Chapter 150: Victory
“NO!” Mark’s cry of frustration reverberated within and beyond the arena stage.
CLANG!
A distinct metallic noise rang out.
The elemental chaos Mark’s Mass Explosion spell created left most of the intermediate and junior initiates outside the arena struggling to discern the situation on the stage.
In contrast, a few senior initiates displayed expressions of astonishment and shock, recognizing the rarity of battles between initiates of such caliber.
They empathized with those on the arena stage, understanding that both the Mass Explosion and the Solar Eye spells were formidable moves that were difficult to withstood.
The Fiery Hand spell Mark had previously unleashed was anything but ordinary, let alone the two advanced magic spells.
As the fiery waves dissipated, the situation on the arena stage finally became clear.
Standing before Sein was the yellow-robed mage responsible for overseeing the arena stage.
He had countered the Pyro Blade spell with a Geo Wall spell. It appeared that he was a Geomancer.
Observers, however, found Sein’s positioning perplexing.
Instead of remaining within his geo elemental shield and in the Mass Explosion spell’s range, he stood in an unusual spot diagonally behind Mark.
It was no wonder Mark looked visibly agitated and incredulous when Sein had unleashed the Pyro Blade spell upon his reappearance.
“The winner is Sein,” the yellow-robed mage declared.
Subsequently, he displayed an approving expression and remarked, “It’s truly surprising that you chose to charge forward to confront Mark’s formidable Mass Explosion spell.”
“Aren’t you concerned about potentially succumbing to the firebirds onslaught of his spell? You should be aware that intervening in such a situation to save you in time is challenging for me as well.” the yellow-robed mage said while shaking his head.
As a full-fledged mage with formidable focus level and keen observational skills, he naturally discerned Sein’s strategic decisions the moment the Mass Explosion spell was unleashed.
In response to the yellow-robed mage’s inquiry, Sein humbly explained, “The moment he breached my geo elemental shield, there were bound to be blind spots in his Mass Explosion spell’s coverage. The firebirds at the rear would require a few milliseconds to fill the gap.”
“That timeframe was my opportunity. I believed I wouldn’t succumb to the frontal impact of the Mass Explosion spell. Charging forward was one of the least costly scenarios,” he elaborated.
Sein’s response left Mark, who was nearby, with a visible hint of shock and despair on his face.
He had not only been defeated in magical prowess but also in tactics and courage.
On the other hand, the yellow-robed mage exclaimed, “Splendid!”
“You display an admirable grasp of opportunities, fearlessness in the face of danger, and the courage to fight for your life. Marvelous, simply marvelous! You already have a mentor already, don’t you?
“Hohoho, I’m very optimistic about your performance in the Regional Inter-Divine Tower Academy War eight years from now!” the yellow-robed mage exclaimed with a smile.
The yellow-robed mage’s praise and Sein’s articulate response unequivocally declared Sein as the ultimate victor of this battle.
Furthermore, Sein would replace Mark as 17th position on the academy’s power rankings.
This would mark Sein’s ascent to prominence in the divine tower academy. By the end of the month, he would also receive rewards from the academy for his ranking in the power rankings.
The combination of fame and tangible benefits justified Sein’s efforts in accepting Mark’s challenge.
Mark, positioned behind Eileen, looking like a defeated figure that he was.
Confronted by the scrutinizing gazes of Eileen and the numerous initiates surrounding him, Mark found himself unable to hold his head high despite his usual pride.
Eileen chuckled and teased, “Hehe, look at yourself, I wonder if you can still maintain your arrogance in front of your younger siblings from now on. If I send the footage of your recent defeat to the dukedom...”
“No, grandma...” Mark could not help but interject in shock.
Maintaining a facade of superiority in front of his younger siblings was something he had relished.
This included basking in the admiration of his younger siblings.
If word of his defeat at the divine tower academy were to spread to the dukedom, he might not have the courage to face his family in the next few years.
In the eyes of his younger siblings, he undeniably stood as the strongest initiate in the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring.
For those younger siblings who had not met the academy’s enrollment criteria, Mark had always been regarded as the epitome of strength and an inspirational figure.
Mark’s exchange with Eileen did not escape the notice of Sein and the yellow-robed mage standing beside him.
Upon hearing Mark refer to Eileen as his grandmother, Sein sighed as if he had just verified his own speculations.
He quietly stowed away the Acid Wand in his hand. In reality, he had already made a rough guess from the moment Mark unleashed the Mass Explosion spell and Eileen intervened to rescue him.
However, he did not anticipate that Eileen was already someone’s grandmother despite her youthful appearance.
In reality, Mark was not Eileen’s actual grandson. He was the grandson of Eileen’s older sister. Nevertheless, both of them hailed from the same family in the dukedom.
Eileen was only seventy-six years old this year, placing her as one of the youngest full-fledged mages.
She became a full-fledged mage only sixteen years ago.
The magical means and powerful life essence of full-fledged mages could easily preserve their youth.
Sein’s late mentor had lived over eight hundred years and retained his appearance as a middle-aged man without showing any signs of aging.
The battle between the two senior initiates reached its conclusion.
The result might have captured attention, but for those directly involved, it was crucial to promptly address their injuries.
While Mark was saved by the yellow-robed full-fledged mage from the Pyro Blade spell unleashed by Sein toward the end of the match and suffered minimal visible injuries, the injury inflicted earlier by the Solar Eye spell on his right arm required immediate attention.
Sein, on the other hand, was slightly injured by Mark’s Mass Explosion spell. A third of his magical robe was in tatters, and there was no doubt burns on his skin.
After the battle, Sein approached Eileen instead of departing immediately.
“Thank you for your timely intervention, Master Eileen,” he said respectfully.
“With your courage and keen judgment, you would have been fine on your own even without my intervention. Go back and have a good rest. Do you need my help to treat the pyro elemental burns on your body?” Eileen offered with a smile.
“No need for the trouble, Master Eileen. I have potions and restorative items in my possession,” Sein replied.
Eileen nodded. She was aware that Sein possessed the Divine Light Badge which was capable of fully healing his wounds with just a single activation.
Sein only took his leave after bidding farewell to Eileen.
Mark, who was behind Eileen, could not contain his indignation after Sein left the arena. He exclaimed, “So, you were only here to save him, grandma! If you hadn’t intervened, he would have been seriously injured even if he managed to defeat me...”
Mark’s protests were cut short by Eileen’s chiding.
“Shut up! If you truly believe that two firebirds from your Mass Explosion spell could seriously injure a senior initiate, I suggest you go back and study magic better.”
“Do not realize that you narrowly escaped death twice?” Eileen glared at her incompetent grandson.