The competition grounds.
It was slightly cool today.
The entire area had long since gathered an immense amount of elemental power under the influence of the core disciples' battles.
Even at the edge, one could almost feel that scorching heat.
Within the arena.
Ian and Cade stared at each other.
As soon as the referee announced the start, their mental power surged into action, and vast elemental power rapidly gathered as well.
Within the span of a breath.
Dozens of fireballs shot toward Cade, moving so quickly that only streaks of flame could be seen.
The area they covered stretched for several hundred meters.
"This!"
Cade's eyes widened.
Only then did the Bedrock Domain around him unfold. Earth-yellow light gathered and transformed into walls of earth.
The walls, over ten meters tall, were struck by the fireballs in haste. They charred and cracked apart, but they also bought Cade time.
An even larger defensive position instantly condensed, protecting him like a castle.
The fireballs landed upon it.
Feeling the drain on his mental power, Cade's contempt for Ian vanished completely.
Outside, the Wizards watched the scene, which unfolded with lightning speed, and each one held their breath and focused intently.
A Wizard in a yellow Witch Robe stood beside Milo.
"Milo, Kieran's student isn't simple," he said slowly, clicking his tongue in amazement.
"Assam, do you really need to tell me that?"
Milo shot him a sidelong glance, showing no courtesy.
Although the Second Rings held lofty positions, competition between them was even fiercer, and conflicts arose easily.
The Wizard before him had competed against him several times, so the relationship between the two was not very good.
"The spell's power is immense, and its instant-casting speed is even faster than Cade's. Unfortunately, Cade's domain has already unfolded. With his