The training arena buzzed with excitement as the instructor stepped forward.
"The Battle Phase… begins now."
At his call, two students entered the ring.
Linksan and Kuro faced each other.
Linksan, a user of Light Magic, belonged to a prestigious and wealthy family. His calm expression reflected absolute confidence.
Standing opposite him was Kuro, an Earth Magic user, already convinced that victory would come in a single strike.
"Match… Start!"
The two moved instantly.
The instructor's voice echoed across the arena as he announced the rules:
"If a participant falls to the ground, leaves the ring, or becomes unable to fight — they lose. All ranks of magic are allowed. External weapons or power-enhancing items are strictly forbidden."
"Start"
Kuro acted first.
"Earth Binding!"
Stone erupted from the ground, locking Linksan's legs in place. Without hesitation, Kuro charged forward, sword aimed straight at him.
But!!
Crack.
Linksan shattered the binding spell effortlessly.
W-What!!!
Before Kuro could react, a flash of light crossed the arena.
One strike.
Kuro collapsed onto the ground.
"Match over," the instructor declared.
"The winner is — Linksan."
---
"Next match! Tua and Heji!"
Both fighters entered the battlefield.
A cruel smile appeared on Tua's face.
The moment the match began, he attacked relentlessly, giving Heji no chance to defend himself. Blow after blow landed until Heji finally fell helplessly to the ground.
Victory was instantaneous.
Tua turned toward Horobi and laughed mockingly.
Tua Enma — Horobi's cousin.
He despised Horobi, because as long as Horobi existed, Tua could never become the next clan leader.
Horobi simply looked at him… and showed no reaction.
The spectators, however, were stunned.
*How could Tua be this strong?*
---
Soon, it was Horobi's turn.
His opponent: Mikasa.
Mikasa prepared his spell confidently, believing Horobi's weak magic control made him an easy target.
But suddenly—
Horobi vanished.
Gasps spread through the arena.
He appeared directly behind Mikasa.
"When did he move?!" someone shouted.
From the stands, Mio cheered loudly.
"Master will win!"
She proudly declared that even if Horobi lacked magical strength, his combat skills were unmatched.
Horobi struck Mikasa from behind.
Before Mikasa could even turn, another attack came from the front.
Relentless blows followed.
Mikasa fell.
"The winner — Horobi enma!"
Watching from afar, Tua smirked.
"I'll be the one to kill you someday, Horobi… hahaha."
---
Next came Mio's match.
Using only her Dark Sphere magic, she defeated her opponent with ease.
She excitedly looked toward Horobi.
"Did you see that, Master?!"
Horobi smiled faintly in response.
---
After a short break, the instructor announced the Second Round.
Matchups:
1. Mio Haizaki vs Tua Enma
2. Linksan vs Horobi Enma
The crowd murmured in disbelief.
Horobi — the student with the lowest magic control — had reached the Top Four.
---
#Round One
Mio and Tua entered the ring.
Tua grinned arrogantly.
"Why stay with that fool? A beautiful girl like you belongs with someone like me."
Mio frowned instantly.
"Shut your mouth, monkey-face."
She had never liked Tua and always avoided him — often staying close to Horobi instead. That alone fueled Tua's hatred.
Today, he wanted revenge.
The match began.
Tua rushed forward with his sword. Mio dodged and countered with Dark Sphere attacks, but Tua narrowly escaped.
"Wind Slash!"
A blade of wind struck Mio before she could evade.
She pushed forward again, counterattacking and injuring Tua's arm.
Tua laughed.
"I'll show you your place today."
His attacks turned deadly.
Despite Mio's resistance, Tua's defense strengthened. He kicked her down violently — something Horobi clearly disliked.
Then came Tua's finishing move.
"Gale Wind Sword!"
Mio raised her Shadow Shield,
but it shattered.
The attack struck her directly.
She struggled back to her feet, but Tua charged again, aiming his sword toward her neck.
Suddenly ---
Horobi stepped between them.
"That's enough."
Tua snarled. "This is my match! Stay out of it!"
"The match ended the moment she fell," Horobi replied calmly. "You're crossing the line."
The instructor quickly intervened.
"Enough! Return to your positions or both of you will be disqualified!"
Tua was declared the winner.
Many students whispered in relief.
"Good thing I didn't face him…"
---
# Round Two
"Horobi Enma vs Linksan!"
The arena fell silent.
Linksan smiled casually.
"That girl… Mio, right? If I were you, I'd already have crushed Tua. After defeating you, I might deal with him myself."
Horobi replied calmly,
"Worry about yourself first."
Both smiled.
Then—
They attacked simultaneously.
Steel clashed at incredible speed.
Each immediately realized the truth.
"Finally… a worthy opponent."
Horobi struck at Linksan's leg.
"Seems I'm slightly ahead."
Linksan laughed.
"I've only just begun."
Horobi replies!!
" me too"
He countered, injuring Horobi's arm.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the battle intensified.
After a long exchange, Linksan activated his magic, enhancing his speed dramatically.
Now, he began overwhelming Horobi.
But Horobi refused to give up.
Instead, he carefully observed every movements of Tua enma.
Both fighters grew exhausted… battered… yet determined.
Finally, they prepared their ultimate attacks.
"Lightning Magic — Dragon Light Blade!"
"Demon Art — Demon Blade!"
Both warriors charged toward each other—
And then ---
And the arena held its breath.