C42 Displaying Magic

"Come with me and demonstrate the magic skills you possess. Based on your proficiency, I'll teach you some additional techniques," Jie Ge instructed as he stood up and approached a wall. With a wave of his hand, a ripple-like water barrier materialized on the surface.

Zhang Xing watched the President step through and was intrigued. He touched the barrier; it was cool and damp, mimicking the sensation of actual water. As he immersed half his body, he felt quite comfortable. It seemed to be a superficial magic array, crafted from materials such as metals and gemstones arranged in specific patterns that, in turn, activated and formed the array through magic.

He hadn't yet achieved the level necessary to learn such complex formations. "Enough dawdling, come inside!" the President called out to him.

Inwardly, Zhang Xing protested, "I'm conducting research, not playing! Do you really take me for a child?"

Beyond the barrier lay a series of spacious stone chambers. They entered one that spanned over a hundred square meters. "Now, let's get started," Jie Ge announced, conjuring another water attribute magic barrier.

Zhang Xing began to recite a spell theatrically, "Oh divine powers, bring salvation to those who suffer..." His three magic arrows struck the water barrier and vanished without a trace. After casting four or five more offensive spells, he paused.

"Your Honor, my repertoire of magic is quite limited."

"Your magic power is substantial, surpassing that of your peers. Your casting speed and offensive capabilities are commendable," Jie Ge responded, clearly pleased.

From Zhang Xing's current display, it was likely he'd rank within the top fifty in the upcoming competition. However, his lack of experience could be a disadvantage against combat-seasoned students. For now, Jie Ge's priority was to cultivate Zhang Xing's ability to remain composed under pressure.

Mage duels differed from warrior combat; mages must never succumb to panic, regardless of the battlefield's perils. Stationed at the rear, they formed a formidable magic army, constantly posing a threat to the front-line melee soldiers.

Both the enemy and our side will deploy a suicide squad to disrupt the mages.

Once the mages are thrown into disarray, the battle is as good as half lost.

Hence, their positioning is critical.

Another group of mages follows closely behind the soldiers, finding themselves in the most perilous situations.

The academy's students must endure this test; only the survivors are deemed elite.

"Zhang Xing, keep casting those attack spells with all your might, and pick up the pace. Don't stop attacking unless I say so," Jie Ge instructed, eager to gauge Zhang Xing's stamina and his limits.

Zhang Xing centered himself and began to cast spells with full force.

If he had been using 60% of his strength before, now he was giving it his all—100%. Yet, this wasn't the extent of his capabilities.

He trusted that President Jager didn't intend for him to recklessly exhaust his magical powers.

After all, mages differ from warriors. Depleted of their magic, they can do nothing but await their fate, having no means to fight at close quarters.

The magic arrows nearly formed a continuous line; his speed had hit the peak for a high-level mage.

Chain Fireballs detonated in succession against the barrier.

Time ticked away, measured by a magical hourglass that could track up to two hours.

One-third of the sand had slipped through.

Jie Ge noted Zhang Xing's steady aura and the undiminished strength of his attacks.

He stroked his beard, nodded in approval, and kept watching.

Two-thirds of the sand had fallen, and Zhang Xing remained as composed as ever.

Even after the full two hours, Zhang Xing did not cease.

In that moment, he was completely absorbed in the realm of magic, the world before him utterly transformed.

Jie Ge was astounded—Zhang Xing had reached the Minute Subtlety Stage!