The Golem Mage

Mighty Brandon

Brandon and Bree clashed with their swords, and it was evident to everyone watching that Brandon's physical strength surpassed that of Bree as he pushed Bree back.

His superior strength allowed him to easily dodge Bree's sword strikes with his giant weapon, using both hands to wield it skillfully.

In contrast, whenever Brandon slashed at Bree, he had to defend himself with his shield quickly.

Despite his efforts, Bree was knocked several feet away each time Brandon attacked him.

Bree couldn't understand how someone with a more petite build could possess such immense power.

"Is that all you've got? If it is, you might as well give up now," Brandon taunted.

With a sideways s***h, he finally landed a hit on Bree, sending him flying through the air before he tumbled onto the ground.

[].

Suddenly, a fire outbreak occurred around Bree's hand; reacting swiftly, Bree punched his fist into the ground.

Brandon squinted his eyes as he noticed Bree channeling a flow of fire energy into the earth as he cast a spell.

Brandon's danger senses tingled.

"Damn, it's coming from underneath," he exclaimed, realizing that he had underestimated his opponent.

He had always assumed that no one could escape his earth detention ability unless they were at least two ranks higher than him.

But To his surprise, Brandon found that his detection underground was weaker than it was above ground.

Thus, he discovered the attack too late, leaving him unable to dodge and forcing him to face the attack head-on.

"Aah!"

In response, Brandon yelled while flames engulfed him.

He called upon a skill he had never used before.

[].

The surrounding earth elements gathered around his raised blade, causing it to become cumbersome and sturdy, as if it had been inserted into a scabbard made of compressed earth.

Meanwhile, a fire pillar erupted beneath the ground, encasing Brandon as he held his sword high.

"Ah, I don't think anyone could survive that. I'm sure Brandon must be covered in wounds right now," someone exclaimed.

"This might keep him in bed for a week. That fire pillar is mighty," another voice chimed in.

"It feels like I am watching a smaller-scale eruption of a volcano," someone added.

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, believing the match was already over since Brandon was engulfed in the fire spell. Bree couldn't help but smirk, thinking that he had emerged as the victor.

However, their expressions turned to shock when the flames died, revealing Brandon still standing there, looking like a battle-worn soldier.

His upper body was exposed, his top burned by the flames, and his pants looked burnt too, but still intact to protect his private parts.

Everyone saw his chiseled chest and impressive physique as he stepped out of the ashes.

Small cracks of Earth could be seen falling from his body as if fragments of stone were falling away.

"I can't believe he was able to summon a rock armor to protect himself at that moment," Knight commented while Agnes gasped in amazement.

"What incredible reaction speed. It's as if he's been in countless battles before, accustomed to expecting such attacks, while We all assumed he was finished after that spell,"

Agnes explained, and Knight nodded in agreement.

"I can't believe you're still standing after that; what kind of monster are you?" Bree asked as he tried to recover his depleted mana.

He could feel the strain on his body from overusing his Mana, but he could bring him back to peak performance with his accessories.

Meanwhile, Brandon didn't bother replying at all.

His eyes were red, filled with anger at his own minor mistake.

He had fought against Alec's golems, which had made him look down on others' battle skills, assuming they couldn't draw out a skill's true potential or lacked combat ability, relying too heavily on their spells.

Now, he realized that there was someone who could push him to his limits.

With that in mind, he unleashed one of his self-invented sword skills, created to match his unique fighting style.

[].

Now covered in earth, the sword swung onto the floor, causing the entire stage to ripple and the structure to scatter like a small earthquake.

Yet, Brandon stood firm like an emperor, unaffected by the chaos around him.

The earth around him remained undisturbed by his strike.

Brandon inserted his sword back into the ground using both hands before performing a series of hand signs.

[].

As his hands locked together, large hands made of earth elements emerged near Bree, tightly gripping him with no room for resistance.

Brandon's face displayed a cold expression as he spoke in a menacing voice,

"Give up, or I will take pleasure in breaking every bone in your body."

Bree felt deeply humiliated at the thought of losing to someone who wasn't even the leader.

He would have given up if his opponent had been Alec, but as Brandon was only a follower, surrendering would only bring disgrace to him and his clan.

So he attempted to resist, hoping to somehow break free from the grip of the hands made of earth.

However, his strength proved lacking, and he could not achieve what he desired.

"Hmm, trying to escape? I suppose I'll have to teach you a lesson," Brandon growled, noticing Bree's struggle.

He tightened his grip, causing the hands of Earth to also pull their hold on Bree.

The sound of bones breaking resonated through the air, the pops coming out clearly.

"Ahh, please! Make it stop! I give up!" Bree pleaded in fear, his body drenched in sweat.

As soon as he was released from the tight grip, he collapsed to the ground, unable to support himself. Members of the Fridall Clan rushed to his aid, helping him up.

However, their death stares towards Brandon went unnoticed by him.

He didn't pay them any mind, as he believed if they wanted revenge, they should come and challenge him themselves.

But deep down, they knew they wouldn't dare challenge Brandon, especially since their leader had just been defeated by him as well.

"Brandon wins," the voice from the top platform announced, confirming his victory.

The Younger Generation leaders of the various clans watched, waiting for Brandon to leave the stage.

They believed he would be weakened after being burnt by Bree's fire and expending significant energy.

However, to their dismay, it became apparent that this formidable opponent wasn't ready to back down just yet.

The thought of facing him filled them with dread, as no one wanted to be the next to go up against him.

"Who's next?" Brandon's domineering voice echoed across the arena, causing the younger generation leaders of the clans to clench their fists in frustration and helplessness.

They realized they were no better than Bree, and the thought of challenging Brandon filled them with uncertainty.