The sixth matter now be gone, but it was quite different from the previous matches. Both teams were going all out against one another with full frontal assaults.
"The competition show is heating up," said Vanessa.
"Most teams have been cautious, but not these two," said Finral. "They're out in the middle attacking directly."
"Steel Creation Magic: Full Metal Fortress!" Klaus yelled, creating a barrier of steel to block against Francis, a Grey Deer, water attack.
Francis then immediately went around the barrier and fired at the crystal, but Luck launched a bolt of lightning, blocking the attack. Also, since water conducts electricity attack continued hitting Francis. Luck then quickly grabbed the crystal and launched himself into the air.
"Whoa, did you notice the crazy shit that spell?" Dak stared. "That was awesome!"
"That runt has added some pages to his grimoire and given his power and upgrade," Magnus smiled.
"Luck is the fastest amongst us Black Dragons, so it shouldn't be a surprise that he's quick," said Ruffnut.
"He used to be something of a lone wolf, but now he's really working with others as a team," said Tuffnut.
"Lightning Magic: Thunderbolt Destruction!" Luck yelled, firing bolts of lightning at the enemy crystal.
"That kid has got a strong offence."
"Yeah, he's good, and he's only at the junior level too."
"Me and Luck have been cranking up the missions like crazy over the past few months, and every one of them has made us that much more powerful," said Magnus. "So obviously, being junior rank doesn't mean a damn thing to us."
Klaus wasn't too surprised by Luck's strength. 'The Black Dragons did always have intermediate-level talent, and now I see they have continued to improve, but I have grown as well. Inspired by Dak, I have trained my magic, my muscles and my mind.'
It was true; Klaus had been spending the past few months strengthening his body with ridiculous exercises. Not only had it strengthened his stamina, but it also strengthened his magic reserves as well as its power.
Winton approached, holding a massive boulder over his head.
"My hard work may betray me, but I won't betray my hard work! Steel Magic: Fierce Spiral Lance!" Klaus yelled, creating a steel lance that began to spin.
He then swung it at Winston, completely shattering the boulders he was holding and knocking him to the ground.
"Now that's the kind of beat down I'm talking about!" Dak cheered.
"Whoa, Klaus, I'm so proud of you," said Maple. "I suppose you might be more than a spectacle worrywart after all."
"That was pretty cool," said Luck as he landed on the ground looking at Klaus. "After the tournament is over, you want to spar with me?
"Stop being an incorrigible child and focus on the battle at hand," said Klaus and then felt a powerful rush of wind hitting them. His eyes turned to Rob, who was now protecting his crystal. "That's him, Rob Vertes. He's turned his back on their crystal. We should attack all three of them head-on and obliterate their crystal in one blow."
"You got it!" said Luck.
"Well, look at that. Turns out you silly boys aren't half bad," said Puli. She then suddenly swooped in out of nowhere with a pair of wings shooting out from her bag and quickly grabbed the crystal. "Gotcha! Wing Magic!"
"Whoa, that lady can fly," Dak gasped.
"Angel Flapping should do the trick!" said Puli as she spread out her wings, unleashing a powerful tornado of feathers on the opposing team. "An offensive strike…"
Klaus then lowered his steel barrier, and Luck shot off of it as if it was a runway.
"Go for it!" he yelled.
"…And a tailwind for my teammates!" said Puli.
Luck was using the tornado to increase his speed, and he was barely able to contain his excitement. 'Boy, this is a lot of fun.'
"Now, Luck, break it!" Klaus yelled.
Rob somehow managed to withstand the tornado and quickly placed himself in front of the crystal. "The difference in our strengths will determine which of us will become victorious!"
"We throw all that magic, and that guy didn't budge an inch," said Puli stunned. "No good. Alright, you crazy kid, have at him!"
'Move…' said Luck as he suddenly increased in speed.
'He's fast,' said Rob shocked.
Luck then dealt a devastating kick right into his chest so powerful that he slammed against the crystal.
"Come on, let's fight some more," said Luck.
A split second later, their crystal was destroyed.
"What the?"
"They won with one hit!"
"Crystal destroyed! Team K wins!" the referee announced.
"Way to go!" Vanessa cheered as he high-fived Finral with both hands.
"Yeah, they really showed him, huh!" said Finral.
