66 New Top Ten (1/2)
As Greyson continued meditating, the fights continued. However, the audience was clearly no longer interested and started to zone out. What battle could follow up Aidan and Greyson's battle? All of the opponents were sub-par in comparison and none of them made the other nine stagemasters break a sweat. After around 30 minutes or so, Greyson opened his eyes and exited his meditation. His fatigue completely faded away and he felt extremely refreshed. Glancing over the other battles, he just sighed thinking that the first part of the tournament was probably going to end soon. People had even started leaving thinking that the first part of the competition was over. The top ten battling each other would not happen until the next day. He was slightly disappointed that no one had decided to battle with him yet. Thinking back to his earlier battle, he did admit he had come off a lot more aggressive than he wished. Maybe his show of power made any potential opponents in the audience feel discouraged from trying.
Right when the twilight sky appeared as the sun began to set, Morninghand had announced that the competition was over.
”The top ten for this year's students are the remaining ten stagemasters.” He spoke towards the audience. Then, turning towards the stages, ”First off, congratulations to you all. I believe that you have easily proven your prowess and talent today. As the top ten you will all receive separate awards which the academy thinks will best benefit you. Later on, you will all receive them from your masters. Prepare yourselves for fighting tomorrow, the last part of the competition continues so that you will all have your ranking even within the top ten. I expect that you all were waiting for this part the most.” Once he spoke the last part, he smiled knowingly as he saw all the young stagemasters look at each other with great battle intent. Only Natalia stood on stage yawning to herself looking completely bored. Morninghand looked over with his lip twitching before letting out a long sigh lamenting the challenges of his dear friend and Natalia's father, Castor Ivywood.
”Well, anyways, this old man will stop talking now and let you all get back to rest early. I look forward to the battles tomorrow!” He waved his hands to dismiss them. They all bowed slightly in response before walking off in different directions. Greyson looked around and spotted Ronan and Lucius waiting for him in their same seats from earlier.
”Well, how's that for an entrance. Was it impressive enough?” Walking over laughing, Greyson was quick to joke about his success.
”Impressive, very impressive. No matter what, you guys are at the same level so it is a little shocking to see you beat him so easily.” Ronan gave him an honest thumbs up.
”Just a battle between two weaker magicians, only you would think it's impressive.” Lucius, on the other hand, just rolled his eyes. Greyson just ignored Lucius and thanked Ronan. He was already used to this cat's inability to compliment people other than himself.
”We should get back and quickly eat dinner before resting. I just want to quickly sleep, so tomorrow comes even faster.”
”Hahaha, well I'll leave you guys to it, then. I have to get back to my place as well and finish some of my current painting. Congrats again, Grey. I'll come cheer you on again tomorrow!” Ronan split off from them in the direction of his dorm room waving goodbye.
”Mm, okay! See you later!” After waving goodbye, Greyson quickly leaped up onto the rooftops and swiftly made his way back to Elder Sweetbow's manor. Whistling a soft tune to himself, Greyson walked happily through the front gate. However, the minute he walked through his happy moment was broken apart by familiar shouting.
”Brat! Look at you! I knew you would shock everyone at the competition. Bahahaha! All those old fogies got worked up and ran to me asking who this young genius was and where I was hiding him all this time. You really gave your master face today! Well, it's to be expected I guess, I mean look at who your wise teacher is!” Sweetbow shouted animatedly, the pride in his expression obvious to all.
”Master, how many times have I told you? I'm not deaf, you'll blow my eardrums out with all your shouting.” Sighing to himself, Greyson felt helpless against this oddball master of his while using his fingers to block his ears.
”Is that the issue? You should first stop this egomaniac from his delusions. You were born with your talent, if anything he only nudged you in the correct direction. Taking all the credit as if he was the one who gave birth to you and gave you your natural born ability. Hmph, just look at his head. It will soon be too big for his body to hold.” Lucius scathing tongue took no breaks as he mercilessly cut down the elder's happiness.
”You! Stupid animal! What do you know?! Talent is one thing, but the knowledge to efficiently use that talent is another. Without me, Greyson would still be floundering around with trying to figure out how to use two elements simultaneously with ease.” His elation smashed to pieces suddenly, Sweetbow's face turned red in indignation.
”Lu, I can't back you up on this one. Master has given me a lot, I accredit a lot of my strength to him.” Greyson lightly scolded.
”Exactly! If anything, you're the most useless one here. You just laze around all day eating my food and drinking my water. Nothing but a wasteful bum.” Ecstatic to see his disciple defending him, Sweetbow's anger dissipated a lot allowing him to finally think of a clever comeback. All this time, he was always losing the verbal battles with this cat.
”...” Lucius opened his mouth to refute, but suddenly realized it was true. He just napped all day while absorbing mana in this nice environment.
”Hah! Cat got your tongue? Have you finally seen the error of your ways, shameless freeloader?” Sweetbow felt endless pleasure seeing his enemy speechless. Lucius just snorted before running off inside. Seeing their interaction, Greyson just shrugged his shoulders. At least his teacher had won for once, before it was always his master running off in a fury after not being able to think of something to say. Following after his happily chuckling teacher, he finally made it back to his room before walking out to take a nice hot bath. Eyes flickering to blue, he quickly summoned water to fill up the tub. Before placing his hand on the surface of the water and heating it up with his fire magic. Seeing the steam rise up, he swiftly got undressed before hopping in.
”Ahhh... this is great. Magic makes some things so convenient.” Taking in the comfort of the hot water, Greyson reflected back to when he was younger. In order to take a bath, they would have to collect water from the river and heat it up in order to bathe so they would not wash themselves as often since it was too much work. Snow Country was cold year-round, so they were never able to bathe directly in the river since it was frozen over.