Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

Dragonids

Like when fighting Gon, Riku wanted to end the duel quickly, but when he was about to use the Lightning Step technique, he undoes his intentions.

(..he has absolutely no gap)

The body that was not so ready was in a position to fight, but he felt that there was not a single gap he could exploit.

The Lightning Step technique is a technique that utilizes the opponent's defensive gaps. This technique will not be so useful against Romeo.

That means Riku has to think of another way.

"Why haven't you advanced yet? If you don't want to, then I'll go ahead!!"

Romeo darted with a fist ready to hit Riku with full force.

Riku was surprised to not expect Romeo to be so fast. His eyes were even hard to follow his movements.

But Riku's body was already trained with an opponent that was faster than him. With a reflex he moved backwards and managed to dodge.

Unfortunately, that's not enough. Romeo quickly changed attacks with unrelenting kicks, punches and attacks.

Riku couldn't do much and just dodged. Several times Romeo attacks almost hit Riku's body, thankfully Riku can avoid with a paper-thin distance.

"Where was your ability? Don't just avoid!!"

The aura overflowed and once again Romeo attacked. This time it was faster and stronger.

Damnit damnit!!

Riku realized he could not dodge, so he chose to defend with his sword.

Unfortunately, due to such great strength, Riku's body was pushed backwards. Riku was almost thrown out of the arena if he did not strengthen his footing with magic.

The audience (class S and class B students) cheered. They did not expect the duel to be so exciting.

As one of the high-ranking disciples, Romeo's ability was well known, so the sight was not strange. But what is surprising is that Riku is able to survive Romeo's attack.

"Not bad. But just finish the warm-up. Time to get serious!"

"I agree."

After positioning his body back, Riku finally started to seriously face Romeo. He knew Romeo was not an opponent he could defeat if he fought with half.

"That's new spirit!! Juliet!!"

A figure of pure white bird appeared and flew around Romeo before finally landing on Romeo's shoulders.

That bird is Romeo's Beast. In Riku's eyes the bird was too ordinary for an S rank magician like Romeo. But he's also not too naive to think it's just an ordinary bird.

"Your turn to call Arm. Don't disappoint me. Fighting with a sheathed sword must be heavy for you!"

Everyone watching agreed. Not even a few who think that Riku is so arrogant because he does not use his sword to fight S-class students.

"Calm down, I won't let you down. It's just that I have to apologize first. It's not that I don't want to call Arm or draw my sword, but I have a situation that doesn't allow it. Again I'm sorry."

Hearing that, Romeo looked disappointed. But a few moments later he smiled with happiness.

"so apparently. I-i understand. I-i understand. I think I should force you to do it!!"

The burning spirit again overflowed from Romeo's body. At the same time Juliet started flying high. So high that it looks so small.

Riku doesn't quite understand why Juliet did that. Is it possible to make an impromptu attack?

Whatever it was, he had no chance to think about it. Romeo attacked again, but the speed was slower than before.

Of course it made Riku easy to avoid. But at that moment Romeo smiled and suddenly Riku's body felt a tremendous pain in the abdomen due to a kick.

Riku did not expect Romeo to find a weak spot in his defense.

Riku didn't just shut up and chose to attack. He slashes at his best speed and targets Romeo's vital parts for maximum impact, unfortunately none of the attacks hit.

"..."

Riku was a speed-type magician, so he was confident his attack would hit the target. But nothing happened, it's a very rare thing.

There are only a few possibilities, the first Romeo's speed is greater than his, and the second-

(He can see all my attacks?)

It is more accurate to predict. But is it before the attack possible?

Could Romeo have the ability to read minds?

Riku quickly shook his head putting away that possibility.

"It's fun!!"

Once again Romeo's body was filled with an overflowing magic aura. This time the aura formed a gauntlet with sharp claws.

It's not a special technique. With proper magic control, magicians can manipulate magic energy to form pseudo-weapons. It was just that this technique was quite draining of magic energy, so it was not a technique that ordinary magicians would often use.

Romeo's attacks became sharper and more accurate. Riku's body experienced various incisions in place and blood began to drench his uniform.

"Don't daydream. Is this all if you're serious?"

"Of course not!!"

It was then that a small blaze flashed before Romeo's eyes. Looking at it from afar, it might just look like a small fire that had no threat, but Romeo who looked closely could see clearly that it was a small beast made of fire.

"The explosion!!"

A loud explosion occurred between the two, causing them to bounce away from each other.

Their bodies were both smoky and their clothes were tattered camping. There was even still some leftover burning by the fire.

The two then returned to fighting position after seeing the opponent's condition.

"Firefly."

"Mana Shield."

Small flames appeared around Riku and flew like small insects. Meanwhile the aura in Romeo's body reshaped another object. This time it was a shield and a helmet.

And just like that, the duel between the two again continued.

"It's amazing.."

Meanwhile, Guy who observed the duel between Riku and Romeo did not hide his admiration. The second duel did not have such a big impact, but every attack used such a complicated technique.

For example, Romeo's Beast does not join the fight, but as a Contractor, Romeo can use Juliet as the third eye in the fight.

The reason why it flew so high was to give Romeo a better view. This was the reason why Romeo could predict Riku's attack so easily.

The combination of creation techniques by magic and using Beasts in such a way is the fighting style of Romeo already famous. The technique was so inherent that many tried to imitate it, but all failed.

That's not weird. Romeo's techniques are usually used to observe or scout enemies from afar. And the magician who does so can usually only focus one glance.

If they try to do what Romeo did, first Tama they should be able to see two things simultaneously. A difficult technique that can only be used by a few people.

"But what magic does Riku use? It's not ordinary magic."

"That's a unique magic that only Riku's feet, the Flame Beast can do."

"!?"

Guy didn't expect the answer was someone he didn't expect. A beautiful woman who is quite famous in school for her rank and background, Aura Kagami.

"Ah. sorry to surprise. I'm just curious about the friend Riku's leg got in class."

"Aura, you always precede me. It's not just you who's curious."

Beside Aura, the female with the same face also spoke. She is Saria, the twin sister of Aura.

At first glance their faces are similar to make it difficult for others to distinguish, but there are striking differences between the two. The difference is the length of their hair.

Aura had shorter hair than Saria.

"S-Greetings, my name is Guy Nact."

Aura and Saria smiled.

"Greetings, Guy."

"Greetings."

"..."

Guy was so happy because he did not expect to be able to meet the famous twin girl. If this is a dream, he doesn't want to wake up.

"Greetings, Aura and Saria, my name is Helen Trista. Head of class 1-B."

At that moment, Helen interjected and at the same time introduced herself.

"There's something I want to confirm, whether Riku is..."

"really. He's our brother."

"Is there a problem with that?"

"..."

Helen could not retaliate because there was a cold aura coming out from the two. The pressure from an S rank mage was indeed heavy.

"No. There's no problem at all. I just want to make sure of it."

"I know what you're thinking. One from the Kagami family should not be a B rank magician. I wrong?"

"..."

Helen wanted to argue back, but she was silent because it was on target.

"Hey, I don't care who you are, but pressuring the class president in such a way, I don't accept it at all. We just want to get to know Riku better. What's wrong with being curious about her background?"

Guy stood in front of Helen defending her. He did not look afraid even though this person before him was one of the strongest families in the empire.

A small smiling aura.

"I didn't press him at all. It's just that a fool who doesn't know the true meaning of power shouldn't have to go near Riku's feet."

"He's only B-ranked now, but we're sure he'll surpass you all quickly." Added Saria.

Where does that confidence come from?

Helen and Guy don't understand. It was common knowledge that raising the rank as a magician was extremely difficult. Even though trying for a lifetime, not necessarily the person is able to do it.

"From the beginning, didn't you guys realize that Riku's legs are so weird."

"Didn't he be weird from a long time ago?"

"Fufufu. I know that. Don't confuse them, Saria. If you can't see such a small thing, don't expect to know Riku's feet, let alone be his friend. That's all I want to say."

"See you, you fool."

After that, the two left without looking back.

Humiliated Guy looks impatient to reply, but Helen shakes her head as a sign to stop Guy's stupid idea.

Making trouble with Saria and Aura would only make matters longer.

"Why did you stop me? If I just keep quiet, I'm like a person with no self-esteem."

Helen sighs. He observed the ongoing fight between Riku and Romeo.

It's been 5 minutes, but the duel hasn't won.

"...we are stupid, they deserve to insult us."

"Eh? Why are you siding with them now?"

"Forgetit."

"?"

The duel continues, Romeo continues to press, but Riku also does not want to lose by pressing back at every opportunity.

Romeo's attack is more powerful and deadly, but Riku's explosive magic is also no less terrifying because it is unpredictable. The problem is, the attack of both sides is still not able to give a big impact that makes the opponent fall.

"It's true you're only B rank, for me you deserve monster rank."

"Keh. I don't want to hear from a man who can withstand a hundred more explosions."

Riku's attack has enough power to destroy human organs with a single strike, but let alone one, Romeo's body has received an explosion more than 100 times there are only scratches.

Riku himself also received Romeo's powerful attack, but he had a reason why he still held on despite their ranking being too far away.

"Although Riku's legs are currently only B rank, but he was born with an unusually strong body. It was impossible to injure Riku's leg with such an attack."

"In addition, Riku's legs also have the ability to heal wounds faster than ordinary humans. If you want to make Riku's legs fall, you have to give a big attack that gives an impact impossible to cure."

"Isn't it no different than killing him?"

"Kill him? Saria, did you forget that we never won against Riku's leg? Let alone Romeo, Brother Lunaris has not been able to defeat Riku's legs one on one."

"It's been three years, I've forgotten that we never won. I feel like the present of us will win against Riku's feet."

"Do you want to try it?"

"That's not a bad idea. Which is the problem, to what extent can Riku's legs control his strength?"

"...that's what I'm worried about. If this continues, I think Riku's leg will..."

Not yet finished speaking, a huge change occurred in the dueling arena. Romeo's body was suddenly blown away by a huge explosion.

For the first time the magic shield in Romeo's body was cracked.

"He can still use magic that powerful?"

Romeo got up and kept his distance from Riku. The magic insect that Riku created certainly did not let it go.

Then when the distance was close, Riku's fire bugs exploded one by one to make an explosion almost throughout the arena.

Before long Romeo appeared by darting towards Riku at a speed invisible to the eye.

"I have a bad feeling if I don't end this fight right now, Blast Fist!!"

A fierce attack headed towards Riku's figure.

However, at that moment everything was again surprised by something more surprising.

"Do you know why dragons are known as the most powerful race in the Orladist?"

Romeo's attack was only withheld with his left hand. And without difficulty.

Romeo was surprised, but he quickly calmed his mind back.

Then he answered.

"Of course I know. That's something everyone knows."

Most people assume that dragons are monsters with abilities equivalent to Master rank magicians. It is common knowledge that if you meet one of them, the best option is to run.

In the empire itself, the dragon is a figure that should not be disturbed whatever the reason. Let alone injuring, killing him the dragon would be directly hunted by the imperial party.

Of course there are exceptions in cases where the dragon attacks first, then it is permissible to take action. But it is nothing more than self-defense. 

"...Fangs and claws that can tear steel like paper. Scales that are stronger than any shield. Magic that is no less than a Master rank magician. The wings that can be used to fly exceed the speed of sound. Only a fool would want to fight a creature with such power."

"..."

Riku smirked like he underestimated Romeo's explanation of keeping a distance of about 6 meters.

"almost exactly. But you forget one thing, it's that their ability to absorb magic from nature is something no other race has. For that reason that's what makes them the strongest."

"Is that? It doesn't change the fact that they are still the strongest. Enough talking, let's end it."

Romeo put up a horse. The overflowing magic energy now began to focus on his fist and feet. Romeo's attack this time was more concentrated at one point, and that meant his attack would have greater power than before.

Riku could indeed resist the previous attack, but if he did it again, his hand would probably be crushed.

"Yes, let's end it.... First Seal, Release!!"

"!?"

After saying the keyword, Riku's magic pressure and aura instantly changed. Originally the strong pressure belonging to a B rank mage was starting to be replaced by an even greater and stronger pressure. The pressure of a rank A mage, and it continued to grow to be equal to an S rank mage.

The phenomenon shown by Riku once again made the entire audience silent. There were only three figures who looked ordinary with what happened.

"He ended up using that troublesome technique. With this Romeo will certainly not be able to win."

"Romeo continuously used magic that drained her magic energy, while Riku's legs made use of that moment to absorb magic energy. The energy he absorbed was finally released to make the magic pressure of Riku's legs rise sharply. Really, this is a cheating technique."

"He's our brother, this is normal for him."

Saria and Aura knew very well that her family was far from normal when compared to other families. But of all that, the two knew best that their older brother, Riku was abnormal among all their siblings.

"Well, as long as it's going well, I don't think it's necessary to interfere."

"I agree. We're doing all this anyway just to look at it."

Seeing what happened to Riku, Romeo was not afraid, but he was trembling. Shaking from pleasure his opponent was more shocking than he thought.

As an S rank magician, Romeo had always been adored with the talent and potential he had. He realized, everyone adored his strength, not himself.

It made Romeo unhappy. Romeo is someone who wants to be recognized for his hard work, not for his talent.

If everyone treated him just because of the talent and potential he had, he chose to give all of those things to others.

That was why he decided, ever since entering the Flame Academy, he would only use the power of a Romeo, not an S rank magician.

But he did not expect, perhaps because his potential was greater than he expected, he was finally able to use a technique that no magician could replicate.

Until now he had never shown the technique because he felt that no one deserved it, but it seemed that he had finally found a figure who deserved it.

"Kuahahaha.I know that a person who has the name Kagami is not normal. But you're not the only one abnormal in this world. Juliet, it's time for you to unleash your power, no, our real power."

Romeo's orders were so calm, but Juliet responded with great enthusiasm as if she had been waiting for the order.

Simultaneously, the figure of Juliet who was previously a helpless little bird turned into a large bird whose flapping wings reached 5 meters more. That's the real form of Juliet, the giant bird.

At this moment all who knew of Juliet's form were not so surprised and thought of using that form to attack Riku, but Juliet's figure did not fly towards Riku, but Romeo.

Then, just as Romeo and Juliet's figures were about to collide, a flash of light appeared until they all closed their eyes due to too much glare. No one knows what is going on in the light.

Riku himself who was closest only used the wide side of the sword to avoid direct light. He doesn't know what's going on, but right now he's so calm.

Slowly, the light began to disappear and finally the figure of Romeo was seen.

"..."

At this moment once again all the spectators were taken aback.

Romeo is very different now. It is more appropriate if it is different from the human figure.

Two wings on his back, his legs changed posture resembling the shape of a bird's foot and also with sharp claws. His face and head also changed, human, but had a beak.

Anyone could see that Romeo was turning into a bird man.

Unfortunately, that's not the only surprise. Romeo's magic pressure increased sharply to exceed S rank.

Riku initially exceeds Romeo, but the position is reversed.

Realizing that in an unseeded situation, Riku did not panic at all. He just smiled more and more.

(Man Beast Union. It's getting interesting)

In the eyes of the audience, the Romeo technique may be extraordinary, but in the eyes of Riku, the Romeo technique is more appropriate if referred to as rare.

Techniques that only a few Contractors who have achieved the union of heart and soul can do.

The most striking effect of this technique is the increase in power and also the increase in magic that can be used. Of course, not only that, the limit of this technique.

Their aunt, Yui was a person who could use the Man Beast Union easily. He often does that, so he is like a human animal.

Riku knew Romeo was talented, but he did not expect Romeo's talent to be that great because he could perform rare magic without anyone teaching. Riku wants to know what Romeo will be like if he really grows up.

"It's not too late to give up. The magic you used was incredible, but I'm sure it was only for a moment. Aren't we?"

Romeo smiled confidently as if he had already won.

The Kagami family is known as a family that has a special technique referred to as Burst Art. A technique that allows increasing the power many times in a limited time.

Knowing this, the right way to deal with Riku is to buy time, but it is not desired by Romeo.

He wanted to fight with Riku within his full strength.

"Well, that's not wrong. But the word 'surrender' is not in my dictionary. I may lose, but I won't give up."

"Then don't regret it!!"

Romeo's figure suddenly disappeared. His movements this time were dozens of times faster than before.

Riku himself could only see Romeo's blurry figure, but that was enough.

The shock waves caused by the two of them colliding together made the protectors vibrate violently. This was quite surprising since the arena guards separating the spectators possessed a power capable of resisting the attacks of a Master.

Romeo conducts a barrage of attacks and urges Riku to never fight back. This is normal given Riku's speed and strength far below Romeo's.

Riku was still able to hold on as he relied on his sharp instincts to predict attacks, without it, he had already lost to just now.

"Fist Blast!!"

Romeo's attack made a loud roar and charged at Riku with a speed that could not be seen with ordinary eyes.

Riku was aware that if he received this attack, he would receive a fatal impact and would probably lose immediately.

Unfortunately, he can't do anything. The attack was too fast.

Riku's body bounced backwards violently to almost outside the duel arena. He was still holding on because at the last moment Riku stuck his sword into the arena floor.

But Riku's situation is not good at all. He fell down and his mouth turned fresh blood.

(The attack not only injured my body, but also impacted my magic energy)

What a terrible attack. It seems Romeo has managed to create a technique capable of crippling witches in a single strike. Romeo realized that the greatest weakness of witches was not the limit of the amount of magic energy, but the control of magic energy.

