Chapter 271 - 271: Top that!

Words : 1149 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

"So, let's see who's first on the list," Eric muttered aloud, glancing briefly at the parchment in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed it aside, guiding the paper with a gentle swirl of wind magic until it drifted safely to a corner of the hall. "Dave Walter!" he called out crisply. Dave stepped forward, his expression calm but focused as he took his place on one side of the wide, circular dueling platform. Eric stood opposite him, hands still tucked casually in his pockets, eyes narrowed with mild interest. "Remember," Eric said coolly, his gaze locking on Dave, "you have two minutes to land a single hit on my face that draws blood. Only then do you pass." His eyes briefly flicked toward the grand clock on the far wall before snapping back to Dave. "Go!" At the very second the clock ticked, Dave exploded forward, a sleek metal spear launching ahead at blistering speed. The air whistled from the force of the throw, but Eric, hands still buried in his pockets, sidestepped with lazy precision, his movements almost too fluid to follow. Another metallic weapon surged forward—a sword this time—but a burst of wind erupted from Eric, blasting the blade aside just as Dave reappeared from the side, swinging a second sword in a surprise follow-up. With wind magic coursing through his limbs, Eric propelled himself backward mid-air, avoiding the slash by a hair's breadth. He retaliated with a razor-sharp wind blade, but Dave, unfazed, conjured a metal shield in a flash. It clanged violently against the wind construct, hot air washing over the spectators in the front row as they instinctively shielded their faces. 'He isn't even trying hard,' Grey thought, arms crossed as he watched intently. Eric's movements were effortless, his attacks precise but clearly holding back. "I'm not done yet!" Dave roared, his shield liquefying into a chain of gleaming metal that he hurled forward with stunning force. The chain cracked like a whip, but Eric sidestepped once more, letting the strike slam harmlessly into the platform, kicking up another wild gust. "Metal Creation Magic!" Dave shouted. Dozens of deadly spikes erupted from the ground and zoomed toward Eric at breakneck speed. The instructor nonchalantly pulled one hand from his pocket and made a sweeping gesture. A roaring gust followed, hurling the spikes aside like feathers in a storm. Then, with a casual snap of his fingers, he launched wind arrows back at Dave, who quickly conjured another shield. The impact sent him skidding backward, boots grinding against the stone. Dave's hands were already morphing again, metal swirling around them, thickening into cannon-like encasements with hollow tips. From them, he unleashed a barrage of metal shards and jagged spikes that screamed through the air. Eric's smile widened faintly. Raising his arm, the wind howled even louder—then came crashing down. A colossal gale slammed into the barrage mid-flight, scattering the metal constructs like brittle leaves. The shockwave shook the viewing stands, sending a wave of dust and displaced air over the front-row audience. 'Such immense wind power. And he's still not going all out.' Grey's eyes narrowed as he analyzed every motion. 'I could take him… but I'd have to use at least three of my magics.' "Wait… where's Dave?" Dante asked aloud. The dust was settling, but Dave was nowhere in sight. "Tactics," Dave's voice whispered. He appeared right beside Eric, eyes gleaming with determination, metal sword already mid-swing. Reacting swiftly, Eric launched himself backward using wind propulsion—but not fast enough. The blade grazed his cheek, carving a thin, crimson line across his face. Blood welled from the cut as Dave landed gracefully on the opposite side of the platform. A triumphant smile tugged at the corners of Dave's lips as he watched Eric raise a finger to his face, examining the blood smeared across it. "Well done. You pass," Eric said with a nod. Dave lowered his weapon, casually brushing past Vince on his way back to the stands. "Top that," he whispered cockily. Eric turned toward the clock once again. "Dave completed the task in one minute, fifty seconds. He passes." Dave smirked as he rejoined his peers, visibly proud. 'Crap! Can I even beat that time?' Vince's fists clenched, uncertainty flashing across his face as he stared at the instructor. "Any healer here?" Eric asked, scanning the crowd. Vanica raised her hand. "Here!" "Come." He beckoned, and she hurried to the platform. seaʀᴄh thё Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She placed her glowing hands gently over the cut on his cheek, and within a heartbeat, the wound vanished without a trace. As she began to walk away, Eric's voice stopped her. "Stay close. You're going to be my personal healer for the rest of the day. And who knows… if you do well enough, I might let you pass this third round too." He smiled at her, and she beamed with pride, nodding vigorously before taking her place at the edge of the platform. 'I have to get on that list,' Vanica thought with fierce resolve. 'If Grey can't enter the tournament, then I will. I'll help him win from the sidelines if I have to.' She glanced at Grey, who stood with an unreadable expression, almost as if none of this mattered to him. "Alright," Eric called, wind guiding the floating paper back into his hand. "Next up… Greg Truedeam!" Greg cracked his knuckles, his expression lighting up with anticipation. "Oh yeah, it's finally my turn." Then, a whisper floated to his ear—carried by wind magic. "Weakling," came Grey's voice, quiet but cutting. "Don't disgrace me. Beat that upperclassman's time. Knock that smug look off Eric's face." "Tsk! I already planned to. And quit calling me weak, I could beat you anytime," Greg muttered, jaw tight as he stalked toward the platform. "Ha! You wish," Grey chuckled from the sidelines. "You ready?" Eric asked as Greg took his stance, feet planted, fists clenched. Greg nodded once. "Good," Eric said. "Let our spar begin!" ___ {A/N} Sigh... Another month from 2025 has ended. And with it, we are going to be entering another month tomorrow ???? I just want to say thank you to all my active fans out there for supporting me throughout the month of May. You have made me extremely happy seeing your comments, power stones, Golden tickets and even unlocks. It warms my heart guys! Also, tomorrow is the deadline for voting on our new identity so guys! Vote and tell me what you think. I already have two votes from Arcane and Nathan Sama... They chose different names so I would need more vote please ????

Chapter 271 - 271: Top that!

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