Chapter 25

The next match, where the genius young lady achieved an overwhelming victory, has just begun after finishing moments ago.

There wasn’t anyone particularly strong, and compared to the genius young lady’s match, this one feels lackluster.

While there were cheers from the audience, the difference was stark.

Well, I suppose this match is normal, and the genius young lady’s match was just exceptional.

“Finally, it’s Rowen’s match… I’m getting nervous…” my mother mutters, gripping her hands tightly.

Neither my father nor I are nervous or worried, so our reactions are completely opposite.

Logically, I think my brother will be fine… but perhaps mothers are special in this regard.

She looks as serious as if it were her own match.

“Arcelia, it’ll be fine. You know Rowen’s abilities, right?”

“I do. But I’m still worried.”

Next to my father and mother, I gaze at the circular arena.

How would I fight if I were in the match? What would work in my favor, and what would be a disadvantage? I mentally go through the details.

It would be easier in a city with plenty of obstacles.

But the circular arena has nothing.

There are no places to hide, not even pebbles or sand to use for trickery.

Even with the solid power of fighting spirit, the opponent is a magician with a certain level of skill.

Moreover, I know very well how troublesome long-range magical attacks can be.

So, one wrong move could lead to a normal defeat.

In other words, what I need is information.

I need to deeply understand the battleground and gather information to steer things in my favor.

“—Thank you for waiting. It seems preparations are complete, so let’s get started with the third match. Now—please enter!”

As the host raises his voice, the participants for the third match step into the arena.

The number is… eleven.

There are four young ladies and seven young gentlemen.

Of course, my brother is among them.

He turns to us and waves his hand lightly, but… I’ll ignore him since it’s a hassle.

“The number of participants for the third match has increased to eleven! Whether this is fortunate or unfortunate, no one knows, but the last one standing will be the winner! The first match was overwhelming, the second chaotic… What kind of scene will the third match present?”

Indeed, as the host says, in this match format, I wonder which is better.

Is it fewer or more participants?

Well, having just one more participant like this wouldn’t change anything.

But it seems interesting to think about.

I’ll ponder it when I have some time.

“There are eleven participants! Only one can advance to the main event! Whether you cry or laugh, the competition is only this one time—”

How will my brother maneuver?

Will he deftly avoid being targeted and receive concentrated attacks, or will he just charge in like a battering ram? Safety lies with the former, while showmanship belongs to the latter.

Basically, my brother’s nature is to ensure safety.

You could say he’s cautious.

So, he should maneuver carefully to avoid being targeted.

Yet, something in my gut tells me that’s not quite right.

“Who will be the last one standing?—The third match, begin!”

The third match has started.

Since no participant stands out like the genius young lady, a chaotic brawl is inevitable.

Everyone is likely thinking the same thing: to remain unnoticed and avoid being targeted.

Indeed, everyone momentarily hesitates.

They wait for someone to make the first magical attack.

Everyone thinks, “If someone uses magic, that person will be targeted. I’ll use that chance to attack as well.”

Coincidentally, that thought aligns, causing several seconds to pass without the fight starting.

Everyone is thinking, “Someone should just attack already.”

“—What is going on here?! No one is attacking! No one is moving! It’s a complete standstill!”

I’m surprised.

Normally, someone would lose their patience and let loose some magic like a runaway.

But it’s been nearly ten seconds of a stalemate.

Everyone is incredibly patient.

Well, this standoff will probably end in a few seconds anyway.

After all, my brother is here.

This pathetic match, filled with only timid players, should wrap up quickly.

“C-could this stalemate really continue?! It’s not against the rules, so there’s nothing we can do—”

—Here it comes.

My brother gently sweeps both hands.

Suddenly, two nearby participants are blown away.

It’s his specialty, wind magic.

Leaving the stunned participants behind, he closes in on one and strikes.

The barrier shatters, and that one is sent flying.

Now, there are seven left.

Time in the arena shifts back—transitioning from a standoff to a chaotic brawl.

“In an instant! Three participants have been eliminated! The one responsible is the first son of the Reynostia Marquis family, Rowen Reynostia! Is this the strength befitting the first son of a marquis?”

Ignoring the host’s evaluation of my brother… the brawl has begun.

Various attributes of magic are flying around.

Only three have dropped out so far, but I predict the match will end soon.

“Now the standoff has transformed into a chaotic brawl! There are eight remaining! A fierce battle is unfolding!”

—This is it.

Just as I predicted, my brother makes his move.

No, I should say he wreaks havoc.

Enveloping himself in wind, he boosts his mobility, unleashing a tempest all around.

He’s even slyly hiding blades of air in some places.

The other eight participants try to defend themselves, but unfortunately for them…

Among them, my brother is overwhelming.

Whenever someone tries to strike him with magic, it’s deflected by the wind surrounding him.

When they attempt to shield themselves with earth magic, the blades of air he’s hidden within the storm shred through them.

Trying to escape is futile as the tempest rages throughout the arena, leaving nowhere to run.

Well, what can I say…

Too bad for them.

“This is… overwhelming violence! No one can resist! Standing amidst the raging storm is the magician, Rowen Reynostia! Arrogant and insolent! The twelve-year-old boy showcases the prestige of the marquis family!”

My brother looks coolly composed, but this isn’t an easy feat.

Casting magic over such a wide area requires complex magical control.

Especially for something as erratic as wind.

One by one, the barriers created by the participants shatter, leading to their elimination.

It’s not luck or trickery, but a clear disparity in strength.

The storm abates.

Only my brother stands.

“The match is over! The winner is the first son of the Reynostia Marquis family, Rowen Reynostia!”

Cheers erupt throughout the venue.

My brother flashes a smile toward my father, mother, and me.

“The standoff right after the match began was the calm before the storm; the twelve-year-old boy has swept everything aside with an overwhelming gale! Is this the true power of the next heir to the marquis family?! The venue is buzzing with applause!”

The venue shakes, and the atmosphere swirls with excitement.

I still have a long time until my match, but my heart is racing.