Magic combat

Victor and Arnand performed the customary communal bow, adhering to the traditional customs observed in regulated magic combat. Following the greeting, a teacher positioned outside the ring recited the rules of the match. "Death within the ring will result in expulsion. The combat ceases when one participant is unable to continue, forfeits, or exits the ring. Crippling an opponent is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, everything else is allowed."

Luc took note of the rule, realizing the significant amount of freedom granted to the combatants. With the rules announced, the teacher signaled the start of the battle. Victor chose to take the offensive, infusing his leg with lightning energy and swiftly charging towards Arnand. However, Arnand anticipated the maneuver and sidestepped while simultaneously creating an earth armor around his body for protection.

Witnessing this display, Luc's curiosity was piqued. He had noticed that most mages he encountered needed to vocalize the name of their spells. He turned to his roommates and asked, "How are they able to cast spells without uttering the incantation? Don't they have to speak the spell name?"

Abdel Kreem responded, "Impressive, isn't it? I was also taken aback by that. We call it silent casting. It occurs when a mage has attained a high level of mastery over a specific spell, enabling them to bypass the need for chants and hand movements altogether. It's considered quite challenging to achieve, even for the most basic spells."

Lubda added, "Being able to silent cast at least one spell is a minimum requirement to advance to the second year. If a student fails to achieve this proficiency after two years, they face expulsion from the academy."

Luc's fascination with the intricacies of magic combat continued to grow as he witnessed the seamless execution of spells and observed the diverse strategies employed by the combatants. The training ground provided an invaluable opportunity for him to learn more about the capabilities and techniques of skilled mages, expanding his understanding of the vast world of magic.

Seeing Arnand sidestep, Victor swiftly adjusted his course, catching Arnand off guard. With no other option, Arnand confronted Victor head-on, launching a fist towards him. However, spikes emerged from the terrain along Victor's path, forcing him to slow down and providing Arnand with an opportunity to evade the attack. Arnand retaliated by hurling an earth sphere at Victor, who managed to evade the incoming projectile with his speed and agility.

Luc watched in awe as the two combatants displayed their skills. Victor's lightning element granted him an incredible boost in speed, making it challenging to track his movements. On the other hand, Arnand showcased impeccable coordination and mastery of his earth spells. Once again, Victor and Arnand distanced themselves, preparing for the next exchange.

Victor initiated another lightning-empowered charge, but Arnand employed a similar tactic to evade the attack. The combat was starting to feel repetitive when Victor suddenly shouted, "SUPERCHARGE!" Lightning energy began accumulating around his fingertips. Not to be outdone, Arnand also called out, "Earth Barrier!" Both mages prepared for a decisive clash.

After a tense five seconds, Victor unleashed the accumulated power with a thunderous cry of "RELEASE!" A terrifying flash of concentrated lightning struck Arnand before his earth barrier could fully form, leaving him momentarily stunned and vulnerable to Victor's devastating attack. The spectators erupted in a mix of gasps and applause, astonished by the intensity and precision of the magical exchange.

Luc was captivated by the intensity of the combat, admiring the skill and power on display. It was clear to him that magic combat was not just a mere spectacle but a true test of strategy, reflexes, and adaptability. He couldn't wait to continue his own magical journey and refine his abilities within the Academy of Magic and Science.

Arnand's momentary stun proved to be the opening that Victor needed. Swiftly closing in on Arnand, Victor delivered a powerful strike that sent him hurtling out of the arena. The teacher declared Victor as the clear victor of the match, and he left the ring, his victory celebrated by the onlookers. Another pair of students stepped forward to take their place in the ongoing battles.

As the day progressed, Luc witnessed the wide array of spells and tactics employed in magic combat. One tactic that particularly caught his attention was the "turtle shell" strategy, employed by a mage who specialized in extreme defense. Despite relentless attacks from their opponent, this mage remained seemingly impenetrable, shrugging off every strike. Eventually, the opponent would exhaust themselves, unable to breach the mage's steadfast defenses, leading to their defeat.

Luc marveled at the diverse approaches to magic combat, each mage showcasing their unique skills and strategies. He realized that there was so much to learn and explore within the world of magic, and he felt a growing sense of excitement and determination to enhance his own abilities. The Academy of Magic and Science was indeed a place of endless possibilities and challenges, and Luc was eager to embrace the journey that lay ahead.

When the lunch hour arrived, Luc and his roommates made their way to the restaurant. The enticing aroma of various dishes filled the air, whetting their appetites. They each selected a serving of cooked white grains, a succulent piece of griffon meat, a flavorful soup, and a refreshing fruit for dessert. The meal was both delicious and satisfying, replenishing their energy after the morning's activities.

After finishing their meal, Luc's roommates proposed they head to the stadium. Luc's excitement grew as he learned that a MystiKick game would be taking place there later in the day. MystiKick was a popular sport he had always enjoyed watching in the grand stadium back in Primea, and he was eager to experience it in the unique setting of the Academy.

Entering the stadium, they were greeted by the vibrant atmosphere, filled with the cheers and chants of passionate spectators. The game was set to start in just half an hour, and the anticipation was palpable. Luc looked forward to the thrilling display of skill and magic that awaited him on the MystiKick field.