"Nonsense!"

In response to Oliver's words, Derick let out a resounding shout and forcefully slammed his foot onto the ground.

A thunderous impact resonated, as the mana coalescing within his foot materialized into a potent spell, igniting a colossal inferno.

[Shadow Spike]

Boom!!

In the face of Derick's ferocious oncoming flame attack, Oliver conjured a shadow stake that nullified its advance.

Unwavering, he remained rooted in place without making a single movement from the very beginning.

Once again, the spectators marveled at his remarkable prowess. However, Derick, undeterred, swiftly retaliated by hurling a fireball that forcefully pushed Oliver back.

Determined to silence Derick's assault once more, Oliver sought to employ the shadow stake. Yet, this time, Derick acted with swiftness. Seizing remote control over the mana, he triggered the detonation of the fireball in mid-air.

Boom!!!

The fireball burst forth in a dazzling display of brilliant flames and searing heat. Inertia propelled the resultant flames and heat toward Oliver, scattering them widely.

Impressive.

The ability to command such expansive attacks, exerting control over the battlefield, was one of the captivating aspects of fire magic.

It appeared that Derick's skills had undergone improvement, likely due to his active participation in Kevin's lessons.

To defend himself, Oliver harnessed the emotions, expanding them like a swirling black mist to create a protective barrier. This barrier successfully deflected the onslaught of flames and heat.

Had the flames been manipulated by mana, blocking them in this manner would have proven challenging. However, given their lack of concentration, Oliver managed to withstand the assault through sheer resilience.

If he controlled the flames with mana instead of just sending sparks, it would have been hard to block a bit disappointing huh?'

Oliver paused.

In a sudden realization, Derick breathed new vitality into the dying embers of the fireball's explosion by infusing them with mana, just as they teetered on the edge of fading into oblivion. With an assertive command, he seized control of the flames.

Impressive.

The fundamental principle of fire magic lay in harnessing every flicker, refusing to squander even the tiniest flame and instead repurposing it. Yet, putting this principle into action was a different challenge altogether.

In that moment, Derick's efforts were made evident.

As a testament to his dedication, the vanishing flames transformed into a menacing force, coiling around Oliver in a serpentine fashion, following a distinct path.

Good, good. Very impressive. He's planning to cover everything and burn it all, huh.'

Observing the burning emotional particles, Oliver contemplated his options.

He earnestly desired to withstand the onslaught in its current state. However, the insufficiency in both the quality and quantity of emotions made it appear exceedingly challenging.

As expected, the difference in ingredients is severe, producing the same output as Marie is tough um, does it matter? I've learned that I can at least imitate it. Now, how do I escape'

As Oliver observed the encroaching net of fire, closing in on him from all sides, thoughts raced through his mind.

It wasn't that there weren't any ways out.

He could whip forth the shadow tentacles, swiftly neutralizing the flames themselves. Alternatively, he could tap into the mana stored within his own body, corroding the existing fire magic and seizing control over it.

It wasn't a matter of underestimating Derick, but rather, Oliver knew that he possessed the capability to effortlessly take command at this level.

Compared to Professor Kevin and Lady Bathory um, but I want to try something else. Opportunities to compete with a wizard like this aren't common.'

Thinking this, Oliver pulled out a test tube from his pocket.

A test tube filled with emotions greed and hunger.

Oliver opened the vial and simultaneously extracted all the emotions contained within it, invoking his black magic.

[Voracity]

The swirling emotions within Oliver's grasp undulated like dark wisps of smoke, blending with the particulate emotions that encased the flames from all directions, gradually assuming a tangible shape.

Dozens of toothless mouths materialized.

Inspired by the menacing visage of the Meat Hammer, its appearance was surprisingly impressive.

"!!"

"Ah!!"

"Ugh."

However, it became evident that the spectators held a different perspective, as a considerable portion of them expressed repulsion and terror.

Nevertheless, the efficacy of black magic remained undeniable.

The mouths expanded, forming a barrier, greedily devouring the flames akin to a ravenous infant. As a result, the flames' momentum noticeably dwindled compared to their initial ferocity.

With the situation unfolding in this manner, it became evident that the advantage was gradually shifting in Oliver's favor.

Derick, too, comprehended this fact.

KYAAYAAAYAYAYAYAYAA!!!

Recognizing that a straightforward clash between regular magic and black magic would not result in victory, Derick swiftly adjusted his approach.

