The battlefield was eerily silent, save for the crackling of residual lightning dancing across shattered ground. The once-pristine academy courtyard had been transformed into a war zone, marked by deep fissures and scorched earth. Bodies of unconscious Thunder Kingdom warriors lay scattered across the area, their defeat evident.
Asura stood in the center, his sword still humming with energy, his breathing steady but his muscles burning with exertion. The battle with the Thunder General had pushed him further than he anticipated, but in the end, he had emerged victorious.
Lira and Shao hurried to his side, both wary yet relieved. "That was reckless," Lira chided, her eyes scanning his body for any serious injuries. "You could have—"
"I'm fine," Asura interrupted with a smirk, though even he felt the lingering strain in his body. "More importantly, we made our statement. The Thunder Kingdom won't dare act recklessly again."
Shao crossed his arms, exhaling deeply. "That was just one of their generals. You know they have more, right?"
Asura's grin widened. "Then let them come. We'll break them one by one."
The Academy's Response
News of the battle spread like wildfire. By morning, the entire academy was buzzing with speculation and fear. The Sword Clan elders had gathered in their grand hall once again, this time with the academy headmaster present.
Master Hiru, a stoic figure with graying hair and piercing eyes, regarded Asura with an unreadable expression. "You've done what many thought impossible," he finally spoke, his voice carrying weight. "You defended the academy against a direct assault from the Thunder Kingdom."
The elders murmured among themselves, some nodding in approval while others exchanged wary glances.
Asura remained composed. "This was only the beginning. They will regroup, and when they do, we must be prepared."
An elder with a scarred face leaned forward. "And what do you propose? War?"
"No," Asura said simply. "Dominance. We won't need war if they fear us enough."
A silence settled over the room. Master Hiru studied him for a moment before nodding. "Then we will stand behind you. The academy will not bow to outside threats."
A Mysterious Observer
Far beyond the academy walls, in the shadow of the mountains, a lone figure watched from a distance. Cloaked in dark robes with a golden insignia embroidered on his chest, his piercing gaze followed Asura's every move.
"So… this is the prodigy causing such turmoil," the man mused to himself. "Interesting."
With a flicker of movement, he disappeared into the darkness, leaving only a whisper in the wind.
To Be Continued…