Arcane Heir: History's Strongest Mage

Michael watched on incredulously as Braydon's team continued to beat down on the ferocious boar, sending punches and kicks to every part of its body. Just when he thought that the beast had been defeated, an almighty roar shook the arena.

It was different from the squeal that the beast had let out in the beginning. In fact, the roar caused a shiver to run up his spine, rooting him in place.

The dust cleared in an instant, pushing back Braydon and the others who had been assaulting the boar—revealing the grim scene in front of them.

What appeared in front of everyone caused a collective gasp to ring out. The boar was no longer brown, it was a deep crimson—as if it had been doused in blood from head to toe.

Steam rose from its body, letting off a sizzling sound that seemed to cut through the silence like a blade. Foam leaked out of the boars mouth, its eyes looking crazed as it raised its head and bellowed with anger.

"It's entered a frenzy…" Melody said seriously.

"Mmm, they weren't able to defeat it in time." Michael nodded, his expression serious.

Since they had known they'd be going against the ferocious boar for the exam they had of course done their research. Thus he was aware of the frenzied state of the boar that could grant it increased strength and speed.

This was what everyone wished to avoid this exam, yet Braydon's team had been unable to defeat the boar before it activated its frenzy.

Since Braydon's team were relatively strong in comparison to the other groups, the fact that they had failed to end the fight early was something that brought a gloomy air in the stands.

Even Michael was feeling apprehensive.

This is going to be tough.

As if to back up his thoughts, the boar launched forward, dipping its heavy head towards Craig at its side. Using its tusks, it sent a piercing attack at the guy, intending on impaling him with a swift move.

Thankfully Craig managed to backpedal, narrowly avoiding the bone-like tusk that would have maimed him. But the guy didn't look happy about it, in fact he was wearing a serious expression on his face.

Without a word, Braydon shot forward with speed towards the hind leg of the beast, his intentions obvious. He sent a wild and forceful punch towards the knee joint of the beast, intending to cripple its movements.

This was the tactic that Craig and Toby had tried to enact at the beginning, but failed. Now in a frenzied state, it would be far more difficult—but equally as beneficial if they were able to pull it off.

The cracking sound of bones breaking shot through the arena, followed by a pained roar. In an instant, the frenzied boar thrashed its large head towards Braydon, causing the latter to cross his arms in front of his body for a hasty defense.

"ARGH!"

Braydon cried out as he was struck hard by the blow, sending him flying towards the edge of the platform with force. Just when it seemed like he'd be thrown out, a translucent shield appeared like a wall.

Unfortunately for him, the shield was solid—acting like he'd been catapulted into a an actual wall.

His figure slunk to the floor, his arms now draped uselessly either side of his body. At a glance, it was clear to see that the arms were deformed, clearly broken from the impact of the blow.

"It's over." Melody concluded, though she didn't appear to be happy.

Michael nodded in agreement. The fact that Braydon who was one of the top of the class was defeated by the boar did not bode well for the others. With his arms now broken and his lackluster teammates, it was clear that the end was near.

As if to back up his thoughts, a figure suddenly appeared above the ferocious boar.

"Gravitas."

Her small yet shapely figure suddenly accelerated towards the ground, right above the boar. A pained squeal echoed out followed by a thud as she dropped onto the head of the beast, incapacitating it in an instant.

"Alright, well done." Professor Quinn said, wearing her usual smile. "Take your friend to the infirmary, we still have many exams to get through." She added, giving a shooing motion.

Both Craig and Toby looked a little downcast, but they still did as they were told, heading over towards Braydon to help him.

Braydon stared at the professor and the boar beneath her with gritted teeth, clearly in pain. However, there was a fierce light within his eyes—swiftly extinguished with disappointment a moment later.

As his friends went to check on him, Braydon pulled away with anger, "Don't touch me…"

They looked rather defeated, but they persisted with the professors instruction, following him out of the arena and towards the infirmary.

Michael watched the retreating figures and couldn't help but let out a sigh. He didn't blame Braydon for getting angry at his lackeys. They had the perfect opportunity to strike in the beginning after he had got the boar's attention.

If the attacks had landed correctly and the techniques were performed as they should have been, the boar would have been crippled from the start. It wouldn't have been able to enter a frenzy, nor would Braydon have been injured.

This is what the professor meant when she said a single mistake could cause the death of the team… he thought silently.

Perhaps if they were able to use magic things might have been different, but they would have failed regardless. Even now, Michael had trouble understanding why they weren't allowed to do so.

After all, what mage fought without magic?

While he was deep in thought, the atmosphere had turned gloomy after witnessing Braydon's team fail. They had been one of the front-runners, yet even they were unable to beat the ferocious boar.

Such a shocking result seemed to be too much for the other students.