Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2243: Challenge

Rajh Rakugan, a Mythical Tier 7 tiger bloodline, was only a year older than Shinta, but his presence was commanding, far beyond what one might expect from someone so young. His physique was that of a seasoned warrior, with a powerful build and a fierce aura that spoke of numerous battles. The intensity in his gaze and the way he carried himself made even the most confident acolytes hesitate before challenging him.

But Shinta was different. She regarded Rajh with an almost indifferent expression, her demeanor calm. ”I wonʼt fight for anything less than 10,000 contribution points,” she said, her tone casual as she made a dismissive gesture. ”Do you have that much?”

Her response was met with a murmur of disbelief from the gathered elites. Among them, a tiger bloodline acolyte who had long recognized Rajhʼs formidable strength, couldnʼt help but voice his skepticism. ”Youʼre just trying to avoid his challenge!”

Shinta turned her sharp gaze on the accuser, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and irritation. ”What kind of accusation is that? Itʼs normal for the one receiving the challenge to set the terms.” She then shifted her focus back to Rajh ”So, howʼs it going to be?”

Rajhʼs eyes narrowed slightly, his pride pricked by her confident stance. After a moment of tense silence, he responded ”If you can defeat me, you can have my next monthʼs points.”

Shinta felt a surge of excitement. Rajhʼs ranking at number seven meant he was among the elite few who received 25,000 contribution points each month. That amount was equivalent to 25 hours in the Origin Stone Room—potentially just what she needed to break through her current limitations.

However, before she accepted the challenge, Shinta took a moment to weigh her options. It had been three months since the last tournament, and in that time, Rajh had shown significant growth, his power and skills advancing rapidly. But Shinta had her own advantage now—she no longer needed to conceal her true identity. For the first time, she could fight without holding back, ready to demonstrate to everyone who the real number one first-year was.

”Alright, letʼs do it!” she declared.

Word of the impending duel spread like wildfire. The prospect of seeing two of the academyʼs brightest young talents clash for the first time drew widespread interest. Nearly every half-blood in Hall 9, along with several instructors, gathered to witness the showdown. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement. Conversations buzzed around the hall, with acolytes speculating on the outcome and debating who would emerge victorious.

ROAARR!!!

Rajh wasted no time, unleashing his full power right from the start. His beast transformation activated with a thunderous roar, and his body was instantly enveloped in sharp, metallic fur, crackling with electricity. The transformation was fearsome, [Tempest Tiger] in its full glory. His chosen weapons were equally intimidating—two unique short blades that extended along his lower arms like lethal gauntlets, perfectly complementing his speed and ferocity.

Shinta, undeterred by his display, swiftly entered her [Shaman Form]. Her transformation enhanced both her spell power and resistance, enveloping her in an aura that radiated mystical energy. With a calm yet focused expression, she drew her sword, ready to meet Rajh head-on.

In a flash, Rajh surged forward with literal lightning speed, his movements almost too fast for the eye to follow. He charged at Shinta with a ferocity that sent ripples of anxiety through the onlookers. Nimbus, watching from the sidelines, couldnʼt suppress a scream of fear, her eyes wide with worry.

But Shinta remained composed. As Rajhʼs lightning-infused blades descended upon her, she met his attack head-on, her sword clashing with his blades in a resounding metallic impact. Lightning bolts crawled over her weapon and danced along her body, but with a simple, fluid motion, she dissipated the electrical energy with ease.

Without missing a beat, Shinta counterattacked. Her [Slithering Cloud Steps] allowed her to move with a fluid grace, matching Rajhʼs speed step for step. The technique gave her the agility to dodge and weave through his relentless assault. Meanwhile, her mastery of the [Dao Swords] technique enabled her to parry and strike with precision, her blade a blur of deadly motion.

The two combatants clashed repeatedly, their weapons ringing out in a series of rapid, intense exchanges. Sparks flew as metal met metal, and the air crackled with the residual energy of their attacks. Each collision was a testament to their skill and power, leaving the gathered acolytes and instructors in awe.

SPLATT!!

To the surprise of the onlookers, it was Shinta who drew first blood. Her blade, sharp and precise, sliced through Rajhʼs formidable metallic fur, leaving a gash across his waist. The sight of blood staining his side was a stark reminder of her prowess, but Rajh was far from deterred.

The Tiger fought with a ruthless tenacity that bordered on madness. Ignoring the pain, Rajh charged forward with a fierce determination, his eyes blazing with a warriorʼs resolve. He swung his blades in a deadly arc, aiming directly for Shintaʼs neck, the force of his attack forcing her to retreat.

”Youʼre crazy!” Shinta exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and grudging admiration. It was clear to her now what kind of warrior Rajh truly was.

His tragic past had forged him into a fighter who knew no fear, a survivor who had clawed his way through countless battles. Rumors whispered of the brutal life he had led—how he had fought and killed dozens of his kin just to survive. That kind of history bred a fighter who would stop at nothing to win. ṙ₳ΝÓᛒËs

With a thunderous roar, Rajhʼs body underwent a noticeable transformation. His already impressive form seemed to grow even more powerful, his muscles bulging as his veins pulsed with energy. This was his innate ability, [Tempest Charge], a ruthless skill that amplified his battle power and lightning proficiency by channeling pain into raw strength. It was clear that the battle was far from over.