n

n

n

"Prime -- Fire Shield.

"

n

"Prime -- Focus Shot.

"

nTwo magic skills were calmly activated by Grant as he waited for Michael to take action.

nHis Fire Shield just protects his front in a concave shape of barrier made of fire. Although with limited defense it can be seen that he may also be asking to be attacked from behind. But it could probably be a trap as well.

nAnother possible reason for using a concave shield was that he has confidence in his mana shell not being easily destroyed and would have time to counter.

nThe Focus Shot is a ball of mana converted to any element that his mana artifact could utilize. This time, Grant's Focus Shot made a ball of flame on his right hand ready to be thrown once Michael appeared in his vision.

n

"He was now using a different series of magic. Prime Series was developed later than the Enchant Series if I'm not mistaken.

"

n

"Hmm. Correct, I wonder what's the standard magic that our first years made.

"

n

"It's better. Michael hadn't shown his standard magic spells yet. But we'll know soon, I believe.

"

nEricka commented as she noticed some changes in the magic patterns of Grant. It was followed by Gilbert and Kazimir.

nAfter Michael cast the 2 spells and did not notice any movement from his opponent, he silently went to move and positioned on the right's hand side of Grant.

nHe was aware of Grant's preparation that is asking to be attacked, Michael can see his opponent's bright fire shield and fire focus shot that is attracting even in the dense fog he created.

n'Let's see what's your plan. I'll take you on!'

nMichael started his attack.

n

"Archon -- Earth Bind!

"

n

"Cyclone Punch!

"

nHe wasn't adept at using long-range magic spells but has confidence in his combat skills. Combining magic to his physical attacks is more convenient for him.

nGrant felt Michael's presence on his right and thrown his focus shot in the same direction. But his feet were unable to move due to the Earth Bind that was activated, although the skill can be forcefully removed with sufficient strength, it has still thrown his balance making him off the mark!

nMichael easily avoided the shot and hit Grant's defense.

n

"Baaaammm!!

"

nA collision between a punch and a shield was heard followed by cracking sound.

n

"Once more!

"

nMichael shouted full of energy. His opponent tried to cast a more defensive spell since his mana shell was about to be destroyed and tried to counterattack.

nBut Michael did not give him a chance as he opened his palm and gripped the mana shell.

n

"Vacuum Grip!

"

nA shattering sound was heard as the last magic spell that was used shattered the mana shell of Grant and the referees announced the result.

n

"This... I could still fight.

"

nGrant felt bitter on his loss because he hadn't shown his full ability yet. It happened so fast.

n

"If only we could still battle even without mana shell, I'll surely win!

"

nMichael did not think it was necessary to reply as he walked off the stage trying to act cool to the audience.

nThe audience applauded the duo in their battle. But apparently, the battle on the other stage was still ongoing.

n

"Vacuum Grip, that should be Samantha's magic spell.

"

nIt was Wallace who commented. He had known the 3 first years background and somehow learned about their skills. He had even got familiar with Escanor and helped him create a better magic structure to utilize Hilda's abundant mana pool.

n

"Ohhh.. so our first years were using Archon Series? That's quite good.

"

nEricka noticed the Archon magic spell Michael used prior to his usage of the exclusive skill of mana artifact.

n

"That's indeed the best magic structures for some standard spells aside from Royal Series that I'm aware of.

" Gilbert agreed.

n

"Cyclone Punch and Vacuum Grip must be exclusive skill of the mana artifact. That's very impressive, especially the last part where he shattered the mana shell with that grip. It looks awesome.

" Ericka was still thinking of the last part of the battle.

n'But creating that Vacuum Grip magic structure must be quite challenging.'

nWallace thought in his mind as he was aware that only Samantha could make that magic structure. It could be their family secret after all. Unfortunately, there's no way to reverse engineer the created mana artifact and see it's magic structure due to its protection.

nIt all because of how magic structure is being embedded in the mana artifact so it won't be easy to copy someone else's magic structure.

nJust after about 2 minutes, the other stage's battle had concluded. It was the battle between the all-girls academy, Isolde and Abuxorth academy. The battle was barely won by Isolde Academy's student which surprised many people as they were expecting that they could easily win against Abuxorth.

nThe Abuxorth Academy always ranks at the bottom in every competition as their Academy specializes in unorthodox potion-making. But with this battle with Isolde, it seems that Abuxorth will give them more surprises.

nAfter all, Isolde ranks in the top 5 during competitions. With all those said, this was only base on First Year's result in every year of competition.

nNow it was the two on two battles. The 2nd part of the competition.

n

"Leonheart's Lillian and Axel vs Honeysuckle's Ivan and Violet

"

nBoth Lillian and Axel have their confidence pumped up as Michael won overwhelmingly in his battle. But their opponent seems to be not affected and still looking confident.

n

"Let's show them what we've got!

"

nIvan shouted to fire himself up before going on stage together with Violet.

n

"We can do this, let's stick to the plan.

"

nAxel looked at Lillian who smiled back at him. He was even more pumped up due to this.

n

"Alright, let's show Hilda our skills. Hmph.

"

nLillian commented with her long blue hair fluttering about as she entered the stage. It seems that she still doesn't accept Hilda's presence on their team.

n

"The battle begins!

"

nThe announcement followed by a whistle as heard to signal the start of combat.

nEveryone activated their mana shells.

n

"Prime -- Earth Protection!

"

n

"Wind Enchant -- Haste!

"

nIvan moved forward after buffing himself with two magic spells. Violet stayed behind and it seems that she was preparing a spell that requires some time.

nThe two from the Leonhearts moved as well.

n

"Blinding Fog!

"

n

"

"Archon -- Heat Detection.

"

"

nIt was Lillian who first activated the spell. It came from another Paleness Ring made by Samantha. The 2nd magic spell was activated by the two so they could still see their opponent. They aren't wearing a Bracelet of Earthen Spirit so they can't use Earth Attunement to detect any movement in the stage.

n

"Tsk! Same trick eh. Such cowards, don't think that it will work on us!

"

n

"Hmph! Scared of fighting head-on. Prime -- Frost Field!

"

nThey felt that this Blinding Fog was a cowardly tactic created by Leonhearts mana technicians as they aren't confident with their magician's combat skills.

nWallace coughed at this after hearing them.

n