The second challenger stepped forward, her green eyes fixated on Von as she handed the ball to Monica, the ethereal number above her head dissipated, signaling her readiness for the challenge. Monica deftly placed Clarimond's numbered ball with the other inside the bag, and her focus shifted to the impending confrontation.
Clarimond, a teenage girl with an air of determination, addressed Von with confidence. Her long brown hair was neatly tied into a ponytail, and her green eyes sparkled with a hint of challenge. "Good morning, Von. I am Clarimond. I will not be as easy to defeat as Mavek," she declared, crossing her arms defiantly. Unbeknownst to Von, Clarimond had a strategic advantage—she possessed no elemental affinities.
Von, maintaining a respectful demeanor, bowed slightly in acknowledgment. "Good morning, Clarimond. May I ask why you challenged me?"
Before Clarimond could respond, Master Alden interjected, announcing the commencement of the decision-making process. "Clarimond is your second challenger, Von. You have two minutes to decide your challenge."
Von, sending his aura to examine what affinities she may have. After nearly half a minute he detected no elemental affinities even though her name meaning "bright." Her strengths seemed to align with plants, transmutation, and palmistry, none of which Von acquired training. However, now aware Clarimond lacked elemental affinities, he pondered the options available. He considered the words of Master Alden, realizing choosing a challenge aligned with Clarimond's strengths might be more challenging than anticipated.
With the two-minute window open, Von turned his attention back to Clarimond. "Clarimond, I appreciate the challenge. Let us test our skills in a duel of magical strategy and deception. We'll engage in a game of magical chess, where intellect and cunning take precedence over elemental affinities. What do you think?"
The magical chessboard materialized in the center of the mythological academy's arena, capturing the attention of both participants and onlookers. The pieces, animated with mystical energy, awaited the commands of Von and Clarimond as they prepared for a game of wits and strategy.
Von, well-versed in magical chess, took the first move, carefully selecting a pawn and moving it two spaces forward. The chess pieces moved with an ethereal grace, responding to the intentions of the players. Clarimond, though lacking elemental affinities, displayed a keen intellect as she contemplated her response.
The game progressed with each move, the chessboard becoming a battlefield of magical prowess and strategic thinking. Von utilized his knowledge of elemental magic to subtly influence the movement of the pieces. The pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, and the regal figures of kings and queens danced across the board, each move a subtle interplay of strategy.
Clarimond, despite lacking elemental affinities, showcased a remarkable talent for anticipating Von's moves. Her chess pieces moved with a calculated precision, countering Von's maneuvers with strategic finesse. The game became a mental duel, the players engaging in a silent conversation through the language of magical chess.
As the match unfolded, the audience observed the ebb and flow of the magical chess game with heightened interest. Whispers of admiration circulated among the onlookers, acknowledging the unexpected intensity of a challenge transcending elemental manipulation.
Von and Clarimond, their eyes locked on the chessboard, exchanged moves with an air of concentration. The game reached a critical point where both players were a few moves away from declaring checkmate. The chess pieces, imbued with magical energy, seemed to carry the weight of the players' strategic choices.
In the final moments, Von executed a clever series of moves, positioning his pieces for an impending checkmate. Clarimond, however, countered with a surprising twist, revealing a hidden talent for magical strategy. The chessboard resonated with magical energy as the pieces reached a standstill, signaling a complex and intriguing outcome.
After a series of clever moves and strategic sacrifices, Clarimond retained only a knight along with her king, while Von found himself with only his bishop. Von and Clarimond, evenly matched in their strategic maneuvers, found themselves in a situation where neither had enough pieces to secure a checkmate. The chessboard, pulsating with residual magical energy, mirrored the intensity of the mental duel that had unfolded. The realization that the game was a draw settled in, and the observers remained in silent awe of the intricate exchange of strategy displayed by the two contenders.
Master Alden, overseeing the challenge, recognized the prowess exhibited by both Von and Clarimond in this non-elemental battle of minds. With a nod of approval, he declared, "This match is a draw." The acknowledgement of the draw brought a sense of respect for the strategic acumen displayed by the challengers.
Turning to Clarimond, Master Alden continued, "Clarimond, would you like to choose a second challenge event?" The question hung in the air, inviting Clarimond to select a new arena in which to test her skills against Von. The audience, still captivated by the unfolding events, awaited her decision with anticipation.
Clarimond, standing tall and confident, acknowledged her advantage in height over Von. With a sly smile, she decided. "I would like to chose the confidence course as the second challenge." The confidence course, a magical and dynamic obstacle course designed to test both physical and power of observation, was a popular challenge among the students at the academy.
Master Alden nodded in approval, recognizing the strategic choice made by Clarimond. The confidence course materialized in the nexus, featuring a series of enchanted platforms, moving obstacles, and magical illusions. It was a test not only of physical prowess but also of the contestants' ability to face challenges with courage and skill.
Von and Clarimond, now standing side by side at the entrance of the confidence course, awaited the signal to begin. The challenge, transitioning from the cerebral realm of chess to the physical and magical demands of the course, promised to showcase a different aspect of their abilities.
Master Alden addressed the challengers, "Von, Clarimond, the confidence course awaits. May your skills and determination guide you through its challenges. On my mark, the challenge begins."
With those words, the two challengers embarked on the confidence course, navigating through obstacles, overcoming illusions, and utilizing their magical abilities to face each trial. The audience watched with heightened interest, eager to see how the evenly matched contenders would fare in this dynamic and unpredictable challenge.
The confidence course unfolded with a series of challenges testing both physical capabilities. Clarimond, who intentionally omitted preventing the use of magic, found herself instinctively resorting to her magical prowess as the obstacles presented themselves.
