"Oh, ho, ho! Interesting! Interesting!" A slovenly dressed, middle-aged man commented as he glanced upon the scene. "Jore, what are your takes on the matter?"

The chef looked towards the scene curiously, quirking his head, but sighed. "It's functional, I suppose."

"You've just fixated on the exhibition already!" The Headmaster laughed cheerfully. "Edward! How do you do?"

Mr. Shields grunted irritably at the Headmaster and turned away. He was just coming back from verifying that they were, in fact, training still. He intended to go back to the citadel to oversee the others' progress; however, the appearance of the man stopped him.

"Rudulf. What is the meaning of this? I know you know the traditions are to be upheld. What is the point of this farce? I don't see any need to expose the children to that world yet."

"Most are already exposed! It's just a matter of how they refine their abilities to deal with it," the Headmaster said. "We lacked the ability to function well outside the academic environment because of our traditions so why not experiment a little? You know our history and how we relied on the outside. One must prepare their students for all that is to come."

"And the intention behind specifically inviting those that will feud? I'll have no part in that."

"Ah, worry not. I'll take care of those matters. Even if they destroy the banquet hall, it is easily replaced. We can make it bigger and better as well."

"... The building that has stood for over a century - you intend to use this as an excuse to destroy that history of Majin Academy?"

"No, no. I do not. I, too, would hate to see that. It involves too much paperwork. It is best if it remains intact. However, even you and Mitra had done some damage in your time here. We adults are here to fix it."

"It was internal to the Academy - there was no issue of repercussions outside of it. Nor was there the inclusion of birthing external feuds that will only hamper their future opportunities."

"True enough. However, what is done is done. They all knowingly accepted the invitations quite quickly. Of course, this pertains to their children, so there is no issue there."

Mr. Shields glared at the Headmaster, but his attention turned back to the scroll he inadvertently memorized. "Wait, what is the deal with Fellstone? Does he have a child in attendance?"

"You teach him, actually. One that goes by his Mother's last name, but has received a portion of his Father's training." The headmaster glanced at the spot where they were sparring. His vision did not stop on a single student since Mr. Shields was watching him like a hawk. "His style does not conform to his Father's; perhaps it is reactionary, much like little miss Rettih. Nevertheless, you are under no obligation to deal with issues that arise. I will see to it that you have only to greet those six and any other personal interactions can be freely ignored."

"This Academy has been closed to the outside world -"

"Which is exactly what you can say to them if they press about the progress of their children! It's easy, right? Shake a few hands, introduce yourself, and then you can hide in the back. I've even requested that you and Mitras are to be seated in the far corner, away from the more... ambitious of adults."

"... With her there, there is no telling what'll go on," Mr. Shields gruffed. "Jore, why did you agree to this?"

The chef simply shrugged. "Future inspiration? I have a few unfinished pieces that I don't like the way they're headed. With a little exposure to something different, I'm sure I'll be able to have better ideas for their completion."

The Headmaster laughed. "See? It is only you that disagrees with this course. It will be highly beneficial to your students. But first... I think the two of us would like to see what the rumours are all about; how they're the new generation that is coming to bite at your heels. Even Mitras is excited about their progress."

"... I am well-aware. Which is what worries me."

"We've had to deal with it during your time here so don't you only think it's fair that you take up some of the burdens?" The Headmaster and Jore laughed.

Mr. Shields could say nothing.

He just wanted to have the exhibition done and over with. Just the thought of the stuffy clothes was making his lip twitch. If there was a tradition he could understand its removal, it would be that.

Nevertheless, the Headmaster verified that the procedures were in order: the test was delayed across all first-year classes, the other teachers and students were informed of the situation, and Mr. Shields was fairly confident that the Headmaster was going to pull something on Monday if it all went well - which did not necessarily equate success.

"I suppose it's time for you to instigate the duelling portion, is it not? I'm curious to see their abilities first-hand."

Mr. Shields ground his teeth. Being somewhat close to the Headmaster, he resisted the urge to strike him; however, he did begrudgingly summon those that first went through the citadel yesterday. It was difficult to resist an order from the Headmaster, after all.

