Within the six major academies, even a student of Sequence 4, when compared to the elite agents of Sequence 5 from high-rank firms and organizations outside, would not be significantly weaker. In fact, they might even be able to challenge those of a higher sequence. The reason this was not apparent in the winter tournament was simply that their opponents were similarly top students cultivated with abundant resources by other elite academies.
After both sides were ready, the host officially announced, "The match begins!"
"Roar——" The Black Lion suddenly roared, its voice so powerful it was almost visible to the naked eye, sweeping across the ground in front like a violent wind.
Under the impact of this sonic wave and gust, Lian Shan pivoted on her feet, shedding the oncoming blast, before continuing her approach at high speed towards the roaring Black Lion.
"Synchronization begins!" Besimor's gaze turned solemn as she pressed one fist to her chest, and her Transcendent Core began to operate. Magic Power flowed through her body, emanating a faint glow, as did the enormous Black Lion beside her. The frequencies of their Transcendent Cores began to converge, and the aura they emitted grew increasingly powerful.
"Majestic Lion Claw." Stepping back, Besimor directed the Black Lion at her side to charge forward. The lion then raised its paw and swept it down fiercely through the air. The strong wind, under the influence of Magic Power, transformed into three sharp, invisible blades that tore through the air.
"Bee Commanding Secret Art: Hornet Tumbling Dance!" Lian Shan twisted her body, flipping in mid-air to dodge the swipe that narrowly missed her, then clasping the Triangular Black Sword at her side, she aimed at the Black Lion's chest and thrust forward fiercely.
The triangular sword pierced the thick lion's mane, sinking into the skin beneath as if into tough, dense rubber. Extricating the Sword Edge required great effort, and the Black Lion, missing the first strike, opened its mouth wide, the Sharp saber-teeth lunging at Lian Shan.
Despite having some room to spare, the sight of the gaping maw and serrated Saber-Tooth tusks close at hand nearly made Lian Shan dodge instinctively. Disregarding the chance to widen the wound, she turned and evaded.
In the first round, Lian Shan held a slight edge, as the Black Lion sustained a minor injury.
However, Besimor was accustomed to such situations. Under her healing, the wounds on the Black Lion healed quickly. It continued its relentless charges at Lian Shan, pressuring this top student from Swarm's Reign Academy without giving her a moment's respite.
After several minutes of battle, Lian Shan realized that ordinary Moves were unlikely to defeat the giant Black Lion, so she took a leap back, temporarily escaping the lion's attack range. Her steps were light, as if a bee in flight.
Lian Shan, putting down her offensive, focused solely on evading before analyzing her opponent's weaknesses. Then, she disappeared once again, vanishing from the Black Lion's line of sight. In a blind spot where neither the confused lion nor Besimor could see, the girl from Swarm's Reign Academy emerged like an assassin.
"Bee Commanding Secret Art: Buzzing Flicker!"
A Longsword thrust forward, embedding into the lion's mane, followed by several figures flickering into existence in a split second, attacking the Black Lion and Besimor from different angles.
After a minute of such assault, Besimor could no longer hold on. Pierced by the Triangular Sword, she collapsed, while the once-majestic Black Lion was also covered in wounds, looking worrisomely frail.
Another slash of Sword Edge swept through, lion's mane fluttering as the blade pierced the Black Lion's forepaw. Pained, the lion eventually fell to the ground, unable to move any further.
With that, Besimor had no choice but to admit defeat, while Lian Shan from Swarm's Reign, covered in wounds and bloodstains, slowly walked out from the shadows beneath the lion's mane, standing under the spotlight of the arena.
"Swarm's Reign Academy wins!"
The host's announcement rang out, bringing the first battle of this year's Winter Festival to an end.