Kuuguuung-
A powerful shockwave made the windows tremble.
I glanced to the side of the arena and saw the mages straining to reinforce their defensive magic with all their might.
I’m pretty sure I saw a similar scene during the preliminary rounds…
Definitely not something easy to withstand at this level.
They probably couldn’t have predicted this.
After all, two magics with destructive power resembling transcendental magic clashed…
“This is completely insane. How do they even survive this?”
Ariana whistled in amazement.
She seemed to be calculating whether she could handle it if she were there.
“Rather than trying to endure, you should dodge or prevent them from completing their spells.”
Carlos went head-on against that kind of power, but honestly, it wasn’t really recommended behavior.
Wasn’t it called Roheim Swordsmanship?
Even with the secret technique enhancing his physical defense, he ended up battered and bruised.
Ah, come to think of it, he had protective magic too.
“Hmm, but… Hasn’t something like this happened on the battlefield? Like when you have to take an enemy’s magic head-on?”
In response to Ariana’s question, I smiled faintly and replied.
“Our Ariana seems to have forgotten her lessons, huh? I clearly taught that there aren’t any barbarians who can use large-scale magic. Shall we start theory classes again when we get back?”
“E, Eek!”
If there were someone capable of using magic like that, the war would have lasted much longer.
It was truly fortunate for the Empire.
“Still… Dropping meteors with magic, huh? Never seen anything like that before. Of course, Amy’s magic was also something new to me.”
Senna muttered in awe.
I nodded in agreement.
“Truly impressive. To withstand Amy’s attack and counter so magnificently…”
Amy’s previously demonstrated multi-casting ability was undoubtedly incredible as well.
It’s quite baffling why these incredibly talented individuals aren’t Archmages yet.
Do they need some special event beyond what we see now?
Since the conditions to become a Master or Archmage vary greatly from person to person, it’s hard to give proper advice.
And since I haven’t studied magic deeply…
“I wonder who won?”
Senna’s eyes sparkled.
“Whichever one, they probably don’t look too good right now, huh?”
Ariana also looked towards the arena with an interested expression.
“…”
Black Wolf’s ears perked up.
It seemed like her exceptional senses had picked up on something.
“Draw… maybe?”
As the smoke slowly cleared, revealing the two participants, I nodded.
“The decisive moment is approaching.”
The final round was drawing to a close.
***
The arena, which had already broken apart countless times, once again revealed its inner structure due to another explosion of magical power, creating a massive crater.
“…My head hurts.”
Lux, who had been crouched down, wiped the blood flowing from her nose roughly. Her mental strength was almost depleted to the point where casting a healing spell to stop the bleeding seemed wasteful.
The angel of stars had long lost its brilliant light.
Of her four limbs, only her upper body, including her right arm, remained intact.
Literally split in half, her appearance was utterly devastated.
Then, after a short while, it faded away with a faint glow.
“Grr… How did you manage to save that absurd magic until now?”
Amy didn’t look much better either.
Not only had her flames of wrath disappeared,
but there were burn marks all over her body, her proud owl robe was tattered, and her once shiny red hair was now dull and lifeless.
With her intense focus broken, she winced in severe headache.
“It feels like my muscles are cramping again.”
Most likely, she’d pass out once this match was over.
For several days ahead, sleepless nights caused by mana exhaustion awaited her.
“…Isn’t it fun though?”
Lux’s casual remark made Amy smirk.
“Yeah. It is fun.”
How often does one get the chance to pull out every trick in the book and go all out?
They could feel themselves nearing the realm of Archmage.
After today, both would undoubtedly reach new heights.
“Still, we need to decide the winner.”
Clutching her throbbing head, Amy moved.
“I’m going to win.”
Lux also stepped forward, driven by the desire to win.
“…”
“…”
Dodging the crater, the two approached each other without retreating a single step, gathering their mana.
[Basic Magic: Fire]
[Basic Magic: Water]
A small flame and droplet collided, creating steam.
Compared to their vast mana reserves earlier, these basic spells seemed pitiful, but this was currently their best effort.
Thereafter, they continued exchanging such fundamental spells.
Even though they looked like novice mages who had just awakened to magic, the audience couldn’t jeer.
Anyone, even those unfamiliar with magic, could tell how extraordinary the spells they had cast earlier were.
The audience watched the two girls giving their all until the end with serious expressions.
“Huff… Huff…”
“…”
On the other hand, the two were desperately trying to restore their mental strength.
They didn’t need much.
Just enough to cast one proper spell would suffice.
