Magicka.
A magic duel between mages to demonstrate who is the more dominant in terms of combat skill and magical prowess.
For countless generations, Magicka is an event revered by the entire community, both Mages and non-Mages alike where they enjoy the clashes of various magic from all over the land.
When I was a kid, I've witnessed my first Magicka together with my grandfather at the port town of Flocestire when we were selling our produce. Two visiting Mages demonstrated their incredible magic to the whole crowd and that's the very moment when I got enamored by the concept of magic and decided that I'll be a Mage one day.
And to think that I'm now standing here at the very grounds to participate a Magicka. I'm one step closer to be my dream of becoming a Mage, and I'll use my magic to help and stand up for the oppressed and forgotten.
The first match was to begin shortly and we were instructed to take our place at the stands above.
Headmaster Gray then called the first competitors who will be fighting for this match.
"Davis Ulford, and Mikoto Kusanagi, kindly proceed to the ring."
The two Mages answered the Headmaster's call and did what they were instructed to do.
I then proceeded to make my observations at the two combatants.
Davis Ulford is a slightly muscular brown-haired man who's taller and perhaps slightly older than I. He's also had a ragged handsome look that is favorable to the female population.
He was adorned in a long green suit, a white polo shirt, and a red ribbon tie. His lower garments consisted of black pants and long brown boots.
If I am to assess his outfit, then he is indeed dressed like a regular Noble strolling on the outdoors. My Mana Sense detected an above-average amount of Mana in him. Not to mention, from what I remember during the first exam, he garnered a Mana pool of around 1,890.
To conclude my findings, he's someone who more than meets the eye but not that outstanding compared to the Dragon siblings and his opponent.
Speaking of his opponent, she is no other than the chick from the Akanir Empire.
Mikoto Kusanagi.
Her name screamed foreigner in every syllable and tone.
Observing further, she's definitely a beauty on par with the Dragon lady herself.
If the redhead Anastasia is the brash and loud-mouthed arrogant lady, then the blue-haired Mikoto is the complete opposite; collected and calm like water.
Perhaps she is a Water Mage then? She does give me that particular vibe.
When the two combatants arrived at the stage, Headmaster Gray said a few words before commencing the duel.
"You are free to go all out to your heart's content. As this is a duel, this is also a fight between Mages, and limiting our potential goes against everything that we stood for. Fatal injuries won't be an issue here since we have the finest healers ready on standby. I'll also intervene should the situation calls, so there's nothing to worry about."
In short, no holds are barred huh.
Yup, definitely gonna be screwed by the Dragon Lady no doubt. I can only imagine that she'll transform into an actual Dragon and probably eat me alive, just for the heck of it.
"Now, are the two Mages ready for Magicka?"
Davis and Mikoto both nodded in agreement as they prepared themselves for battle.
"Alright... Begin!!"
Davis quickly retreated a few paces and begun preparing his spell. It was smart of him to do so since he's at a visible disadvantage at melee with Mikoto being a katana user.
That, and many Mages are naturally at their element at long-ranged combat. Most spells cover a huge distance that can strike from afar.
Standard procedure, precisely.
"Rock Bullet!!"
A barrage of medium-sized rocks was summoned and hurled at Mikoto at a rapid pace.
Mikoto quickly reacted and unsheathed her Katana in a flash. She then sliced the rocks effortlessly, causing the projectiles to be cut into pieces.
Wow, either she's ridiculously strong or perhaps it's in the katana itself.
"Tsk, how were you able to cut off my rocks?"
Davis got his answer when the Katana glowed blue, signifying that it's indeed the weapon that is special.
Because let's face it, most Mages aren't exactly gifted in the physical department, unless they imbue themselves with magic to strengthen their own body or weapon.
Studying magic is already quite taxing in the mind. To improved oneself physically only served to add a greater burden.
Of course, that does not mean that Mages should be frail and weak. Quite contrary in fact. A balanced diet and regular exercise are also essential in their lifestyle. To neglect your body also constituted abandoning your mind as well.
Going back to the battle, Mikoto proved to be a smart adversary as she only remained silent. As it should be.
Secrecy is also part of a Mage's arsenal.
The less your opponent knows, the better. Letting them give in to their assumptions is also one of the fundamentals in swiping victory.
Mikoto began her assault as she attempted to close the distance between her and Davis. Davis retaliated by firing more Rock Bullets at her, but his efforts were proving to be fruitless with each passing second.
In the end, Mikoto successfully closed in. As she was about to strike him though, Davis instantly smirked, much to her confusion.
"Golem Mode"
Davis's body immediately transformed into a rock-like humanoid entity while turning even more muscular, causing Mikoto's katana to glanced back slightly.
"You think that I don't have any countermeasures for physical Mages like you? I'm no fool like other Mages and if that's what you are thinking. I too, have trained both my mind and body."