"All right!" said the twins as they high-fived one another.
Gordon turned to high-five Gaspar, but he was still focused on his picture of Marie.
"Woo hoo, that was such a blast," said Luck.
"Oh Luck, I can't believe I underestimated you!" Klaus yelled as he and Puli dashed over towards him. "That was astounding!"
"Ding ding, ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!" said Puli.
"Go, Team K!" they said in unison, high-fiving one another.
"I'm so proud," said Klaus, on the verge of tears.
"You did it, Luck," Dak smiled.
"That sneaky little rascal," Magnus smiled. "Dammit, I think he's too strong."
Both Luck and Gustav looked at one another excitedly.
"Next, I'll be fighting him," they said in unison.
"That that'll be interesting," said Luck.
"I'll paint an even prettier picture," said Gustav.
They watched the seventh match, but it was nowhere near as exciting as the others and ended with Team M victorious.
"Now for the eighth and final match of the first round!" the referee announced. "Team O and P approach!"
"The last one and it's a real doozy, too," said Dak.
"I can't wait," said Charmy excitedly.
"It's going to be Adelaide and Ley on the same team together," said Dak.
"Guess they decided to leave the best team for last," said Summer.
Leyla looked around. "Where is our third member?"
"Hey, gang," said a voice behind them.
They turned around and saw a rather frail young man with long dark blonde hair approaching them, who happened to be their teammate En.
"Are you ready?" he asked. "If we all do our best, we are sure to make it through this round."
"Can you make it through this day?" Dak asked questionably.
"I just know that we're going to succeed," said En.
Adelaide looked at Leyla. "You think this guy is okay to participate?"
"I don't know," said Leyla honestly.
"Well, I hope you're not as obnoxious as your brother," said Adelaide.
"There's no need to be so condescending, especially considering magic control is not your strong suit. I seem to remember you had your hands full using mana skin back of the volcano. Are you sure you're up for this?"
"Excuse me!" said Adelaide looking insulted. "Don't you realise you're in the presence of royalty? I mean, let's face it, you were raised to be a barbarian, just like Dak. Maybe you're too stupid to participate in this test?"
"Keep it down, Princess," said Summer.
"Not only is that a weak argument, but how you phrased it was childish," said Leyla. "And makes me wonder if Dak has rubbed off on you."
"How dare you!" Adelaide roared. "If you're saying that I would let myself be influenced by a mediocre muscle head like Dak, then you are just as much of an immature jerk as he is and stop looking at me with that face! I'm the only one who is allowed to do that to people, do you understand?"
"You're clearly wild up; I'll stop," said Leyla.
"How about you calm down? You will be working together, and this is not the best way to start," Dak advised.
"I'm pretty sure you're the reason that they're arguing," said Maple.
"Yeah, right!" Adelaide yelled, punching Dak right in the face. "Who would get angry over you?"
"Why me?" Dak groaned.
"I might have to get along with you with this match, but that doesn't mean that I like you!" Adelaide snapped at Leyla.
"That's enough, you two. Let's develop a plan," said En, and he placed his hand on Adelaide's shoulder.
"I'm sorry. Did I say you could touch me!" Adelaide snapped at him.
"You must be confident if you got time for chitchat," said a voice. Adelaide spun around and saw Scoldlout approaching her. "I'm shocked to find that the shame of House Jorgenson is competing in this tournament. The Black Dragons might have recently ascended from just above absolute failure, but you don't consider yourself responsible for that, right?"
"Can we please not do this," said Adelaide.
"I'm not surprised that you haven't learned to control your magic power. After all, you can even get accepted into the Silver Eagles, despite the fact that you're a member of the Jorgenson family."
"You would have thought this guy would have learned his lesson last time," Dak muttered.
Adelaide was not particularly close with anyone in her family, but while the others would just completely ignore her, Scoldlout made her life absolutely miserable when she was growing up.
One time after she failed to master her magic, he blasted her with his own magic.
"What a waste of space; if your royalty, then how come you can't do all the amazing things the rest of our family can, you little freak."
Then another time, when she was having her dinner, he immediately swatted her plate right out from under her.
"That's odd; I thought I trained you better than to start eating before I do!"
Then he grabbed her favourite toy, dangling it overheard just out of reach.