The attack earlier made the flow of magic energy on Riku's body a little chaotic. He needs time to recover, but his opponent might give him time.

"I can't believe anyone can survive my attack with just a small wound. Too bad, every attack I use doesn't just affect the body."

Magic energy gathered in Romeo's hands. This time the attack was stronger than before.

Riku realizes Romeo's attack is more dangerous than any witch attack he's up against. He can't take more attacks than this.

But how could he possibly withstand Romeo's attack?

Is this a moment of defeat?

Time began to slow in his mind. He looked towards Lunaris who did not show any expression as if he did not care about what happened to him.

At that moment, Lunaris gave a small smile and muttered. A small mutter that no one would hear, but Riku could hear it clearly.

Win!!

It was at that moment that magic energy overflowed from Riku's body to create a vortex that enveloped Riku like a shield.

"Free!!"

Romeo realizes Riku chose to stay. It wasn't a bad decision, but it wasn't enough.

"Chaos Blast Fist!!!"

Romeo's attack easily destroyed Riku's magic energy vortex as if it was made of tofu.

Anyone who saw it started to panic because the attack had enough power to get someone killed.

Dueling was done to test the strength between the disciples, strength that exceeded the limit was strictly forbidden, let alone using power that could take lives.

Under normal circumstances, the duel between Romeo and Riku had already been stopped from earlier given the strength they showed was too strong and dangerous.

Surprisingly, Melisa did nothing as if enjoying the fight.

The disciples who were aware of the situation started to shout hysterically. Whatever the reason, this is already too much.

"Who!!!"

But what happened again shocked people. Romeo's attack that could make a crack barrier was held back by something from Riku, more precisely Riku's fist.

Is impossible!! Romeo thought it was just a dream.

His attack was not categorized as a Sacred Magic Art, but it used almost all of its power. It was impossible to just withstand an attack with just a fist.

"!?"

Romeo tried to pull back his hand to keep his distance and start the next attack, but he could not do it at all.

(What power is this?)

This is not normal. The power that Riku showed was completely incompatible with the magic pressure that was only S rank.

At that confused moment, Romeo looked at Riku's eyes.

Riku's eyes that originally looked like ordinary eyes turned into reptilian eyes, just like the eyes of a dragon. At the same time Romeo saw a giant dragon behind Riku putting great pressure on him.

The pressure made Romeo realize his current figure was so small before Riku.

(So this is Riku's true strength?)

Romeo quickly regained consciousness. From the very beginning Riku could defeat him easily if he used this power. Moreover, the sword in Riku's hand must have another secret.

No doubt, a person from the Kagami family is a monster.

"Do you understand our power difference?"

"Hmmm!! You monster!!"

Normally a person facing absolute power would instantly surrender, but Romeo gathered the remaining magic energy in his left hand and attacked Riku.

"Hell Fist!!"

Although Romeo's attack looked like a desperate attack, but his attack had a power that could not be underestimated. With such a close distance, it would be difficult for Riku to hold it back.

"Slow!!"

Bamm!!! In the blink of an eye, Romeo's body hit the floor of the arena to create a large crater with Romeo as its center. The arena had even been crushed into rubble.

A few moments later, Romeo's figure returned to its original form with a scuffed body and lost consciousness.

Romeo lost.

All are taken aback by the end of the fight between Romeo and Riku. Romeo was known as one of the high-ranking disciples, so it was not unusual for him to have hidden powers.

Unfortunately, that power was broken easily by a B rank magician. Anyone wouldn't believe it if they didn't see their fight head-on.

"He can now use the power of the Dragonoid without having to lose control of consciousness and strength. This is quite a shock."

"Yes. Looks like Riku's legs worked hard for these three years."

Many were confused by what strength Riku showed, but there were three people who knew Riku's strength well.

And they knew, the strength that Riku was showing right now was nothing more than the tip of the iceberg.

"But we still don't know how far Riku's legs can control his power."

"Isn't it better to ask the person directly?"

"That's the quickest solution, but Dad asked us to test it directly. Didn't you already know?"

"I just don't like troublesome ways like this."

"You know how else, we're just following dad's orders. I don't understand what he's thinking at all."

Aura shook her head in a fit of resignation.

But that doesn't mean the two don't understand why they have to do all this.

Since childhood Riku was known as a genius who would become a Paladin someday, but most did not know that Riku had greater potential than that.

Unfortunately, talent that is too great sometimes becomes a curse.

It was that curse that made Riku almost take away the life of the most precious person in his life.