Is it too fast for her to react? Should I try to place defensive magic on her, just to make sure that she survives? If I did, would it be noticed? I'm deeply conflicted about how to proceed. I glance back towards Ilina, and I...can't see her!?
I quickly scan the room and notice that Ilina is now to the side of Alara, with her fist moving toward Alara's face in a punch. I'm so stunned that I drop the time spell, and the scene plays out in real time.
"GAHHH!" (Alara)
Ilina's relatively weak punch still sends Alara staggering off to the side in surprise, and a huge red mark can be seen on the side of Alara's face. A shocked silence hangs over the room, and I notice everyone's mouths hanging open. I'm no exception.
[Mizuki!? Was that…teleportation!? Did you teach that elf how to teleport!?] (Nina)
As I'm still reeling from the events, Ilina quickly appears at the other side of Alara and punches her again. There's no doubt, that had to be teleportation.
[Yeah, I think it was. I didn't teach it to her though. I just explained how it worked one time, completely in passing, and it seems that she figured the rest out. Her other magic already works similarly, so she wasn't starting from zero.] (Mizuki)
"Impossible…" (Elira)
The Queen is on her feet now, with her eyes not daring to look away from the fight. Alara has seemed to recover from the shock, and she is now trying to blast Ilina with her magic. However, Ilina keeps using short-range teleportation to dance in and out of her range while landing weak punches.
It's not much damage, but Alara's face is already a little swollen and bleeding. More importantly, she's absolutely enraged.
"You worthless little…how dare you hit me like that!? I'm going to teach you your place! Let's see you touch me now!" (Alara)
Alara mutters a chant quickly, and the lightning begins to arc around her entire body like a protective suit. If Ilina tries to punch her again, she'll be the one getting hurt. It's truly a terrifying application of Alara's ability, and she's no doubt formidable. However…
"Fufufufufu…oh that distasteful little elf is in for a thrashing now! Her newfound confidence is going to be shattered in seconds! Mizuki, your schemes always have the most entertaining conclusions!" (Nina)
Hearing Nina's outburst, Dargo snaps his head towards me in confusion, while Elira stays focused on the fight. Nina…why would you say that out loud?
I groan internally.
"Mizuki, I don't understand!? I thought you wanted Ilina to be victorious here!?" (Dargo)
He's giving me a look like I just betrayed him, and he can't believe it. Did he only agree because he thought I had a plan to assure Ilina's victory? That would be quite interesting.
I turn my gaze towards Dargo with a mischievous grin. No need hiding it now that Nina couldn't keep her mouth shut.
"I think you've misunderstood my Lady, King Dargo. Alara is the one who will be receiving the thrashing shortly." (Mizuki)
Just as Dargo's face twists into a puzzled expression, a cry rings out from the arena.
"GAHHHHHHH!"
We all return our attention to the fight to see Ilina standing over Alara, who is being mercilessly forced into the dirt by Ilina's gravity magic, to the point that the ground's compression is visible. However, Ilina doesn't seem to be done, and raises her arm into the air.
As she does, Alara goes flying several meters into the air with a scream, before Ilina reverses her gravity magic and slams her into the ground again. This sends a fresh wave of shouts from Alara.
"GAHHHH! What the hell is this you worthless little rat!?" (Alara)
Seemingly tired of Alara's insults, Ilina's gravity magic increases to the point that even Alara's screams are cut off by the pressure. After a few more moments, Alara appears to go limp, and Ilina releases the spell.
Ilina walks away from an immobile Alara towards us, and she appears to be sweating from the strain.
If I had to guess, that is mostly from the repeated teleportation. She's probably the only person born on this planet with enough magic to use it practically, but the spell is still incredibly draining.
After Ilina leaves the arena, I see a flustered Klaus proceed to Alara's side, and he starts performing healing magic. That's impressive…he can use physical enhancement and healing, then?
[Ilina…that was incredible! You sneaky elf, you didn't tell me that you learned to teleport! If you figured out how based only on my off-hand comment and a couple days of practice, you might be a genius. I'm indescribably proud that we're friends, and I'm glad you were able to pull this off.] (Mizuki)
In response, Ilina only smirks subtly in my direction, then continues towards the Queen.
"My Queen, Princess Alara appears incapable of continuing the match. Have I earned your declaration of victory?" (Ilina)
Elira is gawking at Ilina with a mix of confusion, amazement, pride, and even fear, and Dargo just looks shaken and confused. I don't blame them. Ilina just used two spells, without incantations, that are unprecedented in the history of their planet. On top of that, they were devastatingly effective.