Erwin allowed Sunny Finch to drag him by the hand as she led him enthusiastically toward the plaza. He glanced down at their clasped hands, dismissing it as childish innocence. When they arrived, however, he saw that the central plaza was dominated by a massive arena, surrounded by a dense crowd.
Two students were inside the ring, gathering their energy for a duel. Erwin listened to the murmurs of the spectators and realized this sparring match was just the start of a regular routine. To them, constant combat was the only way to maintain peak condition.
Erwin nodded to himself. This approach to practical combat was exactly what he hoped to develop in his own students. While Western magic schools emphasized different training methods, this approach had undeniable merit. It made him realize that a dueling circuit—his 'Wizarding Glory'—could find an enthusiastic audience here.
He turned to Sunny Finch. "It seems we're late. The arena is already occupied."
Sunny Finch waved a hand dismissively. "Give me a minute!"
Before Erwin could protest, she vanished in a blur of motion, reappearing directly on the arena. The two duelists froze, startled, before quickly bowing.
"Sunny!" they greeted in unison.
Sunny Finch nodded imperiously. "Spar with each other every day and you'll get nowhere. If you want to improve, you need to face someone stronger. So, I've decided you two will spar with me instead."
The crowd gasped. Whispers rippled through the onlookers.
"Is she serious? She's actually challenging them?"
"Anyone with sense knows you don't challenge Sunny. She doesn't hold back!"
"I wouldn't go up there for anything. It's suicide."
Erwin frowned. Just how dangerous was this girl?
Still, he felt confident. He'd faced countless challenges and emerged stronger each time. Few his age could match his experience. He might not match Professor McGonagall in Transfiguration yet, but in raw combat, he felt unbeatable. Unless, of course, his opponent had advantages he hadn't anticipated.
The two students on the stage stood frozen, not daring to move.
Sunny Finch rolled her eyes. "If you lack the courage to fight, then get off my stage!"
Blushing, the two bowed again and hastily jumped down.
Sunny Finch turned to Erwin, her expression brightening. "Your turn!"
The crowd swiveled their gaze to the foreign wizard.
"That's the foreign wizard she brought back."
"Is she actually going to spar with him?"
"He's mad. He must be."
"Someone should warn him! He might die!"
"You go warn him if you dare."
"Forget it. With the elders watching, surely she won't go too far?"
Erwin rubbed his nose, a sense of foreboding washing over him. Was it really that serious?
He walked onto the arena. Sunny Finch was practically vibrating with excitement. The thought of beating up her idol was thrilling. She rubbed her hands together eagerly.
"You saw how they reacted," Erwin noted. "They're terrified of you."
"It's because they're weak," Sunny Finch replied. "And their physiques are too fragile. Erwin, you don't have any hidden injuries, do you?"
Erwin's face darkened. "My body is in perfect condition."
"Good!" She clapped her hands. "Let's begin."
Erwin didn't let arrogance cloud his judgment. He wasn't familiar with this fighting style, so caution was necessary. An amethyst wand appeared in his hand, and a Shield Charm shimmered around him.
He waited for her to draw a talisman or cast a spell. Instead, Sunny Finch made a grabbing motion in the air.
Two golden shapes materialized in her hands.
Erwin's pupils contracted. Hammers?
"Holy crap," he muttered.
Sunny Finch shook the weapons gently. "Golden Thunder Hammers, ancient artifacts of Kunlun—their weight alone can crush most defenses. I usually only use one against others—they can't handle two. But I think you can."
Erwin looked at the massive hammers, then back at his own build. Could he handle that? He hadn't expected to face a brute-force weapon like this.
Sunny Finch slammed the hammers together with a dull, terrifying
Thud.
"Here I come!" she shouted, a bright smile on her face.
Without waiting for a reaction, she stomped the ground and charged.
Erwin's eyes widened. Holy hell, her speed is insane! He dodged instinctively, barely avoiding the swing.
"What kind of training does the East use?!" he yelled, his composure cracking.
...
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