The air crackled with tension as Morris and Eldric faced each other, their expressions locked in determination. The platform hummed beneath their feet, eager for the impending clash of magic and might.
"Here I come"
Morris made the first move, raising his scepter, summoning torrents of mana from within. His eyes glowed with fierce concentration as he unleashed a barrage of fireballs toward Eldric, each one burning with searing intensity. Eldric reacted swiftly, dodging with fluid grace as the fireballs exploded where he had stood moments before, leaving scorched marks on the platform.
’He’s using only his lightning magic?’ Kaelen thought as he witnessed the fight unfold in surprise.
With a flick of his wrist, Eldric summoned his lightning magic. A bolt of crackling energy shot from his palm toward Morris. The air sizzled as the bolt snaked toward its target, but Morris was quick, conjuring a thick shield of earth to intercept the strike. The bolt slammed into the shield, sending cracks spider-webbing across its surface, but Morris stood firm, eyes gleaming with resolve.
Eldric dashed forward, closing the distance between them. He was quick, almost impossibly so, each step like a blur. Morris swung his scepter in a wide arc, sending a wave of earth magic toward Eldric, the ground beneath them rumbling as jagged spikes shot up to block his path.
But Eldric was relentless. With a single motion, he leapt into the air, avoiding the spikes entirely, and as he descended, his hand crackled with lightning once more. He thrust his palm forward, releasing a powerful bolt that tore through the air with a deafening crack.
Morris barely had time to react. He raised his scepter just in time, a shimmering barrier of pure mana forming around him. The lightning bolt struck the barrier, and for a moment, it held firm. But Eldric’s magic was potent, the bolt carving through the barrier with a resounding shatter. The force of the impact sent Morris staggering back, his scepter shaking in his hand.
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Gritting his teeth, Morris recovered quickly. With a determined shout, he thrust his scepter into the ground, channeling his mana deep into the earth. In response, the platform shifted, large pillars of stone erupting from the ground, creating a maze of obstacles between him and Eldric.
Eldric paused for a moment, impressed by Morris’ quick thinking. But he was undeterred. His fingers danced with arcs of electricity, and with a sharp movement, he sent a surge of lightning through the ground. The electricity danced and leaped from stone to stone, searching for Morris.
Morris could feel the ground beneath him vibrate with the coursing energy, and he dashed between the stone pillars, trying to stay one step ahead of Eldric’s relentless assault. He turned a corner and launched a torrent of wind blades toward Eldric, slicing through the air with deadly precision.
But Eldric spun on his heel, his body aglow with lightning, and with a quick burst of energy, he deflected the blades, sending them scattering into the air.
It was clear now that Eldric had the upper hand. His movements were precise, his control over his lightning magic impeccable. Morris was powerful, but Eldric was faster, more adept at countering his every move.
With a powerful leap, Eldric vaulted over the stone maze, landing directly in front of Morris. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment, Morris realized he had one last chance. Summoning all his remaining mana, he aimed a massive blast of fire directly at Eldric, the flames roaring with intense heat.
"It’s over"
Eldric smirked. In a flash of light, he vanished, reappearing behind Morris in an instant. Before Morris could turn around, Eldric placed his hand on his shoulder, and with a sharp crack of lightning, sent a surge of electricity coursing through Morris’ body.
"Ahh!!"
Morris cried out, his body seizing as the lightning overwhelmed him. His scepter fell from his grasp as he collapsed to his knees, his vision swimming. The smell of ozone filled the air as the lightning dissipated, leaving him breathless and defeated.
Eldric stepped back, his breathing steady as he lowered his hand. The crowd erupted into cheers, the match having reached its electrifying conclusion. Morris, still dazed, struggled to rise, but his strength was spent. He looked up at Eldric, who offered him a respectful nod.
"You fought well," Eldric said, his voice steady but tinged with the respect of a worthy opponent.
Morris nodded weakly in return, acknowledging the defeat. The platform shifted once again, reverting to its original state as Eldric was declared the victor. Though he had lost, Morris knew he had fought with everything he had, and that alone was enough to earn the respect of both the crowd and his fellow competitors.
As Eldric turned to leave, the faint crackle of his lingering lightning echoed in the air, a testament to the power that had secured his victory.
"You tried your best" Kaelen suddenly said while Morris approached him in a downcasted mood.
"Yeah, but it seems like it wasn’t enough" Morris replied with a weak smile now on his face.
"Then you try going above your best" Kaelen argued to Morris with a serious look on his face. When Morris heard him, he was initially stunned by what Kaelen said before a heartfelt smile appeared on his face as he replied.
"Got it bro"
Right at this moment, the screen hovering above Kaelen and the other’s head suddenly shimmered again before some words became visible on it.
Kaelen vs Guinevere
"Well, wish me luck" Kaelen muttered as he prepared himself to go towards the center of the platform.
"Good luck!" Morris said while performing an encouraging gesture. When Kaelen saw it, he let out a soft chuckle before he began walking further into the platform.
As for Guinevere, as soon as the screen announced the next matchup, she slowly opened her eyes while taking in a deep breath before she stood on her two feets as she thought.
’I can’t loose this one’