Utilizing size-reduction magic, he retrieved a shrunken longsword from his pocket and unleashed a swift slash towards the toothless mouths conjured by Oliver. As the mouths shrieked and dissipated, Derick seized the flames that had not yet been absorbed, enveloping his sword with their fiery essence.

The scene evoked memories of Willes, yet the disparity in their powers was unmistakable.

Despite this, Oliver remained rooted in the same position as he had been from the beginning.

He hadn't budged an inch.

Witnessing this, Derick experienced a mixture of anger and disdain, fueling his determination as he charged fiercely at Oliver.

"When will you stop being so leisurely-"

[Shadow Spike]

CHONG CHONG ZHA ZHA ZHANG!!!

As Derick poised to strike with his sword, just two steps away from Oliver, a flurry of shadow stakes erupted like a swift black flash, targeting every part of Derick's body.

Legs, belly, chest, neck, face, arms, armpitsthe stakes aimed everywhere.

Derick momentarily froze with fear, while Oliver stood firm in his original position, observing Derick intently.

The momentum Derick had built from his previous attack was completely shattered.

It seemed like the end. Typically, in such a situation, most people would give up on continuing the fight.

Oliver was prepared to retract the shadow stakes and conclude the battle, but to his surprise, Derick reignited his broken momentum and launched another assault on Oliver.

Compressing the flames on his sword, Derick sliced through Oliver's shadow stakes.

Then, he charged at Oliver once again.

It was truly impressive.

Reviving shattered momentum was no easy feat.

At least, Oliver had never witnessed such resilience before.

With admiration for Derick's unwavering determination, Oliver employed [Thrust] to push him back with a powerful shockwave. Without wasting any time, Oliver swiftly followed up with an attack using shadow tentacles, creating distance between them.

Derick, although not on the same level as Willes, demonstrated his exceptional swordsmanship by cutting off all of Oliver's shadow tentacles.

CHA ZHA!

CHUK!!

CHA ZHAK!

CHANG!!

"!"

Suddenly, a distinct sound caught Derick's attention, causing him to look in surprise at his sword and the intact shadow tentacles.

The sound was the result of concentrating emotions to enhance their intensity.

Oliver ensnared Derick with his fortified shadow tentacles, and as soon as Derick grasped the situation, he tapped into the maximum mana within his being, generating multiple large whirlwinds inside the arena.

However, the display didn't end there.

[Blaze]

Utilizing the flames enshrouding his blade as a foundation, Derick once again conjured a massive inferno, merging it with the whirlwinds. It was akin to the technique he previously employed, adjusting the air density to create a colossal explosion. The difference now was that, instead of delivering a momentary burst of power, the whirlwinds fused with the flames, generating an even more intense blaze that engulfed the stadium.

The rapidly intensifying heat and flames posed a significant threat, prompting Oliver to swiftly swing his quarterstaff, dispersing the encroaching flames before they reached a critical threshold.

Chyaaaang!

A shockwave accompanied by scorching flames reverberated throughout the arena.

The audience, initially stunned, marveled and gasped as they witnessed the spectacle. They were captivated not only by Derick's ability to conjure a potent flame utilizing whirlwinds but also by Oliver's remarkable skill in neutralizing it with a single strike.

Yet, the spectacle was far from over.

Despite his lethal attack being thwarted, Derick remained composed. He swiftly gathered the scattered flames, not only on his blade but also enveloping his entire body, transforming into an armored figure of fire.

This was an advanced technique commonly seen in elemental magic, requiring a profound understanding of the magic and a corresponding level of skill.

Having successfully accomplished this feat, Derick harnessed mana and heat as his energy, rapidly advancing towards Oliver.

[Black Suit]

Kwaaaang!

Oliver surrounded himself and his quarterstaff with Black Suit to face it.

I will burn you entirely!!!

Derick, having clashed his blade with Oliver's quarterstaff, unleashed a detonation of flames engulfing his body and bellowed with an intense aura of murderous intent. He transformed into a living inferno, determined to incinerate Oliver.

But Oliver refused to remain idle.

[Voracity.]

Infusing an emotion into the Black Suit enshrouding his quarterstaff, Oliver unleashed the second Voracity.

The slender black veil that draped the quarterstaff morphed into numerous toothless mouth-like entities, voraciously consuming the flames once more.

The power output of this display was incomparable to the first one.

Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop. Chop.

The flames, bereft of their momentum, faltered against the mouth-like entities, plunging Derick into despair once more.

It felt as though he was facing an insurmountable barrier.

