68 Rematch (1/2)
After Greyson's match, the people had not calmed down and continued whispering to each other trying to figure out what happened. Not many people could use the same trick, thus it was not as well-known with the normal students. Some people could almost figure out, but would never be sure if they are correct or not. Not paying attention to the curious glance pointed his way, Greyson silently meditated on his chair. That match did not wear him out or injure him seriously so he had no reason to go to the physicians' area for someone to heal him. Just recovering his mana was enough for the next match. Thinking about it, he realized from now on it would be people challenging each other instead of set matches. As the winner of the third match, he was third in line to choose an opponent. Filtering through the other nine people, Greyson could not come to a decision on who to challenge. Juggling with the different options for a moment, he decided to just wait for the fifth match and the first and second challenges to finish. At that point, he could just pick one of the people who has not gone up in a while.
Opening his eyes, Greyson realized that the fifth match and the first challenge had already begun. Tristian chose Ignis as his first challenge while Leopold and Bromwood were going up against each other in the fifth match. At first glance, Tristian looked to be overpowering Ignis so Greyson quickly lost interest in the match. Focusing on Leopold and Bromwood, his eyes lit up in interest. Surprisingly, they were tied. No one had an obvious advantage over the other. Although Leopold had two elements, Bromwood's lightning element was not weak either. Lightning compared to the other elements was rare. Its offensive power was much higher in destructive ability. Although Leo was combining his water and fire elements, Bromwood's smooth manipulation of the lightning was keeping the attacks at bay.
Bright purple boots were covering his feet which boosted his speed many times that of Leopold's. Greyson recognized the spell as the Fulmen family's Lightning Boots movement spell. Apparently, the founder of the Fulmen family had found the two spells Lightning Boots and Lightning Burst inside ancient ruins. Leopold continued chasing him around and attacking before finally stopping in place. Chasing around Bromwood would only further exhaust him and waste mana. Starting to look complacent, Bromwood looked arrogantly at the exhausted Leopold. However, to his surprise, his opponent did not get angry but instead smiled back. Narrowing his eyes, Bromwood brought out his saber that arced with lightning. Looking to finish the match with his strongest spell, he gathered energy for Lightning Burst. Leopold only looked on as he also gathered his mana to execute a new spell he had learned.
A ball of lightning forming at the tip of his saber, Bromwood burst into action and stabbing straight towards Leopold. Instead of moving to block the strike, Leopold struck his spear into the ground. A huge circle of fire exploded out in all direction. The large vortex covered the entire stage leaving Bromwood without the ability to dodge. His Lightning Burst spell had broken apart the first impact of the spell, but the vortex spun back around for a second wave which he could not block. Caught in the fire, Bromwood let out a pained shout as he was badly burned. Leopold quickly dispersed his spell in order to prevent any permanent damage. The judge stepped in and declared the winner while calling the physicians to carry away Bromwood for healing. Leopold let out a long breath before slowly getting off stage to hit seat. Plopping down next to Greyson, Leo took the opportunity to catch his breath.
”Congratulations.” Greyson remarked.
”Hahaha, Bromwood would not be aware, but I only learned that spell recently. My grandfather kept lecturing me about how my attacks were too direct and easy to avoid if the opponent was faster or stronger than me. Taking his advice, I learned a spell that had a large area of effect. Turns out I was right to listen to his advice.” Laughing heartily, Leopold was quick to admit his luck. But it was exactly this easygoing attitude which won Greyson's respect.
Waiting just a little while longer, Tristian and Ignis' match ended with Tristian's victory. It was now time for Greyson and Natalia to challenge someone from the top ten. Luckily for Greyson, Natalia's choice was rather quick. She picked out Bella. Looking slightly upset, Bella decided to just admit defeat which automatically placed her at tenth place temporarily. Contemplating his choices, Greyson's eyes finally landed on the pink haired beauty sitting next to him. Although Luca also had not fought in a while, he was the winner of the fourth match and would be fighting next. This left Ezra as his best choice. Thinking of her earlier show of strength, he was excited to try to fight her. However, Ezra did not share the same opinion and quickly admitted defeat.
”I'm not sure, but something tells me that I won't be able to beat you. Plus, how could I bear to beat up such a cute face~?” Her tone was playful, but her eyes looked deeply at Greyson. Blushing a little, Greyson just nodded before sighing. She was not wrong. He looked forward to fighting her to try out different opponents, but he was fairly sure of his victory over her. Disappointed, Greyson sat back down needing to wait for his turn over again. The next fights would be Ezra versus Bella and Luca versus Caedis. Not interested in the matches, Greyson decided to close his eyes and meditate to make the time go by faster.
After a little while, Greyson felt someone elbowing him. Opening his eyes and looking to his side, he saw that the person who got his attention was Leopold.
”Hey, the matches are finished.”
”Oh, who won?”
”Luca and Ezra won.”
”Ah, I see.” Slightly bored, Greyson did not pursue the conversation. The winners were who he expected from the beginning since the twins just were a level lower than the rest when they could not fight together. He thought they would feel a bit more conflicted about it, however, looking at the two of them, Greyson could tell they were aware and did not mind at all.
”Hahaha, well aren't you quiet. Feeling bored?” Leo chuckled looking at Greyson's obviously sleepy expression.
”Hehe, yeah sort of. I guess I was hoping for more action.”