Even if the other man would be happier to see Mr. Shields act as he did in his youth.

The impulse was restrained and he shouted, "Huntis, Argentine: bring everyone who finished. We're starting the fights."

Jenna remained at the top of the citadel and those that passed (or failed but got sufficient far) were left at her and the healers' side.

"You two," she said, hearing the declaration - having long-since noticed the Headmaster's arrival. "Go to the arena."

"Yes! I wonder how much I'll make today..."

"Hah, you're still down, aren't you? Give it up," the other healer joked. "I'm going to be betting on that little she-devil who punches things into submission - I won't lose this time!"

"Ah, true... it was a close match, that one definitely is impressive... I'll match whatever you're betting!"

Synthy got two more fans. It was a male's (and sporadically female's) romance; that could simply be said to be appreciating people that can solve things solely through their fists.

And pirates. Pirates were up there, too.

Ayla, Erik, and the rest were all summoned to Mr. Shields. The Headmaster, smiling at them, looked at the informal lines and thought a moment.

"Edward?"

"Yes, yes," Mr. Shields gruffed, but a ring of white stone appeared near the storage room. "Your turn."

"With pleasure!"

A translucent barrier wavered for a moment, condensing around the stones before shooting up several dozen meters. Neither said a word, having done this many times over, but the students were gawking at the sudden creation of an arena. The one before simply existed - and they assumed it required much, much more specialized requirements than just a moment's time from a mage.

"So, if I may be so bold, what are the order of the fights I've heard so much about?"

Ayla stammered, ran over to Erik, and the two hurriedly began whispering back-and-forth. They had not decided due to the fervour of the day, but they quickly decided on a course of action.

With forced confidence, Ayla began to declare the line-up. "First we'll be having Eldrich and Jennifer fighting off! Eldrich has awakened to a new level - using obsidian glass! Jennifer - the beautiful and amazing Jennifer! - has such uncontained power that it'll be interesting to watch!"

Erik continued, "after that, we'll have Jack and Fara in the arena! Jack has distinguished himself in the gauntlet many times over, and has awoken to a new ability! With his red clay that can stop the sand snake dead in its tracks versus Fara's cyan ice that can cut down even the phoenix, it'll be a sight to see!"

"Afterwards, Lisanna and James! James won five straight matches on his second day here! Lisanna - just look at her! So beautiful and no scars! I'm jealous! But she was the first to be called into the citadel - and the first to clear it! Her blue flames that can incinerate even most prized of documents and James' awakened white-stones can defend against all! They'll have a match that cannot be missed!" Ayla started before grinning.

"And me and Jill! Jill distinguished herself by being super, super cute and awesome - and she beat Stacy after their last match because she moved past the realm we've been taught for the past few days on her own! And me! The undefeated champion! The undefeated champion- me!"

Erik nodded and continued. "Afterwards, we'll have Mathias and Wendi! Mathias' record goes without saying, but Wendi is going to be a tough opponent! She tied in her first match against Fara - the very Fara that beat Lisanna, the one he tied against! Will the same odds hold?!

"And then me and Synthy! With a record of one loss each, me and Synthy will battle it out as the final match!"

The students, not told of it earlier, agreed with the matches. They were reasonable, all things considered. And since they would all have to fight one another, it was not a big deal that Ayla was not fighting against one of the (rumoured) top students.

Since the rankings were still easily thrown in shambles by a single loss or tie, there was no clear-cut hierarchy yet; however, they could generally categorize people as strong, normal, or weak. Comparatively speaking to what they've seen, of course.

"Sounds intriguing... say, say! You have a betting pool too, right?!"

Ayla bit her lip and looked away. The Headmaster laughed, saying, "it's fine! I want to participate in that at least. I do have a good eye for these things!"

Mr. Shields shook his head tiredly. Even so, he continued. "The arena is set up so we'll be starting. Everyone will be contained to the one here."

"Understood," James said as he grabbed the bag he brought with him. More chips were produced from the near-failure on the groups part to properly estimate the interest some matches would generate. "I'll explain the basic rules to you Headmaster, sir: all bets must be done before the fights, you must submit payment before you're allowed to receive a token, typically all adults make their bets silently, and ten percent of the pool is allocated outside; five to the winner, five to the class."

