Chapter 223.2. Fire Immunity

-Masatoshi’s POV-
“That fire immunity has a limit, right? How many more times can you use it?”
“…Impressive. I never expected to be seen through.”
With a confident smile still intact, the sun laughs back.
“If you think saying fire immunity will make me give up using fire magic, you’re mistaken. No, you at least thought I’d hesitate, right? That’s why I demonstrated it first.”
“…True. This is a limited-use flame immunity. I didn’t think you would notice, though.”
Taiyou wears a wry smile, and Masatoshi snorts.
With a magic armor that grants eternal fire immunity, he wouldn’t need to defend against my attacks in the first place. 
Yet, Taiyou evaded fire magic and nullified only the fire-based spells he couldn’t dodge.
It’s a cliché tactic seen in anime and novels. Make the enemy think their attack is useless and gain the upper hand. 
Well, in the later part, they get caught and end up in a pinch.
However, such shallow tricks won’t work on me, the god. I noticed the discrepancy immediately. Truly impressive.
Seina must be infatuated with my genius. She might have heart-shaped eyes when she looks at me.
Glancing at the spectators’ seats, I spot Sena-san. She’s looking all lovey-dovey.
“This popcorn is so delicious! Can I have more?”
“Yeah, I made it with all my heart.”
Together with the gray-haired-girl, they munch on popcorn. Sena-san seems smitten with it.
It’s not a duel but only a match, so I’m disappointed. But, her foolish actions created an opening.
“Let’s change the strategy and go for a short and decisive battle!”
Once again, the platinum magic armor shines, producing even brighter light, and platinum particles form around Taiyou.
“Hah, it’s pointless! Taiyou, I’ve seen the power of your magic. You can handle multiple attributes, but you don’t have enough mana or power to match me! You can’t beat me!”
Though I mockingly deliver lines of someone being defeated, I remain cautious, feeling like this might get dicey.
Somehow, I sense he’s about to use a trump card.
“Now, I’ll use up all the remaining power!”
[Resist Flame Field]
The particles envelop the ring, extinguishing the burning [Prism Crimson] in the air, the flames surrounding my body, and even the flame sword in my hand.
“What?!”
My flames vanish, and I panic as I feel sealed off. 
What the heck? Did it suppress all the surrounding fire too?
Damn it, all that’s left is body enhancement. Even that got canceled out because of the fire-based body enhancement magic.
This is bad. If I get into close combat, I’ll lose!
“I can only use it for a short time, but it’s enough time for me to win!”
With a triumphant expression, Taiyou comes towards me. 
Every time he steps forward, the floor cracks, and he closes the distance at high speed.
Hyoe— The energy of [Prism Crimson] is fire. It’s useless, floating there like a broken engine.
“What?!”
I consider using my trump card, but I give up on that idea. If I use it in a match like this, my father will kill me.
“In that case, I’ll overwhelm you with the amount of mana!”
I decide to go all out, using my inner mana and unleashing my techniques to defeat him.
[Strong Strike]
[Strong Strike]
[Strong Strike]
Uuukiiii…. I’ll float and infuse mana into my sword, using powerful techniques like crazy. One hit, if I can land one hit. I might win!
“I wanted to show the crowd how you’d panic and lose without being able to use fire… But I don’t have the luxury either!”
“Keh! What a nasty guy!”
With a sly and malicious sneer, I mutter in a low voice, glaring at the annoying Taiyou.
I swing my sword, but Taiyou calmly deflects it and seizes the opportunity to strike back.
The difference in our sword skills is apparent. Despite being powerful techniques, Taiyou easily parries them and counterattacks.
The energy of the magic barrier is gradually diminishing. The platinum particles around me are also fading, so I might be able to use fire magic again soon. 
But by that time, I’ll probably already be defeated.
If Taiyou uses a big move, I can try to counter or go for a simultaneous strike, but he’s attacking cheaply, making it hard to see a chance for a comeback.
“This is it. I win!”
Taiyou, confident of his forward to deliver a final blow to my torso.
As I wince, ready to admit defeat.
“Gaah?”
Taiyou’s head jolts, and he loses balance, tripping over something.
“Ch-chance!”
[Strong Strike]
[Strong Strike]
[Strong Strike]
Like an idiot with only one trick up, I continue using my techniques. Somehow, the strikes land cleanly on Taiyou, who is off-balance, steadily chipping away his magic barrier.
I keep using my mana needlessly, and the barrage of winning strikes keeps pounding the sun until a high-pitched whistle sounds.
“That’s it! Kanna Shin’s magic barrier is below 30%! Aguni Masatoshi wins!”
The crowd erupts in cheers.
“Wha… I won?”
Drenched in sweat, I lowered my sword and let out a sigh of relief. That was close. I thought I’d lose.
For some reason, Taiyou tripped over, which saved me. I wipe the sweat off my forehead, wave, and smile to the crowd.
There’s a cracking sound as if Taiyou stepped on something, and I look down to see something small on the floor. What’s this, popcorn?
Well, it doesn’t matter.
Proclaiming as a god, I’ll never lose, I burst into hearty laughter and proudly puff out my chest.