"Watch closely, Yukino." In Sabertooth's spectator section, Sting leaned against the railing with mild interest, teasing Yukino as she stood beside him with her eyes fixed on the field below. "This is a fight featuring the man you admire most. You can't miss a match this good, one that'll show his true strength firsthand~ Right, Orga?" He directed that last question at Black Lightning Orga, who stood on his other side.
"Hmph, boring! He's just a washed-up member of the Ten Wizard Saints. There's nothing worth watching." Orga snorted disdainfully, then glanced at Rufus, who was watching the field below just as intently as Yukino, and scoffed. "If that guy hadn't happened to counter Rufus's Memory Make Magic so perfectly, how could Rufus possibly have lost that contest to someone of his caliber?"
"I don't remember ever saying that." Rufus raised a hand to the brim of his broad hat, his expression calm and his gaze never leaving Achill down on the field. "Just watch quietly, Orga. My memory tells me that man isn't nearly as simple as you imagine."
Even if my magic was completely countered, that doesn't necessarily mean it was an elemental disadvantage! It could also have been sheer strength! Gazing at that proud, upright figure, Rufus silently reflected, If the gap in strength is too great, it can produce the same absolute suppression as an elemental advantage! No, it should be far more terrifying than a mere elemental advantage—
Just like when I faced him...
At that thought, a trace of lingering fear flashed through his eyes. But Rufus would not voice his thoughts, because he knew that only undeniable facts could shake the convictions his arrogant companions had already formed.
Meanwhile, several pairs of eyes watched from the shadows, each carrying a different meaning, never