Using his Rapier as a Staff, Eru Calder returned to his seat and was met by a chorus of voices from his teammates.
"Rapid Thrust was that powerful?"
"You should've ambushed him when he only had the Earth Elemental out."
"You did well. More than well, even..."
The Instructor patted him approvingly with a calloused hand. Eru Calder, who had been feeling a little guilty, remembered that Annan had cast two spells.
"So I succeeded..." He smiled with relief.
But at what cost?
Behind Eru Calder's smile lay nearly two years of tax revenue from his future knightly fief...
"Eru got us off to a good start. The plan stays the same: make him cast spells and drag things out. A Spellcaster's stamina can't compare to ours!"
"But he's a summoner..." one student said hesitantly. "Apart from magic power, all he uses up is saliva."
"Then make him stand until he's tired!"
"Annan, don't underestimate them. Anyone who's made it this far is either the descendant of a Legendary figure or the heir to one of the Ancient Families. They may be hiding their strength too."
Eru Calder's final burst had frightened Vice Dean Boris, whose voice trembled as he warned Annan.
He was about to say more when several guards came to the Contestant seats. After saying a few words, they took Annan away.
In a lounge at the Gladiator Arena, two Ceremonial Affairs Department Officials sat behind a table and rebuked him sternly. "You've filled the Championship Tournament with the stench of money."
Looks like the Ceremonial Affairs Department is stepping in...
Annan lowered his head in shame. "I'm sorry, but I really need the money..."
The female official's gaunt cheeks gave her a severe look, but her expression softened considerably. "You made a mess of the