It was time for the match. Both fighters stepped into the garden arena.
Gabriel smirked, "I'll show you your place."
Licht replied coldly, "Same here—except I won't stop until you're dead."
Jewel stood between them. "For today's match, I will act as referee. The battle continues until one fighter admits defeat, loses consciousness… or dies."
Lilith announced, "Let this battle begin!"
Licht drew his rapier. Gabriel, full of arrogance, raised his hand.
"Silver Magic: Ocean of Silver!"
A massive flood of liquid silver surged toward Licht.
"Won't work," Licht muttered.
"Light Magic: Piercing Strike!"
A beam of light shot forward, slicing straight through the silver tide.
Gabriel gasped. "How… did he do that?!"
In the audience, Liebe muttered, "He could've just flown over it."
Jewel replied quietly, "We're trying to prove Gabriel is weak—not that Licht is strong. That's why he has to fight head-on."
Gabriel snarled, "Silver Magic: Silver Bullets!"
Licht effortlessly deflected the barrage with his blade.
Sweat started to bead on Gabriel's forehead.
Panicked, Gabriel reached into his pocket and pulled out the Mask of Ifrit. As he placed it over his face, a dark aura flared.
"Silver x Mercury Magic: Endless Spear Strike!"
Licht didn't flinch. "Laughable."
"Light Magic: Flash!"
He vanished—and reappeared behind Gabriel.
"This ends now," he whispered,
"Pierce!"
Licht's strike landed cleanly. A single drop of blood trickled down Gabriel's arm.
Gabriel collapsed to his knees, shaking. "He… hurt me. I feel pain. Make it go away…"
Lilith stood abruptly. "This battle is declared null!"
Licht turned. "Why?"
"You struck from behind. That is dishonorable conduct for any knight."
"I'm sorry," Licht said calmly. "Let me try again—face to face."
Round Two.
Licht's eyes burned with resolve. "This time… I'll make you beg."
Gabriel growled, "Silver x Mercury Magic: Metal Reign!"
Mercury bullets rained from the sky in all directions.
Licht raised his hand. "He doesn't even care who might get caught in the crossfire."
"Light Magic: Shield of Light!"
A dome of radiant energy protected him.
Gabriel shouted, "Are you feeling my supreme magic power now?!"
Licht scoffed. "Don't kid yourself."
He dropped the shield. The bullets hit him—and bounced off.
Gabriel's eyes widened in horror.
"Mercury Magic: Mercurial Spears!"
Spears came at Licht from all angles—even from behind.
"Light Flash!" Licht spun and deflected every spear mid-air.
He looked toward Lilith. "Captain, doesn't this battle also count as void?"
Lilith said nothing.
"Light Magic: Slash of Light – Twofold!"
Twin waves of radiant power tore through all remaining attacks, slamming into Gabriel and knocking him back.
Licht stepped forward. "If that was your best… then now I'll make you beg for death."
"Light Magic: Fist of Light!"
A glowing punch slammed into Gabriel's face. Blood splattered.
"I'm not fighting for your defeat. I'm fighting until you admit you're weak."
"Piercing Light Slashes!"
Blades of light rained down, striking Gabriel again and again.
Licht grabbed him by the neck. "I'm not done with you yet."
"Licht Magic: Blazing Fists of Light!"
Licht's hands ignited, glowing red-hot.
"Admit you're weak… or I'll melt you to death."
Gabriel screamed, "I'm weak! I'm weak! Please let me go! I'm begging you!"
Licht growled, "Admit it. You manipulated Lilith against Liebe."
Gabriel shrieked, "It was me! I manipulated her! I made Liebe look like the villain! Even today—he was supposed to be the new Vice Captain—but I forced her to change her mind!"
Licht's grip tightened. "Admit defeat—or die."
Gabriel broke. "I… admit defeat!"
Licht tossed him aside like garbage.
"Now that," he said, breathing hard, "was interesting."
Jewel stepped forward. "The winner is—Licht Vaude!"
The crowd erupted in whispers. Murmurs spread—about Lilith's motives, Gabriel's merit, and the integrity of the knighthood.
Lilith stood, her voice cold.
"Fine then. Licht, you are the new Vice Captain."
She turned toward Liebe.
"And Liebe Faust… despite the fact you are not worthy in the slightest—you are hereby promoted to First Division Elite."
She turned away. "Jewel, handle the ceremony."