Von eyed the queue forming and shook his head. Some of the students were years older and years ahead of him in learning. There appeared to be students in their 20s waiting to pit their skills against his, but he still was uncertain why they wished to challenge him. Perhaps it was because he held his own against an ice demon, or maybe they heard about the demon lord. Was this it? Did they think he was the top student on the totem and thus wanted to show their worth?
As the queue continued to form, Von's mind raced with speculation. Were these challengers simply eager to test their abilities against someone who had faced formidable foes? Or was there a deeper motive behind their desire to challenge him? As those in the front waited, Von resisted the urge to probe their minds for answers. First, it would be a violation of their privacy, second, it could potentially give him an edge if they knew what was coming. He wanted to play fairly.
Once the queue was formed, a man in his twenties was in the first slot. He stepped forward returning the ball to Monica causing the ethereal number above his head to disappear. Master Alden looked between the two before announcing, "As you, Von, have been challenged, you may choose the form of the challenge."
The young boy's eyebrows rose, and a blank look appeared on his face. He was unsure how these challenges worked, what was involved, or how to make them fair. Even though he was the one who was challenged, he thought having a teleportation contest against someone with no choromancy affinity would be completely unfair. "Archmage Alden, I have no idea what challenges are available, nor how to choose."
As the man waiting for Von's answer rolled his eyes, the ancient tortoise held up his hand. "First, one should attempt to determine what skills their opponent has whether by feeling their aura or asking them what it is. Keep in mind, they can do their best to hide their affinities or try to mimic a different affinity than they have and, they don't need to tell you the truth regarding what their affinities are, but their instructors will know as will the testing team over there." He nodded his head to the group which included the blue-haired Brook and the green-haired Stephan along with several others from the testing arena each of whom was holding scrolls.
Archmage Eldon continued, "You may then choose one of the many challenges, including physical or magical combat based on what you have learned. If you choose a challenge in which the challenger has no affinity, then the choice belongs to the challenger who will almost always pick a challenge related to their strongest affinity. Should you have little or no affinity usable in the challenge of their choosing, the opportunity to choose the challenge returns to you, and so on. This is why many challenges are determined via combat. Everyone has some degree of capability with magical or physical combat. So, you see, determining the challenge is part of the challenge itself."
Von considered everything the elder just explained then performed a half nod. "I understand, Master Alden. How long do I have to determine what challenge I want, and how do I know what they challenges are?"
"Challenges can be as elaborate or simple as you desire. Perhaps you are skilled at repairing basins. You can choose a row of broken basins to be repaired, each damaged identically and the first who completes the task wins. Alternatively, you can choose any one the standard journeyman tests to use as a challenge, or even a master test if you are feeling very confident. If you choose such, but neither of you are at the rank, the one who performs better will be declared the winner." He looked to Von to see if he understood then added, "Keep in mind, any form of magic is permitted in the challenge unless it is specifically excluded."
Von carefully considered those last words and thought about the ways the different affinities could be used to aid himself or hamper his opponent. "Thank you," he said with a bow.
"You're welcome. This is your first challenger, Mavek. Mavek, this is Von. You have two minutes to decide your challenge."
As Master Alden only granted Von two minutes to decide on the challenge, the young boy nodded in acknowledgment and turned his attention to Mavek. The two-minute window opened a brief yet intense period of contemplation for Von. He assessed Mavek's aura, searching for clues about the challenger's affinities and potential weaknesses.
Mavek, on the other hand, awaited Von's decision with a confident demeanor. The challenge itself became part of the strategic exchange between the two contenders, a mental duel adding an extra layer of complexity to the magical confrontation.
With seconds ticking away, Von made his decision. He stepped forward and addressed Mavek, his tone confident yet respectful. "Mavek, let's test our skills in a contest of elemental manipulation. We'll each create a unique elemental construct, and the judging team will evaluate based on creativity, complexity, and stability. What do you say?"
