"Song of Fire, Fire of the Seven Seas!"
"Heavenly Destruction, Space Sundering Palmstrike (파천 파공장, Pacheon Pagongjang)"
Mikhail crossed his arms in front of his chest, he then opened his arms as if he's holding a large ball in front of his shoulder. Slowly, massive amount of Ki started to gather in-between his hands, after he deemed it was enough. Mikhail quickly released the pent up energy in an explosion that encompassed everything around him. The explosion are enough to obliterate the sea of fire that Carla created. And it was enough to terraform the arena that it was changed into a massive crater.
Luckily, the judges have made a barrier protection the spectators from getting hit by the contestant spells. If not, who knows how many collateral damage that will happen when a contestant at Mikhail and Carla degree will cause.
"That is way too powerful! Are you sure that's not some spell or something!?" Protest Carla as she tried to stand up. The shockwave of the explosion managed to paralyse her for a couple of seconds.
"It's not—all parts of my martial arts."
Mikhail grinned. Carla pulled out her sword and charged towards Mikhail as soon as she recovered. Mikhail didn't even bother to move when Carla slashed diagonally towards him. But the moment the sword is about to hit him, Mikhail quickly evaded to the side and hit the side of Carla's sword with the palm of his right hand, making her lose her balance and almost fall to the ground.
Only for Mikhail to kick her in the stomach and threw her in the air. Followed by another kick in her back that launched her towards the ground.
So far, only Carla that has managed to at least wound him, although only light scratches. It was enough to prove him that Carla is at least experienced and doesn't only rely on her spell—but also her intelligence.
Carla, who just got knocked down, quickly got up and jumped away from Mikhail. At the same time launching a couple of fireballs towards him. Which he easily dodged or reflected back into her. Earning the awe of the spectators and judges.
For them, this battle could be deemed as legendary, they have never seen an entrance tournament to Orion Magic Academy at this scale. The skills that the current generation has displayed is enough to be deemed perhaps at top tier ranks. Especially the one that Mikhail has displayed to the worlds.
In the finals, where he's currently fighting against Carla, is the first time that he's taken his opponent seriously. Instead of taking it easy and learning how magic and various spells work. He immediately attacked Carla the moment the match started. But Carla is fast enough to block his attack and counter-attack with a spell of her own. Which lead to this situation right now.
"Be a little gentle towards woman, would you!?"
"No can do, sweetheart! Equality!"
Carla laughed before she charged towards Mikhail again. Only Carla has the guts to actually engage Mikhail in close combat and to approach him at her own will. Because, Mikhail's previous opponent never dared to do what Carla just did. Always keeping their distance towards him. Only a handful are brave enough to face him head on—and it could be counted with one hand.
Fists collided with sword. But instead of hearing the sword tearing the flesh of the unarmed fighter. They instead heard the sound of iron hitting iron. The mysterious energy coating Mikhail's body prevented Carla's sword from harming him. Even then, Mikhail's skill is enough for him to either dodge, block, or even redirect Carla's attack somewhere else. Seeing him fighting is like a form of arts in itself.
Is this the power of a true Martial Arts?
-----
Adam laughed boisterously. The prowess that his son had shown has pleasured him greatly. All that martial arts is like magic itself. He wondered where did his son learned it, did he learn from a ruin somewhere? Or did he learn it from a wandering hermit? If so, why did said hermit never made a name for him or herself? So many question but none that he could answer. Every answer lies on his son. He is the only one who could answer all of his questions.
"Your son, he's a…. Magnificent one, isn't he?"
The one who said that was one of Adam's subordinate, Nathaniel Rust. A Magic-Knight who is proficient in using a spear. Power wise, he's second only to Adam Samil. Nathaniel has accompanied Adam for a long time now. Ever since they're just mere recruits, until they're the general of an army.
"Of course he is! Can't you see it!? He's able to fight against Carla toe to toe! And he's not using any magic!"
"You're right, but he's not using any kind of energy that we've known either, he's using something else…"
Adam stayed silent and stared at his son fighting in the arena. What Nathaniel said is true. Mikhail is using a new kind of energy that has never been seen before. That alone is enough to gather the attention of many nobles within the empire. Although some sees it as a good thing, many sees it as an opportunity to gain more power—or perhaps to overthrow the current emperor.
"That is why I'm keeping my eyes on him. I'm sure Mikhail knows what he's doing showing his power to the public like this. And I have a hunch that he's much more mature than kids in his age—call it a father's intuition, I suppose."
Adam and Nathaniel has talked over this matter before. Whether to recruit Mikhail into the army as a mean to protect and observe him. Not only will it be easier to protect him if someone with malicious intent decided to do something to him. They could also observe his growth and perhaps helps a little if they have the chance.
"No use in thinking things that we're not sure will happen. For now, let's just enjoy the match."
"Agreed, brother."
------
"Hmm… That is some destructive magic, I would say."
"Unfortunately, that is not magic."
"Oh? Mind explaining me what it is then?"
"I'm afraid I would be unable to do so, Your Majesty. For I do not know about it myself."
The Emperor of Arian, Lucius Aehlbert, stared at the two final contestant of Orion Magic Academy entrance exam. A smile hung on his face. He rested his face on his right hand, his emerald eyes never leaving the two fighters.
Never in his entire life he would found someone as unique as Mikhail. Because of that, many attention are gathered on him, it was good that he found a good seed on his empire. But now he must be wary that Mikhail will be taken by his enemies. Oh, he knew there's spy amongst the audience, and he know exactly who it is and where are they seated. But he let them act as they pleased—for now.
