"Cobalt Strike, Adirich, to battle!" Adirich boldly stepped onto the stage, eager to seize victory and secure a third win for Cobalt Strike.
But as soon as he set foot, Myke scoffed from below: "Fool!"
Nikulas chuckled. "Indeed, a bit foolish."
"What do you mean by that?" Adirich turned, his face darkening.
"See for yourself." Nikulas gestured towards the opposite side of the dueling arena, where a young maiden in blue garb took the stage, her presence fierce. "The Stellar Precepts, Inga, accepts the challenge."
Roald and the others glanced at Adirich, exasperated. "Couldn’t he think ahead? Cobalt Strike had just triumphed in two consecutive battles, basking in glory; would the others stand by idly? The third bout was bound to bring forth top-tier heirs. It would have been wiser for us to hold back, or to send forth a Golden Protégé. But there he goes, showing off."
The five Elders of Cobalt Strike frowned, questioning why Adirich was sent forth. Even if not a Golden Protégé, Mariela should have been the choice.
Seeing the challenger, Adirich's expression shifted; he knew of The Stellar Precepts, and Inga held a status equivalent to Cobalt Strike's Golden Protégé.
But now that he was on stage, could he retreat?
"To arms!" Adirich charged at Inga, his Combat Magic of ‘poison’ giving him confidence in victory.
However, within mere moments, Adirich was blasted off the platform by Inga, falling unconscious. It was a crushing defeat, embarrassingly direct.
The Elders of Cobalt Strike could barely watch, their faces stern and silent.
"The third battle, The Stellar Precepts, Inga, emerges victorious!" the marshal of the arena declared with emphasis.
"Who's next?" Roald asked, face grim.
"No rush, we’ve got time." Felis and the others remained composed.
The atmosphere in The Arena continued to burn hot. Protégés from various Factions took turns entering the fray, clashing with Combat Magic, testing their resolve, each striving to showcase their brilliance.
Some battles were decided in an instant, others ended with a graceful surrender after a fierce duel, and some raged on until both combatants were grievously wounded.
Passion flared within all the Protégés; none shrank back, and none brought shame upon their Factions.
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