Chapter 8 - Mock Battle

It was the second day of Arcane Academy. Today took place the mock battle that would be used to determine each of the students strengths.

"Man, it had to be a pretty hot day too. This sucks." Kouki was holding his arm over his head to cover the harsh sunlight from his eyes.

(I'm going to melt Master sighhhhh)

The class was currently in an open area designed for battles, which was outside the building so no damage could be done to the interior. It was notified that damage done to this area would replenish once the battle was over, so you could basically go all out on the terrain.

A few battles have already taken place. This match is with the bluish white haired girl from yesterday. Her name was Lumi Snowfrost. She is from a renowned noble family that specializes in Ice type magic. Her white and light blue coated outfit matched her but it was a wonder how she could bare the heat with that on.

(So she's up against Ophelia huh. Dragons use fire don't they? This matchup is not doing Lumi a favor.)

"I suggest you give up now." Ophelia had her arms crossed as her tail waved slowly., it wasn't that she was afraid she'd lose. Quite the contrary actually, she just wanted to let Lumi go without her getting hurt.

"..."

Lumi didn't respond and only continued to face her. The stage was set and the professor would announce when the battle could begin. Ophelia could be seen only smirking.

(Man she's too full of herself.)

(You said it Master.)

"Begin!"

"Let ice claim you."

It wasn't even a second. A small fraction of time for the spell to be casted and fully freeze Ophelia into a husk of ice. Silence was the loudest after that and soon hype ran across the area.

"Tier 5 magic! That's impressive."

"For Ophelia to be frozen completely, that's absurd!"

"No wonder Lumi is called the Ice queen!"

The other students continued to comment on the matter at hand. Even Kouki was surprised, it's as if a clear winner was already indicated. Adiel who was surprisingly next to him kept quiet and spoke up a bit after a few seconds.

"It's not over yet."

As soon as she said that everyone turned to face the battlefield once again only to hear cracks on the ice. Even Lumi who had thought to be the victor, was about to leave. Until she turned to the noise. Crack after crack, Ophelia soon emerged from the now melting ice. Her eyes full of rage, those pupils dilated. Her fangs bared and flames slightly coming from her mouth and hands.

"Not bad Ice Queen. But, you're going to have to try harder than that BECAUSE SOME MEASLY ICE WON'T PUT A STOP TO ME!"

After bursting completely out she dashed towards Lumi, before her claws could damage her she quickly backed away. Extending her arm to cast an ice barrier. Even that was soon shattered without a feat.

"!"

"RAHHHH!"

After breaking the barrier Opehlia tackled Lumi and then used her tail to send her farther away.

'Nghh.."

"Flo!"

Lumi had casted another form of magic, as soon as she did a bunch of ice crystals generated in the air. Lumi moved her hand forward and they were sent in coordination were Ophelia was, as if they were bullets they were too fast. Opehlia had tried to dodge, but some still managed to hit her body as she roared in pain.

"Damn you! It seems I have no choice!"

Ophelia began to morph into a dragon. As her body began to grow and turn a dark color tone. Scales were beginning to show. Her tail grew larger and longer. The mighty arms and legs began breaking the ground as the rest of the students moved away. Wings flapped in a mighty frenzy as she elevated into the sky.

"W-wha!"

Lumi could only stay in place, caught in both fear and shock.

(So this is the power of a Dragon...!)

(Master get away!)

The sound of what you could call grumbling could be heard coming from Ophelia. Everyone could immediately tell what was about to happen.

"None that humiliate me shall continue to live!"

She closed her mouth and then charged what you could call the ultimate form of destruction, a dragons fire breath.

She let out the fire breath directly at Lumi but before it could hit her it was blocked.

Before Opehlia could deal the final blow she was cut off by the professor who had put up an earth wall in front of Lumi.

"The match is over Ophelia, you won. No need for anything else. I need you to calm down."

"You! Tsk. The day is almost over anyway, i'll take my leave." Still in the sky she flapped her wings and flew away. Heading in the direction of the mountains in the north were the Dragonkin resided.

As the match was over some rushed to Lumis side to see if she was okay but she also seemed uneasy and agitated as she left without looking at anyone else. It seems she couldn't bare to be overwhelmed like that in the end. The frustration clearly showed.

"I didn't think this would happen but it shows my students are all capable. Before our last match of the day I'll need to quickly fix the stage. Give me a moment."

(Loreley...did you see that? How strong do you think Ophelia is in her dragon form?)

(At your current level I don't think you would even be a match for her. Let alone a worthy opponent. Sorry for my cruel words, though if you really want to feel better she's not as strong as me hehe.)

(Wow that's really great of you, it pains me to see you make fun of me haha.)

It didn't take long for the professor to finish fixing the stage for the last match to take place. Kouki wondered who would be fighting this time, if it was his turn he hoped it was someone easy to deal with.

"Adiel and Kouki please take a step forward."

Dread came over Kouki as he spoke too soon.

(HUH?! YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!!!)

(MASTER!!!!!!)

"The prodigy vs the Forgotten!"

"I wonder who'll win this one."

"C'mon man that's pretty obvious."

The rest of the students had already taken their picks as to who would win.

(I don't even have to be smart to know i'll lose.)

(Master try your best, remember you have a chance with me around.)

Adiel closed her eyes for a brief moment and moved forward without looking at Kouki.

Kouki had moved forward as well as he held Loreley in his right hand. It seems Adiel finally came into notice of the spear Kouki had as she eyed it and then squinting her eyes, glaring at him.

"Do not think your spear will do you any good buffoon."

"I wish you would be nicer."

Adiel stayed still and Kouki took his stance.

The professor both looked at them and he knew how everyone was eager to see this match. Without further a do he began.

"Begin!"

Adiel extended her arm towards Kouki and only chanted one sentance.

"Holy smite, Aevrum."

Kouki stopped in his tracks. At first nothing happened but then he looked up at the sky and took notice of a bright light coming towards him at an extreme speed.

(MASTER! Dammit! Aquafis!)

Loreley used the barrier she used back in the Goblin cave to protect him from her magical attacks. As soon as the Aevrum hit the barrier he could feel the pure pressure of how strong this attack was. It wasn't meant as a warning, or a regular attack. This was meant to fully kill him. It felt like the hammer of justice one that would completely annihilate it's enemy.

(Loreley...if you didn't protect me just now I could've...)

Loreley kept quiet but instead without notice rose from her spear, she was the one holding it this time. Spinning it as the tip of the spear was close enough Adiels face. Loreley was furious and it was clear why.

"How dare you!"

The two looked at each other. It's as if the battle of the ages was about to commence.

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