Chapter 22: The Practical Test Begins
Exiting the hall, the sunlight streaming through the high arches of the arena was warm, a stark contrast to the cool shadows that clung to the edges. Elyreina adjusted her gloves, her eyes scanning the wide expanse where the mana circles were etched into the marble, glowing faintly. The practical test was a routine part of training, but the tension in the air suggested otherwise.
Instructor Valerian stood at the center, arms crossed, his gaze sharp and discerning. His dark robes shifted slightly as a breeze passed through the open arena, but his expression remained unreadable. Beside Elyreina, Reynard breathed out slowly, fingers brushing the pendant at his neck. Mana flickered subtly around him—barely noticeable, but there.
"Today's exercise," Valerian began, his voice carrying effortlessly, "is to assess your control and precision with mana in a combat scenario. Power without control is as useless as a dull blade." His eyes swept over the gathered students, lingering briefly on Zarek, whose crimson lightning crackled faintly at his fingertips.
"To begin, you will each demonstrate your abilities against the constructs," Valerian continued. "Afterward, two of you will be chosen at random to face each other in a proper duel. Remember, this is not a test of brute strength but of skill and control."
The first to step forward was a girl with chestnut hair and amber eyes—Marielle, her staff glinting faintly with embedded crystals. Her mana flared, golden and bright, weaving in elegant arcs that lashed out with precision. The constructs moved smoothly, their eyes a dull blue as they advanced. Marielle's mana twisted, forming radiant barriers that absorbed strikes effortlessly before retaliating with lances of light.
Valerian's eyes narrowed slightly, but he gave a curt nod. "Efficient use of mana, but your defensive forms are too rigid. An adaptable opponent would exploit that weakness swiftly." His tone was clinical, dissecting each movement without malice. Marielle's cheeks flushed, but she nodded stiffly, stepping back into the line.
Next was a boy with silver hair tied back loosely—Thorne, his spear spinning fluidly as dark mana coiled around the blade. His strikes were precise, mana compressing into narrow arcs that cleaved through the constructs with ruthless efficiency. Valerian's eyes glinted with approval, though he said nothing as Thorne lowered his spear with a respectful nod.
Then came Reynard. He exhaled slowly, fingers flexing as mana stirred—a gentle breeze at first, then sharper, keening. The Zephyr Dance spell unfolded with a whisper of wind, his movements blurring in fluid arcs. Blades of compressed air slashed through the constructs, each strike surgical and unerring. His feet barely touched the ground, each motion carrying a lethal grace.
Valerian's brow lifted, a faint smirk ghosting his lips. "Precision is commendable," he noted. "But your transitions lack fluidity—hesitation will cost you against a living opponent. Smoothen the shift between offense and defense." Reynard nodded, jaw tight but eyes determined.
Elyreina stepped forward last, breath steady. Mana flowed cool and smooth, shadows flickering at the edges of her form. The Spectral Mirage spell thrummed eagerly, and she allowed it to unravel—illusions blooming with a subtle shimmer. Her form split into afterimages, each darting unpredictably. The constructs faltered, blades striking empty air as she weaved through them effortlessly. In a single motion, she struck, her dagger finding joints and gaps with lethal accuracy.
Valerian's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Deception is a powerful tool," he commented, voice even. "But over-reliance on illusions can become predictable. Mix them with direct attacks—keep your opponent guessing." Elyreina's eyes glinted with faint amusement, a smirk tugging at her lips as she stepped back.
Valerian's gaze swept the students once more. "Adequate," he declared, tone brisk. "Now, for the duel." His eyes flickered with a faint glow as he raised a hand, selecting two students seemingly at random.
"Marielle and Thorne. Step forward."