Chapter 16: The Fiery Encounter
Eric focused his mind, ready to embrace the next challenge. The arena lights converged on him, and he could feel the gaze from the audience. This time, armed with the experience of the previous round, he was no longer a novice; he stood as a prominent contender, capturing the attention of onlookers.
The drums beat, signaling the impending start of the match, granting Eric no time to catch his breath.
Firmly gripping the double-bladed axe, Eric fixed his gaze on the central screen, anticipating the identity of his next adversary.
Then, Novus's voice resonated in the arena, "The next round is about to begin. Prepare to face your opponent."
The flashing emblem on the large screen designated a diminutive figure ascending the stage. Despite the stature, the opponent wielded a staff towering over their head. Eric tightened his grip on the axe – regardless of appearances, vigilance was paramount.
The opponent, armed with a tall staff, sported a confident smile. The drumbeats intensified, creating a tense yet expectant atmosphere within the arena.
Novus's voice echoed once more, "Let it commence!"
The opponent swiftly chanted an incantation, conjuring flames on the staff, forming a searing blaze. Wielding the staff, the opponent directed the flames towards Eric. Swiftly responding, Eric agilely dodged the scorching attacks, his double-bladed axe dancing in hand, aiming to find a weakness. The opponent's magical assaults were sharp and rapid, the power behind the dancing flames not to be underestimated.
Eric decided to alter his strategy, accelerating towards the opponent suddenly. The axe drew an arc through the air, surprising the opponent. However, they swiftly recovered, manipulating the airflow with the heat of the flames to propel themselves backward, avoiding Eric's assault.
The battle intensified, magical fire clashed with the energy of the double-bladed axe, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Eric exerted himself, alternating between evading and counterattacking, aiming to pinpoint the opponent's vulnerabilities. The opponent, unwilling to yield, cast spells of formidable power, saturating the arena with tension.
Cheers erupted from the audience as each successful dodge or counter by Eric sparked enthusiasm. Yet, the opponent's magical onslaught remained a formidable challenge.
The opponent wielded the tall staff, expertly casting flames that erupted into the air. Eric, relying on his physical training, showcased agility, rolling and dodging to evade the attacks, then promptly counterattacking. The audience contributed to the electrifying atmosphere, celebrating each unexpected twist in this visually striking combat.
Eric noticed the opponent consistently maintained a safe distance, even when Eric attempted to close in.
After a prolonged exchange, both participants showed signs of exhaustion. Eric felt the sweat trickling down his back, while the opponent, having depleted magical reserves, appeared fatigued.
Seizing a moment between their labored breaths, Eric capitalized on the opportunity. Accelerating swiftly, he closed the gap, and the double-bladed axe traced a chilling arc. The opponent, startled, responded by using the heat of the flames to generate an updraft, propelling themselves a few steps backward, narrowly evading Eric's attack.
The battle raged on; Eric, wielding the axe with mastery, continued the relentless assault. Each swing carried weighty power, the arc leaving traces of icy brilliance. The opponent desperately defended, gradually succumbing to Eric's unyielding onslaught. Finally, a powerful strike sent the adversary tumbling from the arena, defeated and unable to rise. With the whistle's signal, Eric emerged victorious in the second round, eliciting a shocked yet elated response from the spectators.
As the defeated opponent was carried away, a lingering frustration resonated, "I lost to someone who can't even use magic! How embarrassing!"
Standing in the arena, Eric felt the joy of triumph, though his opponent's discontent left a trace of ruefulness. In this magical world, where fights were dominantly dictated by spells, Eric had triumphed through sheer physical prowess.
This triumph drew the attention of other participants. Suddenly, a magic book adorned with flame patterns flew towards Eric – the coveted "Flame Eye."
"Congratulations, Eric Stone, the victor of this round. The Flame Eye will be a source of greater power for you. Utilize it wisely," Novus congratulated.
With the newly acquired Flame Eye grimoire and the colossal double-bladed axe, Eric also received a gift from the arena—a magical combat bracelet. Novus explained, "Eric, your physical prowess is exceptional. It's rare for someone to win relying solely on physical strength. This is a special gift from the arena for newcomers—a Combat Bracelet. It can temporarily store clothes, weapons, books, and more. The interior space can accommodate nearly half a month's worth of Moon River's water. Activation is simple; when you wear the bracelet, your consciousness links with it. Thoughts will automatically guide you to retrieve or store items. I hope you find it enjoyable."
Expressing gratitude, Eric donned the combat bracelet, feeling an immediate connection as he effortlessly stored the magic book and the giant double-bladed axe, verifying the bracelet's promised convenience.
"Thank you for the gifts; I'll make sure to make the most of them," Eric said with a smile.
"Thus concludes today's preliminary arena matches. May everyone have a pleasant day," Novus's voice echoed in the arena, marking the end of the preliminary rounds. Eric savored his victory, and a relaxed and joyful atmosphere enveloped the entire arena.
After the conclusion, Eric exited the arena, the combat bracelet now containing the newly acquired Flame Eye grimoire and the massive double-bladed axe. His heart was filled with a desire to explore the unknown.
Opening the door, the world outside remained a vast expanse of white snow. The tolling bells signaled the time, just past five o'clock. Eric Stone briskly embarked on the journey back to the Ice Hall.