The sun blazed high in the sky as the arena buzzed with energy. Thousands of spectators filled the Royal Academy's colossal amphitheater, their cheers and anticipation echoing across the grounds. The announcer's voice boomed, cutting through the din.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the event you've been waiting for is here! Prepare yourselves for an extraordinary battle as the Royal Academy's finest teachers face off against the seasoned adventurers of the guild!"
Riku sat in the stands, observing the scene with keen interest. His left eye remained concealed beneath Tetsugorou's mana-blocking eyepatch. Though the crowd was swept up in excitement, Riku felt a pang of envy. He wanted to be on that battlefield—but for now, he could only watch.
The Battle Begins
The announcer's voice thundered through the arena.
"Let the battle… BEGIN!"
The air buzzed with mana as both teams sprang into action.
Kazan wasted no time, unleashing twin arcs of flame from his swords. The fiery crescents roared toward Team B, only to be countered by Mizuki, who conjured a swirling vortex of water that doused the flames and created a veil of steam.
Taking advantage of the obscured vision, Hayate charged forward with incredible speed. His fists struck the ground near Takeru, causing the earth to tremble. Takeru countered with a whirlwind of blades, the clash of steel against iron gauntlets creating a cacophony of sparks.
Meanwhile, Reika hurled her soulforged spear at Kagami, who raised a glowing barrier just in time. The spear shattered against the barrier, only to reform in Reika's hands moments later.
At the backlines, Rikuto wove his reflective wards, creating a protective dome around their crystal. He deflected several of Aina's mana-charged projectiles, sending them careening harmlessly into the arena walls.
Turning the Tide
The battle raged on, each side demonstrating incredible skill and coordination.
Souta, despite his lack of magic, managed to outmaneuver Reika with precise footwork and swordplay. However, Reika's agility and magical spears kept him at bay, forcing him to retreat.
Haruto stood calmly at the center of the battlefield, observing every move. When Aina unleashed a dazzling barrage of light magic, he countered effortlessly with a single swing of his blade, dispersing the attack in a brilliant burst.
"Mizuki, cover me!" Aina called, her voice resolute. Mizuki nodded, summoning a massive wave of water to push back Team A. But Haruto stepped forward, his aura flaring with immense energy. With a single motion, he cleaved the wave in half, dispersing it into harmless droplets.
The Climactic Finish
As the battle reached its peak, both teams converged near the center of the arena. Hayate and Takeru were locked in a ferocious melee, while Kagami and Rikuto exchanged defensive maneuvers. Kazan and Mizuki's elemental clash painted the battlefield with fire and water, their magic creating a vivid, chaotic display.
In the chaos, Haruto stepped forward. His eyes narrowed as he assessed the battlefield.
"It's time to end this," he said quietly.
With a deep breath, he raised his sword. A massive surge of mana erupted from his body, radiating outward like a shockwave. The sheer intensity of his aura forced everyone to pause, their movements frozen as they turned toward him in awe.
The crowd fell silent as Haruto's blade began to glow, brighter and brighter, until it was almost blinding. In a single, decisive motion, he unleashed a powerful wave of energy. The blast tore across the battlefield, bypassing Kagami's barrier and shattering Team B's crystal in an instant.
The announcer's voice rang out, breaking the stunned silence.
"Victory goes to Team A—the Royal Academy's teachers!"
Aftermath
The arena erupted into cheers and applause as Team A regrouped at their crystal, their expressions calm but triumphant. Haruto turned to Aina, offering her a respectful nod.
"You fought well. Your team has potential."
Aina smiled, though there was a glint of frustration in her eyes. "We'll get you next time."
Riku watched from the stands, his heart pounding. The sheer power and precision Haruto displayed were beyond anything he had imagined. Though he felt a mix of awe and frustration at his own limitations, he couldn't help but feel inspired.
As the crowd celebrated, the announcer teased the upcoming events, promising even greater spectacles to come.