***
Back in Cretea, Loriel was exerting himself to his limits to pass the tournament. Unlike others who had a natural affinity for magic, Loriel was just himself.
Among fellow humans and mortals, Loriel was amazing, but in the world of gods and magic users, he was weak. Loriel was a pale imitation of what other creatures were capable of.
Even if Loriel considered himself strong and powerful, a minotaur would beat him and show him strength beyond that he was capable of.
The elves were more agile and adept with the bow than Loriel and those of scholars who wielded magical staves, grimoires and others were able to perform great feats of magic unlike any other.
If Loriel thought he was fast on his feet then fairies would overtake him through the air, centaurs would rush past him with their bodies more suitable for running and Loriel would find himself barely holding on to the last cut-off for participants.
