Chapter 9: Battles

In the martial academy, Quinn's legendary Nightshade lineage surfaced. In a decisive arena moment, Ethan's victory set the stage for Jayden's impressive sword skills. Master Vortex declared their passage to sword mastery level A, ushering in a new class and promising cooler challenges ahead.

The next day, an air of mystery hung over the school as the principal summoned Jayden, Ethan, and Quinn to her office. As they entered, the atmosphere was tense, and the principal's stern expression hinted at something significant.

"Something unexpected occurred," she began, her tone more serious than ever. "Fewer students than anticipated qualified for the test to advance to another course. As a result, we've decided to transfer you to a special class—Class S."

I couldn't help but question the logic. "Wait, won't it be the same thing because we would still be 3 students?"

The principal looked at me, her eyes piercing. "No, because there are already four students in Class S. Quinn, you were initially meant to be there, but we were concerned that people would assume it was because you're the daughter of the king."

Jayden and Ethan exchanged surprised glances, suddenly realizing my royal lineage. "The princess of the Kingdom of Luminastra," Jayden muttered in awe.

I shrugged, trying to downplay the revelation. "I guess that makes sense."

The principal handed us a sheet of paper containing our new timetable, and as we made our way to Class S, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Upon entering the room, we were met with an unexpected scene—a spell battle between two students, sparks flying and magical energy crackling in the air.

Our new classmates, unfazed by our arrival, continued their display of magical prowess. The room itself radiated an aura of mystique, with enchanted symbols etched onto the walls and ethereal lights casting an otherworldly glow.

As the teacher called for order in the transformed room, now a classroom of knowledge rather than an arena, a sense of excitement lingered in the air. The four imposing figures introduced themselves with an air of mystery and strength. Lysandra Vermillion and her devoted servant Aria Velvet exuded aristocratic poise, while the Akuma siblings, Ryven and Riely, as they both had a dark aura, and I knew for sure that she was the one I had to kill.

The teacher, now revealed as Professor Aetherius, a name resonating with arcane wisdom, took control of the moment. With an air of authority, they proposed a challenge, offering me the opportunity to face their best student, the formidable Riely Akuma. The room hung in suspense as the words settled, and without hesitation, I rose to the occasion.

"Me!" I declared, my smile now a mask concealing the unease within. "I would like to compete against her."

A confident smile adorned my face, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Riely Akuma accepted the challenge with a sly grin, acknowledging the clash that would unfold. 

As Professor Aetherius once again transformed the classroom into an arena, Riely and I stood ready for the impending clash. The teacher's decree echoed ominously, setting the rules for our magical duel: no weapons, only spells. The battle would cease when one of us was unable to continue or admitted defeat. With a resounding declaration, Professor Aetherius commanded, "Now let the battle begin!"

A surge of panic gripped me as I confessed, "Wait, I don't know how to use my magic!" The admission hung in the charged air as a blast of fire hurtled toward me. Instinctively, I dodged just in time, feeling the searing heat graze my cheek. Collecting myself, a realization struck — I didn't need spells or weapons. I could rely on my hands and wits.

I charged toward Riely, but her relentless barrage of fireballs forced me to rethink my strategy. I began running in erratic circles around her, the fiery orbs relentlessly pursuing my every move. In a moment of inspiration, I leaped into the air, attempting to strike from above. However, Riely, quick and agile, evaded my attack, retaliating with a well-aimed fireball.

The searing impact hit me square on, and despite the pain, an uncontrollable smile spread across my face. A surge of exhilaration coursed through me, realizing the unexpected pleasure during the fiery clash. 

 As I stood up, I whispered "Adonis," a sudden hush fell over the transformed arena. Time seemed to freeze, and the air crackled with an unexplainable energy. In the stillness, a mysterious presence emerged, and the very fabric of reality seemed to warp.

"Yeah, what do you want, Quinn?" Adonis demanded, his voice dripping with impatience. "I'm stuck in this endless loop of sparring, clueless about my powers. I can't even get close to her, let alone figure out how to protect Blake. And don't get me started on Blake; he seems to be doing just fine on his own."

I shot back a defiant smirk, a spark of rebellion dancing in my eyes. "Or, you know, I could just end her now while time is frozen," I suggested, challenging the mundane rules of engagement.

Adonis chuckled darkly. "Where's the thrill in defeating your opponent like that? Are you a coward? Besides, Blake's strength is nothing compared to Riely's, especially since she's in her weakened state. This isn't even a fraction of what she's capable of. After this duel, if you can't prove yourself as a worthy opponent, you won't even get close to her, and your dear big brother will meet his end."

Adonis's words sent a surge of fury through my veins. If anything happens to Blake, I'll be rewriting the legends as Quinn, the god slayer. "So, tread carefully, Adonis," I warned, my tone deadly serious.

"You've really grown fond of him, haven't you? Fine, I'll grant you the knowledge of basic light magic," Adonis conceded.

"That's acceptable. But what about my dark magic?" I pressed, pushing the boundaries even further.

Adonis sighed, "You just never know when to stop, do you?" With a snap of his fingers, time resumed its flow.

In the blink of an eye, Riely unleashed a searing fireball towards me, which I dogged she kept firing as I ran towards her as I felt more agile than before then she sent 3 fire balls in all my directions left right and up plus on straight towards me, I lifted my hands up to protect myself from the impact. As a puff of smoke surrounded me, I could see the surprise on Riely's face as she saw my body glowing with an unexpected energy. As I ran towards her ready to punch her the world plunged into darkness.

When I regained consciousness, I found myself standing in the same spot with both Jayden and Ethan next to me looking worried.