NOVEL NEXT Chapter 36: Magic Duel (Unedited)
[Quest completed: Learn a lightning specific spell!]
[You've gained 5 skill points!]
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[Skills]
—Inventory
A space where time is paused and energy flow restricted used for storing items by the host.
—Regeneration(Passive)
Recover 1% Energy and MP every second.
—Inspect(Active) > Locked
Using MP, you can see some stats of people and objects five meter before you.
{This is a system-specific skill. Power and utility all depends on skill's level}
—Lightning Bolt(Lv. 1)
A basic attack spell that fires a concentrated bolt of lightning at a target, dealing moderate damage.
MP required: 5
DMG: 5
Skill points: 0
Use skill points to learn, improve and master skills or spells.
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Kyle didn't pay much attention to the system notifications, still enjoying the feeling of using magic for the next time.
He glanced at the wall his spell landed on, it was still as pristine as ever, with no damage done whatsoever.
Sounds of Lightning filled the air, as more and more students grasped the spell.
Layla waited till everyone has casted the spell before speaking.
"Congratulations, you've all done well," she remarked.
She looked at the students that were eager to continue casting more spells before continuing.
"When you casted the spell, you must have felt something leaving you, correct?"
They nodded their heads in agreement.
"That is your mana, stored within your mana core. It's finite, so it'll be better to take a break before you continue."
They had a sad look on their face, but still nodded, they couldn't refute the instructor's words after all.
'Strange... I feel nothing. Like I could continue for eons,' Kyle wondered. 'Welp, Mana ain't a problem for me.'
As the rest rested, he took the chance to view his system notifications. He had finally obtained his long awaited skill points, meaning he could now buy the skill.
'Purchase Inspect,' he instructed the system.
[Inspect (Lv 1)]
[Using MP, you can see some stats of people and objects five meter before you.]
'Yess!' Kyle exclaimed internally, struggling to control his excitement.
'Inspect.'
He began looking around the hall, starting from the Instructor.
[Name: Layla Von]
[Affinity: Lightning]
[Name: Orion Glaide]
[Affinity: Lightning, Metal]
'I guess it's only this for now,' Kyle thought, not impressed from what. 'I wonder if those names are shown because I knew their names... Well, I'll try that later.'
Instructor Layla's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You've all regenerated your mana, haven't you?" she directed her question to the class.
They nodded their heads rapidly, eager to continue.
"I want you all to be at peak performance," she said with a sly smile. "You know why?"
'Please be a magic duel,' Kyle prayed internally.
Gone were the days where he always admired the elemental fights in the arena, there was a real chance for him to take part in one today.
"I'll have you all duel with the Lightning Bolt you just learnt," Layla answered with a grin, confirming Kyle's thought.
"No weapons, nothing else but this spell you just learned, agreed?"
They all nodded their head, anticipating the fight already.
"You can go all out, by the way. I'll closely monitor the fight to make sure no accidents happen," she added.
"Who wants to go first?" she asked.
As expected, everyone raised their hands— except Orion.
"Orion," Layla called out with a smirk. "You'll go first. Erik will be your opponent."
"My apologies, Instructor," Orion lightly said, trying to act composed. "I believe there's been a misunderstanding. I don't recall putting myself forward for this duel."
Instructor Layla's smirk widened as she crossed her arms.
"Oh, I see, Mister, 'I Don't Recall' is too refined for a little sparring, huh? Well, allow me to simplify it for you— get up, go to the center, and let's see how well all those fancy words hold up in a fight."
Orion approached the center of the room with a slow, deliberate walk.
Erik stood across from him, already in position.
"Ready?" Layla's voice cut through the air.
Orion glanced at her and gave a slight nod. Erik did the same, as they bowed to each other in respect.
"Begin!" she called out.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Orion's analytical mind took in every detail, trying anticipate his move in advance.
It took some time for them to ready their spell, and Orion was willing to take advantage of that.
Erik struck first, thrusting his hand forward with a swift motion.
A bolt of lightning shot out, aiming for Orion's chest.
But Orion had anticipated it. His eyes narrowed, and with a graceful step to the side, the bolt passed by him, crackling into the air harmlessly.
'Predictable,' Orion thought, barely suppressing a smirk.
Without wasting any time, he raised his own hand, summoning a bolt of lightning with ease.
Both boys circled each other now, casting one bolt after another.
Erik's strikes were strong, but Orion could see the flaws in each of them.
Erik launched another bolt, but Orion sidestepped it effortlessly, almost bored with how obvious the attack had been.
He raised his hand again, sending his third bolt of lightning in a wide arc, forcing Erik to dodge in a clumsy roll to the side. The other students murmured, impressed by Orion's control.
Erik's breath was coming harder now, his stance less steady.
He had only two bolts left to cast before his mana depleted, and Orion could see the panic starting to creep into his opponent's eyes.
'He's almost out,' Orion noted. 'One more mistake, and this is over.'
Summoning his third bolt, Orion aimed for Erik's shoulder. It wasn't a powerful hit— he didn't need it to be. He just needed to keep applying pressure, forcing Erik to use his final spell in a desperate move. Erik dodged again, but he was slowing down, sweat beading on his brow.
With a deep breath, Erik gathered the last of his mana, his expression tightening as he fired his final bolt. This one was aimed directly at Orion, fast and direct— his most powerful strike yet.
But Orion was ready. His eyes gleamed with the confidence of someone who had been in control the entire time.
As Erik's lightning bolt raced toward him, Orion didn't flinch. Instead, he waited until the last possible second before raising his hand, summoning his fourth spell.
With a flick of his wrist, he sent a precise counter-bolt that collided with Erik's in midair. The room was briefly filled with a brilliant flash of light as the two spells clashed, canceling each other out in a crackle of energy.
Erik stood there, breathing heavily, his mana completely spent. Orion had little mana, enough for one more spell at least.
"Out of mana already?" Orion asked quietly, just loud enough for Erik to hear, his tone sharp but not unkind. Erik simply nodded, acknowledging his defeat with a tired smile.
Orion's hand dropped to his side, and he looked to Instructor Layla, waiting for the final call.
"That's enough," Layla announced, stepping forward. "Winner: Orion."
The room filled with scattered applause as Orion gave a small nod, though he didn't bask in the victory.
For him, this hadn't been about proving himself to others—it was about maintaining control, demonstrating his superiority in magic. He might have won, but he knew with enough practice, his opponent might win him in the future.
They were both amateurs now, making this more of a dog-fight.
He glanced at Erik, who was still catching his breath, and offered a respectful nod.
"You fought well," Orion said.
Erik, still exhausted, gave a tired grin. "Thanks. You were… better."
Orion allowed himself a faint smirk. "Of course I was."
As he made his way back to his seat, Orion couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction.
But just as he was settling back down, Layla's voice rang out again. "Don't get too comfortable, Orion. That was just the warm-up."
He froze, his smirk fading as Layla's eyes locked onto him with a knowing smile.
'Just the warm-up?'