We arrived at the Grand Coliseum and observed that a few people were already present.

The members of Elf Royalty were seated at the opposite end of the circular hall.

It was a massive structure located within the Palace.

The size was something that should have never been possible with the way the Royal building looked from the outside, which suggested that Magic was at work.

We sort of faced each other, separated by the wide gulf that was the stage itself.

Standing on the stage were the two contestantsAurora and Serah.

I wasnt the slightest bit worried about the effects of their battle. After all, the defensive array the Elves had was impressive enough to block off the effects of certain Magic on the Transcendental Level.

This was protection given by the Sacred Tree itself, so I was guaranteed its potency.

Besides, theyre only having a Friendly Duel, so it shouldnt be a big deal right?

I would be a fool to believe that.

Both of these two women were scary.

Serah was a wild savage that had been craving a fight ever since we started this expeditionno, even before then.

As for Aurora, hidden behind her gentle smile and calm demeanor, was a monster in her own right.

She was more talented than her sister in Magic even though she was younger.

To be honest, this Elf was a prodigy in every way. It was no wonder she had been able to live so long and was even an active Queen to her people.

Though I was a bit curious about this fight, it was clear that Aurora had the advantage.

This was Elf territory, and Mana was densest in the Royal Palace, thanks to the Sacred Tree.

As a result, she had access to the Mana locked in the environment.

Humans didnt know how to tap into that, so in terms of Mana, certainly, Aurora was superior to Serah.

But, why did I have an unsettling feeling as I stared at the scene? Serahs confident grin didnt stem from ignorance.

It was as though she believed the match was going to end up in her win.

Well, theres only one way to find out.

*************************

Rules for the match were established them. Among them was an obvious restriction.

Since this is only a friendly match, we wont be utilizing Original Magic, Aurora spoke with a gentle smile.

She had a scepter in her hand. The object looked like intertwined branches of an aged tree. Atop it floated an orb that shimmered with multiple colors.

Anyone could tell at first glance that it was an immensely powerful Magic Device.

Ah, please dont mind this little thing. I wont be using the power within. Its just more comfortable fighting with it.

I see. Thats regrettable. I truly wish to fight you at full strength. Serah said, a little less thrilled.

As do I. But diplomacy calls for moderation. Perhaps at a later date, we can enjoy ourselves to the fullest.

I would very much like that!

Both women smiled at each other. Even though they were strangers who had only met a few moments ago, they felt a comradeship that couldnt be explained with mere words.

These two were known as the strongest in their respective Kingdoms. No one dared stand against them, and so they had been desirous of a greater challenge.

Now that they stood before each other, they were glad to have met.

This time, for sure Both females thought.

They would have the privilege of going all-outat least, to an extent.

Their grins were evident, and the refereeDeriusmade sure to keep his distance before even dreaming of starting the match.

Once he was within the array of protection, he raised his voice so everyone in the hall could hear him.

Let the match begin!

And thus began a match of utter CHAOS!

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!