"In the event of a tie?"

James faithfully answered the Headmaster's question. "In the event of a tie, the winner's portion goes to the class. You may freely bet on that outcome though."

"Understood! Perfect, now, who was it again... Eldrich Etaitini and Jennifer Ghast, was it not? I'm excited!"

Jore nodded as well as he crossed his arms expectantly.

As it did not seem the Headmaster and Chef carried anything, James was slightly curious. However, both snapped their fingers and a warped light appeared just above their hands. With ringed fingers, they reached into a space that swallowed the sight of their hands and fished out two hefty coin-purses.

"Now then, I believe we're ready."

Ayla smiled once she saw that they were far, far more prepared than the students who only brought some ten, twenty gold coins at the very most. It meant more cake next week and other cake-meeting like events for them.

"Well, in that case, let's introduce our contestants again! Eldrich Etainti! He's a veteran of our first competition - ever! He is also one of the founders of the duelling arena and while his obsidian may be fresh, but he stands against Jennifer! Jennifer, a new entrant, fought toe-to-toe with Mathias, a favourite of the arena - she's almost as popular as Synthy! Almost! But her raw power output is leagues ahead!" The two healers, new Synthy fans, snorted - but even they conceded it was true. And Synthy didn't reject the assertion at all. "Her own skills are still improving quickly, but it is time to see what Mathias' and Lisanna's personal tutelage has done for her! Her main forms of attack are magic with so, so, - so! - much mana that its almost impossible to tell it apart from a manifested attack! Aannnnd, both please enter the arena! We're opening the betting pools... now!"

"Woah?! Obsidian?! Only a half-percent of earth mages manifest that as their first composition! B-but Jennifer's power is renowned even amongst the staff... ah, ah, what to do, what to do...!"

The Headmaster seemed flustered over his decision. He was concentrating on the novel aspects of the two fighters, but with the bets coming to a close, he shouted, "ah! Fine! James Klein, is it?!"

The Headmaster ran to James and whispered his bet. James stealthfully gave him several tokens and the Headmaster tucked them away in the ethereal space he formed for safe-keeping.

Jore placed a bet and Ayla's eyes widened when she saw the hat had been hastily turned into a white bucket by James. It was the only way to contain all of the gold that was placed inside.

There were several platinum pieces, as well (worth ten times as much as the gold).

However, the two men kept their bets relatively low since the other students were hollering small amounts between one to ten. The students were permitted to be a little rowdy, but as adults, the Headmaster thought, they should be a little bit more respectable.

And then Ayla called the end of the bidding.

"And here we have it! We'll be starting with this fight! Jennifer! Eldrich! Are the two of you ready?!"

"Y-yes!

"I am."

"Okay, we'll be starting in three... two... one...!"

"Go Eldrich! Go! Go! Go! Go!"

The Headmaster shouted his support the student he bet on, but the other adults could only sigh at his behaviour - he could no longer contain it.

Even so, neither inside was distracted.

Jennifer shouted, "Water Bullet!"

And a spherical orb of water cut through the air.

"Earth - no, Obsidian Shield!"

Originally planning on Earth Shield, Eldrich modified chant to mirror his actions. Before Jennifer even finished her chant. A two-foot diameter black shield appeared over his face and chest, and he pressed his hand against it for added support.

The water bullet punched into the shield.

And shards of obsidian cut across Eldrich's shoulders and flank as the outer-most area was fractured and split off easily. However, the center held and the water was firmly shoved away. At the expense of a severe grimace on his face.

He manipulated the dirt to form a bracer on his arm as he attached the remains to his left arm and levelled his short-sword with the shield acting as a jagged buckler.

He charged forward.

"Water Bullet!"

Jennifer readied her staff as she cast another at his chest.

The hyper-dense water bullet ran across Eldrich's shield as he jumped to his right, being deflected into the barrier just as he appeared in front of Jennifer.

She struck horizontally from outside his range with the staff, and he caught the strike with his shield.

"Earth Bullet!"

He pointed his sword at her, still moving forward.

