Africa Leveling

Chapter 36: THE SELECTION



After Kipkemboi's return to the academy the others asked him where he had been the past five days , he explained to his friends in detail and how he wanted to increase the two cavemen's strength.

His friends then told him that there was no rest for him as the following day a tournament would be held. The four kings would be present each to choose a student of their liking for further specialisation in their kingdoms and those who failed had to repeat or train harder for the next competition the next day.

The academy grounds buzzed with excitement as the long-anticipated tournament day arrived. The students gathered at the grand arena, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, nerves and anticipation etched into their faces as they had to prove themselves. Today was the final test, a graduation ceremony unlike any other, where their skills would be put to the ultimate challenge. Each student had honed their magic, weapon skills, and tactics, but they now had to impress not just their professors—but kings from far-reaching kingdoms.

High above the arena, the noble kings watched from a towering balcony. Each king was as formidable as the kingdom they ruled.

The Orc King, Gurok, was an imposing sight, clad in obsidian armor with tusks protruding from his lower jaw, his eyes fierce and sharp. He radiated strength and endurance; his mere presence seemed to shake the air. Next to him was the Elf King, Lylen, cloaked in elegant robes of deep green, his golden hair flowing like liquid sunlight. His gaze was serene yet piercing, exuding wisdom and power, and his aura resonated with nature itself. Finally, there was the Human King, Atheron, in royal silver and blue, carrying an air of both majesty and authority. He sat with a calm demeanor but his watchful eyes hinted at years of tactical prowess.

The kings' presence elevated the stakes. Each student knew they had to give their all if they wanted to catch the eye of these rulers.

Kit Mi Kai, Kipkemboi, Jajwok, and Olamsuri took their places on the sandy arena floor, standing side by side. Their confidence was tangible, though each of them bore expressions of focus and determination. They knew this wouldn't be an easy competition, but they were ready to put everything they'd learned to the test.

Their first opponents were announced: a team known as "The Iron Blades." Four students stepped forward, each armed to the teeth. The leader, Raynor, was a burly man wielding a massive war hammer with veins of fire running through it. His teammate, Lira, was agile and swift, equipped with twin daggers that gleamed with lightning magic. Their magic crackled as they prepared for battle.

The match began with a flash. Raynor charged at Kit Mi Kai with his war hammer raised, flames licking up the sides of the weapon. Kit Mi Kai dodged to the side just as the hammer crashed into the ground, sending a shockwave through the sand. The force of it rattled his bones, but he quickly countered, summoning earthen spikes that shot up toward Raynor.

Across the battlefield, Kipkemboi clashed with Lira, his katana meeting her lightning daggers. Sparks flew as steel met steel, and he struggled to keep up with her rapid, agile movements. Lira smirked, taunting him as she struck with blinding speed. Kipkemboi gritted his teeth, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead, but he focused, using every ounce of skill he'd learned.

Seeing Kipkemboi struggle, Olamsuri hurled a blast of wind magic at Lira, giving him a moment to catch his breath. "Don't worry, Kip! I've got your back," she called out with a grin.

"Much appreciated," he replied, giving her a nod before re-engaging with newfound determination.

Meanwhile, Jajwok was battling the remaining two members of The Iron Blades, using his lightning magic to dodge and weave. His eyes glinted with excitement as he summoned bolts of energy, but his opponents managed to block or evade his attacks, keeping him on his toes. After an intense struggle, he finally found an opening and blasted them with a powerful bolt, sending them sprawling backward.

With a final coordinated effort, the squad managed to defeat The Iron Blades, though each of them was visibly winded, sweat running down their faces. The crowd erupted in applause, impressed by their resilience.

Up in the tower, the kings exchanged glances, each quietly assessing the heroes' performance. The Orc King Gurok gave a satisfied nod. "They fight with both strength and strategy. There's something raw about them."

