Clash of Magic (Part 3)

Shirone forced a smile. Dante's no pushover.

Kanis: "Hey, Pumpkin."

Amy: "Act like a junior."

Kanis: "Should Arin call you 'senpai' too?"

Amy: "Arin's an exception!"

Shirone laughed, easing the tension.

Dante's group approached. Sabina looked drained; Closer was bandaged like a mummy.

Dante "An honor to meet Karmis heir."

Amy: "Do your best."

Dante: "…That's it?"

Seriel (grabbing their hands): "She's Shirone's girlfriend. Deal with it."

Dante's face froze. Girlfriend?!

Kilaine's Interviews:

Sade (nervous): "Uh… 5:5 odds?"

Ethela (awkward): "Shirone's so kind! Haha!"

Siana (coolly): "Dante has a 7:3 edge. But reducing magic to combat is barbaric."

Dante studied Shirone, doubt creeping in. Why does everyone praise him?

Kanis warned him. Iruki said only Shirone could control him. Amy loved him. Mark/Maria respected him unconditionally.

For the first time, Dante's heart raced with unfamiliar tension.

Who is Shirone?

Dante arrived at the back of the practice room with a heavy heart. The teacher interviews were still ongoing. Kilaine stood beside Sade, asking questions while the video recorder continued to capture the scene.

Every time a question was directed at him, Sade's face turned pale, as if all the blood had drained from it. At this rate, Dante thought, his skin might become so translucent that his bones would be visible.

"I'd say Dante and Shirone have an even 5-to-5 chance of winning," Sade answered stiffly. "But if there's any factor that could tip the scales, it might lean to about 6-to-4."

"I see. Thank you."

Kilaine turned away, unimpressed. The response lacked substance, and there was little value in recording someone who looked like he might pass out at any moment.

And 5-to-5? In her mind, Dante was a solid 10, while Shirone was a complete 0. Of course, as a knight, she might have given Shirone a bit more credit—perhaps 9-to-1.

Shifting his focus, Kilaine approached Ethela, who was waiting for her turn. She looked visibly uneasy, clearly unaccustomed to such situations.

"Hahaha! Yes, that's right! Shirone is such a good kid! Oh, and Dante—he's a wonderful student too! I just wish everyone could get along and work together as one! Ahahahaha!"

"…Right. I understand. Thank you for your comments."

Kilaine ended the interview swiftly, and Ethela let out a breath of relief.

Watching this, Sade realized how poorly his own interview had gone. He turned to Ethela, feigning tears.

Not that it mattered. Their interviews would never see the light of day.

Kilaine was starting to lose patience. He had meticulously prepared for interviews with teachers from five prestigious schools, yet every single one had been a disappointment. Not one of them had given a compelling response.

Still, there was one last hope—Siana. If she turned out to be another failure, he might have to scrap the teacher interviews entirely.

"Hello, Ms. Siana. I'm Kilaine from the Teachers' Association."

"Yes, Ms. Kilaine," she responded, nodding toward the video recorder with her usual cool demeanor.

Kilaine's eyes lit up.

'Finally—someone with presence. The way she carries herself, the way she looks—this is it. This is usable.'

Unlike the others, Siana answered each question with calm precision, speaking her thoughts without hesitation. There was no need for nervousness when one was simply stating the truth.

"I see. Thank you for your insights," Kilaine said. "Now, one last question. As today's judge, who do you think will win—Dante or Shirone?"

It was a cruel question, forcing a teacher to choose between their students. But that was precisely what made it worth asking.

The harsher the question, the more engaging the article. Students across the country bought academic journals for exactly this kind of content.

Siana paused briefly, then replied in a measured tone.

"Personally, I think Dante has the upper hand. Perhaps 7-to-3 in his favor. But winning a duel doesn't define a wizard's true level. Reducing magic to mere combat ability is an outdated and barbaric way of thinking."

"…I see. Thank you for your time."

Siana gave a slight nod and stepped out of the camera's frame. Even her exit was graceful, leaving Sade on the verge of tears once again.

Meanwhile, Ethela couldn't hide her admiration.

"Wow, that was incredible. I was so nervous I could barely speak."

"Tch, that's the difference," Sade muttered. "You're from Olipher School. You wouldn't understand the desperation of a nameless teacher like me."

Ethela: "Hoho, no no. You did well too, Instructor Sade."

Ethela patted Sade's back reassuringly. But having witnessed her own disastrous interview moments earlier, Sade found no comfort in her words.

Kilaine finally approached today's main attractions. Her priority was Dante first, Shirone second - giving the earlier interviewee more time to mentally prepare before the duel.

Kilaine (to Dante, with a practiced smile): "You'll do well today, right? I'll write a fabulous article, so make it spectacular for me."

Dante (laughing): "Haha! Don't worry. When have I ever not been spectacular?"

Kilaine (chuckling): "How do you always say such perfect things? Let's begin the interview."

Her cheerful demeanor vanished as she launched into serious questions. Dante responded with his characteristic wit, even subtly angling his face to his best advantage for the camera.

Dante (smoothly): "Yes, this follows Headmaster Olivia's vision. Spreading the capital's advanced magic to regional communities helps narrow the gap between magic schools."

Kilaine (probing): "My, but doesn't that disadvantage you personally?"

Dante (laughing): "Haha! Not at all. When overall standards rise, I rise even higher. Besides, I'll be entering graduation class after this semester. Time to go professional."

Kilaine (impressed): "Spoken like the Kingdom's top prospect indeed. One final question - you've dominated countless opponents with overwhelming superiority. What should we expect from today's match? Can we anticipate something special?"

Dante (smirking): "Shirone's an Unlocker, and undeniably talented. It should be... entertaining. But as always, the winner will be me. Today, I'll show you the true essence of information magic."

Kilaine: "Thank you for the interview. I look forward to good results. Now, let's proceed with Shirone. Shirone, could you come here please?"

Shirone (startled): "Ah, yes!"

Having assumed he'd have preparation time after Dante's interview, Shirone was caught off guard. Standing before the video recorder, he could practically feel his teachers' collective anxiety radiating toward him.

Dante's interview had been so polished it even included compliments for his opponent. Shirone agonized over whether to say what Kilaine wanted to hear or speak his true feelings.

Shirone (stammering): "Um... well. Yes. I enrolled in the magic academy this year."

Kilaine (delighted): "The rumors were true! There was a reason Dante acknowledged you as his opponent. So Shirone, what do you think of Dante? Having this chance to face the Kingdom's top student - do you feel fortunate?"

Most of Kilaine's questions centered around Dante. But Shirone had no bandwidth to resent it - just formulating responses under her impatient gaze was overwhelming enough.

Shirone (haltingly): "Ah, yes. I don't particularly like fighting, but getting this opportunity is... good."

Kilaine sighed internally. 'Good' twice in one answer? He sounds so awkward. This boy has zero star quality.

While no one had ever defeated Dante, many students had piggybacked on his fame to make names for themselves. But Shirone was undeniably provincial. His looks were decent enough to market, but this clumsy demeanor would never appeal to Bashka's elite young ladies.

The spectator stands were packed. The front row belonged to faculty, with two conspicuously empty center seats reserved for special guests.

Alpheas (chuckling): "Hohoho, Headmaster Olivia's connections never fail to impress."

The arrival of Alpheas and Olivia made all teachers rise to their feet. Students followed suit in confusion, creating a wave-like motion through the crowd.

Alpheas, settling into his premium seat, suddenly had an idea. He grabbed his chair's armrests and dragged it forward.

Alpheas: "My eyes aren't what they used to be. Need to get closer."

His absurd action displaced the entire front row to the second level. A flustered Olivia approached with reddened cheeks.