The clump of hardened earth struck Jennifer square in the chest and she stumbled back.

He pressed the advantage.

"Water Wall!"

Eldrich roared in pain and retracted his extended arm as jets of water cut upwards at such a velocity that his skin was nearly torn off.

Thankfully, his uniform was in better condition than most, mitigating some larger portion of the damage.

Having jumped back several feet, he called out, "Earth Lance!"

The lance was shredded before it could pass through the cutting tides.

"Water Cannon!"

"Earth Wall! Obsidian Shield! Obsidian Shield!"

Her own wall was destroyed by her own attack and a two-meter wide cannonball shot towards him.

He reinforced the shield on his arm so much that it was four inches thick.

And despite pausing for a second after the call, it shot out at Eldrich at a speed he could not register. It punched through both walls and landed on his shield and he dug his heels in as obsidian was cast off and dug into his own skin. Where it traversed, scarlet beads dribbled out. Normally resistant to damage from one's own attack, it just went to show how much force was in the attack.

And he was pushed back five whole meters before the white stones caught his feet. The obsidian at the center of the attack caved in and slowly conformed to the shape of the cannonball as the broken, reinforced shards were washed out.

The barrier flickered dangerously.

The Headmaster ran behind him. "No! Deflect it! Deflect, Eldrich!"

"...!?" Eldrich cried out in pain as blood fell from his lips.

He forced his compressed arm to the side and the water slowly rolled off.

The cannonball struck the wavering barrier and a crack was heard.

The shield burst violently and Eldrich barely managed to move forward in time to avoid being pushed out due to the sheer force of the erupting water.

The water burst through - and completely soaked the Headmaster who paused. And then cheered immediately as he saw Eldrich was back on his feet.

"Go! Go! Go!"

"Water Bullet! Water Bullet!" Jennifer kept the staff in front of her as he launched the two water bullets at Eldrich.

He side-stepped the first, but he was shaken as it exploded with enough force to send him to land on his stomach.

The other missed, originally aimed at where he would be, but it burst close enough to force his body to roll over.

"Water Bolt!"

"Earth Pillar!"

Eldrich's back was pushed up from underneath him before the flat, meter-tall pillar ceased its momentum suddenly. He was launched three meters in the air, flailing with nothing solid to stand on as rock and earth were completely gouged out underneath him.

Jennifer was flabbergasted and did not react fast enough to take aim at the trajectory of his fall.

Eldrich took the hard landing, rolled, and got up on shaky feet. His shield was sent far from his arm as the brace finally collapsed due to the unreasonable pressure.

"Woah! I knew you could do it! Go Eldrich, go!"

"Water... Water Bolt!"

Jennifer hesitated just long enough for Eldrich to put up a shield.

He blocked the jets of water coming at his chest and stepped to the side. Better mages may have been able to change the trajectory of the attack, but there was too much force behind Jennifer's attacks. As such, she left the stream cutting through as she targeted a spot on his right.

Eldrich took the chance and ran straight through the cordoned-off area with his sword ready to cut down.

"Water Bullet!"

"Obsidian Lance!"

The two clashed and while the obsidian was only as large as his fist, it managed to cause the simple water bullet to explode as fragments of glass scattered in every direction. He stopped and covered his face with his arm as water and glass pelted the spot where his eyes were covered. A few hit his shoulder and chest.

And Jennifer cried out as one managed to cut a deep line against her wrist and passed into her flank, cutting off a section of cloth from the uniform.

Most hit the two streams Jennifer was maintaining with ragged breaths, but both righted their postures even with the few hits they did take.

Eldrich ran again and Jennifer unleashed another "Water Cannon!"

"Obsidian Shield-"

He took the attack with the half-formed shield, but only one foot was connected to the ground. He was launched far, far into the crowd as his body passed through the barrier but the water cannon smashed against it.

And it burst it apart again. The Headmaster, standing just behind, yelped as he extended his arms to catch Eldrich's body, but even he was forced back two meters into the relatively open space behind him. With water surging over the target he aimed to catch.

Then he tripped and fell - completely soaked once more.

"No! No! Eldrich, are you okay?! Are you okay?!"

