The Imperial Championship had not suffered for the rushed preparations.
In just half a month, it had captured the attention of every academy and every citizen.
These young students who had become elites were the Empire's Geniuses. Solz Magic Academy was the sole exception—or so most Contestants agreed.
Why do we have to study and train our combat arts until we drop, while your spells are so overwhelming and your Elemental Legion is so powerful? Why do you still have to come bully us?
It wasn't as if they had never met Sorcerers. Those Sorcerers either used their charm to swindle people, became honored guests of the Foreign Races, or featured in the romantic escapades sung by Bards. Bloodline Sorcerers all looked like Druids, with no human form to speak of. Gifted Sorcerers awakened to all manner of strange powers...
But what were they supposed to make of a Sorcerer who could summon a Dragon at fourth level?
When the Dragon's Vertical Pupils appeared on the far side of the Portal, the Gladiator Arena fell silent for an instant before erupting in thunderous cheers. Nobles and wealthy spectators who had been maintaining their genteel composure flushed with excitement like Civilians.
Nothing could stop Annan's name from rising to prominence in Tatuun now.
"Looks like the little fellow accepted the gift..."
A soft chuckle sounded inside the Legendary Magic Barrier.
"That idiot... What a waste!"
In the Bel Gordon Knights Academy section, a Contestant clenched his fists. If the man had attacked while transforming into a Dragonman, Annan would never have reacted in time...
Now the last sliver of a chance to beat Annan was gone.
In the Gladiator Arena, Illymoyas's Vertical Pupils settled on the figure opposite Annan. "A clumsy imitation..."
"Is it?"
The burly build, the knotted Dragon