Chapter 71: Storm and Water
The tournament progressed swiftly throughout the day, the audience’s energy growing with each match. The first round of fights was intentionally designed to be one-sided to weed out the weaker heroes early. Interestingly enough, I had originally been intended to face off against Korra, which allowed her to progress to the second round without competing. As the second round began, the atmosphere in the arena grew tense with anticipation, and the crowd’s excitement was palpable. Spectators eagerly observed each bout, analyzing techniques and predicting outcomes.
At long last, Korra stood and stretched, reaching her arms high over her head. I couldn’t help but glance enviously at her well-developed chest, straining against her robes due to the pose. Catching myself staring, I tore my gaze away and blushed softly, wishing her luck in her match. The Storm Hero, Grace, rose to join her, and the two descended to the arena floor.
Grace was someone I’d never interacted with, although she seemed friendly with the others. From her introduction at the banquet, she matched or perhaps exceeded Soltair in physical abilities, being at the peak of seventh-level, but her spellcasting left much to be desired. Small strands of electricity arced around her eyes, giving her a mysterious aura that overshadowed the small smile dimples on her cheeks.
When they both settled in their places, Grace drew her rapier, drawing a finger along its length. Lightning crawled after her touch, crackling menacingly as it clung to the blade.
"I’m looking forward to testing your magic," she said loudly, swishing her sword through the air.
"And I your sword," Korra returned, "I hope you don’t find yourself at too great a disadvantage."
Her words, while arrogant and overbearing, were logical. Spells provided infinitely more variety and adaptability than direct combat, theoretically giving a spellcaster an edge. Of course, that theory was rarely applied to heroes, proven by the next second.
Right as Korra raised her hand, the words of a chant dropping from her lips, Grace exploded into action. Lightning trailed behind her sword as she darted forward, closing the gap in an instant. Korra scarcely had time to throw up a second-circle spell before the Storm Hero arrived, slashing down across her chest.
A spurt of water erupted from the ground, exploding into steam as it met with the sparking blade. Korra disappeared into the sudden smoke screen, leaving Grace looking about wildly. After a moment of hesitation, she chanted the words of a first-circle spell, summoning a gust of wind to clear the steam.