Eldrich wearily looked up to the sky as he saw the faces of the Headmaster and a healer.

"... I'm fine, but... damn it."

He did not think that Jennifer could maintain two different spells and use the big attack. And he was right.

Jennifer was just barely propping herself up with the staff as he was looking up.

She spent three seconds upright before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

"And the winner is Jennifer! Woah! Eldrich did amazing too! I did not expect another to be able to block her dreaded Water Cannon attack! But she pulled off three different super-powered spells at once! Her mana pool is just monstrous - but she's just too-darn-cute so it's fine!"

The Headmaster was cradling Eldrich's head as he mourned. "No! Eldrich, why, why... and obsidian is so rare too...! Ah, I'm-"

"Please collect your bets! Our next match will be between Jack and Fara! Jack has managed to form red-clay as his primary-"

"Wah?! Red-Clay?! I've only read about it books! Everyone here looked down on it - but it's so popular in other continents!" The Headmaster abandoned Eldrich to the healer and excitedly ran to the betting pool.

"Err, yes, red clay! Jack's contributions to the class in the Gauntlet are amazing! He stopped the sand snake - the evil, terrible, disgusting, sandy, and otherwise evil and disgusting sandy, sand snake! With his red clay! And survived its subsequent assault so we wouldn't have to deal with it! He's a true hero!

"But there is also Fara! Her ice stopped the phoenix dead in its tracks! Disclaimer: I never dealt with the phoenix so it's probably bad, too!"

The Headmaster was locked onto the scene with starry ices. "Ice against a phoenix?! Woah! And it's almost impervious to it!" He looked at the chip in his hand questioning. "But red clay! Red clay!"

He, too, was an earth mage.

"And since then, she's developed her own manifested ice! It's really pretty - like her! And cool - like her! Just take a look at her sword!"

An azure and cyan coloured blade appeared with a hastily made transparent segment over the guard. The guard was by no means removed, but it was reinforced much less than the others.

Or rather, much more than should be expected of someone her age.

"Fara! Jack! Are the two of you ready?!"

"Yeah, anytime."

Fara nodded.

"Kya! So cool! But more importantly, we'll be starting in three! Two! One! And-!"

"Go Jack! Goooooo!"

The Headmaster cheered and his excitement was contagious. Having somewhat gotten used to his personality the others like Erik, Wendi, and Jill began cheering too.

Both were waiting patiently for the other to attack.

Jack, seeing no movement, laughed and said, "I guess I'll start with something new: Clay Bullet!"

Red clay condensed into a pointed, cylindrical round and was launched towards Fara.

She cut it down with her sword.

"Ah, I see. It's a little too weak against that. May I try again?"

Fara shrugged.

"Okay..." Jack closed his eyes for a moment, reworking the spell, and he smiled and nodded at Fara. "Here I go. Clay Bullet!"

One more round was formed - and another, and another, and another, and-

There were at least two dozen rounds surrounding him as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Thank you for waiting. Here goes nothin'."

Three sped to Fara - Fara immediately frowned slightly and called out, "Ice Bullet. Ice Bullet."

She struck down one with her sword as two spinning icy discs appeared in the path of the other two.

And then she kicked off the ground with the discs floating in front of her.

Jack grinned and did the same, his own bullets staying at his side as their blades clashed in the center of the arena. The bullets were affixed a set distance from his body and moved only in response to the location of the core, nothing else.

Striking low and fast, Jack allowed his arm to be exposed. Fara took the opportunity to strike.

Her blade just barely broke skin before it was knocked aside by a clay bullet and another shot to her chest.

The disc appeared and shredded the bullet as she kicked back and took a cut on her thigh.

Her eyes finally narrowed on Jack who was whistling in the middle of the ring, wiping the blood away.

"It's easier to use a simpler spell. I know you won't fire those, after all," Jack said.

"Really? I won't?" Fara's eyes shifted. Her expression remained steady, but Jack stepped back.

"Well, in that case... Clay Bullet!"

More appeared encircling him, a little easier this time, but Fara was already on the move.

"Ice Pillar."

A corkscrew appeared in front of her, exposing dangerous blades as the bullets were prematurely fired at her location.