He stared at Mikhail, the mysterious examinee that exceeded everyone expectation—a dark horse, if you will. Taking everyone else like an unstoppable storm. Although at first ridiculed for having the talent of Red Light, which basically mean unable to wield Mana. He showed that he could still be a strong opponent only relying on Martial Arts alone.
Perhaps… He should ask Mikhail to teach his soldier? While it seems a good idea, he's not sure if Mikhail is willing to give others knowledge about his Martial Arts. Especially if it's a Martial Arts that powerful. Because, if he was Mikhail, he would probably not give the Martial Arts no matter what. It was too precious and dangerous at the same time. Fall to the wrong hand, and it could spell disaster to everyone.
For now, he should wait and see how the situation would develop.
-----
"How is it, Mikhail! You enjoy fighting against me now!?"
"Oh, I do now, you're a much more worthy opponent compare to the one that I've fought before."
"Then, don't hold back anymore! Fight me to your heart's content!"
Mikhail smiled. A bold words from Carla. Considering that almost nobody had ever seen him fighting seriously and use his full power. Now, since Carla asked for it, then she would get her wish. He could only hope that she's ready for what's coming next.
Mikhail jumped back from Carla. He stared at Carla right in her eyes and steadied his breath. He closed his eyes for a moment before opening it again. This time, a burst of aura came out from his body. Overwhelming everyone watching including Carla who is taking the full force of Mikhail letting out his aura.
For her, it felt suffocating, as if she's drowning in the deepest seas. She couldn't move a muscle no matter how hard she tried to do so. Carla then stared back at Mikhail. In that moment, intense fear enveloped her whole body, she was not looking at a fourteen year old kid. She was staring at a beast ready to pounce her at a moment notice. Who is she truly fighting?
No, what is she actually fighting?
"Get ready."
That alone is enough to make Carla snapped out of her daze. Her instinct screamed danger, she raised her sword not knowing where the attack would come, relying on her instinct that she had honed through years of training and hunting with her father.
'Clang!'
They clashed blades, but this time she got overwhelmed, she got thrown away as a result. But Mikhail will not let Carla go that easily. He appeared right on top of her. Right leg already lifted high in the air to deliver an axe kick. She quickly positioned her sword right in front of her, barely blocking against his kick that is powerful enough to shatter a sword.
"I-I can't win like this—"
She rolled to the side as Mikhail slashed again. She could see the indifference in his eyes—the stare of someone who has gone through many life and death situation. There's no way a fourteen year old child has gone through a life and death situation. Not even she has met one. The difference between them is too big.
Carla quickly coated her whole body with fire. Her sword too got enveloped in fire. Fighting in close range might be detrimental for Mikhail. But it will not stop him from taking his win here.
He exhaled, he then held his sword's blade in his left hand, while his right hand in the sword's handle. The stance is the same as the Iaijutsu technique. Where the martial art emphasis on the quick draw of a sword. The move that he's about to do is inspired by a video game character from a game that he has played before. It took time for him to be able to do it perfectly. But the end result are worth it. And these people are the one who's going to see it for the first time.
"Judgement Cut (次元斬, Jigenzan)"
The people couldn't see what Mikhail just did. All they saw was that Mikhail pulled his sword for a little before sheathing it back. Gaining the confusion of everyone watching the scene—even Carla is confused by it.
But then suddenly, Carla's instinct screamed for her to dodge, although she doesn't know why. She quickly jumped to the side to evade whatever it is that's going to hit her. It was then a sphere made of black and white energy appeared where Carla stood before. Numerous slashes appeared within the spear. If she didn't manage to evade in time, she would sustain heavy injuries from that attack alone.
What Mikhail just did surprised everyone again. But this time, the shock is much greater than before. With no traces of magic, Mikhail just did what is considered as impossible. These greatly roused the interest of all the high-ranking wizards and military officials.
"What kind of magic is that!?"
"No, I believe it's not magic! Mikhail has never used magic before!"
"Then what is it!?"
All kinds of debated started when Mikhail used one of his trump card. He smirked and diverted his attention from the spectators back to Carla. Currently staring at him full of disbelieve.
"What?"
Carla did not answer. Sweat dropped from her pretty face. It would be lying if she is not scared of Mikhail's abilities just now. Even then, Carla is sure that is not the limit of Mikhail abilities, he's still hiding something. And she dreaded the day where she would finally see him use every abilities that he have.
She steadied her her breath and stood back up. But Mikhail did not give her the opportunity to attack as he launched an attack of his own. He kicked Carla right in the stomach. Followed by him throwing his sword towards Carla's temple. Knocking her effectively in one hit.
Everyone cheered for Mikhail when the match is finally over. The battle between two prodigies will broaded their horizon today. Not only that, they also witnessed the birth of a genius, not a genius in the realm of magic—but a genius in the realm of Martial Arts. This of course would gather the attention of military officials. As every Martial Arts that Mikhail used is extremely valuable to whoever is able to master it.
The only thing is, Mikhail is never going to spread the knowledge of his Martial Arts publicly. He will only teach his knowledge of Martial Arts to someone of utmost importance to him. He will probably built somekind of school for Martial Arts. But that is still tentative.
"The winner of this battle is—Mikhail Samil! Congratulations!"
He smiled seeing all the people congratulating him. It felt surreal for him. Never in his previous life there's people congratulating or supporting whatever he did. In here? Everyone praised him, and getting praised feels nice. He could get used to this.
"Well then, boy. It is time for me to give you the present, no?"