Original Magic, the epitome of Magic for the practitioners of the craft.

Usually, only those who have attained a high level in both experience and Core formation would even dream of commencing the establishment of their own unique Magic.

Not only did it take a lot of time to develop, but it is said that perfecting one’s Original Magic took a lifetime.

Yet… what was this impossibility that unfolded before me?

All around the stage were thin layers of threads that were nearly beyond detection. This was Kyron’s secret—the reason he had yet to be touched throughout the contest. And, the mere fact that he had already developed Original Magic was enough testament to the fact that I was absolutely no match for him!

“You’re right. So, you did figure it out.” Kuzon remarked with a grin.

He didn’t even try to hide it, and his eyes showed utmost sincerity. This was a reaction only permissible to the strong.

If I was right… then this boy, Kuzon, was already beyond the level of the Third Years in this Academy. If so, what the heck was he doing here?!

Who was he? What was his true identity?!

“Now, then… as promised, I’ll be taking my time with you.” Kuzon made a gesture that indicated he was about to resume our fight.

I felt a sting in my heart.

It was clear to the both of us that I stood no chance. Further engaging in this fight was meaningless. If I chose to blindly keep going, what made me different from the seniors I called idiots.

The ones who were clearly inferior, but kept fighting despite that, I insulted them within myself. Yet, now that it was my turn… I found myself making the same mistakes!

Why?

‘Even though… this is… a fight I’ll lose…’

I gritted my teeth in frustration, feeling annoyed that I had to hold so much back when my entire being screamed at me to go all-out.

If I did, I could probably come out victorious, but it was clear that Kuzon was not serious as well. Could I seriously beat him if he went all-out?

For the first time since I entered the Academy, I was facing a student who was more superior to me in seemingly every way.For him to have developed his Original Magic to this degree, his talent and expert use of Mana had clearly surpassed mine.

His combat Skills were top-tier, and it didn’t even seem like he was going all-out yet.

Kuzon Midas… he seemed like the perfect human, so much so that it scared me!

“No, then… let us—”

“No!” I interrupted the boy’s words, making him halt in his preparation to advance.

Our eyes connected, and his curious gaze showed that he was questioning my words.

“Don’t tell me you’ve lost your nerve already.” He smirked, seeming to taunt me.

I brought my emotions under control, clenching my fist as I saw the thread swirling around me in every direction.

“One move. Let’s end this with one move!” A resolute voice proceeded from my lips.

Kuzon’s eyes bulged slightly, and his condescending smile seemed to fade away.

“You serious?”

I nodded at his question.

There was no point in meaninglessly dragging things on. The wisest choice would be to give up and admit it was my loss, but… since I had become an idiot, I could no longer back down now!

“Yeah! Let’s settle this once and for all!”

With both of us seeming to be in agreement, I bent slightly and relaxed my tensed muscles.

This would be my last shot at Kuzon, most likely a futile attempt, but… I was a sore loser!

‘Huu… I should put on a good show at least!’

Rapidly activating all five of my Mana Cores, I caused a phenomenal amount of mana to burst forth from my body.

BOOOOOMMMM!!!!

The auditorium echoed as a result of the pressure I generated, and the crowd let out gasps.

I felt the ground beneath me vibrate as the floor shattered apart.However, in my current state, I did not need any platform to stand on. The wind hovering around me lifted my body as I floated in mid-air.

Other than the encircling wind, flashes of lightning crackled, the shattered earth surrounding me began rising, combining with a giant bubble of water that was being generated in my front.

Blazing Purple Flames ignited, also magnetizing in the direction of the cluster of elements being formed in my front.

Water. Earth. Fire. Air… and Lightening!

Before everyone, I multi-casted five elements at the same time.

Usually, the combination of these opposing attributes would end in a useless blob, but, thanks to my expert control over Mana, I formed a perfect core at the center which acted as a stabilizer. The elements revolved around it—forming a powerful sphere that caused everything around it to blow away.

BZZTTTZZZZ

WHOOOSSSHHHH

VWUUUUMMMM

KRKKTTTRKKTTR

Multiple sounds emanated from the powerful cluster of Spells in an instant.

Each of these Spells was of the High-Tier Intermediate Level. Combining all five of them caused my offensive capabilities to skip the Highest Rank of Intermediate Level and further into the territory of masters… the Advanced Level!

“Take this!” I grinned in excitement.

My widened eyes watched as Kuzon gave a maniacal expression of shock and anticipation. His large smile told me he was impressed by the product of only a few seconds’ efforts.

That was enough for me!

“Flow!”

I sent the phenomenal cluster of indescribable energy in Kuzon’s direction, watching as it tore apart the whole stage.

WHOOOOOSHHH!!!

Everything in the orb’s path was obliterated as it violently lunged at its target.

‘What will you do, Kuzon!’ My thoughts rang in impatience.

The golden-haired boy stretched out both hands and seemed to call upon the threads that surrounded the arena.

The nearly undetectable threads gathered in a flash, all forming a barrier a short distance from him while receiving my attack.

BOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!

The earth around us shattered, and if not for my triple-layered barrier which I made right on time, the explosion would have affected me too.

Of all the Spells I had ever executed… this was by far the most destructive!