Storm watched the last semi-finals match between a dark skinned mage that seemed to be a highly skilled Geomancer and an unknown Pyromancer.
Storm couldn't help but grimace when the Geomancer won and secured his place in the finals beside Storm.
Out of the two choices, the Geomancer was by far the worse one.
Earth magic was a strong counter to Storm's own magic due to it's ability to absorb and ground lightning.
Furthermore, his light abilities would be of little help due to the rigid, unyielding nature of stone.
The match was scheduled to start in the next 30 minutes, giving Storm time to brood.
"If you have any advice as to how I can beat him!
Now would be the time to voice it!!" Said Storm.
"If we had more time, I could have taught you a few more tricks!
But unfortunately we don't have enough time!
Don't lose hope however, knowledge alone doesn't determine a winner in a wizard's duel!" Replied Mimereus.
"But it isn't unimportant either, is it?!" Asked Storm.
"No..... it is not..." muttered Mimereus.
"I'm sure we'll figure something out!!
We just need to put our heads together!!" Encouraged Kalipso.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his business partner approaching.
"That was quite a showing so far!! Luck really was on my side when we met."
"What can you tell me about my opponent?"
"Akechi Terra? Not much if I'm honest.
Based on his accent, skin tone and manner of dress. I'd say he hails from Haradin Desert like Tempus.
But not from the cities.
He's most likely a member of the wandering tribes, a collection of nomadic clans that migrates around the desert between watering holes.
Very little is known about them except they seem to have an almost supernatural control over earth.
Specifically sand.
If they have to fight, they conjure up fierce sandstorms to conceal their movements and numbers.
But that is all that we know. No idea where he studied, what his profession is, or even his motives.
He seems to be in his early 30's, but he possesses the power and knowledge of people twice his age." Explained the man.
"None of this is really helping!" Muttered Storm.
"I'll say this about him.
He seems rigid and inflexible.
Typical Geomancer actually.
He's accustomed to brute forcing through his opponent's defenses and doesn't give a lot of thought to more flexible or inventive applications to magic.
If you can hold him off long enough, then maybe you can find a way to circumvent him."
"That's my specialty!!" Said Kalipso.
"Sebastian Hawthorne and Akechi Terra. Report to the Battlegrounds!!" Called the announcer.
Storm got up and made his way to the arena.
The 2 combatants met in the center of the ring and shook hands as the announcer introduced the 2 combatants.
"Best of luck to you, Sebastian. "
"You two, Akechi. "
As they took their positions, Akechi lowered his hood and revealed his face.
His hair had been tied together into Strands that hanged down the back of his head, before ending at the middle of his back.
A short, well kept beard and mustache was located around his mouth.
He put a hand into one of his robe pockets and pulled out a glowing blue orb abat began hovering just above his open hand.
"Ready!!
Set!!
Duel!!" Called the announcer.
Storm immediately struck with a lightning bolt but with a simple gesture, Akechi created a wall of loose stones in front of him.
The lightning hit the wall and couldn't even punch a dent into it.
As soon as the assault ended, Akechi shattered the wall and sent the stones flying towards Storm from multiple directions.
Storm tried his best to shoot down the incoming missiles, but there was just too many and he received a hit that sent him tumbling.
"First round goes to Akechi!!" Yelled the announcer.
Storm returned to his position and the fight continued.
Storm managed to score a hit in the 2nd round by combining his light and lightning magic together.
It not only increased the strength of his lightning, but also greatly accelerated it's speed.
Moving at a speed that was almost too fast to follow, it lashed the stone barrier and punched a hole right through the center
Before continuing unimpeded and striking Akechi in his chest.
The runes around the arena glowed as they desperately tried to weaken the blow in time.
Gasps could be heard as Akechi went flying.
As he landed on the ground, One of the officials started running towards him, but Akechi waved him off before getting back to his feet by himself.
"Tone it down a bit, Storm!!
You're not trying to kill your opponent!!!" Chastised Mimereus.
After ensuring that he was willing to continue.
The 3rd round was started and continued for almost a full 15 minutes before a stray stone projectile struck Storm in the leg.
Storm resisted the urge to curse in frustration.
He'd faced many adversaries before, but never had he encountered a mage with this much skill.
Storm managed to land a second hit on Akechi, leaving the match a tie again, and ensuring that the battle continued for a 5th and final round.
They exchanged several different attacks at each other that was blocked every time.
Akechi used his magic to conjure a large boulder at Storm.
Firing a light infused lightning bolt at it, he punched through it and broke it into four smaller rocks.
Storm realized that he'd made a mistake when he saw Akechi's satisfied expression.
With a subtle flick of a finger, the stones doubled their speed and flew at him.
Storm knew he had lost.
It was impossible to destroy all 4 projectiles in the time he had left.
An unknown force tugged on his staff and it flew out of his hands,
Positioning itself between Storm and the incoming projectiles.
The runes along the staff flared to life and a sphere of lightning extended from the mouth of the Cobra's head that destroyed all 4 stones.
"Very impressive, Storm!! Where did you learn to do that!!?" Asked Kalipso.
"..... That..... wasn't me!!" Answered Storm.
"WHAT!!!!!" Yelled both Mimereus and Kalipso simultaneously.
The eye in the center of the cobra's head opened and a continuous beam of lightning left the eye and flew right at Akechi's left side.
Seeing his chance, Storm fired his own beam at Akechi's right.
Raising a second barrier, he blocked the second stream as well, but for the first time, Storm saw visible strain on his opponent's face as he held back the attacks.
Storm drew on every reserve of power left in him to charge a 3rd attack.
An aura of golden light left his body and several orbs of light flew to the center of Akechi's chest.
The crowd went crazy as the 3rd X below Akechi's name lighted up.
"SEBASTIAN HAWTHORNE WINS THE TOURNAMENT!!!!" Shouts the Announcer.