The arena roared with excitement as students from noble and common backgrounds alike prepared for their entrance duels. The academy's instructors stood on an elevated platform, their gazes sharp as they analyzed each contender. Among them was the mysterious proctor, his presence unnoticed by most, yet his all-appraising eyes taking in every movement.
Aeros scanned the competitors, noting a few standout individuals. Ellie, of course, exuded confidence, her sharp eyes already fixed on her opponents. But beyond her, other notable figures stood out.
One of them was Kieran Stormvale, a young swordsman from a renowned military family. His mastery of the blade was said to rival even seasoned knights, and his presence in the academy promised intense battles ahead.
Beside him stood Seraphine Valehart, a girl draped in flowing robes with an air of mystique around her. A prodigy in water and wind magic, she had already gained fame for her graceful yet devastating spellcasting.
On the opposite side of the arena, Dante Ironwood—a towering individual clad in heavy armor—gripped his massive warhammer. His sheer brute strength made him a terrifying force, capable of crushing foes with a single blow.
And then there was Lorien Shadowcrest, a dark-haired youth with piercing violet eyes. Unlike the others, he wielded no weapon in sight, yet the aura around him radiated danger. Rumors whispered of his mastery over shadow magic, making him a wild card in the competition.
The first duel was called.
Ellie vs. Seraphine Valehart
The two girls stepped onto the platform, facing each other with unwavering determination.
"You've been making a name for yourself, Ellie," Seraphine mused, her fingers already crackling with water magic.
Ellie smirked. "Likewise. Let's see whose name will be remembered after this."
The moment the signal was given, Seraphine conjured a twisting cyclone of water, launching it toward Ellie at frightening speed. Ellie sidestepped, her ice magic solidifying beneath her feet as she skated gracefully around the attack.
With a flick of her wrist, she countered with sharp icicles, but Seraphine deflected them with a gust of wind. The duel became a dazzling display of control and precision, water clashing against ice in a battle of elements.
After several exchanges, Ellie found an opening and coated her opponent's feet with frost, locking her in place. With a final, well-placed ice spear, she forced Seraphine to yield.
The crowd erupted into applause as Ellie walked off victorious.
Kieran Stormvale vs. Dante Ironwood
Unlike the previous duel, this was a contest of sheer force. Dante charged forward, his warhammer crashing down like a meteor. Kieran, however, was a blur, dodging with fluid swordplay that left afterimages in the air.
Metal clashed against metal as Kieran danced around Dante's strikes, countering with precise slashes that found the weak points in his opponent's armor. Though Dante's resilience was admirable, Kieran's speed and technique proved overwhelming.
With a final, calculated strike to the back of the knee, Kieran forced Dante to collapse, securing his victory.
Then came Lorien Shadowcrest's duel.
His opponent barely had time to react before shadows engulfed the battlefield. With seamless movements, Lorien stepped through the darkness, appearing behind his foe in an instant. A single touch was all it took—his magic seeped into the opponent's body, paralyzing them momentarily before they fell unconscious.
The crowd murmured in unease at the sheer lethality of his magic. Lorien merely smiled and walked away.
Finally, it was Aeros's turn.
Stepping onto the platform, he faced a tall, spear-wielding opponent named Rowan Drakemont, known for his lightning-fast thrusts and brutal efficiency.
"You've been making quite a name for yourself," Rowan smirked, spinning his spear expertly. "Let's see if you live up to the hype."
Aeros exhaled slowly. He had been waiting for this moment.
As the match began, Rowan lunged, his spear moving at blinding speeds. Aeros sidestepped at the last possible second, his perception skill activating, highlighting the openings in Rowan's stance.
With a smooth counter, he deflected the spear and closed the distance, striking with a precise palm to the ribs. Rowan staggered but recovered quickly, thrusting again. Aeros, however, had already adjusted, weaving through the attacks with fluidity that left the crowd gasping.
Then, in a decisive move, he utilized his ice magic. Frost spread along Rowan's spear, slowing his movements. Taking advantage of the hesitation, Aeros unleashed a devastating spinning kick, knocking the spear from his opponent's grip and bringing him to his knees.
The match was over.
Silence filled the air before a thunderous cheer erupted from the audience. Aeros stood victorious.
As he exited the platform, he felt a gaze on him. Turning his head slightly, he caught the sharp eyes of the mysterious proctor observing him from the shadows. The man smiled knowingly.
"So you're finally here, Forsaken Heir."
A chill ran down Aeros' spine.
To Be Continued…..