"Before the official introduction, let me first explain the purpose of today’s test."
Salamanda spoke in a deep voice:
"The competition of Elemental Night is not like the sparring contests within the academy.
Contestants come from all over the Quicksand Lands, each possessing deadly moves."
"If your strength is insufficient, dying in the arena is a normal occurrence."
His gaze lingered on Ron’s face for a moment:
"Thus, I need to confirm your real combat strength to avoid making erroneous judgments."
After speaking, he signaled to the three people behind him:
"Come, introduce yourselves."
The first to step forward was a male Wizard appearing to be in his thirties.
He had a robust build, with skin showing a faint bronze hue, resembling metal baked in the furnace.
When he walked, the temperature in the air noticeably rose, even his breath carried heat waves.
"I am Edwin Upton, a direct student of Dean Salamanda."
His voice was deep and strong, akin to magma slowly flowing beneath the earth:
"Seventy-five years old, possessing one-third of molten lava dragon blood. Specializing in lava construction studies, adept at partially lava-transforming my body for combat."
As he spoke, his right hand began to change.
The skin gradually turned dark red, and textures akin to rock emerged on its surface, with fingertips directly transforming into blazing magma.
The whole process showed not the slightest sign of pain, as if such transformation was as natural to him as breathing.
"Magic Power compression density approaching six times, considered quite good among the same age group."
Edwin added earnestly, with no trace of boasting.
The second to approach was a relatively small-bodied youth, his skin sandy yellow, covered with fine scales.
As he moved, minute sandification occurred on the stone slabs beneath his feet, as if he naturally had some mysterious connection with sand and soil.
"Laku Shalin, a desert Lizardman hybrid."
His voice was slightly hoarse but articulate:
"Specializes in sandstorm Control and terrain Transformation, with Mobility in sandy environments comparable to the flying technique of Wind Element Wizards."
To showcase his ability, Laku gently waved his hand.
The stone slabs in a corner of the training ground immediately began to sandify, swiftly forming a small dune.
The sand grains flowed under his Control like living creatures, sometimes forming whirlpools, sometimes transforming into sand walls, unpredictable in their changes.
"In the environment of the Quicksand Lands, this ability holds high tactical value."
He stated humbly:
"However, facing a genius like you, I can only do my best."
The last was a slender female Wizard, her skeleton noticeably lighter than others, moving almost silently.
Occasionally, breezes swirled around her, lifting her long hair into graceful motion.
"Patty Sia, a wind bird tribe hybrid."
Her voice was as crisp as silver bells, though her gaze was exceptionally sharp:
"Due to the hollow structure of my skeleton, I can fly briefly, proficient in airflow Control and high-speed Mobility tactics."
Speaking, she lightly leaped up, her body floating in the air like a feather.
Miniature tornadoes formed around her, lifting her to a height of two meters above the ground.
This flight, although not as swift as professional flying techniques, excelled in minimal energy consumption and strong endurance.
"My combat style leans towards guerrilla and harassment, hoping to offer you a different experience."
Salamanda nodded in satisfaction:
"These three are the outstanding young generation of our Sand Sea School, each possessing unique bloodline advantages and tactical characteristics."
"Although Laku and Patty’s overall strength might not match yours, the extent of their specialization in certain aspects is sufficient to represent the high standard of bloodline Wizards from Quicksand Lands."
His eyes showed a look of anticipation:
"Through sparring with them, we can better assess your chances in Elemental Night."
Ron carefully observed the three opponents, starting to conduct tactical analysis in his mind.
Edwin’s lava bloodline implies formidable frontal combat power, but relatively lacking Mobility;
Laku’s terrain Transformation ability is troublesome, requiring ways to limit his scope of play;
Patty’s high-speed Mobility is the most challenging, needing precise anticipation for effective response.
"Then, let us begin."
Ron’s right hand gently stroked, silver metallic liquid surged from his body, swiftly condensing into a familiar sword shape.
"Please advise."
......
However, contrary to everyone’s expectations, Dean Salamanda did not arrange the test on the conventional training ground on the back of Leviathan.
Instead, he mysteriously led the group to the deepest forbidden zone of Sand Sea School—the interior of Ramses’ spine.
"Follow me closely, don’t fall behind."
Salamanda walked at the forefront, his eyes like molten gold emitting faint light in the darkness.
With each step he took, dark red Runes would appear on the tunnel walls, guiding the direction for those behind.
This tunnel was entirely composed of living tissue, with walls covered in vein-like textures rhythmically pulsating in sync with the heartbeat of the Ancient Beast.
Occasionally, warm air currents blew from the depths, carrying an ancient and mystical aura.
"Dean Salamanda, where exactly are we headed?"
Ron, walking in the middle of the group, couldn’t help but ask.
Having joined Sand Sea School for a short time, he had never ventured into Ramses’ interior.
"To a place that’s more suited for testing real combat strength."
Salamanda replied without turning his head, his voice echoing in the narrow tunnel: