Earth's Greatest Magus

As soon as Emery accepted the challenge and the said notification appeared on his bracelet, the Dragon protege immediately used his transformation.

Seeing the quick reaction, Emery also swiftly followed suit and used his own transformation.

In the next instant, their figures disappeared and a burst of violent wind occurred at the midpoint where they had been before. The two half-bloods clashed the Twilight Wolf against the Neo Bahamut Dragon.

The weapons in the hands of the two confronted one another. Sparks appeared and splashed everywhere, and the figures of the two were repelled to where they came from at the same time.

The first exchange of their fight was surprisingly a draw – a clash of similar strength.

Zach looked slightly annoyed with the result, seeing the expression currently hanging on his face. Whereas on the other hand, Emery seemed a bit confused by what had just transpired.

He was puzzled by the result of their initial clash. Especially because he had actually not used all his power just yet.

Alas, Emery didn't have the time to ponder as the Dragon protege once again dashed and attacked him. This time, even more fierce and ferocious of an onslaught than the latter's first attempt.

But again, Emery found that he was able to match his opponent, whether in speed – dodging and evading, or strength – perfectly blocking and stopping the attacks.

Zach cocked his hand grasping his sword and swung it after mustering all the strength he had. The air seemed to split apart as the huge blade headed towards Emery. A glint of ferocity flashed across his eyes.

Unfortunately, a loud metallic sound resounded through the air as Emery managed to block the attack once again. What's more, this time he shouted loudly and unlocked his battle arts technique in this battle.

[Immortal Gate - stage 6]

[Battle power increased by 64 points]

[Battle power: 278 (412)]

As a blazing layer of energy enveloped Emery's body, a startled look appeared on the Dragon protege's face as he found himself starting to be pushed back by the former. He was overpowered by his opponent.

Zach was shocked and it showed on his normally cold face.

The half-blood dragon was always confident in his raw strength, that he was unrivaled by anyone in this aspect. Hence the reason for his shock, as this was the first time anyone in the academy was capable of getting the upper hand over him.

The Dragon protege could not hide his disbelief as he once again dashed towards his opponent and began to attack with his sword skill in ferocious vigor. Seeing the approaching storm of attacks, Emery accepted it readily with his [36 Dao Divine Sword].

Clank! Clank! Clank!

Each and every single one of the attacks Zach threw was powerful. Just one of them could easily bring any elite acolyte down to their knees. However, they were all completely nullified by his current opponent; and by now, Emery had finally realized the root of his shocking strength.

The upgrade that his bloodline had gone through thanks to the Celestial Essence gave him 20 points of battle power, which certainly helped him become stronger. However, such an amount of battle power shouldn't be able to bring this much of an impact.

Emery realized that what really made the difference was in fact the gravitational pressure of the place where they were right now.

It was only now that Emery realized that he barely felt any pressure on his body anymore. This discovery led him to believe that the latest upgrade of his spirit core, his new dark pillar, must have increased his resistance to gravitational pressure.

With the penalty of being in this place effectively non-existent for him, it was only natural that Emery had the advantage over the Dragon protege in terms of battle power. It was akin to fighting an opponent whose four limbs were restrained with heavy chains.

Clank! Clank!!

Splaattt!!

Finally, after a few more clashes where he had the upper hand, Emery managed to break through the Dragon's defenses and inflict a wound on the latter's chest. Blood started gushing out as he drew his sword back, spilling onto the ground below.

The unexpected favorable situation he was in made Emery couldn't help feeling the fight was unfair for his opponent. Therefore he separated himself from his opponent and shouted about his circumstance.

"We should fight on the surface instead, not here!" He added after explaining the situation.

Hearing such words, Zach stopped in his tracks and glanced at his master. However, this action of his instead made the grand magus angry with him.

"You are disgraceful to even have thought about it! That is not a liability in a fight, that's purely the wolf's own strength! You are a dragon yourself, so act like one!"

Just like usual, the Dragon protege simply received his master's harsh treatment in silence. Turning his gaze to Emery once more, he started preparing his innate ability. Wisps of flame began to appear in his surroundings.

[Draconic Flames]

As his body was engulfed by the dragon flames, Zach's speed and strength rose to new heights. On the other hand, Emery swiftly cast [Slipstream] on himself and then let out a roaring howl as a response.

[Battle Howl]

[Battle power increased by 15 points]

[Battle power: 278 (427)]

With what Zach had just done, his raw strength which was restricted by the gravitational pressure managed to catch up to Emery's. However, he was still barely holding out as the wolf was still a level higher. Emery was still a little faster and a little bit stronger.

With this condition, each clash gradually made the Dragon protege lose his calm.

Clank!! Clank!! Clank!

It was only a dozen more clashes later that the momentum built up that Zach finally used his special ability, one which he had been training for the past month.

A luminous glow appeared and enwrapped the sword in his hand, the sign that his skill was ready to be unleashed.

Unfortunately for the Dragon protege, Emery had watched him performing the skill too many times.

As soon as the Dragon's body started to show the unique-looking glow it manifested every time the skill was about to take effect, Emery used his [Void Mist] and completely changed his approach from offensive to full defense.

The way to deal with the Dragon protege's trump care was to hold out as long as possible. That's the reason he immediately prepared the next spell he had in store after casting [Void Mist].

In the meantime, Zach shot forth and managed to strike all four figures of Emery that [Void Mist] manifested. However, the moment he hit the right one, Emery had completely prepared with his best defense.

[Aegis of the Void]

Clankk clank! Clank! CLANK!

Several strikes from the Dragon protege's sword were capable of tearing the barrier apart. But by then, Emery had already replaced his true body with his [Void Mist] copy, and the dragon once again hit a dissipating figure.

Arrggggghh!!!

A loud roar reverberated in the air. It was filled with frustration.

Zach had used his ultimate skill, but he was still unable to land a hit on Emery.

Even though he was able to minimize the aftereffect of the skill thanks to his training, it still affected his overall strength. At the moment, Emery could clearly see that the Dragon protege was in a weakened state.

It was at this moment that a voice entered his mind, echoing into every nook and cranny.

That of the grand magus.

"Finish him now!"