Chapter 241 Distant Echoes of a Duel

Professor Rodger, with his booming voice, addressed the participants, "Welcome, future warriors! Today, you'll prove your spirit in the art of combat. This isn't just a test of strength, but a showcase of your skills, strategy, and adaptability. For the first part of the exam, you will all be facing me in combat without using your Magic Box Powers. Prepare yourselves for a trial that will push you beyond your limits! It will be a duel, one-on-one. When you hear your names, step into the ring!"

Next in line was Professor Jennifer Wong, known for her expertise in harnessing the power of Magic Box. Her entrance was accompanied by an aura of mystique. She explained the combat-centric nature of her exam, "Prepare yourselves, young wizards and sorceresses, for you shall face me in a battle of pure magic. Unleash the potential of your Magic and show me the might you've grown to this day. Those who pass Professor Rodger's test will be facing me next."

Next came Professor Lorraine Silva, taking a moment to gather her thoughts she proceeded with the introductions.

 "Now, let me introduce myself to those who might not know me, I am Professor Lorraine Silva, Elemental Magic, and Control teacher. I am a master in the complexities of magic, both elemental manipulation and magical combat strategies. I will be overseeing the final part of your test, where you'll face me in a dual that demands a blend of magical prowess and physical combat skills."

With the initial introductions completed, Professor Rodger smoothly transitioned into the examination phase. He called out the names of participants one by one, engaging in duels to assess their combat prowess. The air crackled with sparks as their swords collided, each participant eager to prove their skills.

As the participants completed their duels with Professor Rodger, they proceeded to the next ring where Professor Wong awaited them. The duels continued with powerful magic attacks exploding. Those who successfully passed Professor Wong's test advanced to the final stage with Professor Silva.

Suzuka decided to use the downtime wisely. Aware that the exam would take some time to cycle through all the participants, she found a quiet spot to rest and closed her eyes for a short nap. The ambient hum of magical energy and the distant echoes of duels provided a peculiar lullaby, allowing her to drift into a brief nap.

As the last participants took turns in the dueling rings, Suzuka's name was eventually called. She stirred from her nap, shaking off the remnants of drowsiness.

"It's about damn time," she mumbled to herself as she proceeded to the arena.

 With a confident stride, she approached the trio of professors, her eyes sizing up the panel that would judge her in the upcoming examination. Professor Rodger, who was the first to duel, looked up as Suzuka neared.

With a glance at all three professors, she couldn't help but notice the signs of fatigue etched on their faces. The constant stream of participants took a toll on their energy. Suzuka couldn't let this opportunity for a lighthearted remark pass.

"Hey, fellas," she began with a playful grin, "you sure you want to go through with this? You look like you could use a break. If you need a five-minute breather, I'm more than happy to wait. No fun in a duel if the judges are half-asleep, right?"

The professors exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and sport flickering in their eyes. Professor Rodger chuckled, appreciating her wit. 

"We're professionals. We can handle a little fatigue. But I appreciate your concern. Let's get this started, shall we?"

Silva, still holding a bit of a grudge from their first duel, shot Suzuka a competitive glare. It seemed that she hadn't forgotten their previous clash, and there was a spark of spite in her eyes. She was ready to see if Suzuka had improved since the last time.

On the other hand, Professor Wong, the more composed and analytical of the group, calmly responded to Suzuka's taunt. 

"Ms. Helen, we appreciate your enthusiasm. Rest assured, this is a formality, and we fully know your prowess. We've witnessed your remarkable performance in the Grand Tournament, where you dominated the competition and fought bravely against the Grand himself. Your victory against the 5-star mage Isaac was also quite commendable. That is precisely why we are facing you last."

Wong leaned back, a thoughtful expression on her face.

 "This examination is more about understanding the depth and control of your magical abilities. We are here to evaluate your finesse, not just raw power. So, let's proceed with the examination and see how well you can showcase your skills."

Suzuka couldn't help but smirk in response to the reassurances from Professor Wong.

 "Well, since you've already seen my 'remarkable' performances, let's turn this into a real show, shall we? Why don't you all try your luck at once? I wouldn't want to keep the esteemed professors waiting or disappoint them with a lackluster performance. Three against one, and I'll even go easy on you. How about it?"

The three professors exchanged glances, their weariness momentarily overshadowed by a spark of amusement. Professor Rodger, despite his initial fatigue, let out a laugh.

 "You're quite the confident one, Helen. I like that spirit. If you're willing to take on all three of us, who are we to refuse such an offer?"

Professor Silva cracked a sly smile.

 "Well, well. Let's see if you can handle the combined might of the magical arts. Don't expect us to go easy on you."

Professor Wong chuckled, "It's an intriguing proposition. We accept your challenge. Just remember, this is all in good fun. Try not to kill us or destroy the whole facility."

