Dark Magus Returns - Chapter 1449: Clash on the Horizon
Chapter 1449: Clash on the Horizon
The glowing voting screens still hovered in front of every spectator, their shimmering panels ready to record any changes in choice. It was assumed that they would remain active until the entire first round had concluded, giving the audience a chance to shift their bets after seeing the initial performances.
From the beginning, there had only been serious votes for three of the academies, and after George’s decisive victory, the balance shifted dramatically.
It wasn’t just the style of his win, it was the sheer practicality of it. His trick wasn’t some flashy, one-off display. The crushing weight of his gravitational magic had made it clear: once caught, there was no escape. Few could imagine how any opponent could continue fighting after experiencing it firsthand.
The only advantage now, for anyone facing him in future rounds, was the knowledge of what he could do. They might attempt to avoid it at all costs. But everyone knew, George was from Central Academy. His magical training would be comprehensive, his spellcasting sharp in every area. Even without his affinity, he wouldn’t be easy to beat.
It felt inevitable to many that anyone matched against him would eventually fall. That sense of inevitability was why so many votes shifted so quickly.
Still, the tournament wasn’t over. The event had only just begun, and there were plenty of matches left to be fought.
The next battle was between two students in what could only be described as a more traditional mage duel. There were no strange or rare affinities on display this time, but instead, a showcase of high-level spells, tactical planning, and magical endurance.
Element after element collided, fire clashing against wind, stone meeting arcs of water, each mage alternating between offense and tight defensive counters. The crowd roared as powerful blasts hit home, forcing each fighter to stumble back, yet both managed to stand and keep going despite the force of the blows.
It was close. Exactly the kind of skillful, back-and-forth match people expected from the elite ranks of the top two academies. In the end, it was a student named Dillian from BIMM who edged out the win.
His victory had come down to patience. He had been conservative with his magic, holding back until the perfect moment, then unleashing a massive, well-prepared spell that struck his opponent cleanly.
This time, there was no intervention from the teachers. The opponent was clearly hurt but still conscious, and healers rushed in to tend to them on the spot.
What followed was almost a demonstration, a chance for the top Light mages of Central Academy to show the full scope of their skill. In moments, the injured student was restored to full mobility, standing again as though they had never been hurt. Their magic flared to life without hesitation.
The crowd clapped and cheered at the display of Light magic’s restorative power. But over in Wilton Academy’s section, the scene left a bitter taste. For them, the difference in how certain injuries had been handled earlier in the competition was hard to ignore.
Eventually, each academy had revealed at least one of their competing students, every academy except Wilton. And now, at last, it was finally their turn.
“Ah, damn it… so I’m either going to be up against Central Academy or that Lee Roy guy from BIMM right out of the gate?” Liam muttered.
Technically, Raze could have been called first, but there was something in Liam’s gut telling him that he was next. The unease in his stomach felt like a warning.
“You’ve got a tough opponent,” Redrick said, already aware of the match-up from the selection process earlier.
“So, Raze,” Liam asked, turning toward him, “how much power am I allowed to use? We can use items in this, right? So I can use the lightning wand?”
“Correct,” Luka answered. “One item is allowed, along with one piece of protective gear, such as your school blazer. However, most of the students prefer not to rely on equipment. They want to prove they can complete the event purely with their own power.”
They all understood why. Even if you won, there would always be whispers, claims that your victory had only come because of the tool you used. It might still be within the rules, but for many, the pride of a clean win outweighed the certainty of a tactical one. Liam, however, wasn’t the type to care about honor when results were on the line.
“Fine. I’ll use the wand to the best of my abilities,” Liam said without hesitation.
“Liam,” Raze called to him, his voice firm. “Use whatever you need. Bring your sword, make it seem as though you’re a magic swordsman if you have to. Strike with the wand at full Qi output.
“The mages won’t be able to tell the difference. Whatever you do, win. And meet me in the final.”
Raze’s reasoning wasn’t just about competition. He wanted to watch Ibarin’s expression twist, wanted to see him burn in his hatred as his carefully trained students fell one by one. The thought of it filled Raze with a dark satisfaction.
It would be nothing compared to the suffering Raze himself had endured, but for Ibarin… the coming days would be the worst of his life.
“Please, will the next two contestants come up to the platform!” the announcer’s voice rang out.
As Liam walked down the hall toward the stage, he spotted his opponent waiting ahead. Lee Roy of BIMM, the very same mage who was said to be one of the few capable of matching Central Academy’s elite.
This was going to be a fight worth remembering.
****
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