The "leading figures" of the six major wizarding factions were all third-level wizards, but this did not mean that there were only six third-level wizards in this competition.
In fact, both the Thunder Council and the Crimson Tower, as well as the Black Swamp and Molten Lake, had more than one third-level wizard genius.
They were also the focus of this competition, and compared to their faction's "leading figures," they were only slightly less powerful and talented.
When the first third-level wizard genius took the stage, the atmosphere became truly lively, and the discussions sparked by Ronan earlier quickly subsided.
The duels between second-level wizards were not the main attraction of this competition; the real challenge lay in the strength of the members above the third level from each faction.
The first round of thirty matches lasted from the brilliant starry night until dawn, reaching its climax when two third-level wizard geniuses faced off prematurely.
One side of the duel was a third-level wizard genius from the Black Swamp named "Gattuso." This person seemed to have been well-known for a long time, with a significant reputation among the second-level wizards of several major factions. Ronan constantly heard people around him mention various aspects of Gattuso.
Gattuso's opponent was the top genius of the Silver Ring—"Four-Colored Metal" Orion.
The originally separate four dueling platforms were now entirely occupied by countless blue glows emanating from one of the platforms.
These pale blue glows differed from the feel of ice spells, instead resembling the phosphorescent flames found in graveyards. They hovered above the dueling platforms, and their every movement brought a strong sense of unease.
Gattuso, clad in a black robe with a deep, shadowy aura, stood amidst the countless blue glows. He held a strangely shaped black staff in his right hand, resembling a dried, skinned six-legged lizard.
The almost ceaseless stream of blue glows seemed to emanate from the eyes of the lizard corpse on this peculiar staff.
"Curse of the Spirits!"
Gattuso uttered strange spell syllables, and under his control, the countless blue glows in the sky rushed madly toward a central spot in the battlefield.
There stood Orion, tall and composed, his light golden hair flowing like light. He was surrounded by a massive energy field that coalesced into a giant green crystal, enveloping him in a near-tangible radiant glow.
"Four-Color—Emerald Crystal!"
"Boom, boom, boom—"
The multitude of blue glows continuously struck the enormous green energy crystal, producing a series of dull and clear sounds but failing to penetrate its surface.
Orion exuded a powerful aura, his expression calm as he steadily advanced toward Gattuso against the tide of blue glows.
Gattuso's eyes darkened, and upon realizing his spells couldn't break Orion's defense, he immediately waved his staff, releasing a torrent of mysterious, eerie energy from his body, forming a vast and terrifying domain.
The countless blue glows in the sky ceased their assault on Orion, transitioning from extreme motion to extreme stillness, descending into an eerie calm.
Orion seemed to sense something, halting his steps and glancing upward.
In the next moment, Gattuso, enveloped in the domain's energy, pointed a finger at Orion, his eyes bursting with terrifying blue light.
"One-Stage Domain Resonance, Tigran's Dread—Soul-Eater Fish!"
Suddenly, the countless still blue glows transformed into a massive, turbulent vortex. This vortex seemed real, even spewing cold liquid.
A thick aura of decay and decline emanated from the vortex, and vast patches of void turned black, as if a massive, decaying black swamp were rapidly spreading.
Orion raised his hand, and the giant green crystal protecting him lit up. But before he could act...
"Roar—"
A terrifying ancient roar echoed through the void, and from the enormous blue vortex, a ferocious ancient piranha shot out.
The ancient, savage, primal aura filled the arena instantly. The massive, decayed, semi-phantom piranha, revealing its ghastly white bones, opened its mouth wide and swallowed Orion whole!
But before the spectators could react with shock, the massive ancient piranha's domain image exploded.
"Boom!"
The decayed, ruinous ancient aura was instantly swept away by another overwhelmingly powerful domain. The enormous blue vortex in the sky shattered, and the black swamp broke apart.
Blinding red light swept everything aside, and Orion, encased in a massive red crystal, reappeared.
At this moment, Orion's entire body radiated dazzling light, with red-gold flames flowing over him like lava. Countless powerful domain energies intertwined, melting and tearing everything apart.
"Four-Color—Molten Crystal!"
Orion raised his hand.
Countless sword-like sharp crystal pillars sprouted from the red crystal around him, piercing through layers of void to rest against Gattuso's forehead in an instant.
"..."
Gattuso stood rigidly, his body stiffening, his already pale cheeks paling further, with fine beads of sweat seeping out.
His expression shifted dramatically, showing reluctance, but faced with the spell crystal spikes that could pierce his head in the next second, he ultimately...
Gave up resistance.
His aura dissipated like a receding tide, leaving Gattuso looking dejected. His staff fell heavily, and he spoke softly, "I lost."
The arena fell silent for a moment before erupting in a wave of commotion and discussion.
The confrontation between the third-level wizards ended with Orion's victory.
Orion, having become the center of attention by defeating a peer, did not immediately leave the stage. Instead, he cast a sharp, blade-like gaze toward the Thunder Council's high-seated Jupiter.
Jupiter responded calmly, their gazes clashing, as if invisible sparks flew through the air.
Then, Orion turned and left the stage.
"Is this the so-called 'Metal and Element Fusion Spell'?"
Below the stage, Ronan quietly watched the battle between Orion and Gattuso, a thoughtful expression on his face.
This was Ronan's first time witnessing a duel between third-level wizards, and it left him with many thoughts.
A one-stage domain resonance, at the second-level wizard's realm, was quite impressive and often decisive in battle.
But at the third level, the power of a one-stage domain resonance seemed somewhat "insufficient."
No, to be precise, the power of a one-stage domain resonance derived from low-level spells appeared "weak" at the third-level wizard's tier.
Domains themselves have no hierarchical rank, but the spells that derive them do vary in strength.
For example, the one-stage domain resonance Gattuso last used—Tigran's Dread—Soul-Eater Fish.
If Ronan wasn't mistaken, it likely derived from the first-level dark spell "Soul of the Piranha."
A simple first-level dark spell, its effect was to summon a phantom piranha to gnaw at the opponent. When reaching a one-stage domain resonance, it revealed the visage of an ancient piranha. If used against second-level wizards, its power would be formidable, unbeatable.
But in the context of third-level wizard duels, this move dropped a notch.
Third-level spells inherently possess dozens or even hundreds of times the power of first-level spells. Even if the latter develops a one-stage domain power, it merely levels the playing field. If the former's proficiency is equally high and also develops extraordinary domain power, it still holds an overwhelming advantage.
Moreover, the third-level spell Orion used wasn't an ordinary third-level spell but a complex, sophisticated third-level composite spell.
Gattuso's loss was inevitable, at least in terms of spell comprehension; he fell short of Orion by more than a step.
"So, is my focus on practicing low-level spells mistaken? After all, all the extraordinary domain powers I have mastered are derived from zero-level spells, not even first-level.
As my strength continues to grow, these methods will only gradually be phased out."
Ronan pondered quietly, twisting the space ring on his left ring finger.
This was a little habit of his, unconsciously done while thinking, seemingly to better spark inspiration.
"No, it's not wrong; it's simply another developmental path, another specialized choice."
Ronan stopped fiddling with the ring, his gaze calming, having found his answer.
"If Gattuso had comprehended not a one-stage domain resonance but a two-stage, the outcome against Orion might have been different."
"He lost because his understanding of domains wasn't deep enough."
"If a one-stage resonance's power isn't enough, then aim for two-stage; if two-stage isn't enough, strive for three-stage... Additionally, there's the overlaying of multiple domains, the fusion of different domains.
Even above extraordinary domain power, there are higher, stronger realms!"
"Who says zero-level entry spells can't one day rival forbidden spells?"
Ronan realized that abandoning the domain powers he had painstakingly comprehended to pursue high-level spells would be truly foolish.
Of course, this doesn't mean Ronan will always rely on low-level spells to "conquer the world."
As his level increases, updating spells and learning high-level spells is inevitable; it's just a matter of whether they suit him and are worth the effort to master.
This involves each individual's combat style and the construction of their spell system.
"A wizard's growth inherently involves continually optimizing and adjusting their combat system."
Choosing different spell combinations to build the most suitable combat system, one that maximizes combat effectiveness, is also where a wizard's talent and creativity shine.
Ronan's contemplation, although not altering his strength, clarified his path, solidifying his goals, and providing a form of advancement.
Kirstie was right; watching such large-scale genius competitions greatly broadens a wizard's perspective.
And experience is one of the decisive factors in determining how far a wizard can go in the future.
"Gattuso was once the top genius of Black Swamp, but after being defeated by Anglair, and now losing to Orion, he's become the first third-level wizard to be eliminated.
After this, his reputation will likely suffer greatly."
Clemens quietly informed Ronan.
Ronan looked up, seeing Gattuso, post-defeat, slowly return to Black Swamp's faction, exuding an aura of unapproachability.
Some close to him seemed to attempt comfort but were driven away by a single look.
Gattuso sat in an ignored corner, becoming a somber shadow.
Some shine bright; others fall from grace.
Such is reality.
The first round concluded by the second day's dusk.
Without pause, the second round began immediately.
Of the sixty competitors, half remained in the second round, with the Silver Ring having only three left: Orion, Ronan, and another late second-level Silver Ring wizard.
Caroni and Archido, the leading figures, showed little change in expression.
The Silver Ring's strength among the six factions wasn't particularly strong, and given its unique heritage, this outcome was within their expectations.
For this competition, the Silver Ring's focus was primarily on Orion's performance.
As for the others, it all depended on luck.
Ronan had been lucky in the first round, facing a Black Swamp wizard not particularly outstanding, but his luck seemed to have run out in the second round.
It could even be considered unfortunate.
The remaining soul streams in the colorful orb collided, and two beams fell—one on Ronan, the other on a plant-based wizard from the Palace of Thorns.
The latter was of medium build, with a fair, delicate baby face, seemingly ordinary in appearance.
Yet the mental energy he emitted... was unmistakably that of a third-level wizard!
"Damien Ando."
The leading figure of this generation in the Palace of Thorns and one of the few seeded players in this competition.
Many had heard Damien's name, including some veteran third-level wizards from various factions.
Seeing Ronan's opponent as Damien, Caroni specifically called Ronan over before he stepped onto the stage, earnestly advising him.
"Damien, just do your best; there's no need to force a win."
Ronan nodded, indicating he understood, then calmly turned to take the stage.
"It seems he didn't take your words to heart..."
Archido observed keenly, unable to help but comment, "What do you think his chances are against Damien?"
"If he activates his bloodline power, he has a chance even against third-level Damien.
But just how much chance he has to win..."
Caroni pondered, ultimately unable to make an accurate judgment, shaking his head, "It's hard to say."