Before Erwin could react, Sunny Finch was already charging toward him. Her massive hammer swung directly at his head. With a resounding crash, it struck his Shield Charm. The magical barrier shuddered violently, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface.
Erwin quickly retreated.
Sunny's eyes widened in fascination. "So this is Western magic? Impressive! It actually withstood my hammer!"
Erwin opened his mouth to reply, but she lunged forward again, swinging the weapon mercilessly.
"No warning at all?" Erwin muttered. He vanished on the spot.
He reappeared directly behind her, his wand flashing as he cast a spell. Sunny sensed the attack instantly, remaining perfectly calm. With a sharp cry, a parchment talisman rose from her sleeve and positioned itself behind her back.
Erwin's spell slammed into the parchment. A golden shield materialized, blocking the hex completely.
Erwin frowned. Is this even logical? Hammers for offense, talismans for defense, and spells for ranged attacks? He thought wryly, the Eastern style is remarkably versatile.
Sunny spun around, her eyes sparkling. "Spatial displacement? Is that also a product of Western magic?"
Erwin nodded. "Yes. We call it Apparition."
Sunny tapped her chin. "Ah, I remember now. I think I read about a similar technique in an old sect's grimoire."
"Shall we continue?" Erwin asked.
"Of course! I'm just warming up!"
Sunny leaped high, hammer raised overhead, and brought it crashing down. Erwin watched it coming, his initial shock fading. While Sunny's abilities were comprehensive, she had obvious limitations. She was fast, but she couldn't match the instantaneous nature of Apparition.
Erwin pushed the spell to its limit, his figure flickering across the arena. He peppered her with spells whenever he found an opening, but Sunny deflected them all with her bizarre array of talismans.
The spectators below were in awe.
"Is Western magic always this direct? They manipulate space so effortlessly!"
"It looks more straightforward than our methods."
An older student interjected, "Don't be fooled. Our spatial techniques serve different purposes—we focus on offensive applications, while Western wizards prioritize mobility. Each approach has its strengths!"
The others murmured in agreement.
Then, a sharp-eyed student pointed out, "Wait... I haven't heard him speak a single incantation."
"True! Whether it's the spatial tricks or the offensive spells, he's casting silently."
"Silent, wandless casting requires exceptional skill and control."
While the crowd debated, the battle raged. Erwin darted around, making it impossible for Sunny to land a hit. This, naturally, frustrated her.
Conversely, Erwin couldn't break her defense. A stalemate settled over the arena.
Erwin frowned. He had to admit, Sunny's strength had exceeded his expectations.
Sunny, unable to land a blow, finally lost her temper. "Erwin! Stop running away like a coward!"
Erwin laughed, "I can't help it. Those hammers of yours pack a wallop."
Sunny abruptly threw her weapons to the ground. BOOM. The impact left two massive craters in the stone floor. Erwin's lips twitched. If those hit me, I'd be paste.
"Planning to give up?" Erwin taunted.
Sunny grinned. "Give up? Never!"
Her hands moved in a rapid blur. Erwin's eyes narrowed; he could feel a surge of energy gathering within her. The temperature on the arena floor skyrocketed instantly.
Sparks began to rise from the stone around Sunny's feet. They gathered rapidly, condensing into spheres of roiling flame.
Sunny shoved her hands forward. The fireballs hurtled toward Erwin.
Erwin instinctively tried to Apparate, but the magic failed. He remained rooted to the spot.
He was startled.
Sunny smirked. "How's that? Can't use your little teleport? My magic doesn't just attack—it seals space. You've lost, Erwin."
Erwin chuckled. "I see. Eastern techniques are quite sophisticated. But you don't actually think that's my only trick, do you?"
Since he couldn't flee, he would fight fire with fire. He was tired of running anyway.
Erwin raised his wand lazily.
"Fiendfyre Dragon!"
Channeling his magic, he intercepted the incoming fireballs. Instead of colliding, they were absorbed into his spell, stripping Sunny of her control instantly. She stared, completely stunned.
Erwin's eyes flashed with amusement. "You should know... fire is my specialty."
A massive construct of living flame erupted from his wand, coalescing into a roaring dragon. With a flick of his wrist, Erwin sent the beast charging straight at Sunny.
Sunny gasped, "By the ancestors!"
Her hands flew up, desperate to summon a defense.
...
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