Professor: I don't understand, why does she have to go through this if she's capable of such feats? After all, she has the potential to be an alchemist, though when it comes to magic or sorcery, I have my doubts.
It wasn't the core of a monster or anything, it was the crystallization of her energy and knowledge.
This surprises me coming from her, Stormeddeger thought internally. But things have just gotten much more complicated for her.
Xerces: That was a powerful spell. You almost got me, but now I'm really pissed off. Don't think you're going to get away that easily!!!
Xerces had managed to escape thanks to his physical abilities and his use of wind magic to boost his speed.
Rina: Just as I thought, it won't be enough against him. I created these cores over all the time I've spent here. Given my low level, I could only make four, and now there's only three left.
All of these cores can only be used once!
Furious, Xerces cast a zone spell.
Magic is the source of phenomena, I shape my environment to my will. Answer my call, element of this world, take the form I desire, Zone Magic.
Water Surge
Rina had no choice but to use one of her remaining cores.
Magic Orb: Earth.
She summoned an earth wall using the earth-colored core, thick enough to protect her. The core summoned a staff, which she slammed against the ground, causing the earth wall to rise around her. The staff vanished.
She had only two cores left now: one white and one blue.
In the stands
She's actually defending herself well, holding her own against Xerces like that! Yes, but now she's definitely pissed him off, so it's all over for her!!!
Deep in her heart, Rina thanked Xerces. Because of his immaturity, she saw the opportunity to win. The water surge had left the ground wet, making it more conductive to lightning. Even though her boots were insulated, the water's path across her body and the moisture on her would allow the lightning spell to hit her harder.
Without hesitation, she used her remaining cores.
Magic Orb: Light.
The penultimate core hovering around her stopped. She grasped it in her hand and crushed it with a clenched fist directed at Xerces. Light erupted from her fist and rapidly grew, blinding everyone in the stands, at least those less capable of seeing clearly, including Xerces. Only a few people and professors could discern what was happening.
When the light faded, Xerces was surrounded by an ascending lightning spell, screaming in pain as Rina closed the distance between them. The brief moment of light had been enough for her to cast her final spell with the last core.
Xerces resisted the spell and broke free by casting a wind tornado, which blew away the mud and shattered Rina's lightning spell. Now, she was struggling to avoid being thrown off by the force of the wind.
The force shook even the stands, and Liza was becoming more and more tense.
Xerces approached Rina and kicked her in the stomach. The pain was so intense that she fell backward, having no more options left.
Liza: Wait a minute, that's cheating! He just kicked her! I saw it, why isn't he being disqualified?!
That's not necessarily true. This is a mixed academy, and everyone must use their skills to their advantage. Ethical or moral concerns are up to the individual, came the blunt reply from the person next to Liza.
The duel had come to an end in everyone's mind.
Blood was flowing from Rina's mouth, in addition to the scratches caused by the water jets and projections.
She wasn't sure if it was out of desperation or a wild desire to win, but she linked her blood with her remaining magical reserves to attempt a familiar summoning, something she had always failed at before.
Maybe it was the fleeting desire to have something to cling to, a reliable ally.
Then, a circle appeared all around the ground where she lay.