"Please give me my toy back before you mess it up!" she begged. "I don't like this game!"
"If you want such a weakling, then maybe you have the ability to protect all the things that are important to you," he said evilly.
"Just give it back, okay!"
Scoldlout then used his magic to cut her toying to shreds. "If it makes you angry, then do something about it! Oh, wait, you're dumb spells probably can't hit me, can they?"
Leyla and En looked at Adelaide and then back at Scoldlout; they both could tell that this was not the first time that he had bullied her.
"It's okay," said Gordon faintly. "You can do it, Adelaide. Look how much you've accomplished since you started your journey with the Black Dragons. We're cheering for you. We know what you're capable of, way better than your foolish brother does. You know what they say, friends of family you choose, and you chose us. So if you can't believe it yourself, then just believe in the friends who believe in you!"
"Does anybody know what he's mumbling about over there?" Vanessa asked.
"I say that he's putting some kind of unspeakable curse, Silver Eagles guy," said Finral.
"I think you've wasted enough time," said Asger as he and the third member of the team, a Coral Peacock, approached. "It's our turn to fight."
"Oh, well, I beg your pardon," he said as he turned away, but not before giving Adelaide an evil sneer. "I hope you're ready, Adelaide. Watch out, don't die."
Asger then looked at Leyla and narrowed his eyes before walking off.
Moments later, both teams were in their respective crystals within the arena.
"And now the eighth match of round one!" said the referee. "Team O… Asger, Scoldlout and Dmitri versus Team P… En, Leyla and Adelaide! Let's begin!"
"With Adelaide and Ley on the same team, I know who's going to win," said Dak confidently.
"We're rooting for you! Show them what the beautiful babes of the Black Dragons mean business!" Vanessa yelled.
"Remember not to go easy on him just because he's your big brother!" Finral yelled. "It's all the more reason to beat him!"
"We know you can do Adelaide!" Ruffnut yelled.
"Kick some butt!" Tuffnut yelled.
"I think it would be best if I do the attacking; you, too, can back me up," said Leyla.
"No, that should be my job," said Adelaide.
"No offence, but I'm arguably the strongest one here with the best master control."
"Listen here…"
"I'll be happy to be on the defensive, actually," said En.
Leyla then sensed a massive amount of magic power heading towards them. "They're a lot faster than I thought."
"What happening?" Adelaide asked.
Above them, they saw Team O speeding towards them; all three of them had combined their magical powers to get the drop on them.
'Vexing as it is to do, this abridged version of that Compound Magic is a handy shortcut,' Scoldlout admitted reluctantly. "A single swift attack, and it's all over!"
"Their team's crystal is still in its starting location," said Leyla.
"Rather cocky aren't they leaving it unprotected?" said Summer.
"They may not need to if they can shatter our crystal in one failed swoop," said Leyla. "Wind Magic: Crescent Moon Sickle!"
She quickly fired off a slash of wind at Team O, but they quickly jumped out of the way, avoiding it.
"Fire Magic: Combo Eruption!" Dmitri yelled, unleashing a barrage of fireballs down upon them.
"Water Magic: Sea Dragon's Lair!" Adelaide yelled, creating a shield around them and blocking the attack.
"So the little neo-fight thing, she can learn defensive spells, does she?" Scoldout sneered.
"Sand Magic: Suppressants Sand Mass!" Asger yelled.
He then dropped a massive pile of sand down upon Adelaide's shield, and he began to drain the water.
'It's absorbing all the water,' Adelaide cursed.
Leyla didn't waste any time and immediately grabbed both Adelaide and the crystal; then, using her magic, she shot right through the water and sand.
"If this keeps up, we'll be stuck on the defensive," she said.
"We need to take the initiative and take the fight to them," said Summer.
"He's the plan; I'm probably the fastest of the team, so I'm going to catch them off guard and destroy their crystal," said Leyla. "You and the other guy should focus on protecting ours."
"Wait," said Adelaide. "Let me do this, please."
Leyla looked at her, but suddenly a huge swab of sand enveloped them.
"I'll stop you right here," said Asger.
However, Leyla unleashed a powerful gust of wind which cut through his sand, allowing Adelaide to fly out of it.
"That's the stuff, Adelaide!" Dak cheered.
