In the end, Lichtalia and I didn't talk about the enemy or strategy at all. In front of the gazes of many people, we arrived at the duel arena with a burning fighting spirit.
When we entered the arena, the first person to greet us was Vivianne. Her serious expression changed instantly when she saw the two of us walking side by side, holding hands.
"I thought I understood why Lichtalia dared to challenge Desmond and Teradein to a duel with you as her partner, but it turned out I was a little off the mark. It turns out you two have that kind of relationship."
Looking at where Vivianne's gaze was, Lichtalia and I realized that we had been holding hands the whole time. The embarrassment returned, but this time we felt much calmer than before.
Letting go of our hands, I could still feel the warmth and softness of the skin of the girl standing next to me.
"Considering the stress that is building because of this duel, getting comfortable before the duel can also help. The other elites, some teachers, and students have already filled the arena. You just need to prepare and wait until your name is called by Professor Merlin before entering the duel arena."
Not wanting to disturb our last minutes preparations, Vivianne went straight to her VIP seat. At the same time, Lichtalia said to me, "Ace, I have a slightly selfish wish for this duel, I hope you'll listen to it."
At the moment when Lichtalia told me what her wish was, at the same time a magic circle appeared on a special throne in the best place in the arena. Merlin appeared while carrying his magic staff accompanied by the cheers of the audience present in the arena. That's because Merlin is the most respected figure in the Zephyr Magic Academy and it is very rare for people to see his figure directly like this.
"To the audience who have gathered in the arena to watch the duel, I, Merlin, will be the supervisor and judge in today's duel. All kinds of cheating will not be missed by my eyes, that is why the final result of this duel is final and cannot be disputed. According to the agreement of both parties, whoever loses will leave this academy. Leaving behind the status they have as students of the Zephyr Magic Academy!"
The entire audience looked excited. The status of a student at the Zephyr Magic Academy was extremely difficult to attain, and today, two people who were in the elite category would be out if they lost. It was no exaggeration to call this duel a life-and-death duel.
"Then let us call the two parties who will duel today. On the left side, one of them is an elite from the Hall of Summon and is recognized as the best in their hall, while on his side is a former elite who was once the best in the Hall of Conjure. Let us welcome both of them, Desmond Darthon and Teradein Finito!"
When their names were called, from the hallway on the left, two young men walked quietly towards the center of the arena. One of them had pale skin while the other let out a strange laugh.
Of course, the most enthusiastic to welcome them were the students and teacher of the Hall of Summon as well as the students from the Hall of Conjure whom I had previously defeated in a one-on-fifty duel.
"Next, on the right side, she is a young genius who managed to master four elements of nature in one semester and became part of the elite when she just entered the second semester, and on her side is the only student from the Hall of Combat who has managed to defeat fifty spellcasters in less than two minutes in a one-on-fifty duel. Let us welcome these two, Lichtalia Aurora and Ace Arcane!"
Who were seen cheering for us were the students and teachers of the Hall of Conjure and Vivianne in her VIP seat. After all, Lichtalia was a genius who represented the Hall of Conjure in the six elites. It was natural for them to support her even though the one she was facing was the former elite from the Hall of Conjure.
Now Lichtalia and I stood facing Desmond and Teradein. Teradein was seen laughing while saying, "Keh… Keh… Keh… these are the last seconds for you in this academy. Witness how great the difference in strength between us."
I stared at Teradein like someone looking at shit. A few minutes ago, Lichtalia told me that she wanted to fight Desmond one-on-one to prove who was better and finished the bad blood between two of them. Maybe this is what they called the pride of the elite. That's why my job in this duel is to hold back and fight Teradein one-on-one so as not to interfere with the fight between Lichtalia and Desmond.
Merlin looked at both sides and immediately marked that the duel had begun.
The first to move was Teradein. He scattered some papers with spells written all over the arena. When the papers touched the floor, a magic circle appeared and from within the magic circle, a bust of fire came out forming a formation.
"Domain of Fire – Temple of Inferno."
Lichtalia quickly used her spells as well after realizing what Teradein was about to do a few seconds after fire erupted from the paper he had spread.
The grimoire in Lichtalia's right hand floated and opened by itself. Even though the arena is a closed room, the ceiling of the arena was suddenly filled with black clouds. The black clouds brought down heavy rain and clashed directly with the fire spells released by Teradein.
"Domain of Water – Blessing of Aquarius."
Not even a minute since the duel was declared to have started, the situation in the arena had changed drastically, now a fire temple stood amidst the rain and flooded floor.
I also didn't just keep quiet and immediately recited a spell.
"Maximize Speed – Acceleration!"
I immediately ran at a speed that was hard to see and appeared right behind Teradein's body. Moving my hand in a punching motion, something suddenly appeared from Teradein's back and blocked my attack. A figure that had a human-like physique but was not a living creature and looked more like a corpse.
Turning my head to the left, I can see Desmond looking back at me with a wide smile. I could faintly hear a spell being chanted from within his mouth.
They are the cursed souls, unable to escape from sin and suffering. Waiting for the chains of judgement to wash away their detestable sins. Summon – Shadow of The Sinners, The Traitorous Knight, Mordred!