On the second day of the academy's fierce battle competition, the atmosphere in the arena was electric with anticipation.
The single battle podium, its surface a captivating blend of oceanic blues and greens, dominated the center of the arena, commanding the attention of all who had gathered to witness the upcoming showdown.
Following the intense clashes of the previous day, where cadets dueled on three separate podiums, today marked a significant shift in the competition.
The stage had transformed, and now, all eyes were fixed upon a colossal battlefield spanning an impressive 5,000 square meters (53,819 square feet).
As both combatants stood ready, the massive blue holographic screen above the battle podium illuminated displaying the cadet's picture, name, and classes for all to see: "Hana Kazumi, Class: Ninja," and on the opposite, "Azrael Akki, Class: None."
All eyes were drawn to the stage, where an ordinary-looking guy stood, Azrael clad in his light brown armor over the academy battle suit, his steel staff resting in his right hand.
He stood with a composed demeanor, exuding a calm, almost eerie confidence.
On the opposite corner of the battle podium stood a captivating figure—Hana Kazumi, a cadet with the class of a Ninja.
She was dressed in a deep purple traditional Japanese attire that flowed gracefully around her as if caught in a gentle breeze.
She possessed long, flowing black hair, which split down in the middle at the front, creating a curtain-like effect that framed her face. In the back, she had tied her hair into a small, neat ponytail, while the rest cascaded down gracefully.
Her face was partially concealed by a black mask that extended up to her mouth, leaving only the upper face and her striking silver eyes, which showed like silver snow.
Completed with two katanas, black and white, securely fastened to her back, adding an air of mystery to her already intriguing presence.
— Eye of The World
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Hana Kazumi
Race: Human – Class: Ninja
Title: None
Potentials: Arcane Ninja
Health Point (HP): 470/470 (+70)
Mana Point (MP): 380/380 (+80)
Stats:
Strength: 3 | Agility: 4 (⬆1) | Vitality: 4 (⬆1) | Intelligence: 3
Skill: (5)
- Mana Aura (50%)
- Shadowstep Strike
- Ninja Cloak
- Blade Mastery
- Evasion
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The anticipation in the arena was palpable, with countless cadets waiting in bated breath to see how this duel would unfold.
Azrael, who had previously held his own against formidable opponents like Thant Zin, now faced a Ninja-class cadet who had effortlessly eliminated Luna and her epic-tier talents.
Many among the spectators were curious to witness Azrael's performance, hoping he would prevail against this formidable opponent, while others wished for his defeat.
Azrael's common talent and the absence of a designated magic class had drawn the ire of some who were eager to see him fail in this competition.
As Azrael and Kazumi stood on the battle podium, whispers and hushed conversations buzzed through the stands like an electric current.
"I can't believe Kazumi took down Luna with epic talent so easily," remarked one cadet with a sense of awe in his voice. "She's like a ninja prodigy or something."
"True, but Azrael's no pushover either," his friend replied. "I mean, common talent or not, the guy's made it this far."
A cadet leaning closer, his eyes locked on the battle podium. "Agree, I've seen videos of his fights against Thant Zin online. He's got skills, no doubt."
"But come on a common talent? In the top-tier competition?" another cadet chimed in skeptically. "I'm not convinced."
A nearby group of cadets engaged in a spirited debate. "I'm rooting for Azrael," declared one with determination. "He's proven that talent isn't everything."
Her friend nodded in agreement. "Exactly! It's about skill and determination. Go, Azrael!"
A cadet with a hint of frustration in her voice muttered, "I don't get why some people are so obsessed with him. He's just an anomaly. He will lose eventually."
As Azrael and Kazumi prepared for their showdown, the divided opinions among the cadets reflected in their whispered conversations.
Some hoped for Azrael to rise above his common talent and stun the audience with his skills, while others were eager to see him lose, all while the tension in the arena continued to mount.
On the opposite side of the spectator seats sat the Kim siblings, Hyunwoo and Yerin.
Right beside them was Leo Harrington, a descendant of an English noble family and a close childhood friend of theirs.
Leo possessed a sleek and slender body, and his face featured delicate beauty. His tender, thin lips added a subtle touch of femininity to his appearance, enhancing his unique allure.
His eyes were a captivating shade of gray, completing with a long curtain-like bang at the front. At the back, he tied his hair neatly, allowing it to flow down and reach his shoulders.
This group of friends was fixated on the battle podium, especially Leo.
Who was eager to witness Azrael's true capabilities, since people had been talking so much about him, even his childhood friends had mentioned him on several occasions.
On the battle podium, the judge stood tall, his authoritative presence commanding the attention of all. He provided a succinct reminder of the rules, and both combatants responded with a nod, signifying their understanding and readiness.
With the formalities concluded, the judge raised his hand, a signal that sent a wave of anticipation through the spectators.
His voice boomed across the arena as he declared, "The battle begins!"
In an instant, the atmosphere shifted. The battle spark ignited.
