"Adjusting the element of your battle technique is not as hard as it sounds." Maya raised two fingers. "There are only two things you need to focus on. The flow of energy and the application. I'm sure that you are able to sense those two better than me, right?"
Auric looked down, contemplating. "The flow of energy for each element is different. That is due to their characteristics. That's why adjusting them is hard, but I may be able to bypass that limitation."
"Good. How about the application?"
Auric certainly could ignore this limitation. The reason he was confident in his gathering technique was that he understood the flow of energy of each element. If others copied him, they had no choice but to use his source as a reference.
However, the application was different. "I don't really understand what you mean by application."
"This is actually the simplest part." Maya raised her finger. At the tip of her finger, a black flame formed. "Channel your energy to the tip of your fingertip with your element."
Auric followed her instructions. Instead of a black flame, a root formed.
"See? That's the problem. The application is different because each element has its own unique characteristics. However, you can actually imitate the application of another battle technique."
Maya changed the form of a black flame to something similar to a root. Yet, instead of a root, it looked like a tentacle. Still, it proved her theory.
"Imitate…" Auric fell into deep thought. Imitating another battle technique's application was easier said than done.
Normal people couldn't see the particles. Even if they imitated it, it wouldn't be perfect.
However, Auric's eyes might be able to imitate a battle technique to a pretty high degree.
Auric took a deep breath and extended his hand, channeling his power forward. The roots formed and lined up, creating a wooden wall.
"!!!" Even Maya couldn't help but be surprised by Auric's speed. It was supposed to be impossible for him to do it on the first day, yet for some reason, Auric did it on his first try.
She realized she might still be underestimating Auric. Maya crossed her arms while muttering inwardly, 'His sensitivity might be much higher than anything I can imagine. Maybe, like a gold-grade… no, a diamond-grade evolution master?'
Still, she had never heard of a diamond-grade evolution master capable of achieving such a feat.
Nevertheless, Auric had done it.
"See? Easy." Maya smiled. "Still, you take too much time. I want you to program it in your mind so that you can manifest that power as fast as the original battle techniques. And if you want to have an easier time, imitate something with a similar form."
Auric had so many things to learn. The two techniques Lindwurm taught him, these two new techniques that his teacher just gave him, and other basic techniques. He also had to increase his own elements and find new ones.
Auric asked, "So, Teacher. What are we going to do in this city?"
"That's for me to worry about. You just have to focus on honing your current skills for the next four days. Don't worry. I'll definitely help you with what you want."
"…" Auric sighed. "I understand."
"That's right. I should ask you this question. In case you have to reveal your third element, what will be your third element?"
"I prefer to choose an element depending on my opponent. If I can weaken their power, it will be nice. However, if I have to choose randomly, I guess I will pick the fire element."
"Why?"
"The fire element has a good affinity with my wind and plant elements. I can burn the plants and combine them with the wind element. It's good for my firepower, or, if I need defense, I will reveal my earth element."
"You're not going to reveal my Eternal Night?"
"Not now. Your element is extremely powerful, perfect for a trump card. It would be a waste to reveal your element. I plan to reveal it in case I face someone very strong. Why do you ask, though?"
"Nothing. I just want to ask." Maya stood up. "In any case, you should take your time."
"You're leaving?"
"Yep. Just be a good boy and stay here, at least for today. If you want to go sightseeing, do it tomorrow."
"…" Auric was rather speechless. She just acted as she pleased.
Auric asked inwardly, 'Lindwurm. Do you have a way to monitor her? I feel like she is planning something big.'
Lindwurm shook his head. "Nope. I can't fly away from you. Besides, whatever she is preparing shouldn't harm you."
Auric couldn't deny it, but he was curious. 'Is there even a tournament here?'
"The problem is whether the tournament is suitable for you or not. It will be useless if you can't even copy another element."
'True. The energy from my teacher was overwhelming when she was using it. I wasn't prepared to copy something at that level.'
"That's why you should just focus on your training. At the very least, I know that she's not going to harm you."
Auric sighed. It looked like he had no other choice.
Nevertheless, with a clear goal in mind, it wasn't hard for Auric to focus on his training.
For the next four days, all Auric did was train. He thought about sightseeing since it was hard to leave the city, but he chose to do it on the last day.
He just made sure to bring some souvenirs for his mother.
…
When Friday arrived, Maya asked him to follow her.
"So, Teacher. Where are we going right now? Is there a tournament somewhere in this city? I've told you that I can't copy an element from a juvenile form or above."
"Don't worry. The place we're going will definitely give you the chance to copy some elements." Maya winked playfully.
Auric frowned. He believed in his teacher, but he felt something was about to go wrong.
"Anyway, here we are." Maya smirked and pointed forward.
"This…" Auric widened his eyes and glanced to the side where he found the plaque of the place.
It said, "Summering Spring University."
"A university? Now that I think about it, isn't this university supposed to be ranked quite high?" Auric asked. "Is there a tournament inside?"