Confident in his deep proficiency with three elements—earth, air, and water—Mavek welcomed Von's challenge with a self-assured demeanor. He nodded in agreement to the proposed contest of elemental manipulation, feeling his versatile affinities would provide him with a clear advantage.
As Von and Mavek prepared for the challenge, the air around them crackled with magical energy. The testing team, led by the elders and including those from the testing arena, observed with keen interest, ready to judge the competitors based on creativity, complexity, and stability of their elemental constructs.
Mavek began by conjuring intricate patterns of earth, sculpting it into a solid foundation for his elemental construct. With swift movements, he manipulated the air around him, shaping it into swirling currents which added dynamic movement to his creation. Finally, Mavek drew upon the water element, weaving liquid tendrils through the construct to enhance its fluidity.
The foundation of the creation was crafted from solid earth, forming a sturdy base with finely detailed patterns and textures. Rising from the earth, swirling currents of air were expertly shaped to give the construct a dynamic and ethereal quality. These air currents not only added visual flair but also provided a sense of movement and agility to the creation.
Water, the third element in Mavek's repertoire, weaved through the construct like liquid veins, enhancing its fluidity and grace. The water tendrils twisted and turned, forming elegant patterns complementing the solidity of the earth and the airy swirls. Drops of water glistened in the magical light, adding a captivating shimmer to Mavek's elemental masterpiece.
The overall effect was a three-dimensional representation of the interconnectedness of the elements, each playing a crucial role in the creation's form and function. Mavek's construct exuded a sense of balance and control, a manifestation of his proficiency in manipulating the natural forces at his disposal.
Von, however, demonstrated a surprising proficiency in his chosen elements—perhaps not as diverse as Mavek's, but with a unique flair. He focused on the interplay between air and water, creating a mesmerizing dance of mist and breeze. The elemental constructs took shape, each reflecting the individual style and skill of the contenders.
Von's elemental creation unfolded as a mesmerizing diorama, capturing the essence of a picturesque valley nestled between two majestic peaks. The intricate details and harmonious integration of air and water elements brought the diorama to life with a magical vibrancy.
The central focus of Von's construct was a flowing stream meandering gracefully between the two towering mountains. The stream, crafted with a combination of air and water manipulation, sparkled with an otherworldly luminescence. It reflected the play of light as though touched by the ethereal glow of the magical clouds overhead.
One mountain peak, sculpted with a touch of earth manipulation, depicted an active and dynamic volcano radiated an immense amount of heat. Streams of molten lava cascaded down its slopes, creating a vivid contrast with the surrounding landscape. The fiery glow of the volcano's activity added an element of danger and excitement to the overall scene.
On the opposite side, the second mountain peak stood proud and serene, its slopes adorned with a glistening blanket of snow. The snow-covered peak, shaped with meticulous precision, radiated a serene calmness which contrasted with the fiery energy of the neighboring volcano. The snow on the mountain peak was completely tangible creating a captivating texture. One could feel the coolth coming from the scene from the glistening peak.
Above the entire diorama, clouds crafted from Von's manipulation of air elements hovered with a sense of weightlessness. The clouds, wispy and ethereal, added an atmospheric touch to the scene, casting shadows and creating an ever-changing play of light on the valley below.
As the last seconds of the challenge ticked away, Von and Mavek stepped back, their elemental creations standing proudly before them. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation as the testing team deliberated, taking into account the intricacies and artistry displayed by both challengers.
Finally, one of the elders, with a scroll in hand, stepped forward to announce the results. "In this elemental manipulation challenge, both contenders have showcased remarkable skill. However, the judges have determined the creativity and harmonious interplay of elements in Von's construct have earned him the victory in this round."
The crowd erupted into applause, acknowledging the unexpected triumph of Von over the seemingly more versatile Mavek. The academy's nexus buzzed with excitement as the next challenger prepared for her contest with this talented boy.