Ep.47 Combat Test Part 3

Kane Arnston Pov 

Our blades were destined to meet one final time at the platform's center, but I had no intention of letting this clash play out like the others. As our swords met, I immediately channeled wind magic beneath my feet, using the combined force of our impact and my magical propulsion to launch myself into a front flip over Kai's head.

I caught a glimpse of his face as I sailed overhead—his eyes widening in genuine surprise for the first time during our match. The moment my feet touched the ground behind him, I spun into motion, wind magic amplifying my blade's arc as I struck. This ends now, I thought, certain of my victory.

But Kai proved yet again why underestimating him was a mistake. He whirled around with impossible speed, somehow managing to get his blade between mine and his body. Still, even his remarkable reflexes couldn't completely save him—the raw power of my wind-enhanced strike sent him flying across the platform.

He rolled with the impact, springing back to his feet with the resilience of youth. But I was done testing his capabilities. I launched two crescents of compressed air, one from each side, creating a deadly pincer attack. In the same motion, I poured every ounce of my strength and wind magic into hurling my sword directly at him.

The wooden blade cut through the air, surrounded by a funnel of wind magic that accelerated it to speeds beyond normal human perception. Kai managed to slice through both air blades—a feat impressive enough on its own—but it left him with precious little time to defend against my approaching sword.

Yet somehow, defying all logic, he raised his blade at the last possible moment. It wasn't enough. My magically-enhanced sword, moving fast enough to penetrate solid steel despite its wooden construction, shattered his blade. Splinters of wood exploded outward as my weapon continued its deadly trajectory, stopping just one inch from his chest as I exerted my magic to bring it to an instant halt.

Kai's eyes, which had squeezed shut in anticipation of the impact, slowly opened to find my suspended blade hovering before him. After holding it there for a moment, I released my magical grip, letting it clatter to the platform floor.

"Your swordplay is excellent and speaks of how long you've spent training in your life despite your age," I said, genuine respect coloring my voice. "I underestimated you and for that I'm sorry. Kai Foster, C class combat ability."

The boy's perspective shifted as he processed my words, confusion evident on his young face. "C class? Did I hear that right? But you beat me easily as soon as you started trying... as soon as you started to use magic."

I couldn't help but smirk as I made my way over to him. His raw talent deserved acknowledgment. "The combat test is strictly for determining your combat skill alone, nothing else. And seeing as how you forced me to try means a lot given my rank."

His eyes widened further. "W-what rank are you anyway?"

My grin broadened at his question, and I paused for dramatic effect before answering. "I'm a B class mage."

The revelation sent ripples through the crowd of waiting participants. Whispers of surprise and fear spread among them as they realized they would soon face the same test. Kai's shock was written plainly across his face.

"Don't be so surprised," I assured him. "You did good, Kai. You're a good fighter. A C class combat ranking isn't exactly common—you should be proud, especially at your age. Mana or not, I can tell you'll do fine as an adventurer."

As Kai made his way off the platform, his friends Rowan and Maya rushed to meet him, their excitement palpable. Rowan's words tumbled out in a rush of admiration for Kai's improved swordplay, while Maya's competitive spirit showed through in her playful declaration that she would surpass both Kai's ranking and defeat me in the process.

Their conversation faded as I turned to announce the next participant, but I couldn't help noticing how Kai's eyes remained fixed on the ground, his mind clearly already focused on how to become even stronger. That kind of dedication at his age... I had a feeling we'd be hearing more about young Kai Foster in the future.