In one of the kingdom's corridors, a figure draped in black—yes, the Black Wizard the mysterious men were searching for—walked swiftly to warn the Emperor, but he was captured.
The mysterious figure: There you are.
Entry into the arena: Amania Nomizuku vs. Hotaru Kaneo
A cheer erupted as Amania Nomizuku of the Second Division entered, walking with dignified composure, her silver and purple radiant bow and magical arrows held aloft. Opposite her entered Hotaru Kaneo of the Ninth Division, his face etched with tension, yet his eyes burning with determination. He knew he represented the division everyone looked down upon.
Hotaru recalled what had happened in the border dungeon: how Ivan had stood his ground against the monsters and Batori with the princess. Hotaru: Ivan, you've done amazing things since joining the squad. We've changed so much because of you, especially. Be proud to be with us. We know you're far stronger than us. It doesn't matter why you hide your true strength; what matters is the principles you live by. That's why we respect you so much. Right here and now, I'll give it my all.
Speaker: "The twelfth match! Amania's Magic Arrow Style against Hotaru's Water Magic! Will the surprises of the Ninth Squad continue?"
Emperor: It seems they've trained a lot since bonding so strongly with Ivan. His positive influence on them seems to have been significant.
Ivan had returned to the stands, looking towards Dan, who was beginning to be surrounded by a demonic aura.
Ivan: I see! Good. Come on, Thunder Boy, I'm waiting for you.
Beginning of the match:
Yahiko: Hotaru, you too. Tatsuo: What you did that day, Ivan, made us all realize (clenches his fist) that we need to train harder. We'll never forget the moment you fought them without hesitation. You have an unyielding will, something I myself didn't possess.
Hotaro didn't wait; he let out a scream that echoed throughout the arena and summoned all his magical power at once.
Hotaro: "I won't be a burden anymore! Blue Explosion Water Magic (Karois)!"
Hotaro surged forward with unprecedented speed, unleashing punches charged with intense blue energy at Amania. He fought with a suicidal spirit, pouring every ounce of sweat and effort from his training into every strike.
Amania (calmly): "Your movements are full of emotion... but lack precision."
Amania moved like a mirage, slipping between rocks, dodging Hotaru's punches with astonishing agility, leaving trails of magical spray that gradually began to weigh him down. Climax: Beautiful Desperation
Despite his exhaustion, Hotaru refused to stop. He used his most powerful technique, "Falling Water Star Tornado," transforming his body into a vortex of blue energy that crashed into Amania's magical defenses. The resulting explosion filled the arena with steam.
From the steam, Hotaru emerged, attempting a final strike, but Amania had already laid her trap.
Amania: "Multiple Magical Arrow Style: Silent Crystal Prison."
A flurry of arrows swarmed around Hotaru's wrists and ankles in an instant, transforming the momentum of his attack into frozen restraints. Hotaru froze, his face inches from Amania's, his breath coming in ragged gasps of exhaustion.
Hotaru: Not yet. Water Magic: Izai's Whirlpool (Water Spears).
He launched a surprise attack at Amania, who was unable to parry it.
"Well done, Ninth Division member Hotaru," she said, "but this is the end."
The End: A Dignified Defeat
Amanania gently placed the blade of her short arrow against Hotaru's chest, then, with a simple magical thrust, sent him sprawling to the ground. Hotaru tried to rise, but his body had reached its limit. He collapsed back, staring up at the arena sky, tears welling in his eyes.
Announcer: "What a hard-fought battle! The winner is Amania Nomizuku of the Second Division!"
Everyone, including his Ninth Division comrades, applauded him. Yahiko: Well done, Hotaru.
Speaker: And now for another match that promises to be just as exciting as the last.
Rhythm Clash - Storm Blade and Tactics Shield
Entry: Daisuke Honda vs. Celso Mazari
As the tournament nears its climax, Daisuke Honda of the 4th Division enters, known for his composure and ability to analyze opponents. He possesses a magic enhancement surrounded by a pale orange aura, signifying "Prediction Magic and Physical Enhancement."
On the opposite side, Celso Mazari of the 6th Division bursts forth, a vibrant fighter wielding a staff with two long, blue crystalline blades charged with "Water Cutting Magic." Water swirls around the staff at a speed that makes their voices tremble.
Speaker: "The thirteenth match! Daisuke's magic-enhanced defensive tactics against Celso's water storm! Who will impose their rhythm on the other?" Beginning of the Fight: The Lightning Strike
Celso started the fight at breakneck speed, trying to end the battle before Daisuke could analyze his moves.
Celso: "Water Art: Torn Stream!"
Celso transformed into a human water-torn tornado, stabbing from every angle. But Daisuke remained steadfast behind his magic defense, moving slowly and precisely, blocking attacks at the last possible second with minimal effort.
Daisuke (to himself): "His speed is constant... The angle repeats every three stabs. Now!"
Climax of the Clash: Turning the Tables
In a flash, as Celso attempted a double stabbing from above, Daisuke slid beneath him and used his Enhancement Magic not as a defense, but as a counter-attack.
Daisuke: "Enhancement Magic: Reverse Reaction!"
His magic slammed into Celso's chest, knocking the tornado out of its momentum. Before Celso could regain his balance, Daisuke aimed his short magic blade at a gap in Celso's armor, inflicting a minor but sufficient injury to his shoulder to impede his rapid movement.
The End: Precise Calculations
Celso attempted to use a water blast to escape, but Daisuke had already anticipated this. He grabbed Celso's wrist and slammed him to the ground, using Celso's weight against him. Daisuke calmly placed the tip of his hand against Celso's throat.
Daisuke: "It's over. Your speed lacks adaptability."
Announcer: "What brilliant combat intelligence! The winner is Daisuke Honda of the Fourth Division!"
The battles continued, with only two matches remaining in the first stage.