"Facing the Nine Hell Princess first… Orario's strongest mage?"
A girl's worried voice echoed through the crowd.
"This is bad… Mr. Arthas fights with magic; against Riveria-sama, it's very disadvantageous."
Ryuu, a pure-blooded elf like Riveria, spoke calmly after hearing Syr's worry.
"How…"
Syr wrung her hands, staring intently at the mirror.
Ryuu sighed.
"Frankly, Syr, why do you care so much about this heartless man?"
"Wh… what heartless man! Arthas and I… nothing happened." Syr blushed, then looked at Arthas in the mirror, speaking with admiration.
"I… I really admire Mr. Arthas. He bravely pursues his love."
"Ah… silly girl."
Ryuu hugged Syr, understanding her feelings.
On the thirtieth floor of Babel Tower, Loki spoke triumphantly.
"It seems the first match will end quickly. Arthas recently received magic lessons from Riveria."
"So? The student surpasses the master."
Hestia scoffed.
"No one surpasses Riveria in magic!"
"If I remember correctly… Riveria's three main spell types magic, right?"
A voice echoed through the Gods, drawing everyone's attention.
Freya, the silver-haired Goddess, smiled faintly, attracting everyone's gaze.
"So…?"
Loki stammered, momentarily speechless.
"Nothing… this match might be more exciting than we think."
As Freya finished, the first clash between Riveria and Arthas began.
Mages' battles differed from warriors'; there were no flashy techniques, no sword clashes or brutal fistfights.
Mage battles were elegant and graceful; a clash of magic, a contest of mana reserves, like a captivating nocturne.
Riveria had introduced Arthas to the world of magic, but she didn't underestimate him.
She knew she couldn't match his mana reserves.
She'd use elemental advantage! Fire!
A wave of intense heat emanated from Riveria, further intensifying the already heated atmosphere.
Arthas smiled, shaking his head.
Riveria, you forgot the crucial point: ice and fire don't have inherent advantages; only strength matters!
Responding to Riveria, Arthas raised his hand; the strange fire poker-like staff levitated.
Laughter erupted; compared to Riveria's exquisite staff, Arthas's was crude.
Was this fire poker even a staff?
Ordinary citizens and adventurers laughed, but the Gods in Babel Tower didn't.
Seeing Arthas's staff, their expressions turned strange.
It wasn't a mortal object; that spoke volumes.
Hephaestus looked embarrassed; she'd brought it from the heavens. She didn't know what it was, but it had excellent magical properties, perfect for a staff.
She'd tried to work with it in the heavens but couldn't; the God of Craftsmanship was helpless against this perfect staff material, so she kept it a secret.
Only she knew of its existence; over time, even she'd forgotten it.
Provoked by Arthas, and unable to create a weapon to withstand his magic, she'd remembered it and given it to him.
Explosions erupted in the mirror; Riveria had attacked. Without incantations, she unleashed Blast Spells, engulfing the arena in smoke.
"Incredible destructive power."
"Is the Level 1 adventurer dead?"
"Nine Hell Princess is ruthless! Is their relationship just a rumor?"
The onlookers whispered; Riveria remained vigilant.
She knew her attack was just a probe; Arthas hadn't released his mana.
Once Arthas… releases his… mana…
Riveria's thoughts slowed; she felt a bone-chilling cold, more terrifying than ever before.
You were holding back in our practice matches, Arthas?
The flames and smoke cleared, revealing an unharmed Arthas. He looked up, squinting; the excited audience fell silent; the city was deathly quiet.
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