"Alavin! Did you steal the secrets of Combat Magics? That is a grave sin."
"No wonder you've advanced to Novice Mage; it turns out you've been pilfering Combat Magics. You've got some nerve."
A wave of angry rebukes erupted from beneath the dueling platform, with several Protégés visibly agitated.
"It looks like he's been practicing this Combat Magic for some time."
"Alavin is doomed! If Galos doesn't slay him, the guild's laws will see him suffer a fate worse than death."
"How reckless, flaunting stolen Combat Magics in the arena for all to see."
More and more people came to the realization, shouting in excitement.
Cobalt Strike strictly forbade the unauthorized sharing and learning of Combat Magics, as it was taboo. Once discovered, a mage would be stripped of all their learned spells and expelled from the Order. Alavin, a mere commoner's son, had committed a double sin by daring to learn Combat Magics in secret.
"What's all this ruckus?" Carlys snapped, displeased, standing at the edge of the platform and scolding the crowd. "What's got you all so worked up and eager to see someone fall? What kind of honor is that? Is this a Combat Magic from Cobalt Strike? Look closely! Is it? It's not, so why do you claim Alavin stole from Cobalt Strike? Does Cobalt Strike own all the magic in the world? Shame on you."
Her sharp rebukes spread across the field, silencing many with embarrassment.
"Where did Alavin get such a Combat Magic? He has never left Cobalt Strike," Someone shouted, dissatisfied, pointing at Alavin.
Carlys' temper flared. "Don't come here showing off your stupidity. I'm embarrassed for you! Two months ago, Alavin was taken by Botanic Haven Protégés to gather herbs in the forest, where he found a Combat Magic, Indigo Viper!"
"And because you say so, it's true?"
"I only wanted a friendly spar today, but you insist on a life or death struggle. Don't blame me for not holding back," Galos announced loudly, ensuring all could hear. If he ended up maiming Alavin, the blame would not lie with him, for Alavin had brought it upon himself.
Alavin had no time for words, and his muscles tensed as he charged at Galos, launching a fierce assault. It was time to immerse himself wholly in combat.
The Shockwave Cobra shrieked piercingly, breaking free from Alavin's body. It was as thick as an arm, over a meter long, twisting and striking like a bolt of lightning from the sky, aimed directly at Galos.
This time, Galos was ready. He dodged with a series of mirage-like afterimages, narrowly avoiding the Shockwave Cobra, and at the same time, rushing forward at full speed with Blink Sprint, leaving a wraith-like trail and launching a heavy punch aimed at Alavin's face.
Alavin rolled backward, twisting his waist and unleashing a powerful double kick towards Galos, like two rigid iron flails cutting through the air.
Galos dodged with deadly agility, his Blink Sprint keeping him one step ahead. But Alavin, upon landing, sprang forward like a fierce tiger, swinging a heavy punch. Seizing this slight opportunity, he unleashed a torrent of relentless attacks, countering agility with sheer force. Although he didn't truly injure Galos, he managed to disrupt his footing for a moment, forcing him to dodge and retreat continuously.
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