Both knowing each other’s intentions,
whoever restores their mental strength first will claim victory in this tournament.
The conclusion was crystal clear.
“…Now!”
Amy was the first to move.
Judging that she had recovered enough mental strength, she began casting her spell.
[Fire Magic: Swirling Mist]
Once upon a time, this was her signature advanced magic, now rushing towards victory.
“Huff…”
Lux calmly observed the crimson flames flying at her with terrifying momentum.
‘Not yet… Not yet…’
She waited until the very last moment,
for the perfect opportunity.
And finally, when the heat of the flames started burning her bangs,
‘Now.’
Lux’s figure vanished.
“…Blink?!”
Amy, who had remained vigilant until the end, panicked and looked around.
“Where… Could she possibly…!”
Failing to find Lux beside or behind her, she noticed her shadow on the ground.
Lux had teleported directly above her using Blink.
“Oh no…!”
Although Amy wore an anxious expression, her mental strength was already depleted.
She could only watch helplessly as Lux descended upon her following the law of gravity.
Amy bit her lip and tightly closed her eyes.
Kabang!
“Cough!”
The blunt impact made Amy gasp for breath.
“I’ve… won…”
In Lux’s trembling hand was a small light dagger.
Looking at the pale-faced girl speaking softly, Amy eventually sighed and said,
“…Haa, fine. You’re the champ…”
Exhausting her last ounce of strength, Amy quietly lost consciousness.
“Haa… Haa…”
The magic she had barely maintained disappeared.
Confirming Amy’s unconscious state, Lux turned her head silently.
“…”
Making eye contact with Allen without a word, Lux smiled faintly before closing her eyes.
Losing consciousness, Lux collapsed onto Amy.
Thud.
“…Gi, Match End!!!”
The announcer, who had been holding his breath watching the match, finally ascended onto the arena.
Taking a deep breath, he shouted into the microphone.
“Winner~! Lux Stella Sirius!! The imperial bloodline claims victory in the first Olympiad!!!”
Waahh!!!
Thunderous cheers shook the Colosseum.
It was a flawless ending no one could argue against.
***
“Ultimately…”
“Lux has won.”
Ariana and Senna wore complicated expressions.
It must be awkward to feel both joy and sorrow seeing their dear friends lying unconscious on the arena floor.
I felt the same way.
“Yeah.”
That’s why I could only respond with such a plain statement.
Knowing both Amy and Lux had put in tremendous effort, it wouldn’t be strange whoever won.
Both were proud students worthy of praise.
“That was a great match.”
An indescribable emotion shook my entire being.
I fully understood Lux’s joy in victory and Amy’s regret in defeat.
“A match is a match. We should purely celebrate Lux’s victory.”
“Yes.”
“Right.”
As the solemn atmosphere flowed, someone knocked on the door.
Dok dok-
“Come in.”
The person who entered slowly was Arkan Drake, whom I had met once before.
He still had dark circles under his eyes as he bowed his head.
“Excuse me. Section Chief of Budget Management, Arkan Drake.”
“Yes. Long time no see.”
Guessing the reason for Arkan’s visit, I quietly stood up from the sofa.
He also didn’t offer any additional explanations.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
Gently nodding, I waved to Ariana and Senna standing dumbfounded.
“I’ll be back.”
Realizing why I was leaving, the two girls’ eyes sparkled.
“You must win!”
“Don’t even think about coming back if you lose!”
“Tch… I’ll try my best.”
Smiling faintly, I raised my voice toward Black Wolf.
“Aren’t you going to cheer me on?”
The girl, whose ears perked up, answered without turning around.
“Why bother cheering when you’re definitely going to win anyway?”
“Damn… Alright. I’ll win and come back. Let’s eat when I return.”
“Yes!”
“I’ll look forward to it!”
Ariana and Senna shouted energetically.
Though I didn’t hear Black Wolf’s cheering until the end, I didn’t mind since I saw her tail wagging.
“What adorable kids.”
Arkan casually remarked as we walked down the corridor.
I smiled faintly and replied.
“Yes. They’re more than deserving students.”
“How do you feel about facing the Golden Way Zodiacs?”
“Hmm, nothing particular comes to mind now. Just…”
Whether it’s the Golden Way Zodiacs or the Empire’s strongest swordsman doesn’t matter.
Having witnessed such an excellent performance by my students.
Having received such adorable cheers from my students.
There’s absolutely no intention to lose.
“I’m only thinking about winning.”
It’s time to show the strength of a teacher.
