The Core Disciple Exhibition (3)

The first match's competitors left the stage with their attitudes reflecting the results of the battle. At the same time, anticipation rose among the audience for the next match. With Shui's popularity and talent, most wanted him to be the winner, but Homa was a proven elite not far off from Clyde and Lionel, so the general consensus was that this would be an interesting match. 

"Shui and Homa, descend to the stage."

With that order from the High elder, the two combatants made their way to the stage. Homa was a young man with long orange hair and eyes reminiscent of the sunset, and he exuded a strong, fiery aura that was unusual among Storm Sky Manor disciples. Someone like him appeared to belong more in the Lava Stream Sect, but his clan had served the manor for generations, so he apparently had little choice in the manner.

The two landed on the stage at approximately the same time. When they faced each other, both had aloof expressions as well as confidence in their abilities.

"I'm not sure why the elders rate you so highly, but you should surrender now if you don't want to embarrass yourself," said Homa.

Shui shook his head in response.

"You've taken the words from my mouth. If you insist on resisting, then I'll let you make the first move."

Homa thought that Shui was being rather arrogant, but he decided to take him up on his offer so that he would regret it.

"Hmph, very well then."

"If both sides are ready, then, begin!"

As soon as the match started, Homa used one of his strongest spells. He summoned a large bird of prey made of flames above his head and had it dive at Shui.

"Don't say I didn't warn you!"

The flaming hawk swooped down at Shui to engulf him, but Shui faced it without a hint of fear and a single barrier. In anticipation of his screams, Homa grinned with the image of victory clear in his mind.

When the fiery creature clashed against Shui's barrier, the result was surprisingly anticlimactic. Instead of a massive explosion, followed by a reveal after the dust settled, Shui stood firm like a boulder before an intense river. There was no explosion, for the flame only crashed into his barrier before fading away.

"..."

"..."

While most turned speechless by this sight, including Homa, Shui asked, "Is this your best?"

Shui's taunt didn't register at first, but once it did, there were several who drew sharp breaths.

'He's the real deal.'

It was just one confrontation, but it was enough to clear all doubts concerning Shui's strength. Homa knew that Shui was strong, but he didn't expect him to deal with his spell so effortlessly.

'No! There's no way he can keep up such a strong barrier for long. I have to keep pressuring him.'

With his burning desire for victory, Homa summoned tens of fireballs that hurtled towards Shui like a meteor shower. However, no matter how many fireballs landed on Shui's barrier, he was perfectly safe. 

"Damn you!!!"

Homa dragged out more energy to bombard Shui, but it made no difference.

"Ha...ha...ha..."

Unlike what he planned, Homa was the one to become exhausted. Looking at his miserable state, Shui asked once more.

"Is this your best?"

The first time he asked, all Homa felt was anger, but now there was a hint of resignation and fear. While biting his lip, Homa wanted to ignore this feeling, but it wasn't so simple. Therefore, he tried to push it out with his own words.

"No, but you'll regret giving me the chance to use my full power."

"I doubt that."

Shui responded without a change in expression, but Homa held back his outrage by imagining how ugly Shui's face would look after he beat him.

"Haa....!"

Homa entered the horse stance and activated his secret technique. As he concentrated, a particular type of energy was drawn to his body, increasing his overall power.

'Hmm, he's absorbing the surrounding fire element.'

At any point in time, the natural environment was filled with elemental energy of the main elemental attributes, and so there were many spells and arts that took advantage of this, but that was only the surface of Homa's technique. As more and more fire element entered his body, his hair turned bright red, and so did his eyes. Furthermore, intricate symbols flickered around his body. Of those watching, only a few elders and Shui could tell what they were as well as what they meant.

'Runes! Could this be a corna? But it seems to be incomplete.'

Since Masters had to study the natural laws to progress, their cornas could sometimes resonate with runes when used properly. Homa shouldn't have been able to use a corna to such a degree, but the hidden talent of his bloodline was giving him the extra push.

'It seems I really won't be disappointed.'

When the runes stopped flickering, Homa had scarlet flames dancing on his body. He stood upright and faced Shui while brimming with confidence. 

"Yes! This is Sir Homa's true power!"

"Feeling scared now, aren't you?"

"Yeah! Break that turtle's shell!"

Those who were fans of Homa now raised their voices to support him. While Homa wasn't as strong as Clyde or Lionel, even they would feel threatened once he used this technique.

"Finally, you show me something interesting."

"Hmph."

Homa could now see a change in Shui's expression, but it wasn't the type of change he wanted. Shui no longer seemed indifferent, but he was only curious. He appeared interested to see how he would manage to break his barrier.

'Well, I'll show you.'

Homa's face was warped by anger as he dashed towards Shui. It might have been incomplete, but this technique was certainly not something he could use for long. After two steps, he found himself in front of the barrier and slammed into it with his fist. Many thought that even if he was stronger, he wouldn't be able to break Shui's barrier so easily, but contrary to their expectations, it shattered like glass.

"No way!"

As the crowd erupted with surprise, Shui raised an eyebrow and looked at the fire covering Homa's fist.

'I see, so that's it. An attempt to create one of the heavenly flames. Ouros, a fire that burns even its source.'

Homa continued to destroy the layers of barriers that Shui placed as soon as they appeared. Homa's expression was corrupted with ecstasy, but Shui only kept a steady expression as he analysed the flame that was destroying his barriers. While normal fire spells used the energy of the caster as fuel, it was a tamed pet compared to this beast, which was also able to eat the energy of others. If Shui's barrier wasn't made using divine energy instead of nature energy, then Homa likely would have been able to burn through his barriers in one punch. After all, a stack of paper would still lose against a tiny spark.

'It's too bad he can't use it to its full potential.'

While Homa was quickly closing the distance between them, Shui remained in place. When Homa was two feet away, Shui finally made his move.

'Hmm, let me see if I can try it.'

He raised his right hand and snapped his fingers, causing a small flame to be born in between his thumb and index finger.

"What? Is he trying to beat him with his own element?"

"Wow, and I thought he couldn't be any more insufferable."

"He's got balls at least."

Some thought he was underestimating Homa, but they all watched in interest to see what would happen. At first, Homa was sure that Shui would lose to his flames, but once he got closer to the spark in Shui's hand, his instincts introduced him to fear.

'No, I can't back down!'

Homa ignored his instincts and kept going towards Shui as he blew the flame at him. The tiny flame only touched his chest without any reaction accompanying it. This made Homa think that he had overreacted, and so his confidence increased, but only for a brief period. The next moment, his flames were extinguished.

"Wh-what?"