Orycon was one of the opponents Emery had defeated at the academy's second game. When they fought, he was merely one of the many elite acolytes, however this time, after three years, he returned as an acolyte that was one level above all the others in the class.

Right now, Orycon was a rank 9 acolyte with five pillars already formed. It meant he was already halfway across rank 9 with around 750 to 800 spirit force.

Although Emery may have higher spirit force points, he knew full well these numbers could not define the outcome in a duel, especially considering his opponent was a combat specialist.

The huge acolyte swung his massive two meters long blade, creating the sound of whizzing in the air, and said.

"I would rather fight you in your prime condition. If you need time to prepare, I will wait."

Emery had to admit, the last three fights had consumed much of his stamina. Hence, he decided to take the offer. He sat in a lotus position, closed his eyes and cast [Nature's Grasp].

Little dots of light appeared all around him, but he was a little surprised to find out he was unable to absorb the surrounding energy as much and as efficiently as he could on Earth. The only explanation he could come up with at the moment was the speed has something to do with Gaia's existence.

As Emery started healing himself, however, the grand magus spectating the fight huffed, seemingly unhappy. "We don't have that much time, ten minutes is all you get!"

10 minutes was barely enough for Emery to heal himself to full condition. He could not waste even one second.

When the ten minutes were up, Orycon opened his storage ring, took out two more blades, and swung each of them around before finally choosing one. As he chose a broadsword emblazoned with runes, he turned to look at Emery and asked.

"I will be using my tier 4 broadsword, do you have a tier 4 sword?"

Orycon knew as a combat specialist, a huge part of the battle would be decided by the quality of weapons, hence he asked. Emery only had his tier 3 sword given by Magus Xion, but it was made with materials that could match a tier 4 weapon. Other than that, he also had his tier 3 moon dagger. He decided to accept the fight's condition as it was.

Emery and Orycon took their fighting stance and the crowds cheered in excitement. Everyone was excited to see the upcoming battle, especially Thrax, as he himself really wished he could taste the large acolyte's sword.

Just like before, Magus Rommy signaled the start of the fight and Orycon quickly cast his tier 4 lightning spell buff: [Energize].

Sparks of lightning filled his body with electrical energy, as his speed and strength multiplied.

There was no way Emery could afford to underestimate this acolyte. Despite some difference in their battle stats, one full powered smash from Orycon could destroy Micah's crystal form and match his speed, meaning Orycon's current strength was equal to the combined might of his [Immortal Gate] and Second Stage Fey Formation, possibly even more.

When he saw Orycon's buffing spell, he quickly used his own buff spell as well.

[Immortal Gate: Stage 5]

[Battle power increased by 36 points]

[Fey transformation stage one]

[Battle power increased by 10 points]

[Battle power 146]

Emery focused his partial transformation onto his arms and feet. They transformed into massive, clawed limbs covered in gray fur. The partial transformation increased his speed and the strength of each swing he made.

Now, Emery was ready to fight the huge man.

CLANK!

Both dashed forward and swung their weapons with all their might, the clash of their swords loud enough to pierce the crowds' ears and threw sparks of fire all around. Right as they collided, both were thrown back around three steps. However, Emery could feel his left hand was trembling so hard he almost lost his grip on his own weapon.

In the first clash in a battle of pure strength, Emery knew he lost. If he wanted to win, he would need an extra boost. Hence, he decided to use his [Battle Howl].

[Battle power has increased by 10]

[Battle power 156]

Now, he was more confident, so he charged forward one more time, as he grasp the balck sword tightly

Clank!! Clank!! Clankk!!

Each of Orycon's swings was loaded with enough power to stagger him. The fourth swing was too fast and strong for Emery to parry. He tried to use [Blink] and dodge, but when he reappeared, a wound had opened on his shoulder, dripping with a bit of blood.

That was their second clash and Emery still lost in power and speed. The acolyte in front of him was an expert swordsman, his skills shone through how none of his movements were wasted, how his swings were loaded with just enough power to push Emery back.

Orycon seemed to enjoy their battle, the huge man charged forward one more time. It forced Emery to cast [Granite Skin] to block some of the attacks that his swordplay or [Blink] could not dodge.

This time it was clear Emery was cornered, as he could not break Orycon's sword defense.

As moments passed by, it became increasingly clear Emery would not last with his current tactic. He started using his other hand to cast spells to help him.

The moment he decided to do so, his dual core started to thrum and brim with power. He concentrated while dodging Orycon's attacks, aiming to cast his most dependable spell.

[Shadow Root Binding]

A dozen black roots broke from the ground and moved fiercely like nature snakes, helping him attack the huge acolyte together.

Swishhh!! Slasshhh!!

Orycon was able to cut Emery's dark roots into pieces easily with each swing of his sword, but Emery did not stay idle. He kept on slashing, while the roots moved on their own accord. With the combined power of the spell and his sword techniques, Emery was able to continuously stop him.

Every single student in the class watched with eyes full of amazement in the fight. Emery was slowly gaining ground against the huge man; eventually, the roots started to cover the massive acolyte.

Orycon raised his broadsword up and suddenly thunder from above struck him creating a large blast that blew up all the roots around him, including Emery who was thrown away. As sparks ran through his body, Emery groaned in pain.

The man slowly walked out of the smoke, absolutely unscathed. He raised his sword toward Emery and said "Again!"