Yet, his indomitable will refused to surrender, pushing him to attempt a tactical retreat and regroup.

However, Oliver had other plans.

"Huh?!"

Derick exclaimed, his gaze fixed on his immovable feet.

Like clinging weeds, Oliver's shadow had ensnared him, tightly gripping his legs and refusing to release its hold.

In his surprise, Derick attempted to shake off the shadow, but he found himself locked in a stalemate with Oliver, lacking the strength to break free.

Meanwhile, the mouths Oliver had conjured greedily devoured Derick's flames, swallowing them whole.

Vulnerable and defenseless, Derick clenched his teeth and swung his longsword at Oliver, but his strike was deflected by Oliver's quarterstaff.

"Throw up."

Tung!

At Oliver's command, the mouths that had consumed the flames expelled them, triggering a powerful explosion.

Unable to withstand the force of the blast, Derick lost his grip on his sword, leaving him defenseless. Seizing the opportunity, Oliver thrust his quarterstaff towards Derick.

It wasn't a forceful thrust, merely making contact.

And then, Oliver cast a spell.

[Deep Sleep]

Along with Oliver's spell, the black magic lingering at the end of the quarterstaff infiltrated Derick's body, and Derick fell into sleep consumed by despair.

Oliver carefully supported him and laid him gently on the ground.

Regardless of victory or defeat, Oliver admired Derick. He had done very well.

He had become incomparably stronger since their first fight, and his heart was stronger too.

[The winner is Daveeeeee!!!]

Shamus announced the winner loudly as soon as the fight ended.

The magical barrier encircling the arena was retracted, and Oliver exited the arena.

The party guests clapped their hands joyfully and heartily towards Oliver, while the Tower students quickly came up to check Derick's condition.

"You did a great job."

Jane approached Oliver who had descended to the ground of the arena.

She not only neatly kept the coat Oliver had entrusted to her, but she also directly draped it over Oliver.

"Ah, thank you."

"Thank you is always my part. It was a great fight. Really."

"That's right. You were amazing!"

"Yes, really! It's quite understandable that you're the leader of the Fighter Crew."

"Ah, thank you. But, about-"

"-I'm not the type to say things like this often, but it was a great match. It's embarrassing to see a Tower student pushed so hard."

Shamus brought a truckload of people and said this.

His words were sincere, not flattery.

Although Oliver had a lot he wanted to dispute, he first asked about what concerned him the most.

"Embarrassed?"

"Yes, that guy Derick was charging in as if he was going to cry, but you just stood in your place and dealt with him, right? Moreover, you didn't even counterattack properly, as if you found it amusing."

Everyone gathered around Oliver agreed with the sentiment.

"No, that's not what I meant. I didn't move because there was no need to, not because I found it amusing. Rather-"

"-Did you just hear that? He said there was no need to move! Because he was too weak and pathetic!!"

Shamus burst into laughter and shouted, and everyone else agreed.

They seemed to interpret his actions, intended to gauge how much Derick's skills had improved, as mockery.

It was an absurd situation.

Derick was strong enough, and his skills had improved More importantly, Oliver had no right to ridicule Derick at all.

Oliver tried to explain this, but because of Shamus, no one listened, and when he tried to explain to the Tower students, they had already disappeared.

A throbbing headache came on. The party was fun, but it seemed like he would have to restrain himself in the future.

Shamus put his arm familiarly on Oliver's shoulder and said,

"I had fun watching a duel after a long time. I'm very satisfied. Let's go back to the party and have a drink. It seems like everyone wants to talk to you."

Shamus pointed to the people gathered around Oliver, showing his intent.

Just as Shamus said, the people around Oliver showed a lot of interest in him. Each showing their own intentions and greed.

Oliver thought for a moment, reminding himself of his original purpose, and slipped out of Shamus's arm.

"Huh? What?"

"I'm sorry, but I have something to do."

At Oliver's response, Shamus looked displeased.

But Oliver didn't mind and addressed Jane.

"Miss Jane, can I excuse myself for a moment?"

Everyone's eyes were on Jane, who was taken aback for a moment but quickly regained her composure and answered,

"Yes."

As soon as Oliver heard her answer, he asked for forgiveness from Jane and the surrounding people and walked towards the part of the party where other guests had gathered.

Perhaps because of the fight earlier, the high-ranking guests of Landa made way for him.

Thanks to this, Oliver was able to reach one person without any interference.

"Hello, Mr. Edith. It's been a while. May I have a moment of your time?"

(To be Continued)

OR

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