By the creek, Ethan Hayes and Lisaka locked eyes, their postures tense and wary.
Though Ethan didn't know Lisaka personally, he quickly identified her as a member of the Green Mantis squad. After all, there were only two female participants in this competition: Nebra of the Silver Eagles and Lisaka of the Green Mantis.
Without hesitation, Ethan made the first move.
"Wind Creation Magic: Gale Arrow!"
His grimoire floated by his side, glowing faintly as magic energy condensed into a sharp, fast-moving arrow of wind that streaked toward Lisaka, kicking up dust in its wake. Ethan, mindful of the rules, aimed for her arm instead of a lethal spot.
A massive, water-made arm formed before Lisaka, intercepting the arrow with ease.
"Water Creation Magic: Poseidon's Arm!"
Lisaka's grimoire shimmered as she summoned her spell. Ethan used the distraction to close the distance between them. A blazing sword materialized in his hand as he charged forward without hesitation.
"Fire Creation Magic: Blazing Blade!"
The flaming weapon cut through the air, aiming for Lisaka.
The crowd watching through projection stones gasped. Ethan's boldness shocked many.
"This kid's insane! He's up against one of Green Mantis's best!"
"He's doomed for sure!"
Noble spectators sneered, while commoners quietly cheered for Ethan, feeling their pride tied to his success.
Lisaka didn't retreat either. Her water-based magic extinguished Ethan's fire attacks, turning their clash into a cloud of dense steam.
"Damn," Ethan muttered, annoyed by the elemental disadvantage. "Water's tough against fire, but fire can boil water. Power is the key."
Ethan flipped through his grimoire again, channeling both his attributes. Wind swirled around him, stirring up sand and debris to obscure Lisaka's vision.
"What's he doing?" Lisaka frowned, halting her advance. The swirling winds created a storm, making it impossible to locate Ethan.
"Smart," Lisaka admitted internally. "Rushing in blindly might trigger a trap. I'll wait for an opening."
Ethan grinned in the chaos. "Hesitation is your downfall."
He activated a second spell.
"Wind Creation Magic: Tempest Barrier!"
Walls of wind erupted around Lisaka, forming a massive square that confined her. The crowd was stunned, unsure of his strategy.
"Why trap her? Wouldn't it be better to attack?"
Meanwhile, Ethan's other hand burned with magic power. He flipped to a fire spell in his grimoire.
"Fire Creation Magic: Overlord's Wheel!"
A brilliant light shone overhead.
Lisaka instinctively glanced upward, followed by the crowd and even the Wizard King.
"What is he summoning?"
High above the clouds, a fiery mass began descending—a colossal flaming wheel spinning with violent force. Its intense heat and pressure caused the windstorm to scatter.
The nobles who had scoffed at Ethan earlier now stared wide-eyed in disbelief. The crowd of commoners erupted in cheers.
"That's... that's a natural disaster!"
Even the Wizard King leaned forward, intrigued. "So, this is the Natural Magic he mentioned."
The Overlord's Wheel descended with the power of a sun, its flames roaring like an unstoppable tide. Lisaka's face turned grim. For the first time, she realized she had underestimated Ethan Hayes.