Chapter 203 - The Showdown
Another elf appeared beside the one from earlier and turned toward us. She was an elven woman with slightly shorter hair. Narrowing her already almond-shaped eyes, she glanced around at everyone briefly before speaking.
"Then, I shall demonstrate wood magic next. Since we have the opportunity, I will reinforce the earth bridge that was just created and extend its lifespan."
With that preface, the woman turned back to the newly formed earth bridge and began her incantation.
Again, the incantation sounded similar in some way. Not only did the resonance resemble the others, but the tempo and the length per measure also seemed comparable. And this time too, the incantation was completed in five measures; five cells, as the elves would say, and I heard a word that sounded like the spell's name.
Immediately, a rumbling and vibration similar to before shook the ground beneath my feet. However, the sound was quieter this time. I wondered if trees would sprout from the ground again.
How would this magic's effect manifest? I observed with keen interest to confirm the result.
I thought I heard a rustling sound.
Looking up, I saw tree roots, branches, and vines intertwining as they stretched through the air from the mountain wall behind the building.
"Tree... the tree branches are extending..."
Shenley's eyes widened in surprise as she exclaimed.
The roots, branches, and vines extending from four locations formed bundled cords that stretched forward, reaching the earth bridge that had been created at the terrace's edge. Looking closely, roots seemed to have already traveled underground to support the lower part of the earth bridge. In an instant, the earth bridge, except its surface, was covered everywhere by tree roots and branches.
Perhaps the spell was finished, as the woman relaxed her shoulders, briefly checked the bridge's condition, and turned to face us.
"...Now, this magic is not uncommon in this kingdom, but I shall explain it nonetheless. This is an application of magic that accelerates tree growth. I stimulated the branches and roots to grow and extend to support the earth bridge. Eventually, finer roots will spread from those that have grown into the earth bridge, solidifying the soil, while leaves and flowers will sprout from the branches, adorning it beautifully."
With that, the woman bowed politely and returned to our side. Perhaps stimulated by that explanation, Shenley's eyes sparkled as she looked at the bridge supported by the tree roots.
"A bridge that large was completed in the blink of an eye, that's incredible. With this magic, I think any country would benefit tremendously."
When Shenley praised the magic sincerely, Edra nodded and shifted his gaze.
"Hmm. This magic seems to have gained approval. If the girl who uses lightning magic says that, we can rest assured. Then, let us proceed to demonstrate the next magic. Who will take charge?"
When Edra said this, one elf from the Senate raised a hand.
"I will do it."
It was Hedniz.
"Hmm, water magic, is it? Then, we shall leave it to Hedniz."
As Edra agreed and stepped back, Hedniz stepped forward in his place and moved onto the newly formed earth bridge. At that moment, he passed by us, glaring with clear hostility. This must stem from his desire to force me to acknowledge elven superiority.
This was an excellent opportunity to witness top-class water magic.
Thinking this, I turned my attention to Hedniz, who closed his eyes as if meditating, focusing his spirit.
After taking one or two deep breaths, he opened his eyes slightly.
"...Then, I shall demonstrate water magic. And know well that elven magic is the supreme."
Hedniz muttered this while looking at me, then returned his gaze to the valley floor and opened his mouth.
The incantation began, and Hedniz pointed both hands toward the valley below.
The flowing incantation felt slightly longer than the other magics. Then, after the fifth measure ended, it transitioned to a sixth measure.
"...Six measures?"
"This spell alone has one longer incantation, doesn't it?"
Strass and Eliza also seemed to have noticed. Glenn stroked his beard with one hand, narrowing his eyes as he observed Hedniz's profile.
The Senate members each displayed complex emotions; surprise, impatience, and even anger among them. Amidst this, Edra sighed openly with resignation.
"...Fool."
As Edra muttered this, Hedniz also seemed to complete his incantation. A word that sounded like the spell's name was uttered from Hedniz's lips.
Immediately, I felt as though the valley floor stirred with a rumbling motion.
Hedniz opened his eyes wide, spread both arms, and turned his face toward me.
"...Behold, human."
Simultaneously with Hedniz's words, something enormous emerged from the valley floor. It appeared slowly, like a giant serpent raising its head.
"This is the supreme water magic known as a Pseudo-Water Dragon. Do you understand its power, its terror?"
Hedniz said this triumphantly as he manipulated the colossal water dragon.
It was indeed worthy of the name Water Dragon; a massive column of water. It was water violence of an overwhelming volume that would swallow and sweep away people and buildings alike. If this magic were unleashed upon a large city, even a heavily fortified fortress city would suffer severe damage.
Hedniz manipulated that enormous water dragon with complete freedom.
"Wh-what incredible..."
"...A fearsome spell indeed."
Strass voiced his astonishment, and Glenn spoke with awe. Hearing this, Hedniz's smile deepened as he spoke.
"...How about it, Aoi? Can you counter this magic?"
Asked this, I considered what to do. For now, I would prefer to have the elves show me all their magic first. Starting a magic duel here offered no advantage.
As I hesitated to answer, Owen, who had been quietly watching, spoke with irritation.
"Aoi. Show them the difference in class."
At those words, everyone turned to look at Owen. Langs, one of the candidates standing beside Owen, furrowed his brows in bewilderment.
"...Can a human truly contend with that magic?"
When Langs said this with undisguised surprise, Owen snorted and tucked his chin.
"How utterly ridiculous. How long will this kingdom continue to bask in its glory from thousands of years ago? The era when elves were the supreme magical race ended long ago. How foolish it is to sequester yourselves in the mountains, oblivious to that fact, and boast that you are the best. I cannot help but be astonished that you feel no shame in that."
Thus, Owen ridiculed the elves' confidence in their magic with terrifying bluntness. At this, not only the Senate members but even the other candidates sharpened their eyes.
For me, accustomed to Owen's habit of speaking without reservation, I merely thought Hedniz's words must have genuinely angered him, but the atmosphere in the room had turned dreadfully cold.
"As expected of Aoi's teacher..."
"He's even more amazing than Aoi..."
Eliza and Shenley said this with fearful expressions.
"Please do not say such rude things. I carefully consider the other person's feelings when I speak. Of course, I disagree with opinions I cannot accept, but even then, I should be properly giving reasons."
I said this, but the two returned looks of suspicion.
"...Aoi also speaks quite bluntly."
"That's right..."
Feeling a bit sad that the two did not agree with me, a certain person who had been observing silently spoke up. It was King Rivett.
"Interesting. If those words are true, then the esteemed faculty of Fiddiq Magic Academy should be mages equivalent to our Senate members, correct? Then, there is a convenient touchstone right there. Can you neutralize Hedniz's water magic?"
Rivett said this, looking at Glenn, Strass, and me. Perhaps the reason he did not look at Eliza and Shenley was because they were a dwarf and a beastman.
That might not necessarily have been the case, but I couldn't help but recall the elves' behavior so far and suspect it might be a reaction born of discrimination. Nonetheless, it would be difficult for the two of them to do anything about that massive water column.
Resigned, I lightly raised my right hand and spoke.
"Then, I, as a faculty member, shall…"