Leyla then lowered herself with the crystal down onto the ground. 'She's fought alongside Dak; she'll be fine. Besides, the crystal is safe with me guarding it.'
'If it's me who goes…' said Adelaide looking behind her.
Just as she predicted, Scoldlout was chasing her down upon his water eagle. 'I've got you now, Adelaide.'
'…Scold is sure to be right on my heels,' Adelaide smiled.
Asger ground in frustration as Scoldlout left the group. "I said to act as if you're part of the team!"
He then turned his eyes upon Leyla.
"How about you do with me first before him," Leyla suggested.
Asger narrowed his eyes at Leyla; he remembered what other members of the squad in talking about her, and it was infuriating.
"Hey, did you hear about that four-leaf rookie?"
"She took down one of the Diamond Kingdom's Eight Shining Generals."
"In his first year? Now that's what I call impressive.
"Oh, and it gets better; after that, she took a shot out of the Vice-Captain and said that she would be the captain of the Golden Dawn."
"Just goes to show you, being chosen by the wind spirit really sets you apart, doesn't it?"
"Seems like Captain Vangeance has high hopes for her."
"So you think you can eliminate me and protect your team's crystal at the same time," Asger scoffed. "There's an arrogance you're so famous for!"
He then suddenly conjured his sand golem.
"And you're saying I'm the arrogant one here," said Leyla.
'Why did it have to be you?' Asger growled.
Several years ago, while on a mission, Asger had been caught in an ambush by the enemy and was on death's door.
'I should have been ready for an ambush, I managed to escape, but I wound up in this deep cave. Not much chance for someone to come to save me. So this is it?'
He was just about to give up, but then he saw emerging from nowhere was Vangeance.
"There's no need to fear," he said. "I'll help you."
'In that moment, you reminded me of a painting from my childhood. Of a kind and gentle god bathed in a soft light.'
"I sense that you were in here; your worries are over now," said Vangeance gently.
He then walked over to him and extended his hand.
'Besides his magic, Captain Vangeance has another strange power… it's some kind of warmth that connects to all of us squad members. After that happened, I swore that I would dedicate my grimoire to him. I strove to help the Golden Dawn remain the greatest of all the Magic Knight squads. Because we are the noble elite, hand selected by Sir Vangeance himself.
'So why was she made one of us? This backwoods peasant! And what's more, even though he bonded with each of us impartially, it's plain to see that the captain favours him the most! But why? I don't understand!'
He then remembered one day when Vangeance and Leyla walked down the hallway side-by-side.
"Why has he said that lowlife's name five times today?" he said furiously. "And he hasn't spoken the first word to me!"
'What makes her special? The four-leaf clover? It's bad enough that he is regarded so much about the rest of us, but for that urgent to declare that she'll become the next captain of the Golden Dawn! It is an insult to Sir Vangeance!'
Back in the present, he was now facing Leyla, and he intended to use his full might against her.
"Don't get a big head because you were lucky enough to end up with spirit magic!" he yelled.
"It was her amazing power that got her chosen in the first place!" Summer yelled.
"Calm down, Sum," said Leyla gently.
"You don't want me to help you?" said Summer surprised.
This made Asger even more furious.
Adelaide, meanwhile, was making her way to the enemy crystal with Scoldlout hot on her heels. He bombarded her with his Water Magic against her, but she shielded herself with her defensive spell.
"Leave it to useless Adelaide to try to win with one lousy defensive spell," Scoldlout laughed.
"What's wrong with you?" Dmitri yelled, chasing after him on a flaming butterfly. "We were supposed to hit their crystal at the same time, but you just ruined our strategy!"
"Be quiet; what makes you think you can tell me what to do?" Scoldlout snapped.
"Okay then, looks like my only option is to back up," he said.
However, before Dmitri could do anything, a giant mushroom sprouted from his robe. It was so big and heavy that it caused him to lose control of his magic and found himself tumbling towards the ground.
"What is that thing?" he yelled seconds before he hit the ground.
Scoldlout stopped his attack and looked back to see what had just happened.
Dmitri picked himself up and saw running towards him, riding on a mushroom of arms and legs was En.
'Fungus Magic: Walking Mister Mushroom!" he said. 'I sprinkled a few spores on you when you weren't looking. I'm not letting you standing Adelaide away.'
