Everyone's attention was directed to Vanta, the new kid. Many had doubted their ability and predicted a certain defeat in the upcoming duel against Jason. But to the astonishment of the spectators, Vanta emerged as the unexpected victor. The crowd was taken aback; their disbelief palpable in the gasps and murmurs that filled the air. They had never anticipated such a turn of events.
As Vanta stood there, triumphant and radiant, the onlookers exchanged bewildered glances. Whispers of surprise and admiration began to spread through the gathered crowd like wildfire. Their eyes widened, unable to comprehend what had just transpired before them. Vanta's victory was a shock to their senses, an unexpected twist in the narrative they had envisioned.
Some had come expecting a one-sided contest, eager to witness Jason's supposed dominance. They had been ready to witness Vanta's defeat, assuming them to be just another newcomer destined to fail. But the outcome defied their expectations entirely.
The spectators stared in shock, their eyes widening as they beheld the scene before them. What just happened? This kind of thought was running through their heads when they saw what had happened to Jason. He lay defeated and unconscious on the ground, bearing the marks of severe damage from the explosion of Vanta's powerful spell. Gasps escaped their lips, and murmurs filled the air, as they struggled to comprehend the sight unfolding in front of them.
They had witnessed countless battles, with Jason emerging victorious time and time again. He was renowned for his unmatched skill and unwavering determination. To see him fall, defeated and helpless, was something they couldn't fathom. How could Jason have lost? They knew what they saw, but they just couldn't believe it.
Their eyes shifted towards Vanta, a young and unassuming figure standing amidst the aftermath of the clash. He seemed untouched by the magnitude of his achievement. The spectators couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and confusion. That kid, Vanta, had managed to land a powerful attack on Jason, a feat that many considered impossible. But what bewildered them even more was the way he had done it.
Vanta's method was unnecessary and complicated, far beyond the boundaries of conventional tactics. He had woven a web of intricate spells, channeling energies that danced and crackled around him. His movements were swift and precise, as if he possessed an innate connection to the magical forces around him. The spectators, unversed in such arcane arts, found themselves struggling to follow his every gesture.
But it worked. Vanta's spell hit Jason with devastating force, sending shockwaves rippling through the battleground. The impact was felt not only by Jason but also by those who watched, their breaths stolen away by the sheer power unleashed in that single moment. It was a sight that would be etched into their memories for years to come.
As Jason lay motionless, the spectators wrestled with conflicting emotions. Bob, a seasoned mage himself, couldn't help but be curious and confused. As he watched Vanta's performance, he noticed a peculiar pattern. Vanta had deliberately held back his immense power during the duel, allowing his opponent, Jason, to deliver multiple blows before retaliating. Bob furrowed his brow, his mind racing with questions. Why would Vanta choose to endure those beatings? Was he testing his own abilities against Jason? Bob couldn't comprehend the reasoning behind such a strategy. He knew that Vanta possessed the skills to overpower Jason effortlessly, using simpler spells would also
gave him the desired outcome. Yet, Vanta had opted for a different path, showcasing a series of complex spells like
On the other hand, Enna stood awestruck, her eyes fixated on Vanta's every move. She marveled at his finesse and skill, feeling a surge of pride welling up within her. Enna had witnessed Vanta's growth from a fledgling mage to the accomplished spellcaster he had become. His display in the arena was a testament to his dedication and hard work. Enna couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for her fellow mage. She knew that Vanta possessed a depth of power that went beyond what was displayed in that duel. Her faith in his abilities was unwavering, and witnessing his triumph only reinforced her belief in his potential.
Vanta stood amidst the aftermath of the duel, a shimmering victor in the eyes of the crowd. Their cheers filled the air, mingling with a collective awe that surrounded him. But hidden beneath his calm and polite demeanor was a smoldering dissatisfaction.
"Again, it's too slow," Vanta murmured under his breath, his voice tinged with frustration. He glanced at the spellbook in his hand, its pages filled with meticulously crafted incantations. "This won't do... I need to get faster."
His victory over Jason had been swift, but it failed to satisfy him. Vanta knew deep within himself that he remained weak compared to his friends and rivals. Even with a selection of spells at his disposal, he couldn't match the power that Abel, his greatest adversary, wielded. The memory of being knocked out in a single hit during their duel haunted him still.
Desperate to bridge the gap between them, Vanta sought a way to recreate that duel experience with Jason. He believed that by facing an opponent who pushed him to his limits, he could grow stronger. However, this time, time was not on his side. Jason had closed the distance before Vanta could complete his spell, catching him off guard.
Drawing upon his knowledge, Vanta compensated for the sluggish movement of the Wicked Tracer spell by employing the Systolic Chain. It was a clever tactic that allowed him to react swiftly, but even then, it fell short against Abel's prowess.
As Vanta's gaze shifted to the fallen Jason, his brow furrowed with a mixture of surprise and disappointment. He hadn't anticipated his victory to come so easily. The realization dawned upon him that Jason was nowhere near the caliber of Abel, the mage who stood at the pinnacle of the Ranks of mage.
And speaking about Abel, it reminded Vanta of the missed call from his friend Mizar. He reached into his pocket, intending to check the Call Card, but before he could do so, Bob and Enna approached him.
"That was a good duel, boy!" Bob exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration.
"Yeah! That was impressive. I didn't know you were that strong," Enna chimed in, her eyes sparkling with awe.
"Thanks, guys," Vanta replied gratefully, "but excuse me, I need to pick up this call." He gestured towards his ringing device, signaling his need for privacy.
"Hm? An urgent call? Who's it from?" Bob asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Why the rush? Is it really important?" Enna inquired, her concern evident.
"Yes, I'm sorry, but I have to take this one. It's important," Vanta responded with a sense of urgency, already stepping away from the arena.
Bob and Enna exchanged glances, curiosity lingering in their eyes as they watched Vanta hasten away to answer the call. They couldn't help but wonder about the nature of the conversation that demanded Vanta's immediate attention. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as they waited for Vanta to return, their thoughts buzzing with speculation.
Meanwhile, Vanta found a secluded spot where he could take the call undisturbed. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and concern. Mizar was not one to reach out without good reason, especially during such a crucial moment. Vanta answered the call, his voice filled with a blend of anticipation and urgency.
"Mizar, it's Vanta. I saw your missed call. What's going on?" he inquired, his tone laced with anticipation.