Nora was in the process of comprehending the rules.
This so-called
Battle for Dominance
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wasn’t about direct combat at the outset but rather navigating the unique environments of the five elemental fields. The competition considered many factors.
Each of the five fields corresponded to certain natural attributes, and participants had inherent affinities—or lack thereof—for them. If someone was assigned to a field that didn’t suit them and they couldn’t comprehend its rules, they’d face immense difficulties. It would almost guarantee elimination.
Then there was the sixth participant, who could be randomly assigned to any of the five fields. This added an element of luck to the competition.
Next came adaptability. Even if a participant was assigned to a less favorable field, they would still need to understand its rules. The rules of the fields differed significantly from those of the
main world
. Each field had rules that were extreme, focusing on a single aspect of magic or nature to its utmost. Such specificity imposed significant constraints on those from the main world.
Participants needed to adapt to these rules to maintain functionality within their assigned fields. Even when invading other fields, they would have to relearn and adjust to entirely new rules.
Finally, it would all come down to combat. The ultimate victor would be determined through battle for control of the treasures.
Nora closed her eyes and began attuning herself to the rules of the
Water Field
. She wasn’t in a rush—she preferred to deal with challenges as they arose.
“Good luck, Sister Nora!” Nina whispered from the viewing area, her voice filled with quiet encouragement.
On the projection, the six participants were shown, each focused on understanding the rules of their respective fields. Their methods varied, sparking lively discussions among the spectators.
“This doesn’t look good! Yesar excels in light magic from the Dawnlight Empire, which overlaps with fire magic. If he’s in the
Fire Field
, he’s probably completely in his element!”
“I think the two in the
Wood Field
will have issues. They might start fighting before they even grasp the rules.”
“That Nora girl seems unimpressive. There’s no information about her—she might just be here to make up the numbers.”
“What about Garr in the
Metal Field
? Isn’t he supposed to be a standout from the Sanctuary of Extension? He doesn’t seem all that remarkable.”
“…”
“And then there’s the Dragonscale Bank’s participant. All we know is her name, but she might very well end up being the winner.”
“At this stage, it’s hard to gauge their abilities.”
“Not true!” an elder interjected. “At this stage, we can see it clearly. True geniuses are defined by their talent, and their comprehension of the rules is the most direct indicator. The faster they adapt, the greater their talent…”
Before he could finish, gasps erupted around him. Everyone turned their attention to the projection.
One figure was already moving through their field!
“Who is that? They’ve already comprehended the rules and are moving through the field?”
“That’s the participant from Dragonscale Bank—Imora!”
How could she be so fast?
While the other participants were still immersed in understanding the rules of their respective fields, Imora was already on the move. The gap between her and the others was obvious—and it had been less than half an hour since the competition began.
In the
Earth Field
, Imora moved swiftly. A faint white aura surrounded her, shielding her from the wind and sand. This alone revealed her proficiency in water magic. If she had been assigned to the
Water Field
, she would likely have thrived even more.
However, she had started in the Earth Field. Despite this, she had already grasped the rules of her environment faster than anyone else.
Imora’s rapid movement left many spectators wondering what her objective was. Was she searching for the treasure hidden within the Earth Field?
But her unwavering direction, with no hesitation or course corrections, raised questions. How could she be so confident that she was heading toward the treasure’s location?
“No, that’s not it! She’s heading for the
field node
!”
The fields contained a node—essentially a transit point connecting the five elemental zones. Through these nodes, participants could invade other fields.
“Does she intend to bypass the treasure in the Earth Field and invade another area instead?”
Her decision puzzled many. It would require immense confidence to skip obtaining her field’s treasure—an asset that could enhance her strength—and invade another field instead.
This choice demonstrated one thing: absolute self-assurance. Imora believed that none of the other participants had yet comprehended their respective field’s rules, let alone claimed their treasures. By invading now, she ensured the battle would occur under equal conditions—purely a test of strength.
Imora was certain that no matter which field she invaded, she could quickly adapt to its rules and defeat its participant. This confidence drove her decision:
to fight without hesitation or preparation
.
…
In the Dragonscale Bank’s observation room, the grand steward smiled as he watched Imora’s bold actions.
“As expected of her! To make such a decisive move in so little time.”
At this stage, the other participants were still grappling with understanding their respective fields’ rules. Imora’s speed meant she could engage her opponents before they had fully adapted. Her talent was extraordinary.
“She’s going to catch them completely off guard. This is exactly the kind of confidence Dragonscale Bank stands for! The final victory will be ours!” the grand steward declared confidently.
Elise, however, looked deeply worried.
Imora had reached the node connecting to the
Water Field
. From here, she could choose to invade another field or return to the Earth Field. Elise knew that Imora’s natural affinity was ice magic, making the Water Field the most compatible with her abilities.
But the Water Field was where Nora was.
If Imora chose to invade the Water Field, Elise couldn’t imagine how things would end for her sister. Even though Nora appeared to be still comprehending the rules, Elise couldn’t shake her unease.
The students from Crossbridge Academy were anything but ordinary. Rose and Reed had made their mark after the Mistriver Realm incident, and even the unassuming Green exuded an increasingly oppressive aura. Elise had often felt that Green could sense her presence, even when she was in hiding.
And Nora? Just how strong could she be?
…
Imora stood at the node leading to the Water Field, hesitating briefly before stepping forward.
“No! Don’t go in!” Elise said nervously.
At that moment, Nora had already finished comprehending the rules of the Water Field and was on her way to find its treasure. If Imora entered now, she might encounter Nora directly.
A battle between the two seemed inevitable.
With Nora already attuned to the Water Field’s rules, Elise doubted her sister’s chances.