Upon encountering a solid wall, Clarimond touched it, effortlessly transforming the wood into paper. With a swift maneuver, she ran through the paper wall, showcasing her magical finesse. Von, observing her approach, opted for a different strategy. Adding a touch of air to his movements, he leaped gracefully over the wall, gliding through the air and landing with impeccable precision, maintaining his momentum.
As they progressed through the course, Clarimond's reliance on magic became more evident. When faced with the mud swim, she caused plants to grow thickly, providing a pathway for her to continue running without slowing down. Von, on the other hand, approached the same obstacle with a different strategy. Using the essence of geomancy, he turned the mud into stone, creating a solid surface to traverse.
The challenges continued; each obstacle met with a creative solution from both contenders. The audience watched in awe as Von and Clarimond navigated the course with a combination of magical prowess and physical agility. The audience held their gaze the contestants' every move.
Approaching the final stretch of the confidence course, Von showcased his mastery over time manipulation. Speeding himself slightly within the fabric of time making it appear he found a sudden second wind. He raced to the finish line and stood waiting, confident in his ability to complete the course before Clarimond.
As Clarimond approached she found herself just twenty meters from the finish line as Von stepped over with a calm demeanor. The audience erupted into applause, acknowledging the diverse skills displayed by both contenders. Master Alden, overseeing the challenge, smiled at the recognition of their skills.
Again, the elder from earlier, scroll in hand, stepped forward announcing the results. "After a draw in the chess match, the contenders raced their way admirable through the confidence course. While both showed skill, Von's perseverance earned him the victory over Clarimond during this second challenge."
Cassian, the new teenage challenger, stood with an air of confidence, ready to face Von in the ongoing series of magical challenges at the mythological academy. He handed his numbered ball to Monica, signaling his preparedness, and then approached the line before Archmage Alden, offering a respectful bow.
Alden, the ancient tortoise mage overseeing the challenges, acknowledged Cassian's readiness. He turned towards Von, gesturing toward the new challenger. "This is your third challenger, Cassian. Cassian, this is Von. You have two minutes to decide your challenge."
Von, considering the array of challenges available, turned his attention to Cassian. "Good day, Cassian. Before we proceed, may I inquire why you have chosen to challenge me?"
Cassian, with a confident yet composed demeanor, responded, "I seek to test my abilities against those I consider worthy opponents. You, Von, are alleged to have defeated not only one, but two demons on your own. Because of this, I want to see if you can live up to the reputation. My best affinity is mathematics or arithmancy. I have recently been bestowed with the title of tier 8 adept. If you believe you can, I would appreciate if you would challenge me within this area."
Von, appreciating Cassian's straightforward approach, nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand, Cassian." Sending his aura to meet the challenger's, he discovered it was unhidden. His specialty was in fact, arithmancy. System, can we do this?
"I will challenge Cassian within the realm of mathematics by filling in a square with each row and column add to the same number. The number of squares across and down shall be determined by multiplying his age by mine."
Cassian responded, "Thank you. My age is fifteen."
Von simply said, "seven. This will make the total number of squares in a row or column one hundred five for a total of eleven thousand and twenty-five squares on the board."
As the onlookers were stunned by the immensity of the task before he two challengers, two boards appeared opposite one another not allowing the other challenger to see the other's results. Von, aided by the immense calculating ability of his system, completed the task less than two minutes willing a number for each new square in a mere fraction of a second then moving on and moving to the next.
Cassian performed admirably, but was not nearly as fast, his aura expanding to encompass the board, he swiftly filled in numbers, but unfortunately, his time of eighteen minutes to complete the task was far more than Von's.
Once completed, two of the elders, a wise looking woman with wire-rimmed glasses, and a gnome sporting long tangled hair walked to examine the two boards. Weaving a joint blanket of essences over the two, they began their calculations. After a little over five minutes the two nodded. As one they responded, "both boards satisfy the conditions set forth," before returning to their seats.
The two elders returned to the group of arithmancy specialists and began chattering amongst themselves. One sent a thought containing a multi-world math question to Von who promptly responded to their query with the answer provided by the system. The elder who sent it turned back to the group before they stepped over to the announcing elder.
The two elders touched hands. Once the contact was broken, the elder with the scroll again stepped forward announcing the results. "In the contest of arithmancy, Von has defeated his opponent. By direction of the five elders of the school of arithmancy, Von has been awarded then rank of Master of Arithmancy."
A robe adorned by numbers and various symbols often used in mathematics was brought forth by a quartet of similarly dressed elders. With great care, they placed the too long robe on Von's shoulders while presenting a rolled-up scroll of parchment to the boy. One of whom whispered to Von, "don't worry, you have time to grow into it," causing Von to snort with laughter. The same jokester pulled a wax tablet cased in orichalcum along with a quill from some rare bird used to write within the tablet. He placed these items in Von's hands. Each of the five elders then bowed and shook hands with the newly elevated Master.
Stunned, Von waited before finally asking, You don't want to absorb it?
I think I would like to gift it to Cassian for his honesty and integrity.
As Cassian was turning to leave following the spectacle of this child being raised to master, he heard the boy call out to him. Turning, he looked to see what he wanted.
Thinking of the words King Garret said to the knights, Von said, "Cassian, you were a good and honorable challenger. As such, I would like to bestow this focus on you."
The older boy shook his head declining the offer. "I recently received an adept tier focus from my parents. It was because of this, and my rank that I felt I was certain to best you with arithmancy. You are indeed a master." With these words, his spirits lifted from the boys offer. Cassian then bowed with respect to the now "Master" Von, took two steps back and walked away with his head held high. It was not a mere prodigy who beat him, but a master. As he walked away, Cassian was not feeling down in the least.