The Elf King Lylen observed with narrowed eyes, noting their teamwork. "They have potential. I sense untapped depths in their abilities."

The Human King Atheron nodded. "But they lack refinement. I'd like to see them pushed further."

After a brief respite, the squad's next opponents were announced: "The Gales of Vira." This team was known for their unpredictable tactics and mastery over wind and ice magic. Their leader, Sylvan, was tall and wiry with icy-blue hair and an arrogant smirk. Beside him were three other mages, each proficient in combining magic with acrobatics.

As the battle commenced, Sylvan raised his hands and summoned a whirlwind, sending it hurtling toward Kit Mi Kai. The gust was so powerful it nearly swept him off his feet. Kit Mi Kai gritted his teeth, digging his heels into the ground to maintain his stance. In response, he summoned rocks from the earth to shield himself, but the ice shards that followed shattered his defenses.

Jajwok took the opportunity to cast a spell of his own, conjuring a lightning portal to redirect some of the wind energy away from his squad. The portal absorbed part of the gust, dispersing it safely. Sylvan's team looked taken aback, clearly not expecting such a counter.

"Nice work, Jajwok!" Kipkemboi called out before charging at Sylvan, who responded by freezing the ground beneath him. Kipkemboi slipped, barely managing to regain his balance, his katana slicing through the air just as Sylvan dodged with a mocking laugh.

Olamsuri quickly cast a wind spell to give Kipkemboi a boost of speed, propelling him forward with greater agility. With her help, he closed the distance and landed a decisive blow, forcing Sylvan to retreat.

Despite the tricks and traps from The Gales of Vira, the squad managed to secure their victory. They panted, catching their breath as the cheers of the audience roared around them.

The squad's final opponents were no ordinary students. They were seasoned fighters, a team handpicked by the academy itself to challenge the heroes and test their limits. This team was led by none other than Ingrid, a student known for her mastery of arcane spells and her towering, muscular frame.

As the battle began, Ingrid unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, forcing the squad to scatter. Her teammates followed suit, each wielding a unique blend of magic and weaponry that kept the squad on their toes.

Kit Mi Kai found himself dueling Ingrid, struggling against her overwhelming power. Each blow felt like it could shatter his bones, and he was forced to dig deep into his reserves. He summoned earthen walls to shield himself, but she blasted through them, leaving him with no choice but to fight harder than ever.

Meanwhile, Kipkemboi and Jajwok took on Ingrid's teammates, their movements synchronized as they parried attacks and launched counterstrikes. Olamsuri provided support from a distance, casting spells to bolster her friends' defenses.

At one point, Jajwok was nearly overwhelmed, his breathing ragged as he narrowly dodged a fireball. He chuckled to himself, muttering, "Well, this is certainly the closest I've been to crispy."

Kipkemboi shot him a grin. "Don't worry, we'll make it out in one piece. Just stay on your toes."

Finally, with a combined effort, they managed to overpower Ingrid and her team, the last of their strength pouring into one final, coordinated attack. Ingrid fell back, defeated, her eyes wide with surprise.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the heroes emerged victorious, though they were visibly exhausted, their faces flushed and clothing torn.

After the battle, the kings deliberated from their vantage point, exchanging thoughtful looks.

The orc king spoke first. "The lightning warrior, Jajwok. His resilience and strength would make him a fine addition to my kingdom. I would be honored to have him join us."

The Elf King Lylen's gaze was fixed on Olamsuri. "The wind mage possesses grace and intelligence. She has potential that aligns well with the elven arts. I extend my invitation to her."

The dwarf king pointed out Kit Mi Kai,"we can mold this one to perfection I choose him."

Finally, the Human King Atheron nodded toward Kipkemboi . "creativity and teamwork are commendable. Both have the makings of skilled warriors in the human kingdom. They would be a great asset."

The squad and other students chosen now had to separate each going to different kingdoms "it will just be a while let's all meet up at the human kingdom when our training is done.


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