Chapter 23: A Duel of Precision
The arena fell silent as Marielle and Thorne took their positions, eyes fixed ahead with steely resolve. Mana pulsed faintly in the air—Marielle's, bright and golden, and Thorne's, dark and viscous. Their eyes met briefly, a spark of challenge passing between them before Valerian's voice cut through the tension.
"This duel is not about victory," Valerian stated, his tone icy and absolute. "It is a demonstration of control, adaptability, and efficiency. Fight with purpose, not recklessness."
Marielle moved first, staff spinning as mana flared in radiant arcs. Light spears cascaded forward, each strike precise and deliberate. Thorne sidestepped smoothly, dark mana wrapping his spear as he deflected the assault with minimal movement. His eyes remained half-lidded, calculated.
Valerian's gaze narrowed. "Too predictable," he murmured, almost to himself. "Marielle's attacks follow a pattern—Thorne will catch on soon enough."
As if on cue, Thorne's spear lashed out, dark energy compressing into a focused arc that shattered Marielle's defense. She stumbled back, eyes wide as she struggled to reform the barrier. Thorne pressed forward, each step measured, forcing her into a defensive retreat.
"Thorne's mana is efficient," Valerian noted, eyes glinting. "No wasted movement, no excessive force. A balanced offense." His gaze flickered to Marielle. "Her defenses, however, are fragmented. She hesitates before each counter—costly."
Marielle's eyes narrowed, a flicker of determination hardening her gaze. Mana pulsed brighter, light lances converging into a single, focused strike that flared with scorching brilliance. Thorne's eyes widened marginally, spear snapping up to intercept. The resulting clash sent a shockwave rippling through the arena, marble cracking faintly underfoot.
Valerian's smirk was almost imperceptible. "Finally," he murmured. "A direct approach—risky, but effective."
Thorne slid back, boots scraping marble, eyes glinting with a newfound respect. Dark mana coiled tighter around his spear, the air humming with restrained energy. But before he could retaliate, Valerian's hand snapped up, a rune flaring briefly between his fingers.
"Enough." His voice was smooth but commanding. The mana dissipated instantly, constructs falling still as if a switch had been thrown. Marielle and Thorne exhaled, shoulders sagging with a mix of exhaustion and relief.
Valerian's eyes swept the arena one last time. "Marielle," he began, tone brisk, "your attacks were potent but lacked adaptability. Breaking patterns is essential—an opponent will learn otherwise." His gaze shifted. "Thorne, your mana control is efficient, but your defense against energy-based attacks is lacking. Diversify your defensive techniques."
Marielle bit her lip, nodding stiffly, while Thorne inclined his head with a slight smirk. The rest of the students watched intently, some eyes glinting with challenge, others with apprehension.
Valerian's gaze lingered a fraction longer, dark eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Class dismissed," he announced, turning sharply. "Reflect on what you've learned—next time, I won't be stopping you."
The students began to file out, some murmuring quietly, others casting lingering glances at the mana circles. Elyreina flexed her fingers absently, mana humming beneath her skin, eyes glinting faintly with resolve.