Windsor's strength surpassed everyone's expectations.
"A true magician-level powerhouse is terrifying. A knight apprentice cannot completely resist the power of intermediate-level magic," they murmured in awe.
"Bourne's loss is not surprising. Even if Ferranstu had not been defeated by tactics, he would have had no chance against Windsor."
"Hey, among the fifth-grade students, Luciel is the only one left with any hope."
"I'm afraid Luciel won't be able to do it either. Windsor has already said that even if Luciel reaches the third level of swordsmanship, she won't be able to break her magic shield. Luciel is still only at the third level of swordsmanship."
The students of the Knight Academy sighed and shook their heads, while the Magic Academy cheered.
Windsor was the most powerful genius at the School of Magic and the idol of many students there.
After defeating Byrne, Windsor stepped down immediately. She wanted to replenish her magic and mental energy, which had been consumed in her battle with Byrne. This was to ensure she remained at her peak and ready to play again, which was allowed by the rules of the competition.
Ferranstu's defeat had been significant.
"This is a chance for a comeback, and we cannot let it slip," the students of the Knight Academy muttered in despair.
If Windsor had chosen to rotate out and use her remaining magic in turns, maybe Luciel could have had a slim chance. But now, that hope was dashed.
The Magic Academy introduced another petite and beautiful girl, a ninth-level apprentice magician, who was second only to Windsor in the group of those who had yet to play.
At the Knight Academy, however, Ferranstu and Byrne, both ninth-level masters, had been defeated. Luciel was now their only hope.
"Then I'll come," Luciel said calmly as he stood up, his sword in hand.
Luciel's appearance caused a stir. Everyone was focused on this battle, especially since it was Luciel's first fight.
"Wind spirit wandering between heaven and earth, heed my call..." The girl hastily began her chant.
Her incantation was quick, and in just a few breaths, wind blades formed in front of her.
A smile appeared on the girl's face as she prepared to search for Luciel's figure. However, she heard a low voice from the audience and looked up in alarm. Luciel had already closed the distance, now less than ten steps away from her.
Frightened, the girl threw the wind blades at Luciel and quickly retreated.
But the wind blades missed, and Luciel's figure vanished.
Panicking, the girl frantically searched for him. At that moment, Luciel silently appeared behind her.
With a swift motion, he raised his sword with the hilt facing down and struck her with the flat side.
"Thud!"
The air seemed to shimmer, and then the hilt of Luciel's sword hovered calmly in front of the girl's face, barely ten centimeters from her nose.
Her face turned pale in shock, completely frozen by the encounter.
Luciel smiled faintly, sheathing his sword before stepping back.
The silence of the court was broken by a burst of exclamations.
"Wow! Luciel's speed is unbelievable, at least twice as fast as Ferranstu!"
"His power is insane! He can break through the magic shield of a ninth-level apprentice magician just with the hilt of his sword!"
"He's crushing them effortlessly!"
The students of the Knight Academy marveled at Luciel's incredible strength, while those from the Magic Academy couldn't help but admire his graceful retreat after defeating the girl.
"Luciel is such a gentleman, so handsome!"
"This is what nobility really looks like!"
"Even knights can be this elegant, just like Luciel."
"I adore Luciel! He's the perfect match for anyone!"
The girl, who had been defeated by Luciel, blushed deeply. "My name is Noya. Thank you for showing mercy," she said quietly, stealing a glance at Luciel before quickly exiting the stage.
The students of the Knight Academy were groaning again, feeling the sting not just from Luciel's victory, but from the fact that even Noya seemed to have fallen for him.
Luciel had chosen to continue battling, now on a roll.
Two victories.
Three victories.
Four victories.
...
Five straight wins, and it was clear that Luciel was dominating the show.
His speed was unmatched, and the kite-flying tactics of his opponents were useless. The moment he reached them, it was over.
No magic could touch him, and his strength was overwhelming.
Each blow to the magic shield felt like popping a bubble—no shield could withstand Luciel's strikes.
And the most remarkable thing? Luciel's calm demeanor. After five battles, his expression remained unchanged, as if he wasn't even winded.
He moved effortlessly, a perfect blend of power and elegance, like a sword encrusted with gems glinting in the sunlight.
The girls from the Magic Academy, who had always admired him, were now completely smitten. Their fascination with Luciel grew to new heights, and he was nearly overwhelmed by the barrage of admiration coming from the crowd.
Even as the Magic Academy continued to lose, their cheers never ceased.
Soon, only one person remained from the Magic Academy: a girl with a flushed face. She had been waiting in the audience for her turn to face Luciel.
Before she could run to the stage, however, someone stopped her.
"Let me handle this," Windsor said coldly, standing up with a neutral expression on her beautiful face.
The tension in the air became palpable.
If Windsor stepped in, did Luciel still have a chance?
"I've heard of you. You're certainly better than Byrne and Ferranstu," Windsor said without hesitation, drawing her staff. Ice magic elements began to condense in front of her.
"But you will still lose."
With a sharp command, dozens of ice cones shot out from Windsor's staff, racing toward Luciel.
The crowd's eyes widened.
Instant Ice Cones!
Windsor was hiding her full strength!