Surviving the Magic Academy With Just Intelligence Stats-Chapter 92: The Third Round

The crystalline display board pulsed with azure light as it revealed the third-round matchups, sending ripples of excitement through the packed arena. Professor Richard Lancaster adjusted his emerald robes before raising his enchanted staff to his throat, his voice booming across the colosseum.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached the third round of our freshman ranking tournament! Only twelve teams remain in contention for the prestigious Archmage’s Medallion, and the battles promise even greater spectacle than what we’ve witnessed thus far!"

The barriers around Platform One shimmered to life as Ambrose Rothschild’s team faced Jin Tao’s group. Spectators who had witnessed Ambrose’s previous match leaned forward in anticipation, many placing informal wagers on how quickly this confrontation would end.

"On Platform One, we have the much-discussed Team Rothschild against Jin Tao’s lightning specialists!" Lancaster announced. "Jin’s Thunder Step technique has overwhelmed every opponent thus far, but can it stand against what many are calling the tournament’s most fearsome combatant?"

The moment the match began, Jin Tao activated his signature technique, his form blurring with supernatural speed as electricity crackled around him. His teammates followed suit, their coordinated movements creating a pentagram formation of lightning that had devastated previous opponents.

Sun Hualing stepped forward, her expression unnervingly calm. Jin’s eyes widened as he recognized the danger too late—his lightning-enhanced charge carrying him directly toward her waiting form.

"Extraordinary!" Lancaster gasped as Hualing intercepted Jin with terrifying precision. "The match has barely begun, and—wait—what’s happening?"

The entire lightning team had frozen in place, their expressions locked in stunning realization. Jin Tao, still suspended mid-stride, slowly lowered his crackling hands.

"I surrender," he announced, his voice carrying across the suddenly silent arena.

"Astonishing!" Lancaster exclaimed, genuine surprise evident in his voice. "Team Jin has conceded without a single exchange of blows! The reputation of Sun Hualing appears to have preceded her—a psychological victory before combat even commenced!"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as Ambrose’s team secured their third-round victory in literally seconds, setting a new tournament record.

"Meanwhile, on Platform Two," Lancaster redirected attention, "Lysander Blackvale’s team faces Claire Wintermist’s ice specialists!"

This battle had progressed significantly, the platform transformed into a winter landscape as Claire’s team established territorial dominance. Ice structures created a maze-like battlefield, forcing Lysander’s team to navigate treacherous terrain while defending against crystalline projectiles.

"Remarkable battlefield control from Wintermist!" Lancaster commented as another ice wall erupted between Lysander and his support mage. "Her tactical acumen proves why she received a first-round bye!"

Lysander maintained his composure despite his team’s increasingly precarious position. Thomas’s shield bore frost damage, while Maria struggled to find clear lines of fire through the ice labyrinth. Edwin had already suffered a minor injury from an ice shard, reducing their support capabilities.

"It appears House Blackvale’s representative finds himself in a difficult position," Lancaster observed.

As if triggered by those very words, Lysander’s demeanor shifted. With fluid grace, he stepped forward and straightened to his full height. The air around him shimmered as he accessed power he’d clearly been concealing.

"What’s this?" Lancaster’s voice carried genuine surprise. "The mana density around Blackvale has suddenly doubled—a clear indicator of C-rank capability! He’s been holding back significantly!"

Geometric patterns of arcane energy emanated from Lysander’s fingertips, cutting through Claire’s ice constructs with mathematical precision. The temperature around him normalized as his [Arcane Dominion] systematically neutralized the Wintermist team’s advantage.

The audience watched as geometric patterns of arcane energy systematically neutralized Claire’s elaborate ice constructs. Despite her tactical adaptations, Lysander maintained absolute control of the battlefield, his teammates executing their roles with practiced precision.

Claire’s expression transitioned from confidence to shock as her carefully constructed ice fortress began disintegrating under Lysander’s true power. After a brief moment of resistance, she lowered her hands.

"Claire Wintermist concedes! Victory to Team Blackvale!" Lancaster announced as the crowd erupted in excited discussion. "A reminder that appearances can be deceiving while on the battlefield!"

Platform Three hosted perhaps the most visually spectacular confrontation as Aurora Silverwind’s spiritual energies clashed against Raven Bloodworth’s crimson techniques.

"A battle of opposing philosophies!" Lancaster narrated. "Aurora’s Spirit Resonance embodies harmony and natural balance, while Raven’s Blood Pulse represents assertion of will over physical limitations!"

Ethereal barriers of translucent blue light intercepted streams of controlled blood, creating mesmerizing patterns where the energies met. Diana Vale synchronized her enhancements with Aurora’s defenses, amplifying their effectiveness, while Victor Cross enhanced Raven’s blood manipulation with precise support spells.

"The synchronization between Aurora and Diana is remarkable!" Lancaster observed. "Their spiritual energies are creating cascading protections that Raven’s team struggles to penetrate!"

Despite Raven’s tactical ingenuity, Aurora’s spiritual barriers proved impenetrable. The battle concluded with Aurora’s team demonstrating superior endurance and coordination.

"Victory to Team Silverwind!" Lancaster declared. "Their spiritual defenses ultimately exhausted Raven’s offensive capabilities!"

Leon Steelheart’s confrontation with Damien Nightshade on Platform Four had drawn particular attention from commoner students throughout the academy. Leon’s lack of talent potential made his continued advancement a compelling narrative.

"Team Steelheart continues to demonstrate that perfect technique can overcome raw magical power!" Lancaster exclaimed as Leon executed a flawless sequence of sword movements that neutralized Damien’s necrotic projections. "Their coordination is impeccable!"

The match concluded with Leon’s systematic approach overwhelming Damien’s increasingly desperate attacks.

"Victory to Team Steelheart!" Lancaster announced to enthusiastic applause. "Another demonstration that talent isn’t everything!"

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On Platforms Five and Six, Eliza Runecaster’s methodical rune magic eventually overcame Tristan Hawkeye’s precision attacks, while Valeria Stormrider’s weather manipulators emerged victorious against Talon Beastheart’s transformations after a grueling battle that stretched the full time limit.

"And thus, our third round concludes!" Lancaster’s voice carried a note of genuine excitement. "Six exceptional teams advance to the fourth round, each demonstrating unique strengths and approaches to magical combat. The question remains—who among these remarkable freshmen will claim the coveted Archmage’s Medallion?"

The crowds roared their approval as magical indicators flashed across the arena, confirming the official results. Spectators began analyzing potential fourth-round matchups, many eyes tracking Ambrose’s party as they left the platform without a single spell cast or weapon drawn—their reputation growing more formidable with each effortless victory.