Duel

While they are chattering, Zero felt a mana fluctuation. Zero talked to Diablo telepathically

"Diablo, did you feel that?"

"Of course, master," Diablo replied.

The others did not feel it because the source of the strong mana fluctuation is very far away from them. It's still a thousand miles away from them but Zero and Diablo's perception is very high that they are now very sensitive in every movement of mana in their surroundings. The source is still outside the city and it will take at least 2 weeks to reach here if their destination is here. Zero can't specify what is it because it's very far from them.

Diablo asked Zero telepathically

"Shall I check on what is it, Master?"

"No need. That's not our problem unless it will interest or bother us." Zero answered telepathically.

"I understand," Diablo replied.

While Diablo and Zero are talking, Silica, Clara, Larah, and Elric are talking about the top students in the academy. Her strength is said to be on par with the strongest student in the academy.

In the academy, there is ranking in the students based on their achievements and strength. Every achievement, they will receive a medal depending on what kind of achievements they got.

The first in the ranking has 133 medals he is Martin, a fire magician. His fire magic is now at the 8th tier although he is only 18 years old! Martin is a genius magician and a hardworking student so it makes sense why he is on top. The second is Lucy she is 17 years old. Her specialty is a sword and her fire magic is at 5th tier. She amassed a total of 122 medals. She's the daughter of the Ravia family a noble family. Her father is the well-known strongest and the leader of knights, Anselm Ravia.

The third in the ranking is Thomas he is an alchemist! The alchemists are not excluded in the rankings! He attained the third rank when he successfully made a 4th-grade strengthening potion. 1st-grade strengthening potion can only increase your strength by about 10%. The 2nd grade is about 30%. The third grade is 50%. And the fourth grade where 4th rank and higher ranked alchemist can make is it can increase double of your strength! There are 7 ranks in alchemy. 1st rank is the lowest and the 7th rank is the highest.

The fourth student in the ranking is Alfreda. She is a 6th tier wind magician. She came from a poor family so she is working hard to be a part of imperial mages to help her family.

The 5th in the ranking is Venice. She is an assassin. She doesn't have any family and friends to help her live so she decided to be a student to learn so she can protect herself.

Larah is still not within the top 5 because she is just a new student and she needs to accumulate medals if she wants to reign in the top.

Zero and Diablo did not care about what they are talking about. Silica listened to their blabbering with interest. While they are talking, Clara immediately asked a question

"Wait. Elric and Larah aren't we using too much of your time? You two have your things to do right?"

Elric spoke "My classes are over, headmaster. I let my students do what they want right now but I warned them to not cause trouble. So I'm just walking around."

"I will only learn under Teacher Elric. Because he is the only teacher I think on who's suitable to teach me." Larah unemotionally said.

Elric felt awkward when he heard Sarah's words.

"Since we're here in the training field, why don't we watch a student and his teacher spar?" Clara changed the topic.

"Eh H-head master? I-i think sparring with my student is something like... you know.."

Elric said while scratching his head.

Someone approached the training field while they are talking. It's the daughter of Anselm, Lucy. She's carrying a sword on her left waist.

When she saw Clara, she immediately greeted her

"Greetings, Headmaster!"

"Oh, Lucy since you are here, do you want to spar with Larah here?"

Clara said with a smile.

Lucy is shocked by Clara's words. Lucy is hesitating on what to do. While Larah did not even care about what will be Lucy's answer.

When she saw her hesitating, Clara spoke casually.

"The winner will receive 5 medals."

When Lucy and Larah heard this, they widened their eyes before they agreed to spar.

Clara explained the rules

"The first who will receive damage will be the defeated. It's prohibited to launch an attack that can cause fatal damage. You can use any tactics you want as long as it will not cause fatal damage to the other party. You can also use your main weapons."

Larah and Lucy nodded to the rules made by Clara.

Clara erected a transparent barrier that covered half of the training field. They are the only ones around the training field.

Clara and the others exit the barrier. Lucy and Larah position their selves and get their weapons. Clara shouted

"Fight!"

Larah immediately disappeared insight of Lucy.

Lucy is calm and in defensive mode and trying to detect Larah's presence. After a moment, Larah appeared at Lucy's back and tried to slash her. But Lucy's reflexes are fast enough to dodge the attack. Lucy fixed her positioning again. After she fixed her position, Larah already disappeared. Lucy looks calm on the outside but inside her heart is beating very fast because her opponent is no joke.

Just when she was about to position herself, Larah appeared at her right side and managed to leave a scratch on her right shoulder.

Elric immediately entered the barrier to stop the two from fighting. He announced

"Larah is the winner."

Larah and Lucy returned their weapons.

Lucy offered a handshake

"Congratulations." Lucy smiled.

Larah received her handshake and nodded.

Lucy seems a little bit dissatisfied with her actions but she already expected this kind of attitude from her so she's not that mad.