Legacy of the Dark Sage

It appeared that even if the audience had not seen Kyran's performance in Array they already believed that he would be the key member for the Conclave to win the Array Creation. Then again, it was not really a wonder. Most of the people in the audience had bought Kyran's magic item and could testify of its quality. These people were also among the few who thought it was wiser for him to forfeit the Solo Competition instead of risking getting hurt and losing in the latter and the Array Creation Competition. To them, Kyran might have shown his capability in solo battle, but his prowess was mostly due to what his weapon could do. His use of Array during battle was truly exemplary and showcased a new way for mages to battle, but was it not because his staff could carry materials the reason he could do this? Styx could still represent the Conclave and snatch a win. If they followed this arrangement, the worse thing that could happen was for the Conclave to lose the Solo Competition, but would still win the Array Creation. At least, this was their take on the matter.

Ignoring the ruckus among the audience, the male announcer looked to his right, where the participants of the Solo Competition had gathered.

Styx crossed his arms and focused his attention on the announcer. The fact that he could ignore Kairo and Rivka's presence beside him, was proof that his anger had subsided. His mood had greatly improved after Kyran assured him that Deo and Rake would recover without a problem. It was not that Styx had little faith in Chairman Malia's ability as an Alchemist, but his instincts told him that Kyran's Alchemy knowledge was likely as advanced as his Array knowledge. The way Chairman Malia allowed the latter to check Rake's condition without making a fuss was Styx's proof.

Chairman Malia was not a proud person. But she was still an Emperor Alchemist. In the whole empire, she held the highest level among the Alchemists. If someone like her did not question another person's request to check on her patient, it showed how much she trusted and even respected that person.

At first, the other alchemists assisting Malia felt a little indignation toward Kyran. After all, the latter might be a genius, and technically one of them, since he was a member of the Blacksmith Order, but he was known as an Array genius, not Alchemy. While there were Support-type Arrays that could assist or even heal a person, it was inferior to Alchemy-based treatment. The reason was simple, an Array-induced treatment was only temporary. Not to mention its effect would be removed the moment the patient leaves the Array's area of effect. Of course, an Array could be planted on an item and let that person carry it around to maximize its effect, but such an item was hard to craft.

Nonetheless, these alchemists were left dumbfounded after Kyran left the room and announced that Rake's condition had stabilized. Did he not say he would only try to stimulate Rake's healing ability? They had not completed applying the remedy to his wound, how did Rake's condition stabilize?

They wanted to ask Kyran what he did, but if Chairman Malia was not saying anything, how could they voice their doubts?

In the end, they went inside to double-check Rake's condition and were further shocked to find that his sword wound had already started closing.

Realizing that Array could actually do something like this, these talented alchemists started to question their very existence. What have they been doing all these years?

Kyran also checked on Deo's wounds, and after a closed door talk with Malia, she started concocting a potion for him.

In any case, Styx was now in a better mood all thanks to Kyran. His eagerness to fight him had also increased. If Kyran's Array and Alchemy knowledge was this outstanding, Styx could not help but shiver in excitement to witness his real combat strength. Others might think that with Kyran's Array and Alchemy knowledge, he probably had little room to improve his combat strength. But Styx did not think so. Kyran was a Regis after all. A clan known for their outstanding combat mages. Recalling the short exchange the latter had with Osman during their match excites him. Styx was positive that Kyran had to hold back his real strength because the Marshal, deputy marshals and the Royal Family was watching. Hopefully, when the two fight Kyran did not have to hold back. Else, Styx would definitely find another way to get him to fight him seriously!

If Kairo knew that Styx already believed that he and Kyran would win the quarterfinals and faced each other in the Finals, he would have flipped. Alas, Styx's had already deemed Kairo as someone not worth his time.

"Now, I will explain the rules of the Solo Competition Quarterfinals," the male announcer said. "The quarterfinals will no longer adapt the round-robin bracket. Instead, it will adapt a double elimination bracket."

The audience who had not recovered from the news of Kyran participating in both competition was once more sent into an uproar.

A double elimination bracket was not really that surprising. What got them riled up was the fact that, they were just wondering how Kyran could survive, the competition and now it was actually answered by the Solo Competition's set up. Even if Kyran forfeited his first match, he still had one more chance to move to the finals. But using such a bracket when there was only four participants? It was unthinkable. All participants had little time to recover!

"The losers of the first two matches will not be eliminated. Instead, they will fight each other, and the winner will have a chance to fight the loser in the match between the first two winners. To simplify this, the two players who managed to win twice will move to the finals.

"Each match will last twenty-five minutes, and the rest of the rules in the previous matches will remain the same."

The male announcer then looked meaningfully at them and added, "That includes the head committee's decision to ban the use of weapons."

"What?"

"Still no weapon?"

"Then, Disciple Tyr is doomed!"

Similar conversation could be heard in the gallery.

Styx's brow furrowed. He finally looked at Kairo, who stood to Rivka's right.

Wearing a slight smile, Kairo appeared unaffected by the rules. The evident confidence he exuded made him look as if nothing could deter him.

Annoyance surged within Styx, seeing the confident smile on Kairo. He wanted so bad to punch him right then, but knew it would only bring him a moment of satisfaction. For all the things this prick had done, a moment's satisfaction was not enough.

In the end, Styx reigned in his annoyane and ignored them again.  But then he stopped and furtively looked at Rivka. The latter stood in silence.  To be precise, he was silent because he was staring off to space!

This guy…

Frowning slightly, Styx recalled this guy's match with Rake. There was nothing noteworthy in their match. As a matter of fact, their match was a good textbook example of a 'normal' solo match. Based on Rivka's performance, one could say he was an average Fire mage.

But Styx was not about to let his guard down on this guy. After all, this guy was given the number two, meaning he was the second highest member in terms of mage level.

"The final two winners of today's Solo Competition, will then face off tomorrow," the male announcer continued. "Do you have any questions?"

"Weapons are ban but anything I make with Array is fine, right?"

Kyran's asked from the left side.

The male announcer looked at him, "It should be fine."

Kyran smiled slightly while looking toward the Royal Family's booth. "Are you sure you don't have to ask the head committee?"

Frowning at Kyran's doubts, the male announcer said, "Yes. The head committee and the leader representatives of both sides has agreed that the participants may use 'weapon-like' items in match. Similar to what Major General Kairo had done in his last match."

"That's good then."

"Anything else?"

Kyran replied with a slight shake of his head.

"Very well," the male announcer addressed the audience again and raised his hand, "The Array Creation and the Solo Competition Quarterfinals will begin in three minutes!"

Cheers erupted in the gallery. The audience were filled with anticipation. Most wanted to witness what Kyran would do. They were no fool. The question he had raised got them thinking.

Could it be that Kyran planned to craft a weapon during his match? Using Array?

These were the questions that played in the minds of most people. They had witnessed Kyran's innate ability as well as the speed he could create simple Arrays. Though each match would only last for 25 minutes, he might actually have the capability of crafting a weapon in a short time!