Olivia: "What nonsense is this? Embarrassing us in front of everyone!"

Alpheas (chuckling): "Kukuku, don't be like that. Come closer - the view's great from here."

Olivia: "Have you lost your mind? You expect me to act like you?"

Alpheas: "Then pay me no mind and go back to your seat."

As Alpheas lounged shamelessly, Olivia huffed before coldly dragging her own chair next to his. Left unchecked, rumors might spread that Mirhi Alpheas had gone senile.

Alpheas crossed his legs in a slouched position, waiting for the duel with complete disregard for decorum. Olivia scowled at his every movement.

Olivia: "Sit properly! You're a headmaster, for magic's sake. This isn't some underground fighting pit."

Alpheas (grinning): "Kukuku, gets the blood pumping after so long."

Olivia: "What good is pumping blood at your age? Our photos will be in the academic journals! Sit properly now!"

In response, Alpheas fully reclined, propping his chin on his hand. Just like when he was a student - never listens, Olivia thought, glaring coldly. Yet Alpheas' eyes burned with intensity, momentarily transporting her back to their youth as she pouted.

Olivia: "Surely you're not actually expecting anything? Dante's victory is inevitable."

Alpheas: "That remains to be seen. And I'm not here to cheer for anyone. If Shirone loses, that's a good outcome too."

Olivia: "What kind of nonsense is this now?"

Siana, serving as referee, walked to the arena's center, solemnifying the atmosphere. Soon, Alpheas Magic Academy's top talent would clash with the Kingdom's finest.

Mark, trembling like a leaf, turned to Iruki beside him.

Mark: "I-I feel blood draining from me. Senior Iruki... Shirone can win, right?"

Iruki: "I'd say both have chances. Shirone has more varied attack magic, but Dante's tactical deployment can't be ignored. Once more magic circles activate, Shirone will be restrained."

Even from his closest associate came no hopeful prognosis. As Mark made to speak again, students suddenly erupted - Shirone and Dante were entering from opposite sides.

When Siana finished explaining rules, neither combatant moved. They remained locked in a staring contest, oblivious to her words.

Siana (sharply): "Shirone! Dante! Follow the referee's instructions!"

Only then did they break eye contact, retreating to their marks without looking away.

Dante took deep breaths to loosen up. The 60-meter distance seemed longer than usual. But he'd crushed every strong opponent to get here. Following standard procedure meant certain victory.

'Right, fight my usual way. His only option is a first strike - I'll use that against him. As a target-type, I have speed advantage.'

He accelerated his mental calculations, preparing to deploy spatial teleportation magic beneath Shirone's feet. Minimal impact, but perfect for destabilizing balance. Then he'd control the flow as always.

The First Move

As Siana raised her hand, the crowd's roar drowned her out. In ten seconds, collision.

The air itself seemed to heat from the tension.

Abandoning verbal cues, Siana signaled with her hand. The cheers intensified as Shirone and Dante focused on her gesture.

Siana: "Begin!"

Dante activated ultra-high-speed numerical sequences. Numbers starting from 1 reached 10,000 instantly as his target-type spirit zone expanded to engulf Shirone.

'Got him-!'

The instant he thought this, Dante's eyes widened. Dozens of photon cannons were already at point-blank range.

He frantically reconfigured defensive magic circles. The photon barrage hammered against them like hail. Only then did he grasp the situation.

'Immortal Function?!

Shirone had activated Immortal Function from the start. Worse, he was relentlessly firing photon cannons without any tactical consideration.

The attacks combined earth magic-level physical force with unprecedented speed. Experiencing them firsthand was infuriating.

As cracks spread across his defenses, Dante teleported away - only for Shirone to immediately give chase using photonization magic.

Two streaks of light crisscrossed the arena sky.

The opening salvo - no, the one-sided bombardment - left students dumbfounded.

Iruki laughed hollowly.

Iruki: "Good strategy. But I never expected cautious Shirone to gamble everything on the opening."

Shirone pressed his advantage with dazzling maneuvers. Using patrol techniques to block escape routes, he executed a rainbow drop upward, then rained photon charges downward.

Dante, forced to the arena's edge, realized with horror:

'Damn it! Five minutes? I can't last thirty seconds like this!'

After stopping the first attack with a magic shield, I escaped the next attack by rushing through the small gap made by the second blast. But there was nowhere else to go. Before I knew it, I had been pushed to the edge of Icheonbyeon.

Shirone used his speed to control the space and cornered Dante. When Dante tried to run, Shirone threw a glowing ball of light from his hand. A bright flash spread out.

Dante, trapped in the corner, quickly made another magic shield. But this time, the attack felt much heavier than before.

As the second and third attacks hit the same spot, cracks started forming on the shield, even as it tried to fix itself.

Iruki sighed and shook his head.

"Are you so nervous that your brain stopped working? After fighting someone like this, you should know. A weak magic shield won't stop it."

Then, Dante's shield shattered into tiny pieces. At that moment, Shirone dashed forward in a straight line, moving so fast that it felt like space itself was shrinking.

Dante knew he couldn't dodge, so he decided to buy time instead. He quickly spread magic shields all around him to block Shirone. But Shirone bent down and cast a powerful spell.

"Ugh!"

Dante's head hurt as the energy hit his shield again and again, 30 times in just one second.

He had seen this kind of spell before during training, but it was only used for defense. He had never realized how strong it could be. Now, facing it directly, he understood—this was a spell meant to destroy everything in a wide area.

His whole body shook as all seven of his magic shields broke. Dante covered his face and peeked through his fingers.

But Shirone was gone.

As soon as he lowered his gaze, his eyes met Shirone's—who was crouched down, holding another glowing light in his hand.

Then, Shirone dashed forward, swinging his arm as he jumped into Dante's space. A glowing streak of light followed behind him.

In just two seconds, a wizard could grow much stronger. Dante had no time to think. He quickly created another magic shield.

But the powerful light attack crashed into his shield, breaking it in one hit and slamming into his stomach.

For a moment, Dante felt dizzy. But after checking himself, he realized the hit wasn't as bad as he thought.

'Tch! At least I blocked it! From now on…!'

Before he could finish his thought, Shirone suddenly grabbed Dante's collar with both hands and used a magic spell.

Before Dante could react, his whole body turned into light and moved!

When the magic ended, Dante couldn't even tell where he was. He quickly looked around for Shirone.

But when he turned around—he couldn't see Shirone anymore. Instead, countless glowing bullets filled his vision.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Bright explosions covered the place where Dante had stood. The students watching had to squint and use their fingers to block out the blinding light, but they still couldn't see what was happening.

Shirone stopped attacking and took a deep breath. The battle had only lasted five minutes.

Dante stood with seven magic shields in front of him, covering his face with both arms. But the shields were growing weaker, their glow fading, and then—

CRACK!

They shattered like broken glass.

One of Dante's knees gave out, and he dropped to the floor.

The watching students gasped. Even though Dante had created shields, they weren't strong enough to stop the attacks completely.

Iruki's eyes widened in amazement.

"Finally, I got through. This one's going to leave a mark."

Dante was famous for never relinquishing control, no matter the situation.

Once a battle began, his genius-level tactics would neutralize his opponent's attacks before finishing them with a devastating counter.

Yet Shirone had shattered his ironclad defenses and landed what could only be called a decisive blow.

Not a single word escaped the lips of the 500 people gathered in the arena. Even Kilane, who had known Dante since childhood, wore an expression of disbelief—as did his closest friends.

472 battles. 472 victories.

Dante, the undefeated prodigy, had been forced to his knees in just five minutes. A fierce wind swept through the training grounds, howling as if embodying the brutality of the fight.