They, too, were shredded into dull clumps as the discs wavered around the arena.

The first jolted past his head in warning, whereas the second scattered ten of his prepared bullets - inches from his neck.

And they circled around, high overhead as Fara stepped to the side of the pillar.

He launched the rest as he gripped his blade tightly.

"Earth Pillar!"

The ground underneath the ice pillar burst upwards - and a cloud of dirt, dust, and stone blinded Fara as the pillar remained intact.

He charged for the opening.

A disc whizzed past his back and cut his shoulder. Deep. Not life-threatening, but certainly deep.

Jack smiled wryly as he cut to the side, going forward as he fired off the remaining clay bullets at Fara from a better angle.

"Ice-"

She was hit three times in the chest.

He did not stop moving even as the rest missed.

His blade cut down heavily to her staggering body, but a force blocked it inches from her neck. The screaming disc of ice was being ground down to nothing as it forced his reinforced blade away and Fara cut across his stomach.

He reacted in time and jumped back, but the dulled ice disc was launched into his chest.

He fell back as he saw another disc descend from the sky towards him. "Clay Bullet!"

He fired off a dozen rounds at the disc before it finally shattered three feet from his chest.

The chill was palpable.

"Go! Jack! Gooooooo!"

He ignored the support and dragged himself to his feet. He only had time to raise his sword into the air as Fara's own pressed him back down unto one knee.

"Earth Lance!"

"Ice Lance!"

Both were called out at the same time. The hastily formed attacks were basic in construction and erupted when they impacted each other.

Both were sent back, taking the full brunt of the others attack. There was little chance to build up momentum, but each coughed violently. Fara still stood, eyes closed and seemingly unresponsive, as Jack was pressed back against the ground, unmoving.

Neither even blinked for a few seconds afterwards.

"... Two second warning!" Ayla opted to be generous.

"..."

Both did not change positions.

"In that case, Fara is the winner for the sole reason that she's still standing! Sorry, we don't have rules detailing this kind of circumstance!"

"Wha-?! N-no! I d-demand more time!" The Headmaster groaned.

Mr. Shields spoke up. "I agree with Miss Argentine's decision. If both were standing or both on the ground, it'd be a tie. As it stands... look."

Both stopped a silent struggle and tension left their bodies - and they collapsed to the ground. While slight, Fara did last a second longer upright than Jack.

The healers were sent in.

The Headmaster noticed that. "F-fine... I'll let this one slide...!"

Jore laughed good-naturedly. "I agree with Edward's point too. Anyways, I believe the next match will be interesting as well."

Ayla perked up since she did not have to deal with the Headmaster's dissatisfaction alone. Of course, she was torn between letting the head of Majin Academy have his way; however, even that would just end in a tie. He clearly lost the bet.

"Okay! The next match will be between Lisanna and James! Please come to the arena - ah, Eldrich, if you're awake, please take over for a little bit!" Eldrich held his stomach and waddled over to the two pots. "Thank you!"

Ayla continued.

"Now then! James, an earth mage who has since begun working with white-stone!"

"White stone... hmm, it's basic, but that's what I started with! Yay! James!"

"James has also won five consecutive matches in a single night - after two in the morning! He even beat Synthy!"

The Headmaster's apprehension over betting on another earth mage was washed away. "That Synthy Rettih?! Ah, the daughter of Salam!? Woah! Eldrich! Take my money!"

"And of course we have the beautiful Lisanna - who got more beautiful! James, if you scar her face, I'll beat you! Mathias'll just say no to us because he's mean, so I'm watching you! Ahem, but yeah! Lisanna fought against Fara, as you just have seen before, and was inches from victory! She's also fought against and beat Eldrich and Jack who you've seen before! So it's safe to say that she's just every bit as good as Fara! And beautiful!"

There was a crowd of unrelated students and staff that were trickling in from before, so Ayla opted to go through the details a little more.

"Now then, have all the bets been collected?"

Eldrich nodded, but he seemed somewhat at a loss as he motioned to the buckets. Ayla waved it off.

"Okay! Betting is over! We'll be starting this fight in... three! ... Two! ... One! ... And go!"