Seconds passed since Isabelle started the spell, a large flood of water was spilling over the arena. On top of Isabelle’s head was an orb of water. Azrael tried to make sense of what type of spell was going to hit him, but with all the clues he’d seen, this one is a very strong spell, something comparable to what he used on the Test proctor during the registration process.

The crowd was all riled up when they felt the undulations from the arena.

“Are you sure those aren’t soldiers? This match sure is high level”

“Those two are nobles as well, that's why they are capable of such skill”.

________________________

It was already too late to use that type of spell, he didn't have much time. If he used just simple ‘light beam’, It will simply be dissipated by the waves of water protecting Isabelle.

After a gruel contemplation, Azrael steeled himself. Hours before the fight, when Azrael practiced his spell drawing, he figured out it was the best time to accumulate energy.

Mages can draw out magic either from their mana or external sources. This included magic stones, magic weapons, or any other magic device. Aside from this if you are an Elemental Magic-user, you can use the natural element in the surroundings, on Azrael’s case, it was light.

During the registration process, Azrael was already gathering light beforehand. The moment he started the test, he simply unleashed a high-tier light beam which completely decimated the testing grounds. The proctor was not expecting any of the participants to be able to use a high-tier spell, hence he was caught completely off guard.

Fortunately for the proctor, he wore protective armor otherwise he would have sustained permanent injuries.

Currently, Azrael stored a large amount of light on his body. He was planning to use this against the final match. He didn’t expect that he would use it too soon.

Azrael wasn't going to use the Light beam.

“I tried to use this for a few seconds on the practice room so I haven't acclimated myself with this, but it looks like I have no choice”. Azrael weaved his fingers on the air, light particles gathered around him, he then made a grasping motion with his hand,

His body begun glowing. Azrael felt that his body was heating up, he could feel that his perception about his surroundings was better especially his sight. He could see everything clearly including each person on the stands, the announcer, phaeton’s location, but the most astounding thing was he could see mana even if it was invisible or already transmuted into another element. As long as it had any traces of mana, Azrael could see it.

“So far so good, I can handle this much energy”. Azrael felt both his fists, although he felt a dizzy sensation on his head, he thought that it was manageable.

"What's the kid doing?” One of the people from the crowd asked. “It could be an offensive spell” The other man’s friend replied.

“Would you look at that, the kid is using a combustion technique” A handsome blonde man remarked.

This was Cygnus, as he just arrived at the audience stands.

________________________

On the observatory stands.

“Unexpected... That Anguis noble seems to be talented enough. He’s already capable of using a combustion technique, only officers are capable of this much. He has great potential”. General Escariot commented seemingly already forgot what he said about Azrael before.

Combustion is a highly advanced technique in which the user forcibly internalizes Mana. This results in many benefits such as improved casting, drawing, control, power, etc. Other users can also use an element that in turn produces specialized effects.

With such a great technique, it is not exempted from drawbacks. Although this differs from person to person, in extreme cases, the combustion technique may damage the user greatly and cause death.

Masters of this technique can be automatically considered a powerhouse.

“See general, now it seems the final victor isn't so predictable”. Princess Hildegard smiled and then she turned to her back.

A man on a suit of armor standing at almost 8 feet was like an imposing monolith. The dark silver armor shone in a lustrous glint, the armor’s structure was big and broad especially on the shoulder area. The armor’s vambraces had radiating spikes originating at the multi-sectioned gauntlets. He had a large sword, on his back, the sword looked like a block of rectangular tempered steel with one sharp side, its grip was on the broadside which extended from the handle up to the back of the blade tip.

“Who do you think will win Lord Demetrius?” Hildegard curiously asked.

A raspy deep voice sounded from the helmet of Demetrius. “Unclear. At this point your Highness, both sides are still holding on to their cards. Once one of them truly unsheathes their weapon, we’ll immediately see the victor”.

As they continued observing, General Zarathos looked at the arena with a cold glint seemingly thinking about something.

________________________

On the arena, after Azrael used combustion he activated ‘Higher light steps.’ Azrael’s body seemingly transformed into a wave of light and move a great distance almost akin to teleporting. He was now less than 10 feet from Isabelle which greatly startled her.

Isabelle then lifted her staff and assumed a stance, then she flicked her wrist which resulted in a whip made of water cracking at Azrael.

‘Water whip’

“You actually went and came near me. You thought I was weak to close-range fights? You’ll regret it.”

Although Isabelle was shocked at Azrael’s speed, she calmed herself and took in this information, and adjusted how she fought. She still maintained the spell that she was casting, the tornado of water had decreased its water convergence rate.

