The second match between my brother and Isirion Emilirance! has concluded.
Although the result was as expected, it was quite an interesting match.
Well, it wasn’t so much that it was a good competition; it was just that Isirion Emirilance was an interesting person.
In good ways and bad, he wasn’t very aristocratic.
He somewhat resembled a companion from my previous life as an adventurer, which made me feel a sense of familiarity.
Now, the next match… the third match, Hakurei Arcadion versus Marcos Arclight.
Marcos Arclight doesn’t have many distinctive features.
If I had to point out one, it would be his dexterity, but… he was just a jack of all trades.
On the other hand, Hakurei Arcadion is quite intriguing.
While he may not be as exceptional as the genius young lady or my brother, his ice magic is quite remarkable.
Both in precision and power, he is above average.
Since I will eventually face him, I should watch him closely.
(Third-person perspective)
“Alright, we’ve reached the halfway point of the first round! The next match is between Hakurei Arcadion and Marcos Arclight!”
In the now-prepared battle arena, Hakurei and Marcos face each other.
Marcos has a somewhat plain appearance, but Hakurei gives off a timid aura.
“Hakurei Arcadion has shown his presence even in this chaotic match! With excellent maneuvering and a wealth of spells, Marcos Arclight is aiming for victory! Will the ice scion win, or will the dexterous scion prevail?”
Though he hasn’t shown everything yet, Hakurei is only using ice magic.
If he can’t use anything other than ice magic, he might lack adaptability.
So, Hakurei is a specialist, while Marcos is more of a generalist.
“Now, let the third match begin!”
The match has started.
With a visible wariness, Marcos casts several spells to start.
“—Wigtolga Wind Spear, Igmolt Flame Ball, Arguslea Rock Shard!”
Simultaneously casting three spells of different elements is no easy feat.
As the host said, Marcos is indeed dexterous.
He targets the still Hakurei and unleashes his spells.
If nothing changes, Hakurei’s barrier would surely shatter.
“—Acegaha Ice Wall!”
But as expected, Hakurei responds.
In an instant, he creates an ice wall from the ground, blocking the three approaching spells.
“The first exchange sees Marcos Arclight attacking while Hakurei Arcadion defends! Oh!? Marcos Arclight is rapidly casting spells! Is he planning to keep Hakurei Arcadion from counterattacking!?”
Fire, wind, and rock.
Using these three primary elements, Marcos continues to cast spells.
Of course, the intervals between his spells are irregular.
Attacked by Marcos, Hakurei is defending with his ice wall.
While ice generally has a fragile impression, Hakurei’s ice was harder than rock.
How many times has he attacked?
“—Tch…”
Marcos grimaces in frustration and halts his casting.
No matter how many attacks he makes, he can’t break Hakurei’s Acegaha.
Even if he manages to break one, another Acegaha immediately appears.
The disparity between his firepower and Hakurei’s defense is daunting.
“Too tough! Way too tough! Marcos Arclight has used all his magic to attack, but Hakurei Arcadion has defended it all! What will he do with that chilling aura!?”
One, two.
Having stood still, Hakurei finally moves his feet.
“—This is bad!”
Realizing something, Marcos encircles himself with a rock wall.
Hakurei raises his white, thin arms and murmurs softly.
“—Acefrost Saika Ice White World!”
In an instant, the entire arena is transformed into a white expanse.
The ground is covered with ice, and the air grows frigid.
An ice world spreads out.
Standing at the center, Hakurei looks somewhat otherworldly with his white hair.
“What a sight! In an instant, he’s transformed the arena into an ice world! This world was created by Hakurei Arcadion! What a tremendous sorcerer!”
The host stirs up the excitement in the atmosphere, and the audience is enthralled.
Hakurei is clearly the star of this show.
Yet, Marcos’s barrier still stands unbroken.
The match isn’t decided yet.
“I won’t… lose!”
Marcos, protected by his rock wall, reveals himself and weaves a spell.
“—Igmolt Flame Ball, Elmolto Water Ball!”
Igmolt and Elmolto appear on either side of Marcos.
Then, he launches them forward—curving their trajectories to collide.
Fire and water.
By combining the laws of nature with the laws of magic, the arena fills with steam, transforming into a world of mist.
“Now it’s steam—a world of mist! Marcos Arclight has used his dexterity to create this misty realm!”
Obscuring visibility.
In a match devoid of luck, Marcos has introduced an element of uncertainty.
Imposing disadvantage.
Normally, Marcos wouldn’t take such risks, but at this moment, he bets everything.
“Yooooo!”
Marcos shouts.
“Marcos Arclight has roared! While his spirit is commendable, does it reveal his position? No!? This is—”
Marcos’s roar allows Hakurei to pinpoint his location.
To take him down, Hakurei prepares to cast a spell, but then hesitates.
Marcos isn’t foolish.
However, by shouting, he’s created a situation that puts him at a disadvantage.
This contradiction halts Hakurei’s movements.
Then—Hakurei takes a step back.
Thud!
“—!?”
A rock spear pierces the ground where Hakurei had just been standing.
Understanding everything, Hakurei weaves a spell.
“—Aseturga Enda Rapid-Fire Ice Spear!”
Ice spears appear around Hakurei, shooting forth.
The volley of ice spears won’t stop until they hit their target.
Two, five, ten…
Crack!
The sound of the barrier shattering resonates.
At the same time, the mist clears, returning to the original battle arena.
Marcos’s barrier has broken.
Hakurei’s barrier remains intact.
The winner is clear to anyone watching.
“Match over! The winner of the third match is the ice scion, Hakurei Arcadion!”
With the match concluded, the arena erupts with applause.
“In the final moments, Marcos Arclight roared to redirect Hakurei Arcadion’s focus onto him! In that split second, the Argturga Rock Spear was aimed to strike Hakurei Arcadion! But Hakurei skillfully evaded the attack and broke Marcos Arclight’s barrier! A remarkable display of defense and strategy!”
The host explains the situation, and all the spectators understand, showering both competitors with praise.