With that, they prepared themselves for an unconventional duel, facing Suzuka with a mixture of caution and curiosity. The atmosphere in the room shifted, and Suzuka found herself at the center of attention, ready to face the combined magical prowess of the three professors.

Professor Rodger, armed with a sword, was the first to make a move. Despite his fatigue, he moved with surprising speed, closing in on her with a muscular stride. Suzuka met his charge head-on, her power matching the seasoned professor's. The clash of their weapons reverberated through the room as they engaged in a fast-paced melee exchange.

On the magical front, Professor Wong began conjuring icy spells to hinder Suzuka's movements. Crystalline shards of ice shoot from the ground, creating a hazardous terrain to get in Suzuka's way. Simultaneously, Professor Silva, a dual threat with both melee skills and fire magic, closed in from a different angle, her weapon ablaze with fire enchantment.

Wong positioned herself at a distance, ready to cast ice spells, while Silva adopted a dual stance, blades in hand and flames swirling around her. As Rodger swung his massive blade, she dodged and countered with a series of precise strikes, sending him tumbling to the ground.

Meanwhile, Wong began casting ice spells. Icicles formed in the air, hurtling towards Suzuka. With a swift gesture, she manipulated gravity, altering the trajectory of the ice projectiles, and making them crumble to the ground harmlessly.

Silva, however, had other plans. She cast fireballs that streaked toward Suzuka. She used her gravity magic defensively, creating a small gravitational field that deflected the fireballs. In a flash, Silva closed the distance, switching to her dual blades. Suzuka parried her strikes, the clang of metal echoing in the arena.

As the fight continued, Suzuka's movements became a blur of precision and grace. The professors, exhausted from the prolonged duel, struggled to keep up. In a final display of her prowess, Suzuka executed a gravity-infused aerial sweep that sent all three professors sprawling.

The room fell into stunned silence, broken only by Suzuka's satisfied smirk. The professors, though defeated, wore expressions of admiration. Professor Wong was the first to break into laughter, followed by Rodger and Silva.

"Well done, Helen. It seems you're as formidable as we expected. Excellent performance."

With groans and laughter, the professors slowly rose from the floor, brushing off imaginary dust from their robes. Professor Rodger, holding his enchanted blade, grinned and said, "Well, it seems gravity is not just a force of nature, but a force to be reckoned with in your hands, Helen. Good fight, you did well. You have passed the test of melee combat with flying colors."

Professor Wong, still catching her breath after the intense magical display, nodded in agreement. 

"Your control over gravity is truly remarkable. You've passed my test as well."

Professor Silva, wiping soot from her robes where the flames had singed, added with a chuckle, "And here I thought my fire magic would give you a run for your money. Consider me thoroughly impressed, Helen. You passed the test on my part as well."

Professor Rodger, with a hearty laugh, clapped Suzuka on the shoulder.

 "Well done, lass! You've got the moves and the magic. That was quite the spectacle! The exam is officially over and you are free to leave."

Suzuka graciously accepted their compliments.

 "Thanks, you guys aren't too shabby yourselves," she replied, genuinely acknowledging their skills. 

"It was a fun match. Thanks for the workout."

The defeated professors exchanged glances, and Professor Wong spoke up, "You've passed the exam with flying colors. Your combat skills and adaptability are truly outstanding. Now, we just need to wrap up the paperwork, and you'll officially be graduating from Magic Box University."

Professor Wong then turned to the practical matters at hand. 

"You've successfully passed the exam, Helen. The paperwork and graduation ceremony will take place in three days. Be sure to attend, and we'll officially give you a certificate of graduation from the Magic Box University."

With that, the professors, though defeated, offered genuine smiles and handshakes to Suzuka. As the professors exited the arena, Suzuka took a moment to ponder her next move. The intense duel had left her energized and confident. The upcoming graduation ceremony filled her with anticipation. She knew it marked the ending of her studies at the Magic Box University.

In the following days, she dedicated time to refining her skills and preparing for the ceremony. She revisited her gravity magic, practiced combat maneuvers, and ensured that her attire was fitting for the occasion. The University had arranged for an impressive ceremony in the central hall.

On the day of the graduation, Suzuka donned a pristine robe with intricate patterns and symbols representing her achievements. The ceremony hall buzzed with excitement as students, faculty, and guests gathered to witness the graduates take the next step in their magical journey.

The professors, now dressed in ceremonial robes, presided over the event. Each graduate was called forward to receive their diploma and a congratulatory handshake. When Suzuka's turn arrived, she walked confidently to the center stage.

Professor Wong, with a twinkle in her eye, handed Suzuka her diploma.

 "Congratulations, Helen. Your prowess in combat and mastery of gravity magic have set you apart. We expect great things from you."

The applause from the audience resonated as Suzuka acknowledged the cheers and congratulations. Now, as a graduate, she felt a sense of responsibility to use her skills for the betterment of the magical realm.

After the ceremony, Suzuka, with her diploma in hand and a newfound sense of accomplishment, exited the university with a confident stride.