Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage

Instructor Layla was well aware of the power gap between the fourth stage and the eighth stage. It wasn't just a few levels—it was a monumental leap. For most students, moving from one stage to the next could take from many weeks to months even, and that was only with diligent effort and guidance.

The gap between the fourth and eighth stages was so vast that the idea of Milo standing a chance against Kyle under equal conditions seemed laughable. Yet, Layla had her reasons for pairing them.

'Even if his strength, speed, and mana pool have grown significantly, it doesn't mean he's unbeatable. Milo has always been resourceful. He'll make Kyle work for this victory.'

Layla knew Milo's determination. He might not win, but he wouldn't go down without a fight. There was something invaluable about testing students under pressure, even in an unbalanced matchup.

It pushed them to their limits, revealed their ingenuity, and sometimes, their true potential. And Milo, despite the odds, was just stubborn enough to rise to the challenge.

'Besides,' she thought with a wry smile, 'Milo could use a bit of humility. Losing would make him want to work harder.'

Her gaze returned to the two students in question. Kyle, as usual, was calm and composed, while Milo though calm as well, was visible angry on the other hand as he had his fists clenched. Layla could sense the frustration rolling off him in waves, but she knew he'd channel it into the fight.

"Alright, you two," Layla said, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "Hurry up and take the stage."

Kyle stood up from his mat and walked to the fighting circle. As he did, Void's voice echoed in his mind from the pet space.

[That Milo guy... I don't like his air. There's something off about him. You should deal with him in this match.]

Kyle responded internally as well. 'Relax, Void. I'll win the fight, but I don't need to 'deal' with him. It's just a duel.'

[You'd better win. But don't underestimate him. There's more to him than meets the eye.]

Kyle mentally chuckled at Void's concern but didn't argue further.

Milo, meanwhile, stared at the instructor with a mix of anger and resignation. He knew the fact—he couldn't win. The power difference between them was far too great, considering he couldn't use his trump card. He hadn't been able to defeat Kyle when they were just one stage apart; now, with four stages between them, the gap was insurmountable.

Still, Milo wasn't one to back down. Even if victory was out of reach, he'd fight his hardest. He told himself that this would be the last time Kyle tasted victory over him. 'Let him have his moment. It won't last though. Not once I'm ready for him.'

He walked onto the stage with measured steps, his expression neutral despite the storm of emotions raging within. Kyle greeted him with a calm smile, but Milo ignored it, focusing solely on the fight ahead.

"Alright, boys," Layla said, the moment she stood in their center of the circle. "You know the rules. No permanent damage. Fight until one of you is unable to continue or yields. Got it?"

Both Kyle and Milo nodded and their eyes locked into each other afterward.

"Good," Layla said, stepping back to give them space. She raised her hand and soon, her voice rang out clearly. "Begin!"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The moment the word left her lips, Milo sprang into action, activating [Lightning Dash]. His body blurred as he surged forward with incredible speed, aiming to close the distance between them in an instant.

Kyle, however, remained unfazed. Just as Milo was about to reach him, Kyle sidestepped using [Air Steps], his movement so light and precise that it seemed effortless. He moved at the last possible moment, causing Milo to miss him entirely.

Before Milo could recover, Kyle channeled [Lightning Bolt] with blinding speed. The spell crackled to life in the blink of an eye, and he directed it toward Milo's side at close range.

The impact was immediate as the bolt struck Milo with a sharp crack of energy, sending him sprawling to the ground. A cry of pain escaped his lips as he clutched his side with the electric shock overwhelming his senses.

The duel was over almost as quickly as it had begun. It had taken less than two seconds for Kyle to claim victory!

The room fell silent as the students were too stunned to react. Even Layla, who had expected a somewhat quick fight, was momentarily taken aback by how decisively Kyle had ended it.

Experience tales at empire

Milo felt great pain as he laid on the ground, but the humiliation he felt was greater. He remained on the ground, staring daggers at Kyle in anger.

'Fu*ck you for making me feel this way!' he screamed inwardly, to the hearing of none. 'I'll make you feel worse when I'm done with you. No. You won't feel anymore once I'm through.'

Kyle himself was quite shocked on how quickly the fight had ended. He didn't expect Milo to go down from one hit and had expected more resistance.

'I guess my Lightning Bolt is more stronger than before,' Kyle guessed before snapping out of his thoughts and extending a hand to Milo. In as much of their rivalry, Milo was still his friend and he could feel he was in quite a bad shape from that hit. '

"Good try, Milo."

Milo slapped the hand away and his glare intensified. "Don't patronize me," he spat, forcing himself to his feet and storming off the stage without another word.

Layla clapped her hands after seeing enough, breaking the tension in the room.

"Well done, Kyle," she said cheerfully. "And good effort, Milo. Remember, every duel is a chance to learn and grow. Let's all give them a round of applause!"

The students hesitated for a moment before breaking into scattered applause, though the awe in their expressions was unmistakable.

"Now, for the next pair..."

Layla scanned through her students and picked the next two to duel.