"Why do you think I brought you here?" Maya shrugged. "Anyway, let's go inside."
Auric nodded. Since it was a high-ranking university, it should have a lot of excellent students.
Those students would definitely have powerful avatars. As long as he could copy them, he would be satisfied.
"Welcome!" Suddenly, an old man approached them. "Vice Dean Maya."
"Principal Denis." Maya shook his hand.
"It's an honor to have you with us today, Vice Dean Maya." Principal Denis then turned to Auric. "So, this is your student."
"Indeed. He is Auric Elfe."
"Good morning. Nice to meet you."
"Yes, nice to meet you too, Principal." Auric smiled.
"Come in. Everything has been prepared. Do you know how hard it is to arrange this in four days?" Principal Denis shook his head helplessly.
"I know, but you definitely can't miss this kind of opportunity, right?" Maya chuckled. "So, let's just get into it."
"Of course."
They were heading to a building similar to the arena in the Grand Magica College.
It looked like a small stadium with a large field in the middle.
Surprisingly, there were at least 300 students already waiting here.
Auric didn't know what was going on, so he just followed Maya closely. He felt like all the gazes were focused on him.
'What's going on?' Auric asked Lindwurm in his mind.
"I don't know. But the principal said something about arranging it in four days. I suppose it is a surprise tournament?"
Maya was extremely rich, so arranging a tournament like this might not hurt her pocket.
So, he thought, 'Since we're quite familiar with the people in our college, it's better to hold a tournament in another place. Besides, we can get any elements we want in Grand Magica College.'
"Indeed. We will be with them for a long time, so it's a fine arrangement." Lindwurm nodded in agreement.
While talking to Lindwurm, he couldn't help but overhear a few whispers.
"So, that's the man. Isn't he too handsome?"
"Is he seriously going to do it?"
"I don't like where this is going."
"But the reward is something we can't miss."
"True."
The people's whispers allowed him to ascertain that it was indeed a tournament that had been arranged recently. It looked like Maya had asked for a big favor.
"Thank you, Teacher." Auric approached Maya and thanked her. It must have been hard for her to arrange this tournament, especially since he abruptly requested it a few days ago.
"Don't thank me yet." Maya waved her hand nonchalantly. She took a seat in the VIP area, having the best view of the field.
Principal Denis, on the other hand, walked to the center of the arena. "Welcome, my dear students. I'm sure that you have heard about this small tournament.
"As I have announced, all first-year students have the opportunity to take part in this tournament.
"Before that, I shall announce the reward. With the help of Vice Dean Maya from Grand Magica College, anyone who wins will receive S-grade resources. You will also receive a weapon or a piece of equipment of your choice. The quality is guaranteed by Vice Dean Maya.
"If you wish to enter this tournament, you need to fulfill one thing. You have to hand over your element-related battle techniques. A copy is fine, but it has to be yours, not the university's.
"That's all. I can see a few of you are ready to enter the tournament, so let's not wait any longer." Principal Denis raised his hand. "Student Auric. Please enter the arena."
"Eh?" Auric widened his eyes. Even Lindwurm couldn't contain his shock. "What?"
"What are you waiting for? This is your chance. Enter the arena." Maya pointed at the arena.
"Huh? What are you talking about, Teacher?"
"I'm talking about this tournament. In this tournament, you will be the target. Anyone can challenge you by submitting their battle technique. Anyone who wins will receive all those rewards."
"Wait. Shouldn't I just observe from afar?" Auric pointed at himself.
This was supposed to be his role. He suddenly realized that he had been tricked. The reason Maya kept it a secret was that she knew he wouldn't join if he had to participate in the tournament directly.
"Teacher, you…"
"My good student." Maya smirked. "I've told you as well, right? Beat up other students. Besides, the ticket is their battle technique, and you will be able to observe their element up close. This tournament will allow you to gain some fighting experience. You can also hone your battle instincts.
"Now, how many birds do I hit with one stone? I can't count anymore." Maya raised her thumb. "I believe in you, my beloved student."
"…" Auric was frozen. He never thought Maya deliberately set him up.
Lindwurm was laughing so hard next to him. "Hahahahaha! This is so hilarious. You've been set up. Although it's not really a bad thing because, as she said, there are many benefits for you, you're still going to have a hard time today."
Auric looked around. All the people around him were glaring at him.
This tournament might look like it's for him, but it was also set up to fight for the university's pride. There was no way they would let Auric, an outsider, win.
He finally understood why Maya asked him about his third element and even taught him two new techniques. It was all for this tournament.
"What's wrong, Student Auric? Have you finished your discussion with your teacher? How about coming down to the arena?" Principal Denis asked aloud. His eyes were like a fox's, as if he had already tricked the other party into his trap. And this time, his university would gain more reputation because of this.
"…" Auric was speechless. He wanted to curse, but he still had to maintain his dignity.
The only thing he could do was accept his fate and step into the arena.