After some simple and rough calculations by the math whizzes, it was determined that there were as many as eighteen million evolved beings participating in this competition.
Although this did not include every evolved being, the number was still terrifying.
Yet, even in the face of such a staggering figure, the Witch race still managed to claim all three top spots, which spoke volumes about how formidable they were.
Their contribution to the pool was roughly nine to eleven contestants.
In other words, about one-third to one-fourth of their entrants made it to the very end.
This was a ratio that no other race could even hope to compete with.
For example, there were many from the Little People race and the winged race, but not a single one of them remained by the finals.
To put it simply...
If it had been a joke before, no one was laughing now. Everyone was in unanimous agreement: the Witch race was the number one race on the Kalim continent.
This 'number one' status applied not only to their population but also to their combat prowess.
Of course, the fact that every witch was an alchemist was also something that could not be overlooked.
After all, at least eighty percent of the potions on the entire Kalim continent were currently provided by the witches.
【It seems our two contestants are full of anticipation for this match. Since you are so eager, do you have any requests?】
【Since this is the final match, the organizers will do their best to satisfy one request from each of you.】
Do I look like I’m full of anticipation?
Lan Qingyou turned her head to look at the transparent man beside her, but his subsequent words made her forget her internal grumbling.
“Any wish?”
Lan Qingyou asked immediately.
【Yes, as long as it is related to the match.】
To prevent Lan Qingyou from finding a loophole, the transparent man nodded and added that clarification.
“Then I want a real scene. This bare arena is boring.”
Seeing that she couldn’t ask for anything more substantial, Lan Qingyou decided to increase the difficulty and the spectacle of the match.
A real scene meant it wouldn't be an empty void.
With more cover, the threat of the type of attack Alisa had used against Ursula would be minimized.
【That is no problem. And what about you, Alisa?】
“...Expand the arena. Preferably, make it infinite.”
Alisa made her request after a moment of thought.
【That... expanding it is fine, but infinite is a bit much.】
After all, this was a competition. If the arena were infinite and someone decided to use hit-and-run tactics, the match would last until the end of time.
“Didn't you say you could open up space however you wanted?”
Alisa was somewhat dissatisfied.
【But it still can't be infinite.】
Faced with Alisa’s questioning, the transparent man looked like he was about to cry.
The arena could indeed be expanded indefinitely, and so could the space, but the issue was still the same: the match duration had to be considered.
“Exactly how large can it be?”
Alisa asked, refusing to give up.
【Roughly the size of a hundred football fields.】
“Fine, then.”
Although it didn't reach her expected goal, that size was acceptable.
Indeed, in Alisa’s eyes, an area the size of a hundred football fields seemed like nothing at all.
She even looked a bit disdainful.
【Are you both certain about these requests?】
After understanding Alisa's requirement, the transparent man looked at Lan Qingyou again and received her confirmation.
【Very well! Then let us begin the final battle of this tournament!】
As he spoke, Lan Qingyou and Alisa saw the arena beneath them suddenly begin to change.
Finally, the transformation settled into a landscape of grey, desolate land.
From the grey ash on the ground and the surrounding ruins, broken swords, and shattered halberds, it was clear that this place had seen a massive war in the distant past.
While it was unknown what had become of the winners and losers of that war, there was no doubt that it must have been tragic.
Aside from the items mentioned above, there were also human remains so weathered that very little was left.
Or perhaps they were some kind of upright-walking creature?
In any case, when Lan Qingyou used her Analytic Magic Eye, the results came back as nothing but three question marks.
The last time she had encountered this situation was during the battle with the war treant in the cave.
These skeletons couldn't possibly be A-grade or world-class as well, could they? Haha.
【Welcome to the Ashlands. This is a certain corner of the Ashlands, and it will be your main battlefield. Please, show us what you can do.】
Once the venue was finalized, the transparent man did something unprecedented: he gave a very polite bow with his hand over his chest before vanishing.
It seemed this battle wouldn't require a referee.
Lan Qingyou and Alisa both thought the same thing.
“I heard that the people outside call us the White Witch and the Black Witch.”
With the arena expanded but their positions unchanged, Alisa, standing about twenty meters away, began her first true private conversation with Lan Qingyou.
“I think that’s the case. I’m not particularly fond of it, though.”
Lan Qingyou nodded indifferently, unsure why the other woman would use such a topic as an opening.
“Right. Aside from the world titles named after buildings like the Workshop and the High Tower, I think we should have more orthodox titles.”
“Hmm? Orthodox?”
Lan Qingyou was confused, not understanding what the other woman was getting at.
It was just a name; there was no need to be so tense about it, especially using a word as serious as 'orthodox.'
Seeing that Lan Qingyou didn't seem to understand, Alisa spoke two new terms.
“The Material School and the Mana School.”
“Huh?”
Lan Qingyou frowned slightly.
“Still don't get it? That 'equivalent exchange' you're always talking about—isn't that the quintessential philosophy of the Material School?”
Alisa sighed when she saw her opponent's blank expression.
It was unclear whether she was sighing out of sorrow for herself or pity for Lan Qingyou.
“Wait... you... are you from the Mana School?”
Realizing it belatedly, Lan Qingyou stared intently at Alisa.
“Yes,”
Alisa nodded.
...
“Material School? Mana School? What are those?”
The confused onlookers frowned, just as Lan Qingyou had done.
This was especially true for those who were studying alchemy in an attempt to replicate the success of Lan Qingyou and Alisa.
They might not understand the meaning behind those terms.
But everyone understood the word 'School.'
A school was a different branch formed within the same academic field due to differing viewpoints.
In this context, weren't these the two main branches of alchemy?
What are you just standing there for? Take notes!
The alchemists began frantically pulling out paper and pens, staring fixedly at the two women on the sky-screen.
After all, these two witches were now considered the highest authorities on alchemy among all transmigrators. Even a stray comment might be enough to benefit them immensely.
Rate on N.U.
