Chapter 7 - The beginning of the magic battle assessment (2/2)

”However, magic is not only concerned with warfare and destruction. It is, in essence, the study of the principles of the world. For those of you who prove unsuited for combat, whatever the reason, you will become the researchers who pave the way to greater heights for the future generations. Magic studies every aspect of the world, from its origin, to its structure, and the rules that govern us all. It is the key to greater planes of existence. No matter how you fare in the battle exam, there will be a place for you within the academy.”

The students who had previously been full of excitement calmed down slightly at his words and looked slightly pensive. None of them wanted to fail, as that would mean being weak.

”Well, enough chatter for now. The rules are the same as they've always been, but I will repeat them for the sake of safety. First, no using forbidden spells. Second, you are not allowed to kill your opponent. Third, you are not allowed to attack your opponent after they have forfeited. Finally, you may not use any magical items or artifacts during the fight. There are healing mages on standby, so do not worry about injuries. However, if any of you dares to commit a foul or disregard the rules, you will be expelled regardless of rank or status.”

As he spoke, the vice dean released a strong pressure that prohibited every student from breathing. Cold sweat rolled down as their faces as the temperature of the area drastically dropped. They all nodded their heads as a sign of agreement. The vice dean was famous for being very fair and very strict, so none of the students dared to doubt his word.

The vice dean removed a piece of paper from his pocket and read the ten names that were on it. These were the top ten scorers on the written exam. They would go on stage and pick out the students they wished to spar with for the first fight. Each student had to fight three teams, and must win two of the fights in order to pass the battle exam.

Those that pass both the written exam and the battle can choose to exempt the monster hunt exam, as they already passed the exam. However, some of them wished to be acknowledged as the best among their peers, and each year many of the highest ranked students chose to take the monster hunt exam in order to achieve a perfect score.

A young man walked onto the stage, the first of the ten names on the list. He wore a blue magic robe that suited him perfectly. His black and gold hair framed his blue eyes, along with his beautiful yet cold face. This was Clyde Kalel, scion of the Kalel family and an Imperial Noble. The Kalel family was one of the oldest families in the Empire, and their personal power was on par with that of the Imperial Family.

Because he was the highest scorer on the written exam, he was given the right to choose his first opponent. As they looked at him standing on the stage, almost every student was nervous and silently prayed that he would not choose them. His eyes swept the students below, pausing briefly on Shad before moving on with a disdainful snort, as though he was not a worthy opponent.

”Brandon, come meet your defeat,” he said to the young man sitting next to Shad. Brandon was one of the top five junior mages, but he was a commoner that was backed the Royal Duke Wishlam because of his talent. He knew that he didn't stand a chance against the scion of House Kalel.

............................

Bang!

Five fireballs loudly exploded against a shield of ice, which was the ancestral element of House Kalel.

”Just give up. I thought you were a decent fire mage, but it turns out that you are weak like the rest. You can't melt my ice with a puny 2nd tier fire spell,” said Clyde scornfully as Brandon panted heavily on the opposite side of the stage. In the past five minutes, Brandon had been unable to break through Clyde's ice shield. He was on his last breath and was running low on mana. He opened the fight two 3rd tier magic spells, and now he only had enough mana for 2nd tier spells which couldn't even scratch the shield.

The Kalel family had a strong affinity for ice magic, while the Djage family had an affinity for fire magic. Even though Brandon was not related by blood to the Djage family, he was still under the protection of the Royal Duke Wishlam due to his status as a fire mage, so Clyde wanted to humiliate him and show the world that fire magic was inferior to ice magic. Similar to their chosen elements, the Kalel family and the Djage family did not get along very well. This discord dated back to the first days of the Empire.

”Ice Creation magic, Icicle Bolt!”

While Brandon tried to catch his breath, Clyde finished chanting his magic spell. With a loud hum, a white magic circle appeared in front of his palm as he raised his right hand towards Brandon. Countless small balls of white light coalesced in the center of this circle as the surrounding temperature started to drop.

Swish! Dozens of small icicles shot out from the magic circle at an incredible velocity towards the tired fire mage. He would be severely injured if he got hit by one, although Clyde was very careful to avoid using a spell that would kill or maim him.

”I give up!” yelled Brandon before he got hit by the icicles. As soon as he uttered these words, the vice dean as well as the referee of the match cast a shield spell onto Brandon which prevented him from getting hit by any of the deadly projectiles.

”The winner of the first match is Clyde Kalel!”

”Wilsin Djage, come onto the stage for the second match,” said the vice dean as Clyde went back to his seat.