Earth's Greatest Magus

One month ago - Ouroboros City.

In the grandiose setting of High Serpent Hall, five esteemed Ouroboros Elders convened in a solemn row. Their keen eyes fixated on a lone figure standing resolutely at the center of the hall, bathed in the soft glow of ambient light filtering through stained glass windows.

This figure, a young girl, had endured a rigorous series of trials over the past two weeks, emerging triumphant amongst her peers, earning the esteemed title of Ouroboro's number one talent.

As the Elders scrutinized her with a mixture of curiosity and expectation, they peppered her with a barrage of questions, probing the depths of her knowledge and character. With unwavering confidence and a demeanor of utmost respect, the young girl fielded each inquiry with poise and precision.

Upon concluding their evaluation, one Elder, his voice resonating with approval. "You have proven yourself with the highest regard," he declared, acknowledging her as the prime candidate for admission into the prestigious Magus Academy.

Another Elder, his tone tinged with a hint of expectation, issued a subtle warning. "I hope you understand the weight of the responsibility that accompanies this honor," he remarked, his gaze piercing through the air with an intensity that bespoke the gravity of the situation.

The young girl met their gaze with unwavering determination "Yes, Elder, I shall bring honor to our clan by ascending to the pinnacle of excellence within the academy ranks."

As the weight of expectation hung palpably in the air, another Elder, his countenance creased with concern, interjected with a solemn reminder. "Whichever master you are assigned to, you must never forget your roots. You must remain loyal to our clan and share any knowledge or information garnered during your studies."

The young girl nodded earnestly "Yes, Elder," she affirmed once more.

Though the pressure from the Elders was palpable, the young girl stood her ground, summoning every ounce of resilience to weather the scrutiny.

Finally, the Elder seated at the center of the assembly spoke with finality. "Very well, We have reached a decision. It is you, Shura Ouroboros... "

Before the Elder could finish, a sudden interruption shattered the solemnity of the moment. A figure burst into the hall, and shouted "NOT JUST YET!!"

All heads turned to behold the unexpected intruder: a young girl with silvery hair, her entrance marked by a brazen disregard for decorum. Though her demeanor bordered on insolence, a ripple of recognition passed through the Elders. None dared to voice their displeasure. Instead, the once formidable Elders seemed to bristle with anxiety at her presence.

As she approached, the Elder at the center, his demeanor softened, addressed her with a gentle smile. "Anything I can assist you with, Princess Shinta?" he inquired, his smile betraying a sense of underlying intrigue at her unanticipated presence.

The young girl named Shinta turned to the girl standing next to her and said, "Shura… you have not fought me yet. How could you be the top candidate? I am here to challenge you, and we will determine who is the Ouroboros' number one talent!"

Shura turned with a respectful gesture. "Princess Shinta, I dare not fight you. If you wish to take the Magus Academy candidacy, it's my honor to give it to you."

Hearing this, Shinta turned to smile and said, "Shura, you are a loyal subject indeed. Unfortunately, you are mistaken. You cannot give something that is not yours. You are not number one yet. Fight me and prove who among us deserves this more." She then turned to the Elders and said with a smile, "All of you wouldn't mind, would you?"

The question sent ripples through the previously composed Elders, their brows furrowing with concern. One Elder, his voice trembling slightly, spoke up. "Princess Shinta," he began cautiously, "it's not that we are unwilling to permit this... but we must consider that this may not be a fair fight. Shura is three years your senior and has already attained the peak rank of 8. We are concerned that..."

Before the Elder could finish his thought, Shinta interjected "Do not worry about me getting hurt," she casually answered with a smile. "I will take full accountability for my actions."

Without waiting for a reply, Shinta took a few steps back, assuming a ready stance, poised for action.

Glancing briefly at the Elders, Shura acknowledged their concerns with a silent nod of comprehension. Understanding that she couldn't reject the challenge, she expressed gratitude to the Elders. "Thank you for permitting this duel," she said respectfully, stepping back a few paces and bowing in acknowledgment before assuming her combat stance.

A playful grin danced across Shinta's lips as she addressed her opponent. "Don't you dare take it easy on me," she taunted, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Shura's response was immediate and resolute. "Of course not,"

Seconds later, the two young combatants surged toward each other, their movements a blur of calculated strikes and evasive maneuvers. Shura, her movements fluid and precise, exemplified the culmination of years of rigorous training in the Ouroboros' revered martial arts [12 Serpent Palm Strike].

In response, Shinta employed a divine technique, the [Slithering Cloud Steps]. Though she had not yet attained mastery, her movements flowed with an innate intuition. With each step, she balanced on the edge between defense and offense, her anticipation sharp as she countered Shura's unyielding onslaught with the precision of her [13 Serpent Subjugating Kick].

As the clash of their techniques echoed through the hall, the Elders stood in awe. Despite her youth of not yet fifteen and only a rank 6 acolytes, Shinta showcased a remarkable mastery of both techniques, holding her own against the more experienced Shura.

"She is a prodigy indeed," one Elder remarked, nodding in acknowledgment.

The rest of the Elders could only nod in agreement, their gazes fixed on the unfolding spectacle before them. However, they knew that the true test had yet to come, for both girls possessed a trump card that would elevate the battle to new heights: their bloodline transformation techniques.

"It's starting!" one of the Elders exclaimed, anticipation thick in the air.

As anticipated, Shura initiated her transformation, her body beginning to undergo a profound metamorphosis. Dark green scales cascaded across her skin like a living armor, her eyes ablaze with a fierce yellow hue as her battle prowess surged to new heights.

With a resolute focus, Shinta invoked her own transformation, as energy coursing through her veins, she tapped into the formidable might of her lineage.

[Kemoyin Transformation]

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