As they finally reached the enemy crystal, thanks to the assistance of Leyla's Wind Magic. However, Scoldlout managed to place himself between her and the crystal.
"To tell you the truth, sister, I almost feel bad for you," said Scoldlout. "Any direction you go, I'll be hot in your tracks, so you don't stand a chance of putting so much as a scratch on my crystal."
Suddenly sprouting on Adelaide's shoulder was a mushroom mouth.
"Are you sure about that?" it said.
"What's happening here?" Adelaide screamed in shock.
"Not to worry, it's me, En," said the mushroom. "I'm talking to you via my Voice Transmission Talking Mushroom."
"You can't go around sticking creepy fungi on people!" Adelaide yelled.
"I'll make it brief, but please hear me out," said the mushroom.
'I've been listening to Scoldlout since before the battle began; the way that monster treats his baby sister is unacceptable,' said En. 'As the oldest of 11 children, it makes me sick. In fact, my siblings are the reason I'm fighting today.'
"Adelaide…" said the mushroom. "An older brother's most important job is to look after his siblings, who are younger and weaker. But judging by the many hurtful things he said, he doesn't sound as if he's trying to uphold that responsibility! So thrash him once and for all! And I'm not talking about a slap on the wrist; I want you to pulverise this disgrace of a brother!"
"You really perked up since the fight started, haven't you?" Adelaide blinked.
"Humans are like animals; if you put them firmly in their place, they will never oppose you again."
"Oh, this is absolutely hilarious," said Scoldlout. "Someone is getting thrashed, but it surely won't be me! Sorry! I can crush you prophetically weaklings without breaking a sweat!"
He then unleashed his water serpents upon Adelaide, destroying the talking mushroom and dealing a nasty scratch across her cheek.
"That's right, I was weak before," Adelaide admitted. "And you Scold… my entire life, you've always been my bigger, stronger older brother, but I'm done caring whether or not you approve of me." She then raised her wand and pointed directly at Scoldlout. "Because I've already got the approval of people whose opinion matters a lot more than yours! Once upon a time, I was terrified of what your magic power could do, but now that just feels silly!"
"Who cares? You're still a failure!" Scoldlout spat. "Water Creation Magic: Slashing Sea Serpent!"
Asger had conjured up a sandstorm and continued to increase the size of his golem.
"Your existence in a slap on my face!" he snarled. "Sand Creation Magic: Sand Armour Dreadnought Guard! This is my most powerful spell, offence and defence in one! Try to stop that with your Spirit Magic! I will be the one that makes Sir Vangeance's dream a reality!"
"Wind Magic…" said Leyla, and then suddenly, tornado wind erupted from inside the golem, ripping it apart instantly. "…Towering Tornado!"
'From the inside?' Asger gasped.
"Am I crazy, or did Leyla somehow activate her spell inside his opponent's magic?" Vanessa stared.
"Skills like that and beauty to match, man, this girl really is out of my league," said Finral.
Julius just stood there mesmerised.
Asger then fell to his knees, looking completely crushed.
"I don't know why you hate me so much, but all I'm doing is my job as a Magic Knight and fulfilling my own dream," said Leyla. "Maybe you should do the same."
Scoldlout stood there in fear as he came face-to-face with Adelaide's water dragon.
'That's absurd, insane, preposterous, it's downright impossible!' he said. 'What even is that magic? Adelaide is not capable of anything that powerful!'
"Hey, Scold, you might want to block," Adelaide advised.
"Just try and hit me, you pipsqueak!" Scoldlout roared. 'It looks strong, but there's no way one of her abilities could ever hurt me!' He decided to unleash everything he had against Adelaide. "Do your worst, you good-for-nothing girl!"
"Sea Dragon's Roar!" Adelaide yelled, unleashing her spell.
Scoldlout unleashed his spell, but it was easily torn apart by Adelaide and continued its way towards him. He screamed as the spell struck him and carried on, smashing the crystal into pieces.
"Awesome, she won!" Dak smiled.
"She wiped out their crystal in one hit," Maple gasped.
"Crystal destroyed! Team P wins!" the referee announced.
"I'm not weak, not any more!" said Adelaide looking down at her brother.