As the applause gradually subsided, the announcer's voice cut through the settling hush, his words revealing the identities of the first two candidates who would step into the arena for the inaugural match.

With twenty-eight candidates remaining, it was clear that today's tournament would see a total of fourteen intense matches. This also meant that age barriers were about to be shattered. In this coliseum, where youth and experience converged, first-year contenders like us could find themselves pitted against seasoned fifth-year veterans.

The rationale behind this approach remained a mystery, buried in the annals of tradition and competition. While it was customary for the fifth years to typically dominate the later stages of the tournament, there always existed a handful of determined underclassmen who defied expectations and etched their names in the annals of history.

The two candidates strode confidently to the center of the coliseum, each one distinct in their appearance and bearing. The first candidate, a caster, was immediately recognizable by the flowing crimson robes that draped his slender frame. In his hand, he held a long staff, an extension of his magical prowess. A loyal fox companion followed him with a grace that left no doubt—this creature was his cherished bond, an inseparable ally in this grand spectacle of magic and might.

In stark contrast, the second candidate, a young man of robust build, sported a more utilitarian look. His armor, though light, hinted at the resilience of a seasoned warrior. At his side, a medium-sized axe was sheathed, ready to be wielded with lethal precision. His calm and composed demeanor, combined with the slightly weathered countenance, suggested the experience of an upperclassman. It was evident that he possessed not only strength but also a sense of calculated strategy, which would undoubtedly make him a formidable adversary in this match of skill and power.

The crowd roared in anticipation as the caster and the axe-wielder prepared for their epic duel. The coliseum was filled with an electrifying atmosphere as the two contestants locked eyes, and the tension in the air was palpable.

The caster, his crimson robes fluttering in the breeze, raised his staff high above his head, and with a commanding voice, he chanted incantations that summoned a torrent of flames. The fire erupted from his staff, forming a swirling inferno in front of him. His loyal fox companion, its eyes gleaming with magical energy, followed suit. It unleashed a series of fire spells, creating a mesmerizing dance of fireballs that streaked towards their opponent.

The axe-wielder, undaunted by the fiery onslaught, called upon his earth magic. He pounded the ground with his gauntleted fist, and the earth beneath him trembled. Massive stone pillars erupted from the ground, forming a protective barrier against the incoming fire. With a powerful swipe of his hand, he sent the pillars hurtling towards the flames, shattering them with incredible force.

Seeing his initial attack thwarted, the caster quickly adapted. He used his fire magic to ignite the ground, creating a ring of fire that encircled the axe-wielder. The flames danced and crackled, closing in on his opponent. The axe-wielder, now trapped within the fiery ring, activated his earth magic once more. He struck the ground with his axe, causing the earth to rise and shield him from the encroaching flames.

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The caster, realizing that his opponent's earth magic was formidable, decided to add a new layer to his strategy. He began weaving intricate incantations in the midst of battle, creating a network of flaming sigils in the air. The sigils sent out tendrils of fiery energy that sought out the axe-wielder's earth barriers, weakening them from within. The once-impenetrable rock shields now crackled and crumbled under the relentless assault.

The axe-wielder, witnessing his defenses falter, knew he needed a counter-tactic. He channeled his earth magic into the ground, causing the coliseum floor to tremble violently. Massive stone spikes erupted from below, launching the caster and his fox bond into the air. The caster, however, used his mastery of air magic to slow their descent and regain control.

As the battle raged on, the two contestants engaged in a dynamic exchange of spells and counter-tactics. The caster's fire spells clashed with the axe-wielder's earth defenses, creating explosions of steam and smoke that obscured their vision. The caster's fox companion conjured fireballs and sent them spinning and spiraling toward the axe-wielder, who responded by manipulating the earth to form a protective dome that absorbed the fiery onslaught.

The axe-wielder seized an opportunity to go on the offensive. He charged through the dissipating flames, closing the distance between them. With a powerful swing of his axe, he sent a shockwave of earth magic towards the caster, who was momentarily caught off guard. The impact sent the caster sprawling, his robes singed and smoldering.

However, the caster wasn't one to be defeated so easily. With a fiery determination, he summoned the last of his strength. His staff crackled with intense heat as he unleashed a scorching wave of fire that burst forth in all directions, sending the axe-wielder tumbling. The flames engulfed him, and the caster's fox bond added its strength, launching a final, enormous fireball that incinerated the protective earth barriers and enveloped the axe-wielder in a blazing vortex.

The crowd fell silent for a moment, and then erupted into cheers as the caster and his fox companion emerged victorious. The once-mighty axe-wielder had been defeated, his armor charred and his strength exhausted.

The coliseum shook with applause as the caster and his fox bond, weary but triumphant, acknowledged the crowd's adoration. Their display of magical prowess had left an indelible mark on the spectators, who would forever remember this epic battle between fire and earth, a clash of spells and counter-tactics that had pushed the boundaries of their magical abilities.

Zephyrus Elway’s P.O.V

As the matches finally began, the initial excitement in the upper viewing box settled, leaving only King Nillion and King Stellar's family in attendance. The first match had captivated everyone's attention, and even the higher-ups were engaging in friendly bets to add a bit of spice to the atmosphere. I was prepared to join in on the betting action, but I knew I had to pick the right moment. A sly smirk played across my lips.

I observed the arena, anticipation in the air as it was cleared for the next set of opponents. The new names announced created a wave of suspense.

"Kent Ashfall and Hanz Stellar."

King Stellar couldn't hide his excitement, standing up and exclaiming, "My boy!" To my left, I noticed Apollo approaching the oversized glass overlooking the arena, ready to focus on the upcoming fight.

"He's up against an Ashfall, huh? This should be interesting. Let's see how much you've improved, son," King Stellar commented with a proud grin.