The Unyielding Opponent

The experiences accumulated over four years had been a tacit agreement that they would meet again. However, Mahendra had long decided not to follow suit. This had been determined from the beginning even before entering the academy.

"He's waiting for me for the next four years? That's like waiting for me to die."

Day after day passed so quickly. The alternation of day and night was fleeting and imperceptible. Learning the language of the Celestial world as well as strengthening himself with magic attacks were his habits since becoming a student at this academy. As time went by, he became proficient in both fields and became familiar with this friendly environment. Where there were no bullies running amok, life was calm and secure.

Passing through seasons, enjoying exams like play, and sometimes taking the time to find a clue about the Wandering King, the two years flew by like lightning.

"Senior, please don't hold back!" Mahendra shouted as he ran to avoid an attack from a tree root that was about to wrap around him.

In the forest, close to the Magic Academy. Mahendra was practicing and dueling with his senior who had stayed at the academy for 7 years. He was a senior of the elven race, the forest was his lair which would obviously strengthen his strength in every way.

Roots that moved like snakes swiftly wrapped around Mahendra, limiting his agile movements. Once nimble, he was now pinned down like a cornered mouse. Seeing no gaps in the senior elf's magical attack, Mahendra could only resign himself to his fate and slowly closed his eyes. 

With his eyes closed, he relied on his sense of smell and his sixth sense. The friction between the roots trying to entwine his body again. Meanwhile, the senior elf controlling the attack remained invisible, further cornering Mahendra. 

"Destroying the roots with fire would be easy, but they would grow back quickly. Senior Uru is indeed formidable." Mahendra tried to calculate every movement around him, attempting to track the senior elf's trail, but it seemed impossible. 

"You are indeed skilled at hiding, Senior. No one in the forest can defeat you!" 

A blast of flames dispersed the roots that had ensnared him. Ultimately, Mahendra was forced to resort to this tactic and sprinted away as swiftly as possible to evade the roots from repeating their attack.

With agile movements and sharp eyes, Mahendra leaped high to reach a tree branch, using it as a foothold. His strong legs gripped the branch firmly. The monotonous forest, with its difficult-to-navigate paths, couldn't hinder his instincts. This was the result of two years of training. 

The forest itself didn't move, but the presence of another person made him move. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and that's when Mahendra spotted Senior Uru hiding. 

"Senior, I win. Come out, and I won't damage this tree," Mahendra said, holding up a sword formed from fire magic. 

Senior Uru emerged from the tree, his incredible camouflage leaving Mahendra in awe. He wanted to learn it, but if he did, Senior Uru would lose his ability. 

"My magic technique is to devour everything. Two years have passed, and I've only managed to reach Level 11 High-ranking Magician. If I devour his technique, it would mean depriving him of his ability. What a pity."

"Your way of controlling magic is very unique, I've tried it many times but it's never perfect like when you control it," Uru senior said in praise.

"It seems you have the upper hand. Especially in a forest like this, I'm no match for you."

"Don't be so modest, you already beat me." 

Uru took out a small rectangular box, and gave it to Mahendra as a birthday present. Mahendra was silent as he accepted the gift. There was a strange feeling in his bitter heart. 

"Open it." 

Obeying his request, Mahendra quickly opened the box and there was a pointed dagger with carvings resembling tree roots. An emerald green gem was embedded firmly in the hilt. Mahendra looked at Uru, his gaze implying confusion. 

"You said before, you never remember anything but your name. Today I'm making it your birthday because you defeated me."

"Thank you, senior Uru."

His pointed ears twitched slightly, the knotty smile with bright eyes seemed so reassuring. This thousand-year-old man reminded him of Liliana's kind gesture. 

"Senior is already this strong even though he only has one-half the strength of a blind man. However, I still have trouble fighting him even though I haven't fully used that power."

Today a Magic Fighting Tournament was being held in the southern Mageia City. In a large field surrounded by spectator benches, there they will fight using magic and of course there is a separate shield to prevent magic attacks from hurting bystanders.

In this tournament there are not only magician from the academy but also magician from outside. The tournament, which is held every five months, is used to measure the strength of the students. Then whoever won the top rank would have their name engraved on a floating board.

In the dozens of matches Mahendra had faced, he had yet to unleash his full power. Rarely did he find it difficult against the seniors. However, that didn't last long.

"Ugh!" Mahendra winced in pain. His body was knocked back as he received ice magic that was so powerful that it made him shiver from the cold. In a way, the urgency of the situation had made the ancient spells in his body reappear.