To her credit, Mikoto remained unfazed and jumped back a few paces to plan her next move of attack. She must be thinking that normal physical attacks won't work in this scenario any longer.
"Now, let's see how you are going to fare with my minions. 'Summon: Pact Golem.'"
Three identical tall humanoid Golems emerged from below, resulting in the stadium ground to broken down in response. The Golems were quite intimidating with their muscular features, rock bodies, and menacing look.
"I, the great Davis Ulford, heir to the Earth house of Ulford, heed my call and let the earth tremble to those who oppose me-"
I saw Mikoto's eyes widening as she realized what Davis is planning. From what I know, Mages only recited those kinds of incantations in preparation for a spell of incredible magnitude.
The golems' role is to protect their summoner as they blocked any openings that may disrupt the ritual.
Mikoto regained her composure and took a deep breath. I truly wonder what she is going to do in this predicament of hers.
She then assumed a stance by bending her body slightly to the front with her hand gripping firmly in her katana. Shortly after, she muttered the words-
"Thousand Cutter."
In an instant, she seemingly disappeared in a flash and blazed forth right at Davis, effectively bypassing the Golems as a result, much to our astonishment.
As her charge came to a halt, she unleashed a swift slash at Davis and also passed by him with unbelievable speed.
"Fuck."
Davis suddenly felt the after-effects of Mikoto's attack as a seemingly countless number of slashes begun materializing and making its merciless incursion at him and the golems.
"Arrgghhh!!!!"
His golem-like state was dispelled as a result, and he eventually fell together with his summons.
Mikoto sheathed her katana in a cool manner and did not even bother to turn her back, an indication of her full confidence.
Damn, that last attack was fucking epic!!
So that's the magic of Mikoto. Utilizing her profound swordsmanship to take down any opposing Mage at a deadly close distance.
"I believe that it's a complete victory for Ms. Kusanagi. Excellent battle from the two combatants."
The Headmaster gave his compliments while clapping his hands. Soon after, the rest of us followed since we were all amazed as well by the performance that was showcased.
"While Mr. Ulford has undeniably lost the battle, I believe that it's an eye-opening experience for him. Props for him for having a method to counter Ms. Kusanagi's magic swordsmanship, or more commonly known in the Akanir tongue as Kenjutsu. His strategy is not wrong per se when he utilized his Golems to defend himself while casting a ritual spell, but Ms. Kusanagi simply possessed the more superior magic in terms of firepower and chant."
I see, so Davis, even when he lost the match, still was praised by the Headmaster. I guess he's as good as in at the academy then despite the outcome of defeat.
With regards to proving my hypothesis, I smirked in utter ecstasy at what I have just learned today.
Rock Bullet.
Summon: Pact Golem.
Golem Mode.
And the coolest and deadliest magic of the four... Thousand Cutter.
A total of four fucking spells, just like that.
It appears that simply by looking at a spell, I can comprehend it completely in a crazy short amount of time.
So this is the magic of Infinity that the lady of the lake spoke of.
All spells are no doubt ripe for the taking, hehehe.
Of course, other Mages will definitely be pissed and vomiting blood when they find out about how I learn my spells.
Learning an easy spell takes about two hours at least, taking the "Wind Blade" spell as an example. It requires an attentive state of mind for a Mage to comprehend its complex mechanism.
To think that I can skip all of that.
I supposed I should be careful from this point on. Others might take advantage of my gift and I certainly don't want any of that political nonsense.
But if I want to pass this exam, then I need to display at least one of the spells that I easily learned during my upcoming Magicka, and others are unquestionably going to be suspicious about it.
Or I could just flunk this test and be done with it. With my newfound magic, I could just find a Mage and ask them to demonstrate their spells for me to take.
No... That is not right.
And not because that I felt that it's practically cheating.
Meh, all is fair is in the magic world. I don't really have any qualms as long as I get what I want.
Within reason, of course.
A freelance Mage is good and all, but graduating from a prestigious academy is another thing.
Comprehending spells is not everything for a Mage and does not mean any shit if I lack the overall knowledge and concept about magic itself. There are still a lot of things that I need to learn before I can proudly call myself a full-pledge Mage.
To truly immersed myself in the world of magic, I needed the credentials of an academy graduate, thus granting myself numerous opportunities and benefits.
In addition, academy students who are commoners may potentially be granted the minor Noble title of Baronet, or Baron if they performed really well. Having that particular privilege is a must so I can also help my grandfather and fellow villagers back at home.
Besides, being an independent Mage with no education is not really profitable nowadays.
Thus, I made my decision and strengthened my resolve.
I would take this world by storm and show that a new Mage is born, in the form of Ken Bruce, yours truly.
The esteemed fucking Mage with the magic of Infinity.