After registering at the arena reception both Druak and Oscar approached a door, which had a sign saying [Practice Arena]. Unlike the official arena in this one, you could fight with whomever you wanted.
As they entered they were greeted by a ginormous coliseum-like structure which had enough space to hold an audience of over 10,000 people. In the centre of the coliseum were 20 different platforms.
"Looks like there are only 2 spaces free." Oscar said after looking around, trying to find a space he could use to fight with Druak.
After finding a place they could use they began to approach a small enclosure. As they approached it two men were seen sighting down.
The energy exuding from them made it clear they were no ordinary individuals. These two individuals were observers. Observers were a selected group of individuals that were within the 3rd stage or above and were used to regulate the arena; this was done to prevent excessive behaviour from occurring within the academy arena. They would also be the ones who allocated points to students after each official match, which would allow students to increase their arena rank and gain rare prizes.
Approaching the older-looking of the two, Oscar bowed down as he respectfully spoke. "Mr Stone. It is an honour to see you yet again."
Druak noticed this from time to time. Whenever Oscar met certain people he would shift his full attention to them and become far more respectful and humble, this was completely different from how he treated Druak, although Druak already understood this was completely normal for most nobles and was at all bothered by it.
It seemed this man was pleased with Oscar's way of speaking, as he quickly got out of his seat and smiled. "Yes it is always a great pleasure to see you Young master, So how has your father been, I haven't seen him in almost 10 years now."
Instantly after hearing the word father Oscar's face twitched, this was almost unnoticeable and was only just noticed thanks to how observant Druak was.
Just after being asked about his father Oscar smiled. "Oh. My father. He's doing great. He managed to reach the 6th stage a few months ago and was promoted to be a duke."
"To be expected of your father. It was only a matter of time before he reached these heights." The old man paused for a moment and looked towards Oscar then muttered. "It's such a disappointment that he has a son like him though."
Despite muttering those words it was still more than loud enough for both Druak and Oscar to hear, despite this Oscar still kept his smile as he calmly asked. "Mr Stone I came over to ask. If you're able to be the observer for me and my friend's fight."
"Oh. And why'd you want me instead of that man over there." A smile slipped from the old man's mouth, as he continued to delay Druak's and Oscars' match.
'Damn it. This old man's annoying. He's never liked me but can't he at least show me a little respect.' Oscar's rage began to boil but all he could do was clench his fists, as it could ruin his family's reputation if he did anything inappropriate.
"Mr Stone. You have done many great things for my family, it would be a great honour if you would proceed as our observer." Oscar was now lowering his head, which was something Druak had never seen Oscar do.
"Much better." The old man muttered as he stood up, approaching Oscar to lead the way.
"Very well. You have shown your sincerity so I shall allow you to have me as your observer."
Oscar clenched his jaw for a moment before looking at Druak and smiling as if nothing had happened. "Looks like everything is ready, so let's head over."
Druak couldn't understand Oscar's actions. If Oscar knew what kind of person this old man was, why did he ask for him to be the observer instead of the other man. It made no sense to Druak but for now, Druak would leave this matter as he believed that Oscar must have done this for some reason.
Druak and Oscar approached the two sides of the platform and began to get ready to fight, each standing in a different stance.
*Bang*
Mr Stone summoned an enormous magic circle above his head which sent a quake into the ground, signalling the start of the fight.
Not hesitating for a second, Oscar charged straight towards Druak, his massive greatsword in hand.
*Swoosh* The sword flew straight past Druaks as he just managed to dodge the mass of metal that Oscar had swung.
Druak summoned ice shield after ice shield but no matter how powerful his class was Oscar still seemed to shatter everything Druak made, not leaving Druak a moment to counterattack.
"Come on Druak. I know you can do…" And as if in response to Oscar's taunt Druak launched a bolt of ice straight at Oscar's face, using the slow movements of his greatsword to find the opportunity.
Liking the blood from his lips Oscar smiled. "That's more like it."
Immediately after speaking Oscar disappeared from Druak's vision. Druak scanned around himself trying to locate Oscar, but no matter how much he looked around him he still couldn't find Oscar.
Realising no matter how hard he tried he couldn't find Oscar Druak quickly used his ice mist spell, in hopes of obscuring Oscar's vision. Using the advantage of vision Druak rushes to the edge of the platform to narrow down Oscar's field of attack.
Druak launched volley upon volley of ice shards out. The sound of ice hitting metal constantly resounded throughout the battle.
"Finally." Druak muttered as he stopped launching his ice shards and dispersed his ice mist.
As the mist slowly faded Oscar was greeted by a 5 ft ice shard that came hurling down towards him. Not wasting a moment Oscar summoned forth what seemed to be the head of a giant lion.
*Bang*
Ice shards burst out blocking all vision of what had happened to Oscar.
Observing this Mr Stone muttered. "I know he's a disappointment but I didn't expect him to lose to a commoner of all things." As those words were said, Mr Stone's face became confused, as instead of relaxing Druak was summoning as many ice shields as possible and unlike Mr Stone Druak seemed incredibly tense.
*Swoosh*
An enormous golden blade swooped down towards Druak. "Damn it. Wasn't this just meant to be a spar." Druak said, as his jaw tensed up from the pressure the golden blade was putting on him.
*Crack* One of the shields shattered to pieces and was soon followed by another and another until only one remained.
The ice had finally faded revealing Oscar who was wielding his greatsword which had a massive golden light surrounding it.
It was obvious that Oscar couldn't hold on much longer, as sweat was dripping profusely down his brow. The problem for Druak though was that he was also in a condition where he would drop straight to the floor from mana drain if he kept this fight going for another minute.
'Guess I've got no choice.' Druak thought as he dropped his ice shield, giving him just enough mana to cast 1 more spell.
And as if an earthquake happened the entire platform shook, Oscar's blades collided with the ground and Druak disappeared from sight.
Oscar belt on his sword as sweat dripped down his face, which was smiling ear to ear with pride. "Thanks for the fight…." Oscar sensed something off and suddenly realised what it was. When the dust disappeared Druak was nowhere to be seen.
A sharp pain was felt around Oscar's neck as he heard Druak's voice. "Looks like I win."
Druak used the impact of the blade to launch himself behind Oscar, he then summoned an ice blade and put it around Oscar's neck. "You got lucky this time, next time ill be sure to beat you." Oscar said as he turned around to look at the blood-covered Druak, who yet again was too reckless and got himself seriously injured.
Although Druak had won it didn't come without consequence as the impact of Oscar's blade had shattered multiple ribs, leading to a lot of internal injuries.
Druak smiled at Oscar who was panicking due to the condition Druak was in. "Weren't you the one that said this was just a spar. Why'd you have to be so reckless."
Oscar then turned around, looked at Mr Stone and shouted. "What the hell are you doing. Do your job and get a healer."
Mr Stone froze for a moment, shocked by Oscar who never had the courage to speak out like this before. This didn't last, as he realised that a student dying on his watch could affect his pay. "Damn those kids. Why couldn't they just spar normally instead of taking it so seriously." After muttering those words Mr Stone walked off to get a healer to treat Druak.