A true madman

Our footsteps resounded off the stone walls of the stairwell we were currently ascending in order to reach the sixth level.

Everyone was chatting with each other merrily about random topics.

Eventually, we reached an oak door about ten centimetres thick with iron brackets.

The instant we stepped forwards towards it a light flashed momentarily blinding us. When I opened my eyes again the first thing I noticed was a small stone statue sitting on a wooden stool in front of the door.

"Rare to see such young students here. Second years ey? Who of you has passed the fifth level?" it asked in a baritone voice that echoed through the small corridor in a grand manner. It was rather surprising that such a voice came from such a small creature.

I stepped forward causing the statue to focus on me instantly. It seemed to be thinking about something as it looked over me from head to toe.

"Hmm, the headmistress said a boy with raven black hair and blue eyes would approach today. She also mentioned I should make it as hard as possible for you. I hope you're ready for a tough ride lad." Spoke the statue with a grin that caused the edges of its lips to crack like dry mud.

"Right… well, you do whatever it is you must do. Oh, I know, let's make this even more fun, just send in 10 level six beasts all at once." I stated provocatively. This earned the gasps of the group behind me as Percival grabbed my shoulder slightly.

"Hey man, is that wise? I know you're strong and all but are you that strong?" he asked cautiously but quickly, as if afraid that the small stone statue would accept.

I smiled slightly and took his hand off my shoulder, "where's the faith man?"

I turned to the statue who was slightly stunned, and a bit startled by my choice.

"So? Is that possible Mr statue?"

There was silence as we stared at each other. The small statue was probably trying to ascertain whether I was deranged or stupid. Maybe I was a bit of both. But who cares? Only the mad, the wicked and the truly stupid have the balls to push the limits. After all, sane people are too cautious.

{you really are messed up in the head. I don't think this is my doing, is it?} achlys asked.

[maybe a little, but this kid has always been a bit dumb in the head with his methods. I swear there are some screws loose. So, who knows? Either way, he does have a point.] Drak said simply.

'Hey! Why are you talking about me like I'm not here?'

But an answer never came.

"Very well, it's your funera- Ahem! it's your choice in the end." He corrected with a smile and knocked on the door with the stool under his left arm.

I grinned slightly at his words but didn't say anything in response. Actions speak louder than words after all.

As soon as the door opened a dark room came into view. It looked like a dungeon, dimly lit with low visibility. Decaying walls, moss on the stone floor and a smell of dust wafted into our noses. It seems this floor isn't open very often.

"This is the sixth floor, different from others. This one completely benefits the beasts. The only benefit you gain from being here is that the-"

"-The magical density is incredibly high. Meaning our spells are stronger." I finished while observing the atmosphere. It was incredibly dense in magical energy. The stone statue looked at me from over its shoulder with a slightly surprised look.

"T-that is correct." It nodded in acknowledgement and waddled down the set of stairs and over to the corner of the field where the control device was situated. The arena was equally as big, but the entire space was enclosed. No fresh air seemed to get in at all. as we followed after the statue the torches on the floor lit up.

From the ones closest to us, they lit up in both directions systematically with the last ones being lit up while joining at the other end of the field.

The gang took their seats on the first level of stairs next to the field in the middle portion to get a full view of the battle.

As I stepped on the dry and uneven battleground, a semi-transparent wall was conjured behind me.

I turned around and observed it for a little while. Even knocking on it with my finger a could of times which didn't even cause a ripple.

"What are you doing?" asked the statue.

"How much punishment can this thing take?" I asked.

The stone statue's eyebrow curved up questioningly, "why do you ask?"

I shrugged slightly, "because I wonder how much I can really let loose in here." I answered.

The statue grinned slightly, "to answer your question, this is the same barrier we use on the eighth floor."

It was my turn to arch my brow.

"What? Just because you're facing weaker creatures doesn't mean the standard of protection for the audience lowers." He said as if it was an obvious thing.

There was no fault in his words so there was naturally nothing more to discuss.

I stood in place ready for the ten beasts to appear.

ROOOOOOOAAAAAAR

There was a small bout of silence before a massive roar echoed through the room deafening me in the process. Everyone else was immune due to the barrier but they could still hear the roar.

The roar was actually loud enough to send a visible ripple through the air.

It was actually a Dragon.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I couldn't help but laugh out loud the moment I saw it. What were the chances? And here I thought it would be something challenging.

***

Everyone was seated and observed as Tom waited for the beasts to appear. As soon as the roar rang out everyone instantly knew what it was. Jenna shot up from her seat with a pale face. but a look of extreme excitement was on her face. a mixture of fear and thrill welled up inside of her.

"T-this is a Hungarian horntail. Biggest dragon species known to wizardkind as of currently. 90% immune to non-physical magic. It can shoot massive tongues of flames at over 800 degrees Celsius. Massive physical strength and great physical defence. An overall incredibly hard monster to beat." She analysed it seriously.

Everyone instantly frowned at her words. And yet, before they could even begin to worry, they heard a laughter ring in their ears. Completely full of mockery and disbelief. They turned their heads to see Tom kneeling from laughing too hard.

A vein popped on Percival's face, "what is this guy laughing at? This is an incredibly perilous situation and he's bloody… laughing!" he said exasperatedly. Everyone was the same. They couldn't believe their eyes and ears.

The statue looked on with interest. It was also startled by the laugh.