Trump Card

In stark contrast to the seven students clustered around Instructor Lumiel, Vito Fool's shadowy figure stood out in the corner of the room. Due to the incident yesterday, he was barred from today's lesson.

"The rest of the term will be dedicated to honing your collaboration skills," Instructor Lumiel declared, her voice resonating with authority. "To win the Interacademy Ethereal Combat Tournament in two months, your teamwork must be flawless. Today is a special case; instead of training within the 'Realm of Infinity,' your goal is to defeat me."

"But we have eight—" Silver began, catching herself as Vito's name flashed in her mind. "I mean, seven ethereal warriors against one. Not to mention, I'm a complete."

Leon, still simmering with frustration, snapped, "Strength alone doesn't determine the outcome of a battle. Information, combat intelligence, and experience are also crucial."

Everyone rolled their eyes, but Leon remained unfazed.

"Besides, Instructor Lumiel has been an ethereal warrior far longer than any of us. We don't even know what her ethereal arm does, putting us at a significant disadvantage."

Instructor Lumiel smiled, interrupting his speech. "Enough talk. True collaboration happens between hearts, not mouths."

She waved her hand, signaling the students to follow her.

"My ethereal arm works best in an open environment, so we'll be sparring in the outdoor arena."

...

Colosseum, SIGMA academy

Instructor Lumiel stood alone, facing seven eager and energetic future stars, her starry eyes sparkling with a mysterious confidence.

With the sound of a horn, a bustling noise broke the silence of the Colosseum as students and instructors filled the empty seats.

Principal Enwyld Lorthus slowly ascended to the highest seat, his powerful voice booming across the arena. "Students, instructors, and all, welcome to the sparring match between our most promising stars and our most dedicated and powerful instructor. There will be no rewards or punishment for the outcome of this fight, however, I encourage all of you to observe the intricate details of their moves and apply them to your own ethereal combats."

The expressions of the Celestial Summit students shifted from excitement to surprise, then to an indecisive hesitation.

"The entire school is here?" Cloudy whispered.

"All part of the principal's plan," El stated deeply. "Our true opponent isn't Instructor Lumiel; it's the pressure within our hearts."

"As if we'll be defeated by that," Emilia said, her smile growing brighter.

Shun was stunned by the school's tactics. With no time to prepare, the whole school was suddenly witnessing their lesson. The "no rewards or punishment" statement was a joke—the outcome of this fight would shape their reputation and community standing throughout their school life.

With the battles they had faced in the previous lessons, their collaboration and skills had already ascended to a higher level. Now, they needed to conquer their emotions and their ability to handle pressure.

Shun and Emilia weren't afraid of pressure, but what about the others?

A loud bang interrupted his thoughts, signaling the start of the fight.

"Get ready," Instructor Lumiel said joyfully.

Without hesitation, Leon pulled out his ethereal arm, a bright screen appearing before him. But before he could read out Lumiel's ethereal ability, multiple shining projectiles shot toward his face.

Shun and Silver rushed to intercept the attack, only to see the projectiles veer off in different directions before converging again on Leon.

With a shriek, Leon collapsed, shouting his last words before fainting, "Beware of the sky..."

El, Emilia, and Jaylen charged at Lumiel. El summoned a flaming tornado, boosting the strength and speed of Emilia's devastating missiles.

A quiet smile appeared on Instructor Lumiel's face as an asteroid plummeted from the sky, heading straight at her own postion.

El and Emilia's assault hindered, then was interrupted as more asteroids rained down. Shun quickly summoned a giant shield above them, but he felt that something is not right. 

Sensing something above him, he instinctively swung his giant hammer at the descending object. But this time, it wasn't an asteroid—it was Instructor Lumiel herself.

Shun's strike did not hesitate. Surprised by his determination, Lumiel used the force of the hammer to fling herself toward Jaylen and Cloudy.

Fortunately, a clear voice cut through the tension. "Sunset Slash."

Instructor Lumiel, unable to withstand the force, was sent flying to the other side of the arena. The Colosseum erupted in cheers.

"Best of the best indeed," Lumiel sighed, her voice filled with happiness. "Sunset Slash is indeed your most powerful trump card, and you played it perfectly."

"But have you seen my trump card?" Lumiel stood up, dusting off her uniform.

"Comet."

The sky darkened, as if night had fallen. But it wasn't the sky—it was a meteor, a giant meteor, hurtling toward the Colosseum.

"My ethereal arm works best in an open environment, as I said previously."

Everyone, except for Instructor Lumiel and Principal Lorthus, silently screamed in terror. 

but there was another unnoticed exception.

A black shadow emerged from the audience, pouncing into the sky to meet the meteor.

"Immortal beyond."

"Lend me the power of death once again."

The power to live forever—a curse rather than a blessing, how could such ability be considered ascended?

"Behold, the true power of my ethereal arm."

"Husk."

The deafening impact did not occur.

There was just one silent strike.

Enough to turn the entire meteor into dust. 

...

"Incredible," Principal Lorthus murmured, his shaking voice barely audible over the crowd's roar.