With lightning-quick precision, Kazumi drew three gleaming daggers from her sleeves, and with a flick of her wrist, she flung the deadly projectiles toward Azrael.
Each dagger was enveloped in her mana aura, enhancing their speed and power as they sliced through the air.
Azrael remained composed.
With a casual yet precise swipe of his staff, he intercepted the incoming daggers. His staff crackled with his own potent mana aura, and the daggers clatter to the ground, becoming a harmless object.
When Azrael's gaze darted back to Kazumi's position, she had vanished.
Like a whisper of shadows, she slipped from his line of sight, her stealthy movements leaving no trace.
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Skill Name: Ninja Cloak
Skill Type: Active
Description:
This skill shrouds user in a cloak of surrounding mana, rendering them nearly invisible to the naked eye. This ability grants them stealth, perfect for scouting or evading enemies. Activating this skill consumes the user's mana.
Skill Stats:
- Duration: Based on the user's mana.
- Stealth Effect: Renders the user nearly invisible to the naked eye, reducing their visibility to enemies by 90%.
- Movement Speed Bonus: Grants a 30% boost to movement speed for the duration of the ninja cloak.
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Azrael scanned the battlefield, his gaze searching for any trace of Kazumi, but her presence remained elusive.
"At your level, tracking her would be a challenge. She possesses a potent ability, especially for a lower-level magic user," Jing Qiang observed, offering his insight on her skill.
'I see.' Azrael immediately understood the situation, tried to adapt his strategy to deal with such an opponent.
Unbeknownst to Azrael, Kazumi had slipped into his shadow, employing her 'Shadowstep Strike' technique.
With a silent and swift draw of her dual katana, she lunged at Azrael with deadly intent.
— Shadowstep Strike
However, Azrael's instincts were razor-sharp.
With casual ease, he glided across the battle podium, sidestepping and deflecting each of Kazumi's rapid strikes, his movements graceful and unhurried, showing an impenetrable defense.
Kazumi couldn't help but think, 'How is he dodging my attacks so effortlessly?' her silver eyes narrowing behind her mask.
Azrael made occasional attempts to counter her attacks, but Kazumi's agility proved to be a formidable obstacle, as she utilized her 'Ninja Cloak' skill to perfection.
'She's not bad.' Azrael immediately realized that patience was his greatest ally, and so he continued his previous strategy, waiting for the opportune moment.
"Impressive," remarked an instructor in the viewing area. "He doesn't rush into things."
Within the instructor viewing area, approving murmurs circulated among the gathered mentors.
"He's displaying remarkable patience, waiting for the perfect opening while studying his opponent. It's quite a rare trait for a new magic user." Hendra complimented Azrael's decision.
As the battle raged on, Thant Zin, seated among the cadets, initially found the fight to be highly exciting. His eyes remained glued to the battle podium.
However, gradually, he sensed a shift in the atmosphere, and his sharp eyes squinted as he leaned closer, detecting something unusual unfolding in the arena.
Meanwhile, in a different section of the audience seats, Kim Yerin tilted her head, her gaze fixed on the battle podium.
She couldn't help but voice out her thoughts. "Something's happening on the battle podium," she remarked, her words drawing the attention of Hyunwoo and Leo.
"You're sensing it too?" Leo asked, seeking verification that he wasn't the only one sensing these peculiar occurrences.
As the battle continued, more and more cadets began to notice the unusual shifts in the surrounding mana. Furrowed brows and exchanged glances revealed their growing unease and shared curiosity.
Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived; it was time to strike back.
With a swift halt to his evasion, Azrael unleashed a surge of his mana aura, channeling it into his earth's elemental magic.
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Mana Point (MP): 250/400 (-150)
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A powerful burst of Elemental Magic rippled through the battle podium, causing the ground beneath to tremble and quake.
Cracks snaked across the once-smooth battle floor, and, in a matter of seconds, earth spikes erupted, shooting skyward from the fractured ground.
The once-perfect battleground transformed into a chaotic arena of elemental devastation.
Spectators watched in stunned disbelief their eyes widened, realizing that Azrael hadn't been evading for a mere show; every move had been in preparation for this precise moment.
"Urgh!" In the midst of the earth elemental onslaught, Kazumi's concealed body abruptly reappeared.
She was sent hurtling into the sky, her stealth magic shattered by the sudden elemental fury. A drop of blood stained her mask as she struggled to regain her composure while airborne.
As she desperately tried to regain her bearings in mid-air, Azrael utilized his wind magic. In the blink of an eye, he vanished and reappeared above the falling Kazumi.
Kazumi's gaze shot upwards, her pupils widening as she saw Azrael's imposing figure looming over her. Before her mind could react, a surge of fear gripped her, and with impeccable timing, Azrael swung his staff downward with a thunderous force.
His strike connected with a bone-shattering impact, sending Kazumi's body crashing into the ground, causing the battle podium to tremble once more.