What would happen when two contrasting elements collide?
Usually, they would simply conflict, and it would cause an imbalance—friction between the opposing parties.
However… what if one managed to find the perfect way to merge the two? If that was possible, then the product of such would be something completely different from the two initial sources.
Anti-Magic… a concept that stemmed from the equal merge between Mana and Miasma.
Joining equal properties—quality and quantity—of the two elements into one, would create a null effect. In essence, both would cancel each other out.
By utilizing this properly, infusing it with my Spellcraft ability, I could spread the null effect through a wide distance, completely eradicating the use of Magic within my vicinity.
That was the new source of power I had developed from the union between Mana and Miasma… a feat that had been deemed impossible by all.
********************
"Looks like I win, Neron."
My mentor gave a slight nod as we fell to the ground, having the effects of our Magic wear off.
I could control the area of influence of Anti-magic, but on a wide scale, it was simply easier for me to affect everything in my surroundings—me included.
"It would seem so…" Neron gave a calm answer, touching the ground with his feet.
At least he wasn't a sore loser.
"My, my, look at the devastation we caused…"
The barrier shielding the students had long perished, thanks to the corroding effect of my last move. With the veil completely removed, the students' expressions became clearer to me.
"I'll handle this mess. You should complete your address to them." Neron smiled, activating his Original Magic on the spot.
His hair sparked white, and a surge of energy burst forth from within him. The Mana he exuded enveloped the destroyed area, and suddenly, time began to reverse—at least for what had been wrecked.
'As expected… I can't get used to it…'
The fact that he could do this much without the aid of an Arcana showed just how immensely powerful Neron was. Would I be able to get to his level someday?
'Pfft. What a useless question…' I laughed at myself.
It wasn't even worth asking.
My eyes scoured the seated audience, lecturers and teachers alike, and I addressed them with great vigor.
"Do you understand now?"
There was a gap they had to fill.
I was certain that many of them felt awfully weak and lacking after watching the exchange between the both of us. They felt so overwhelmed that it was easier to convince themselves that it was an impossible feat.
—That they could not achieve it.
However…
"Magic is meant to evolve. If you can not make it progress, then why do you study it? What's the point of walking in the footsteps of others for the rest of your lives? Original Magic teaches every Mage one thing… personal identity!"
Their unease reduced.
"You all have the potential to become good at something. It may not be combat, but alchemy, or even engineering. However the case may be, all of you have something you can excel in and push forward."
That was enough motivation for anyone.
"So, why don't you get to it? I want to see the names of all those who are in that hall… completely erased."
New names. New people. Fresh blood.
That was what the world needed.
Whether in the realm of Magic, Martial Arts, or Scholarship. Eventually, we were all walking toward the same goal.
"Become the best!"
With that finally said, I teleported away from the stage, catching a glimpse of many students—some weeping, and some steeling their faces in resolve. I was certain that a lot of them would revert to their old state within a short while.
But, among the ones who witnessed the show, I was assured that a few would emerge and carry on the torch of excellence.
'I look forward to that.'
>VWUUUUSSSHHHHH<
*************************
With Jared Leonard gone, the hall fell into a deathly silence.
For a moment, no one said anything. They simply stared emptily at the place where Jared had previously stood.
The repair of the stage was complete, and Neron now climbed the platform to address the students. The smile on his face was uncharacteristic of the usual lull Headmaster.
"I certainly hope you got something from the Exhibition. I know I did."
The students had to admit it.
Even though his methods were unconventional, he passed his message across to everyone.
Aloe, from her seat, trembled in delight and excitement. Even with Jared gone, she couldn't get rid of how severe the experience was for her.
As expected of the one who saved her from death!
The Senior Lecturers and Vice Head, who had been watching everything, were also amazed and completely overwhelmed by Jared's entire display.
From his Mass Teleportation, to his Aura of Despair, and the match with Neron; it was clear that Jared had reached a height that far outclassed any of them.
In merely three years, the mere student of Ainzlark had become a Magic User beyond the ArchMage Level.
What manner of monster was he?
Even with everyone's awe for Jared, there was one thing that lurked in their mind, soiling their image of him.
"You know…"
A fundamental error the boy had made.
"... He never explained anything to us."
Anti-Magic. Mass Teleportation. Martial Art Skills. In-depth Knowledge of Magic Theories.
Jared Leonard never explained a single thing.
All they gained from the Exhibition was an experience they would never forget. How a 15-year-old boy… could attain the heights of masters
***********************
'So, this is how much you've grown…' A petite girl smiled to herself as she viewed the whole incident from a screen.
Anabelle couldn't make it to the Exhibition, but she had observed the entire event. It wasn't an understatement to say that she was completely bewildered by the display Jared gave everyone.
"Just when I thought I had improved greatly…"
A saddened smile crept upon her face, but it didn't last very long. Soon after, Ana's bright demeanor returned.
Inside the office when she sat, she smiled widely and focused her gaze on the screen.
In the background, several automatons flew about and crept around. They were busy with several things, building something for Ana.
She ignored them and simply focused on the boy at the center of the screen.
"I'll also be trying my best, Jared! Until I can stand by your side… until I can surpass Lewis Griffith himself!"
Unknown to the clueless girl… her two rivals were one and the same.
