magic.

A hush fell over the crowd as my opponent and I exchanged a brief nod of acknowledgment. The unspoken understanding of the impending battle passed between us. We were both here to prove ourselves, to demonstrate our mastery of the elements and our adaptability in the ever-shifting sands.

As the hush settled over the arena, I squared off against my opponent in the sandy battleground. The sun beat down on us, intensifying the challenge of controlling the ever-shifting terrain. A tense atmosphere hung in the air, and the crowd's anticipation was palpable.

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My opponent wasted no time, summoning a gust of wind that sent a cascade of sand into the air, obscuring my vision. I immediately activated my Internal Lightning technique, a unique ability that supercharged my speed and reaction times. In an instant, I darted to the side, avoiding the blinding sandstorm. My movements became a blur, a testament to the power of Lightning magic.

Reappearing behind my opponent, I unleashed a volley of fireballs that streaked toward them. Their swift reflexes and expert control of the wind element allowed them to create a wall of swirling air to intercept my fiery onslaught. The flames sputtered and died against the powerful gusts.

My opponent countered with a barrage of razor-sharp icicles propelled by a stream of water magic. I knew I had to act quickly. Channeling my Internal Lightning, I weaved between the incoming icicles with unprecedented speed, barely grazing my clothes. I reached into my spellbook and cast a lightning bolt at my opponent, aiming for their staff to disrupt their control.

However, my opponent was no novice. With a flick of their staff, they deftly redirected the lightning bolt away from them, sending it harmlessly into the sand. The crowd erupted into cheers at this display of skill.

As the battle raged on, the shifting sands beneath our feet added an additional layer of complexity. I used my fire magic to create a molten pool around my opponent, attempting to trap them in the liquid fire. But they responded with a surge of earth magic, causing the sand to solidify and form a protective barrier.

Seizing the opportunity, I released another burst of Internal Lightning, allowing me to scale the barrier in the blink of an eye. My hands crackled with electricity as I descended upon my opponent, disarming them with a lightning-quick strike. Their staff fell to the ground, and they were momentarily defenseless.

The crowd roared with excitement, sensing that the tide of the battle had turned in my favor. But my opponent was not one to give up easily. With an impressive display of elemental prowess, they summoned a vortex of wind, lifting the sand around them and creating a swirling maelstrom. I was caught within its grasp, unable to move.

Desperation fueled my determination. With my Internal Lightning technique, I managed to break free from the wind vortex, propelling myself into the air. I unleashed a devastating combination of Fire and Lightning magic, creating a fiery tempest that enveloped my opponent.

The intense heat and electrical energy overwhelmed them. They fell to the ground, defeated but unharmed. I had won the match.

FALYN ELWAY’S P.O.V

The cheers from the stands washed over me as Hanz emerged victorious in his match in the sand sector. It was a hard-fought battle, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his abilities. He had showcased his strength and adaptability in a challenging environment, and the crowd's response was a testament to his prowess.

Rye's voice echoed in my head, his amazement evident. ‘Hanz has gotten so much stronger since the last time I've seen him.’

Yes, he is something, I replied mentally. Hanz's performance was truly impressive, and I had no doubt that his skills had developed significantly since our last encounter.

As I scanned the crowd, it was clear that they were genuinely impressed by Hanz's abilities. The conversations around me were filled with admiration for his mastery of elemental magic and his quick thinking in the ever-shifting sands of the sand sector.

Yet, I couldn't shake my confusion about why Hanz had chosen to reveal his internal lightning spell so early in the tournament. It was a powerful ability, and I had always considered it one of his trump cards for more challenging battles in the future.

Rye's voice offered a reassuring thought. ‘Maybe he has another trump card.’

I couldn't help but hope for the same. As Hanz continued to advance through the preliminary rounds, I knew that reserving some surprises for later battles might prove to be a strategic advantage. Hanz was not only a formidable competitor but also a thoughtful and strategic one, and I trusted in his judgment.