Kapitel 15: Chapter 15: The Crucible of Evaluation - Part 3: The Combat Challenge
The evaluation hall was brimming with an air of palpable tension as the final phase of Elias Blackwood's evaluation commenced. This stage, the combat challenge, was set to test Elias's combat proficiency and strategic acumen under the most demanding conditions. The arena was a vast, magically shielded space, meticulously prepared to simulate various combat scenarios. Around the arena, a multitude of magical barriers and defensive wards were in place, ensuring both safety and realism in the trials ahead.
The tension in the grand evaluation hall was palpable as Elias stepped into the center of the arena. The circular chamber, lined with enchanted runes and shimmering with magical energy, was a formidable stage for the final phase of his evaluation. The professors and the Dean, watched intently from their elevated seats.
The arena itself was an imposing structure with high, domed ceilings and walls lined with arcane symbols that pulsed with a soft, ethereal light. At the far end of the chamber stood Elias's opponent, a seasoned student named Derek, known for his prowess in combat magic. Derek's confident stance and the smirk on his face suggested he had underestimated Elias. This underestimation would prove to be a critical error.
The bell chimed, signaling the start of the duel. Elias wasted no time. Drawing upon his extensive training with Professor Voss, he unleashed a barrage of fireballs, each one crackling with intense heat as they soared through the air towards Derek. The attack was a testament to his mastery of elemental magic, blending fire with precision and raw power.
Derek, however, was not caught off guard. With a deft wave of his hand, he conjured a barrier of shimmering water that absorbed the fireballs' impact, steam rising from the point of collision. The crowd murmured in appreciation of Derek's quick reflexes, but Elias was undeterred. He knew that this battle was as much about strategy as it was about raw magical talent.
The two mages circled each other warily. Derek decided to take the offensive, his hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as he summoned a whirlwind of air to propel himself toward Elias. His movements were swift, his spellcasting fluid and almost effortless. Elias's eyes narrowed as he tracked Derek's approach, anticipating the strike.
When Derek was close enough, he launched a series of wind blades, sharp and deadly. Elias reacted instinctively, his body flowing with an eerie grace as he dodged the attack. His movements were a blur, a mix of practiced agility and the innate reflexes that had been honed through countless battles on the streets. With a swift counter, Elias conjured a shield of earth that deflected the wind blades, causing them to dissipate harmlessly against the rocky surface.
The fight intensified, with Derek employing a range of elemental attacks—earth, air, and water—all aimed at overwhelming Elias. But Elias, having seen similar techniques during his training, adapted quickly. He created a series of mirages to confuse Derek, making it difficult for his opponent to discern which was the real Elias. Each time Derek launched an attack at one of the illusions, Elias was already repositioning himself, preparing his next move.
As Derek struggled to find his target, Elias seized the opportunity. He unleashed a series of precise and controlled elemental blasts, targeting Derek's weak points. The audience watched in rapt attention as Elias's attacks struck true, disrupting Derek's concentration and leaving him vulnerable. The professors' observations reflected their growing admiration for Elias's combat skills.
Professor Elira leaned forward, her eyes narrowing in approval. "Remarkable control over the elements. He's handling himself well under pressure."
Professor Ralston nodded, adding, "His strategic use of illusions is quite impressive. Not many students manage to maintain such focus while using multiple forms of magic simultaneously."
Meanwhile, Professor Hargrave observed with a critical eye. "Let's see how he adapts to Derek's countermeasures. A true test of his versatility."
The duel continued with Derek growing more frustrated, his attacks becoming more erratic as he struggled to land a decisive blow. Elias's composure remained unshaken. He had learned to anticipate Derek's moves, thanks to the rigorous training he'd undergone. He countered Derek's every assault with a blend of offensive and defensive magic, each spell meticulously chosen to exploit Derek's weaknesses.
The climactic moment arrived when Elias, seeing an opening, summoned a massive pillar of flame that shot up from the ground, engulfing Derek in a blazing inferno. Derek's screams were swallowed by the roar of the flames as he was forced to conjure a protective barrier of water. The sheer intensity of Elias's attack pushed Derek to his limits, forcing him to focus all his energy on defending himself.
Professor Merin's voice cut through the noise. "Elias's command over fire magic is extraordinary. He's able to channel his power with both precision and intensity."
Professor Elara Thorne remarked, "His ability to switch seamlessly between offense and defense is indicative of his high skill level. Derek is struggling to keep up."
Finally, with Derek on the defensive, Elias launched his finishing move. Drawing upon all his training, he combined fire, earth, and wind into a single, devastating spell. The resulting explosion was both beautiful and terrifying, a spectacle of magic that left the audience in awe. Derek, overwhelmed by the combined assault, was forced to concede, collapsing to the ground as the magic dissipated.
The arena fell silent as Elias stood, breathing heavily but triumphant. The judges, including the newly introduced professors, looked on with a mix of respect and intrigue. Professor Voss, who had been watching intently from the sidelines, allowed himself a rare smile of pride.
As Elias caught his breath, the professors began their deliberations. Professor Malinov, ever the strategist, assessed the duel's tactical elements. "Elias demonstrated not only raw power but also a keen tactical mind. His ability to anticipate and counter Derek's attacks shows a level of skill that is rare among students."
Professor Caelum, known for his focus on defensive magic, noted, "Elias's defense was as impressive as his offense. His use of elemental shields and barriers was both innovative and effective."
Dean Kavanaugh, observing from his seat with a solemn expression, nodded in approval. "Elias's performance was exemplary. He has shown that he possesses the qualities of a formidable mage. The final phase of the evaluation will be equally challenging, but I am confident in his abilities."
With the duel concluded, Elias's gaze met the eyes of the professors, their varied expressions reflecting their assessments. He had not only proved his magical prowess but had also shown that he could handle the pressure of such a high-stakes evaluation. The battle had been grueling, but it was clear that Elias was a force to be reckoned with.
As the arena began to clear, Elias was left to reflect on his performance. The trials were far from over, but he had taken a significant step towards proving himself at the Academy. The evaluation had tested him in ways he had never imagined, but he had risen to the challenge, earning the respect of those who had once been skeptical.
The echoes of the duel's final moments lingered in the air as Elias prepared himself for the next phase of the evaluation, aware that his journey was far from over.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein