Soon, the first test ended.
The magic brooms that had been conjured transformed into countless emerald green light particles at the same time, slowly dissipating into the air, as if they had never appeared.
Next was the second exam, the mana test.
The third exam, the mana manipulation test.
The fourth exam, the creative magic test.
The fifth exam, the evolution magic test.
Each test proceeded in an orderly fashion, and Ryoma's performance was consistently calm and collected, yet impeccable.
Asta kept yelling "It's not over yet" while making strange efforts.
William looked at the candidates below and announced, "Then, the final test—"
Before he could finish his sentence, a loud voice full of fighting spirit boomed from the other side of the high platform.
"The final item, of course, is the practical combat test!"
The speaker was Fuegoleon, captain of Crimson Lion. He rose from his seat, exuding an aura of majesty and dominance like a fierce lion.
"Fight!"
"Two examinees will form a team and fight each other. Use your grimoire to attack your opponent."
"The job of a Magic Knight is to fight. Let me see your resolve and strength."
His voice was like a war drum, beating in the hearts of every candidate, making many boil with excitement, but also causing many to feel apprehension. After all, if they lost, it would likely greatly affect the results of the review.
"The rules are simple."
William added, "You can choose your opponents yourselves for one-on-one duels. Until one side concedes, or is judged unable to continue fighting. Mages with recovery magic are on standby at the side of the arena."
As his words fell, the atmosphere of the entire arena instantly became even more tense.
The candidates began to eye each other, searching for suitable opponents.
Undoubtedly, a vacuum formed around Ryoma and Yuno, the two geniuses who had shone brightly in the tests. No one dared to easily challenge them.
Just then, Yuno walked in front of Ryoma.
"Ryoma, let's fight again." His gaze was firm and persistent.
From the very beginning, he had regarded Ryoma as his greatest rival, and now was a great opportunity.
Ryoma looked at him, but shook his head, smiling calmly. "Fighting me now won't benefit you."
"What do you mean?" Yuno frowned.
Ryoma's tone carried a hint of persuasive guidance. "Think about it, if we face off now, no matter who wins or loses, it will dim the other's brilliance somewhat, affecting the final result."
He paused, then added, "This is what's most beneficial for your future development. We'll have plenty of opportunities to compete later."
Yuno was silent for a moment. He had to admit that Ryoma made a lot of sense.
Although he still yearned for a battle with a strong opponent, his more important goal was to become the Wizard King.
For this, his development after joining a Magic Knight Squad was very important.
"I understand."
Yuno gave Ryoma a deep look, then turned and walked in another direction.
Having resolved Yuno's challenge, Ryoma was content to be idle, preparing to find a corner to watch the show.
However, where there was joy, there was also sorrow.
When most people had already paired up and were ready to start their duels, one person still stood alone in the arena, unnoticed.
That person, of course, was Asta. He had scored zero in all previous tests.
Who would choose someone who couldn't even fly a magic broom as an opponent?
If they won, it would be an unfair victory, and the captains might even think they were bullying the weak, leaving a bad impression.
Lose? That was even more impossible, and even more humiliating.
Just then, a figure sauntered up to Asta, a supremely fake smile on his face.
"Fuhha!"
The newcomer was Sekke. He clapped Asta on the shoulder. "Asta, team up with me."
His eyes were full of contempt and calculation. In his opinion, Asta was the perfect foil, delivered right to him.
A complete and utter failure!
By easily defeating him with flashy magic, he could perfectly showcase his strength and effortless skill, which would definitely leave a deep impression on the captains.
Asta, however, completely failed to see through this and even agreed with an excited expression.
Soon, their duel was arranged in the center of the arena.
Ryoma watched Sekke in the arena, who had finally dropped his facade. The smile on his face seemed even more false.
"Fuhha! Thank you so much for being my foil all this time."
"You should just go back to your backwater town and enjoy the rest of your useless life."
He then took his stance, ready to fight.
"Then, let the match begin!"
As the referee gave the command, the smile on Sekke's face instantly turned twisted and smug.
"Don't hold back. Let's settle this, Asta. Fuhha!"
Bronze Creation Magic: Sekke Magnum Cannonball
As his grimoire opened, mana surged out instantly, rapidly condensing into a giant bronze-colored metallic sphere around his body.
The surface of the sphere had several cannon-like protrusions, appearing to be both offensive and defensive.
Sekke was completely enveloped within it and looked up at the Magic Knight Squad Captains on the high platform, trying to get them to notice his performance.
However, in reality, most of the captains on the high platform were not very interested in this scene.
Ryoma, however, watched the arena with great interest, a slight smile on his lips.
The show was about to begin.
He didn't know if Sekke was unlucky or lucky, picking one of the strongest among over five hundred people.
For Asta, who possessed anti-magic, this level of combat was basically a massacre.
"Alright! Here I come!"
Asta's tattered black five-leaf grimoire erupted with an ominous dark red glow at this moment.
Whoosh!
A massive, ancient, rust-covered black greatsword was violently pulled out of the grimoire.
The demon-slayer sword!
His legs bent sharply, muscles instantly tensing, and the ground beneath his feet cracked due to the immense force.
The next second, his figure vanished from his original spot.
So fast!
This was the first thought that flashed through everyone present's minds.
Sekke's smile froze. He only saw a black blur approach his "Sekke Magnum Cannonball" at a speed difficult for the naked eye to catch.
Asta raised the massive demon-slayer sword high and, with all his might, brought it down fiercely.
Clang!!!
Under the terrified gazes of everyone, that rusty black greatsword, like a force of nature, sliced through Sekke's proud bronze magic.
The so-called sturdy defense, in front of the demon-slayer sword, was as fragile as paper. The sword's edge broke through the defense, its momentum undiminished.
Sekke didn't even have time to react, only feeling an irresistible immense force hitting him, and he was knocked down.
Lying in a pile of rubble, he immediately fell unconscious.
One hit!
Just one hit!
The entire arena fell into a deathly silence.