“It might take a bit of time, but this will give me a higher probability of firing off the spell,” Isabelle thought to herself as she continued attacking.

Isabelle was intent on using the large-scale spell. With that, she decreased the mana allocation on her shield and focused on attacking.

“Superb! Both participants are showing such great promise” Princess Hildegard smiled and eyed the arena. It was as though she was a child at a toy store.

“The Anguis showcased combustion while the Eridanus showed its impeccable magic control. This competition’s harvest is truly a blessing for the Empire” Escariot said.

General Escariot is a man of benefits and a suck-up to the Royalty. He will show no hesitation in making decisions that yields the best possible results especially in matters concerning the military.

________________________

The whips flared at Azrael at high speed. It moved like snakes trying to bite him.

Azrael together with his newfound mana perception used his Light steps in succession to dodge Isabelle's attacks, which in turn consumed a great deal of energy from him.

“I can't keep this up,” Azrael thought to himself. He thought that he had already won when he went close to Isabelle, this turned out into regret as Isabelle was also a good close-range fighter.

The moment he deactivated his combustion, would also be the moment he lost.

“He’s using the ‘elemental combustion’ to enhance his light spells greatly”. Escariot observed.

Zarathos looked with a frown and replied. “It's surprising, but this will put him at a great disadvantage if he cants breakthrough fast enough. Wasting all that energy just for dodging, he is still an amateur”.

“You shouldn't downplay him general, even I could only use ‘combustion’ just last year, and I'm already twenty years old.” Princess Hildegard said with an irritated face.

“If he’s an amateur, what would you call me?”. Princess Hildegard rebuked.

“I'm sorry for my words your Highness, I was merely getting frustrated by this fight. Please disregard whatever I said.” General Zarathos bowed lightly.

“I'm sure Thanatos will take care of this kid easily”. Zarathos thought to himself.

________________________

Back at the arena.

“I should have asked Phaeton more about this girl” He did think that he underestimated her thinking that she was just some spoiled noble brat.

“No use thinking of it now”.

“You’re done rat!” Isabelle shouted as she kept attacking Azrael. Isabelle was getting worried however she knew that Azrael being able to move this fast was not permanent.

“Let’s see how long you can dodge! Whatever you’re using you cannot keep that up”. She kept up the momentum of her attacks while slowly completing the casting of the large-scale spell, Azrael in turn kept darting around the arena at high speed.

During the final stretch, Azrael found a slight opening, he then activated Light steps however he was blocked by A large dense wall of water that protected Isabelle. He wasn't close enough, he had to break through here.

He reached his hands forward and slashed. It was all instinctual. The wall of water was the obstacle that stood in his way.

The wall showed a faint horizontal light which gradually brightened with a final spark and then it separated as if massive hanging lain down ropes were cut. This all happened in a second.

Isabelle stood in shock. Right after the wall was cut, Azrael activated his light steps and instantly shifted his location to Isabelle’s side.

At this point Isabelle’s spell was already near completion, Isabelle decided to then activate the spell despite it was still incomplete.

The power will be lesser but If she didn't do so, she wouldn't be able to defend herself.

“Attack! River Dragon!”

The Whirlwind of water instantly turned into the shape of a water dragon.

“Shit! I can't let her release that one”. Azrael dashed straight forward to Isabelle hoping he could interrupt it before it released, however, the River dragon slowly opened its mouth.

“ROOARRR!!”

The sudden thunderous roar reverberated throughout the arena, this caused Azrael who was just a few feet from Isabelle to flinch.

Without missing a beat, Isabelle dropped her water shield and poured all her concentration into unleashing the river dragon.

Azrael was still trying to recover, his senses were still disoriented but he already saw a faint figure of a dragon rushing towards him.

In a last-ditch effort, Azrael enveloped himself with a ‘healing light’ and assumed a defensive position, with his arms crossed in front of him. He simultaneously gathered a large amount of light on his feet.

BOOOM!

The river dragon connected completely, the impact caused an explosion of water and debris, there was barely any visibility at the point area of impact.

“I did it”. Isabelle rejoiced in her heart, however before she could take in the feeling of victory, Isabelle felt a tinge of pain behind his neck.

“It’s over”. A cold voice sounded at her back. It was Azrael, the blade wrapping the tips of his fingers was slightly grazing Isabelle’s neck.

“You, how—” Before the next words left her mouth, she realized she was currently clear losing position, with absolutely no way to turn around the situation.

Isabelle was at loss on how this happened, she was sure that her attack connected as she saw the river dragon colliding with Azrael.