Being an academy under the International Magic Knights Alliance, Hagun Academy was surprisingly large. It had several dome-shaped arenas, each with a 100-meter-diameter battle area and spacious tiered seating.
Ikki Kurogane, having quickly prepared himself, brought Drake to one of the arenas. They learned more about each other along the way.
"Drake-san is from Shinryuu Temple! I’ve always wanted to visit, but I heard outsiders aren’t allowed," Ikki exclaimed.
Drake said, "People misunderstand Shinryuu Temple’s mystery. It’s like an academy; everyone strives for martial arts excellence."
"Amazing..." Ikki said longingly. He sensed Shinryuu Temple’s purity from Drake, unlike Hagun Academy.
They reached the arena and saw Kurono smoking a cigarette.
"You’re slow!" Kurono complained, then saw Ikki. "You’ve met. Satisfied with my arrangements?"
Drake nodded. "Ikki-san is amazing; it was pleasant."
Kurono smiled. "Good. But the test is important; don’t tell me you only made friends and forgot to prepare."
Drake shrugged. "Preparation wouldn’t show my true abilities."
"Confident," Kurono said. "Let’s begin!"
Kurono took Drake to the arena, where several machines were set up. Drake noticed many spectators, including Stella—Kurono’s doing, no doubt. Original content can be found at novel·fire.net
Kurono, unfazed by Drake’s suspicious gaze, said, "Six tests. First, attack the target with all your strength."
Drake stood in the arena, arms outstretched, muttering, "Roar! Fafnir!"
Light appeared on his left arm; dragon-scale plates covered his hand and forearm. It was a ferocious armguard; his fingers were like claws; his forearm and elbow had sharp spikes. The black armguard’s patterns resembled flowing magma.
He continued, "And... awaken! Siegfried!"
Armor appeared on his right arm; this silver armguard was square and ornate, like a noble knight’s.
Kurono smiled. "His inherent spiritual armor! Fafnir and Siegfried? Interesting. What kind of conflicting soul creates this armor?"
Inherent spiritual armor was unique to this world. Sword masters transformed their souls into physical forms, manifesting them through magic. Legendary swords, spears, and blades were spiritual armor.
The armor’s appearance reflected the owner’s soul. Like wands for mages, sword masters needed their spiritual armor to unleash their full power.
Spiritual armor could be in a fantasy state, causing no real damage, only reducing stamina. The International Magic Knights Alliance forbade using real spiritual armor unless licensed. Even fantasy spiritual armor was only allowed in arenas.
Drake’s armor was a two-piece set: Fafnir (left) and Siegfried (right). The names came from the Nibelungenlied; Fafnir was a giant who transformed into a dragon to protect the Rhinegold ring. Siegfried slew Fafnir, gaining immortality and the title of Dragon Knight.
Drake’s dragon power and desire to slay a black dragon created this armor.
Drake attacked the target.
"Fire Dragon’s Iron Fist!"
His left armguard opened slightly; flames erupted as if a dragon roared within. The flames engulfed the target.
Kurono looked at the screen; the numbers soared, surpassing A-rank instantly. This test showed attack power, magic power, and control. Drake was clearly an A-rank sword master.
The attack only brightened the black armguard’s patterns; Drake was calm.
Kurono said, "Next test—defense—if you don’t need a rest."
Drake nodded and went to the next machine.
Kurono told the operator, "No wasting time; start at B-rank."
Magic power was important because it represented destiny. High-magic sword masters could defend against attacks with their surface magic. Stella didn’t need to worry about attacks below D-rank.
This is why high-level sword masters could influence wars. Modern weapons were like toys to them. Even nuclear weapons might not work against them.
Drake was the same; starting at the lowest level was a waste of time.
The operator hesitated but pressed the button. An energy beam struck Drake’s chest; he didn’t flinch.
"Increase output!" Kurono ordered.
Drake felt the increase but remained unfazed.
"A-rank!" the operator reported.
Kurono ignored him. "Increase it; let’s see his limit!"
The energy increased; sparks flew from Drake’s body—his overflowing magic manifesting as flames.
The machine smoked. "Principal, we’ve reached the limit."
Kurono scolded, "What nonsense? He’s fine!"
"The machine reached its limit; continuing is dangerous!"
Kurono sighed. "Stop it! The newest machine reaches its limit before him!"
She turned to the others. "Prepare for the next test!"
"Magic Power Test, begin!"
Kurono saw the almost-broken meter; it was expected.
"Magic Control Test!"
Drake used magic to shape clay into a lifelike dragon.
Drake pressed the button ten times; the machine generated ten random marks; matching marks determined the result.
"Physical Ability Test!"
Drake completed all the tests without magic.
Kurono looked at Drake’s results. "A monster!"
Even she, a former world-ranked third, rarely saw such data. The six-dimensional chart was astonishing.
Ability: Concept Interference - Fire Dragon
Inherent Spiritual Armor: Fafnir & Siegfried
for more advance Chapters visit /bars45.
For 10$- All advance Chapters.