To retreat from a losing battle is never a bad thing

"Burn, burn the seeds of men, rise the eternal rage that exists supreme amongst the elements. Rise, Fire Lord, Ifrit!" Cedric said in a domineering manner.

Whoosh

The air current in the arena picked up as the temperature of the surrounding area began to inch higher by the second.

Steel frowned deeply as he sensed the aura that was slowly making the entire arena his domain. "Laura, you have to admit defeat. We can't win this match."

Laura had a similar expression on her face. "Is there nothing we can do?"

Naturally, Just like Steel, Laura had also sensed the aura and she would be lying if she said that it did not make her weak in the knees.

In fact if not for Steel shielding her from most of the pressure, she would have most likely been groveling on the ground at this point

It caused every notion of winning against Cedric to cease as she realized the gulf of strength between them was much wider than she anticipated.

Obviously, she wasn't stupid enough to think that she could bridge that gap with some convoluted plan because sometimes, in the face of great power, all schemes become naught.

Steel solemnly replied. "We don't have a chance. If it's the same Ifrit that I know that your opponent is summoning right now, then the best thing I can do is ensure you don't get too badly hurt."

Laura clicked her tongue. "Damn it, this is too much." At that moment, she began to contemplate the options available to her.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Cedric noted the worry in Laura and Steel's eyes after hearing him finish his incantation.

With a satisfactory smile, he flicked his finger and a circle of fire was born five meters around him. This circle would work as the medium by which Ifrit would cross from Niflheim to Midgard.

As he watched the flames dance about, he recalled a certain event in his past. The day he got contracted and became a Summoner.

The words of his master still rang through his mind.

…

"You were born with an affinity for fire. The rage that burns deep in your heart confirms that. That rage is not a weakness, instead, it is a strength that whenever utilized would allow you to increase the intensity of your flames.

"With that, you can use it to burn away your enemies. That way… you may reign supreme."

…

Cedric glanced at Max and both brothers exchanged looks. "This time, I have a good enough reason to utilize the true strength of my flames.

"Now, rise, come and aid me, let us bath the world in our flames… Arise, Ifrit!"

Boom

An explosion of wind occurred after which the circle of fire around Cedric expanded and continued to expand until it was like a tornado made of flames.

The tornado soon began to converge after which a glorious entity showed itself.

With wings made of fire, parts of his body were protected by molten rocks including his chest, arms, legs, and helmet. Ifrit made his appearance.

His eyes glowed a bright red color and his appearance had a somewhat draconic feel to it. Legends had it that Ifrit was born of the union of a dragon of Alfheim and a fire Elemental of Niflheim, hence his dragon-like appearance, but of course, that was just a myth.

Ifrit hovered behind Cedric with his arms at akimbo.

He looked about him for a moment, surveying the audience, his heavy aura making the arena unbearable as it caused the temperature to soar.

Most members of the audience were taken aback by the noble creature that Cedric had managed to contract himself with.

"Oh my goodness, a Lord-ranked summon. This child is amazing beyond a doubt."

"A genius amongst geniuses."

"Maybe we were wrong about him. He deserves to be a part of the nobility."

Even Princess Elena was not left out of this as she stared with her eyes shining as though she had stumbled into great treasures.

Her right hand spoke up at that moment. "Your highness it would seem even though that Garth kid was powerful, Cedric is not much of a pushover himself."

Elena immediately followed up. "Yes… a Lord rank summon. There's no way I can't take him, he is definitely sufficient to act as cannon fodder. Amazing, who would have thought that there would be those in this city that could rival those crazies in the capital."

"Your highness, I have reason to believe that Cedric studies at the capital as well." Her right hand pointed out.

Elena waved it off. "It doesn't matter. Right now, all I want to do is end this match and drag that piece of fodder away."

Of course, apart from most that were taken in by Cedric's display of strength, there were those with a different line of thought.

A few of them being the trio of Lloyd, Lara, and Max. At first, they had held out hope that Laura would be able to do something to harm Cedric before he decided to get serious.

Alas, she managed to do so but it still wasn't enough and now it was clear that Cedric would not give her the chance to strike him again.

"Laura, give up… there's nothing to lose. You have gained enough experience." Lloyd muttered under his breath. He was trying to keep calm but his emotions, unfortunately, got the better of him.

Max on the other hand gritted his teeth. "That's enough, Laura. It's time to call the match quits."

Lara placed her palm over her chest and uttered a short prayer. "Please protect her."

As the crowd looked pleased by Cedric's show of strength, those three individuals were part of the few that decided to believe in Laura's abilities.

There was no need to fight to the death. In battle, running away can be better than staying to fight and that was what most hoped she would decide to do.

Stubbornness would do her no good.