Basis of the Flames

Max and Matt began discussing the basis of the ability, how it absorbed the magic around it, before theorizing on what the ability might be able to do. Max began by telling Matt about the sudden information he obtained after Matt awakened.

"This is a peculiar event, I have no idea why it happened" Matt honestly told Max, they didn't have enough information about spirit weapons and stuff like awakenings were still unclear to them.

"It doesn't really matter for now but when we get the chance, we should research about spirit weapons" Max muttered to himself but Matt was, of course, able to hear it.

"That would be helpful" Matt replied, he would like to know more about himself as well.

Hours went by and Max alongside Matt were still discussing and theorizing about this new ability. They were able to create the basics of the ability and create a training regime for it but for other, more complicated questions, they were not able to answer. They didn't know the limit of the flame or how much it could absorb at once for example.

They were able to figure out that the flame in fact stored itself inside Max's body instead of disappearing like other abilities. The flame would also consume different types of magic particles inside Max's room except for the darkness particles, this was a huge advantage as Max could get stronger alongside the flame without worry.

"The flame is ever-evolving and the more magic you feed it the stronger it becomes," Max said before looking at Matt which nodded, showing his approval.

Matt had an arrogant expression on his face at which Max couldn't help but smile.

"You are quite special Matt, extremely powerful as well" Max fed Matt's ego this time as he deserved to do so.

"Well, of course, I am!" And to show that he was indeed full of pride, Matt replied in a proud voice. They both now talked leisurely about random topics, after all, they were friends, always talking only about serious topics wasn't something that either of them enjoyed.

"I think it's time for me to go now" Max waved at Matt with a sad-looking face. He wasn't being separated from Matt, he will still be there, but Max always felt different when talking with him face to face. It was something else to also see the person you are talking to.

"Bye!" Matt waved at Max before he disappeared.

Max opened his eyes to see the sun rising over the horizon, rays of light began filling his room, dispersing the darkness inside and his opportunity at meditation. Max took this change to begin training the 'Devouring Flame' as Max and Matt called it. He followed the training regime, learning how to move it around and improving the way of handling it before absorbing the element particles around him.

Max's concentration was finally disturbed when Mark tried the bathroom door to get inside Max's room but it was closed, prior to the night before. Max opened the door and greeted Mark before freshening up and going towards the training arenas. He and Mark trained for a bit before going towards the official arenas to present themselves for their matches.

And so, two days passed by just like this. Max defeated every opponent he faced against, being able to be one of the five individuals that will team up against those from the second division.

The matches were a lot tougher than before, every opponent Max faced was already able to unleash the basic abilities of their elements. Max tried out his ability in the first match, trying to clear some of the questions out such as what could the black flames devour. As his opponent threw an adult fist-sized ball of earth at Max he unleashed his black flames that began growing on his shield and body.

The attempt was unsuccessful and that almost cost him the match. The earth ball went right through the flames that didn't falter before hitting Max right in the chest. He was able to get up before his opponent finished him and then tried once again to answer the same question. He closed in toward his opponent that tried his best to distance himself from Max but was unable to do so.

Max grabbed the other before unleashing his flames once again. He absorbed all of their magic inside his body before the individual fell to the ground.

This was Max's strategy, he fought for a while before absorbing his opponent's magic which rendered them unconscious. Max was selfish during such an approach, he wanted to upgrade his power by sacrificing others.

He began having an understanding of the flames and its movement. He was able to cover his whole upper body in a thin layer of flames, shifting it around as well.

An answer to his questions was that the flames were able to devour pure magic, magic that was scattered in the atmosphere or magic that flowed through the bloodstream. Aroused magic such as the one used to create an ability wasn't being absorbed by the flames for some reason that Max wasn't still able to understand.

Mark, on the other hand, lost in his last fight, no matter how powerful he was he didn't stand a chance against the individual he fought in the last round. He bested Mark in both swordsmanship and ability usage. Despite his struggles, he wasn't able to win the last round.

"Great job Max!" Max congratulated Max on his win once again. The envy on his face was obvious but alongside it was sincere happiness towards Max.

They were sitting inside the academy cafeteria, at a table, eating a late-night snack together. The first part of the competition was finally finished but it wasn't over. Tomorrow the second part will commence, a team fight of five versus five individuals.

"Do your best, who knows what rewards you'll get if you are in the winning team" He advised Max. It was true that the difference in rewards between the winning and the losing team was quite significant but Max was already content with the thought of losing the fight.

"Thanks!" Max ate his snack cheerfully and after he finished, he got up before saying. "I'll be going now; I should get some rest before the fight starts"

"I'll be going with you then!" Mark quickly said before getting up as well.

They slowly walked towards the dorms before reaching their rooms. They separated, going inside their own rooms before doing their own business. Max began meditating while in the other room Mark fell asleep soundly.