A Show Off

As days passed after Min-Soo and Princess Deokan's clash, the tournament progressed in full swing. Fighters clashed, victors rose, and dreams were both fulfilled and shattered as the competition narrowed down to those supporting the strongest contenders.

Amid this intense atmosphere, Rin had secured another victory by default after his opponent forfeited following a brutal encounter with Seung-Ho. Now, Rin found himself face-to-face with his toughest challenge yet—Seung-Ho, the mage prodigy whose combat prowess was the stuff of legends.

Rin stepped into the waiting room with his heart pounding in his ears. Every step toward the arena felt heavier, and he found himself questioning his decision to fight Seung-Ho—a fighter who had easily dispatched rivals with minimal effort. Still, determination burned within him, and he forced himself to breathe in and out slowly, steadying his nerves. The moment of truth was nearly upon him.

Then, a familiar intercom voice interrupted his swirling thoughts.

"Rin, you may now proceed to the entrance of the arena. You are next in line. Please select a weapon from the provided selection box before entering the arena."

Rin exhaled deeply and rose to his feet. He approached the selection box with a mixture of apprehension and resolve. His hand trembled slightly as he picked up a wooden sword—simple, unadorned, yet a symbol of his unwavering determination.

Each step toward the arena was measured, his grip on the hilt tightening as he tried to banish the lingering unease.

Just as he neared the entrance, the commentator's voice boomed across the stadium, amplified by a high-quality sound system that made every word resonate with energy.

"Next up, a fascinating matchup awaits you! On one side, we have Rin Hammock, the 'No-Skill Kid' who stunned everyone with his victory against Jae-Hyun! And on the other, the formidable Seung-Ho, the mage prodigy who sends shivers down the spine of every opponent!"

The arena erupted in mixed reactions. Some spectators cheered enthusiastically, while others muttered doubts.

"Rin's last fight was impressive, but magic always wins!"

"No way he can beat Seung-Ho. The guy is a one-man army of magical power."

Rin felt the weight of every gaze, though this time the crowd wasn't solely filled with disdain—there was genuine anticipation and curiosity. Still, his palms were damp, and his heartbeat thundered in his ears as he stepped onto the arena floor.

Across the arena, Seung-Ho stood with an air of calm authority. His eyes, cold and calculating, were fixed on Rin as if sizing him up in a single glance.

Unlike the cheering crowd, Seung-Ho remained silent, his presence alone radiating quiet confidence and a hint of challenge. His very demeanor promised that magic, in all its overwhelming power, would soon speak for itself.

Before the fight began, Seung-Ho's gaze softened just slightly as he regarded Rin—a brief moment of respect flickering in his eyes.

Though he was about to unleash his formidable magic, he seemed almost to savor the thrill of the impending battle. His lips curved into a subtle smirk as he spoke in a measured tone, devoid of malice.

"Both of us are already qualified for the academy. I simply want to enjoy the thrill of this fight. If you won't give me a battle worthy of my magic, then you'll regret stepping into this arena."

Rin, swallowing hard and trying to steady his nerves, gave a slight nod in response. There was no turning back now. As Rin adjusted his stance and gripped his wooden sword more firmly, Seung-Ho laughed—a rich, resonant sound that mingled amusement with challenge.

"No-Skill Kid," Seung-Ho teased, his eyes glinting mischievously as he gestured toward the humble wooden sword. "You truly believe you can defeat me with that? Your swordsmanship may be decent, but relying on that alone against a mage like me is foolhardy. However, I have an interesting proposition for you."

A hush fell over the arena as Seung-Ho continued.

"I will lend you the Voidfang—the legendary mage sword that cancels out and absorbs magic. If you manage to defeat me, you can keep it."

The crowd gasped in unison. Murmurs spread like wildfire.

"Did he just offer Voidfang? That sword is priceless among mages!"

"I can't believe he's willing to gamble such a rare artifact!"

Rin's eyes widened. He recalled hearing of Voidfang in one of his classes with Hayes—a sword that was said to cut through magic like a hot knife through butter. After a brief, determined pause, Rin nodded in agreement to the offer.

At that moment, the referee glanced upward, seeking confirmation from the Hunter Academy's director. With a slight nod from the director, the officials allowed the duel to proceed with the magical artifact on the line.

Seung-Ho then performed a subtle gesture, and in a flash of magical brilliance, a teleportation circle appeared in his hands. Within its deep purple glow, Voidfang emerged—a sword of exquisite beauty.

Its blade shimmered between silver and blue, interlaced with shifting runes that pulsed with an otherworldly light.

The hilt, wrapped in enchanted leather, fit perfectly in Rin's hand as he took it, feeling an immediate surge of power flow through him. The sword was nearly weightless, yet it promised the ability to cancel out even the most potent spells.

Rin's gaze hardened as he took his position, ready to face Seung-Ho with everything he had. The arena's energy reached a fever pitch. Min-Soo and Ji-Hyun, watching from the stands, exchanged hopeful looks—Rin was determined, and this battle was about to prove whether raw determination could overcome the dazzling force of magic.

The referee stepped forward one last time, his voice ringing clear over the noise.

"Fighters, prepare yourselves. This match will begin now. Fight with honor!"

In that moment, as the thunder of anticipation filled the air, Rin's and Seung-Ho's eyes locked in a battle of wills even before their weapons moved. The stage was set for a duel that would test the limits of human resolve against overwhelming magical might.

Rin tightened his grip on Voidfang, a subtle smile crossing his face despite the tremor of anxiety that still lingered. Seung-Ho's steady gaze and the soft hum of magic around him reassured him that, no matter what, this fight would be unforgettable.

And as the first sparks of mana began to dance around Seung-Ho's fingertips, the duel commenced—an epic clash where determination and raw power would face off against the relentless force of magic.