Ethan Hayes's powerful challenge resonated across the arena, silencing the crowd momentarily before erupting into murmurs.
"Wait, are they seriously pairing up?"
"Why not? Four-leaf grimoire against four-leaf grimoire. Unless...you want to pair up with them?"
"Forget it; I'd probably leave with all my teeth knocked out."
The audience whispered fervently, their anticipation building. Both Ethan and Yuno had proven themselves far beyond the average candidate. If there were rankings, they'd undoubtedly score A+, leaving the rest struggling between Cs and Bs.
"Fine by me," Yuno said with a faint smirk, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Despite their shared beginnings in the remote Hage Village and their shared possession of the rare four-leaf grimoire, Ethan knew that their paths would inevitably converge as rivals in the pursuit of the title of Wizard King.
Their exchange stirred excitement among the spectators.
"This is going to be good!"
"Finally, a real fight!"
"Who do you think will win?"
While the majority eagerly awaited the duel, one person fumed silently—Salim de Hapshass. The noble, having just been dismissed by Ethan with a simple "Scram," could barely contain his indignation.
"You dare disrespect me, a noble of such stature?" Salim roared.
Ethan's gaze swept over him with disdain. He didn't waste time on arguments, especially with someone blinded by privilege.
Instead, he turned to the captains seated above. "Esteemed captains, may I propose an additional match? I'd like to teach this... nobleman a lesson."
There was a brief silence before Fuegoleon Vermillion, captain of the Crimson Lion Kings, spoke up. "What's the harm? The rules don't restrict the number of matches per candidate. Let them proceed."
Ethan stepped into the arena, his confidence radiating. The other participants quickly cleared the area, sensing the tension. Salim hesitated briefly before striding forward, his expression twisting in resentment.
"You'll regret this, commoner," Salim spat.
Ethan didn't flinch. Instead, he raised a single finger.
"One move. If I fail to defeat you in one move, I'll tear my grimoire apart here and now."
The crowd gasped collectively.
"Tear up a four-leaf grimoire? He's insane!"
"Did he really just say that?"
"And if I beat you in one move," Ethan added, his voice icy, "will you do the same?"
Salim's face paled at the proposition, but the growing whispers around him left him no choice.
"Fine. Let's see how you accomplish such arrogance."
The duel began.
Salim wasted no time. "Lightning Creation Magic: Thunder Forest!"
In an instant, the area around him transformed into a maze of electrified trees, their energy crackling and humming ominously. It was an impressive defensive move. The dense forest of lightning was designed to deter any approach and punish anyone who dared to enter.
"He's playing it safe," someone murmured.
"Smart. No way one move can break through that."
But Ethan had no intention of playing Salim's game.
"Too slow," he whispered, his voice like the wind.
Salim's eyes widened in shock as he heard Ethan's voice not in front of him, but behind. He whipped around to see Ethan standing there, a blade of compressed wind hovering dangerously close to his neck.
The arena erupted in disbelief.
"How did he—?"
"Wasn't he standing over there a second ago?"
"It's... it's a wind clone! He used a clone to distract him!"
"Four-Leaf Magic: Gale Mirage," Ethan stated calmly, the wind blade pressing lightly against Salim's skin. "Looks like you lost, Salim."
Salim trembled, beads of sweat rolling down his face. He could feel the blade's edge, and he knew it wasn't a bluff. "I... I concede," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Ethan stepped back, dismissing the blade as he turned to address the entire arena.
"I know many of you nobles look down on us commoners," he began, his voice steady but laced with passion. "You think we're beneath you, not worth your notice. You call us ants, pests, and yet here I stand. A four-leaf grimoire bearer, just like any of you."
His piercing gaze swept over the crowd. "If you think your privilege makes you better, then step forward. Prove it. Crush me if you can. Destroy my grimoire. But if you can't, then maybe, just maybe, it's time to rethink who truly holds the power here."
The arena fell silent, Ethan's words hanging heavy in the air.