Two competitors wearing the same black uniform and white-gold representative capelet, bearing the insignia of the Grand Magic Academy and a different number of stars on the chest area of their attire, ascended the stage.
Both were equally calm and collected, though Vyse had a slight smile on his face, while Hal remained mostly deadpan.
The two merely locked eyes with each other after arriving at the center.
No words were exchanged, which basically confirmed that the earlier deal was still on.
Soon, a timer appeared above them, counting down as the audience held their breath in anticipation.
As the number hit "five," though, everyone suddenly began counting down with it, widening the smile on Vyse's face.
Even he could feel the excitement of the moment.
"Zero!!"
Almost immediately, a [Glacial Shard] and a Dark Orb clashed as both young wizards tested each other's raw spell power, with neither spell overpowering the other.
