Duels

Tsk, what type of stupid planning is this? Both Class A and Class B are crammed into the gym, standing on opposite sides like two rival gangs. Ugh, why are there upperclassmen spectating? This isn't an important event. Do they really have nothing better to do?

I glance at Professor Calix, the one responsible for the duel's arrangements. Hmmm, he might be useful in the future, but his competitive nature is bound to create headaches. I bet he's the one who roped in this audience.

"Quiet," Professor Ayla's voice resonates through the room, causing an immediate hush to fall over both the participants and the spectators. Damn, she's such a good actor. No wonder everyone is scared of her.

"I understand some of you are excited while others are annoyed. However, this is a great opportunity to learn from each other," she starts, her gaze stern. "Now, before we begin group combat, you will have one-on-one duels. You are allowed to use any weapon or items at your disposal. Magic swords and physical weapon artifacts are banned. Although we have healers on standby, I hope you don't do anything stupid. This is a friendly duel, not a death match."

A subtle warning, or more precisely, she's cautioning the stubborn hotheads in the room.

Professor Calix interjects, "Now, now, Miss Ayla, they're kids. Let them have their fun." He claps his hands and grins broadly. "Alright, kids, let me announce who you'll be sparring with. First, we have Isadora vs Gareth. Flora vs Elara. Liam vs Remy. Kaida vs Kaden. Oliver vs Eamon. Rai vs Luna. Biana vs Rami. Arin vs Ariadne. Aira vs Zara. Isabella vs Nyssa. V vs Mira, and lastly, Lysandra vs Seraphina. If any of you want to go first, please speak up."

He's obviously enjoying himself, maybe a little too much. Tsk, this is weird. Why is Elara in Class B, though? Is she a cultist? When she told me she was in class B, I thought she was joking. I don't recall adding her to that class. I should focus on Mira, my opponent. Based on her skill level, this won't be an easy fight.

The tension in the gym thickens like fog rolling in. Looking at Class B, I can see that apart from Gareth, Nyssa, and Mira, the others look like they'd rather be anywhere but here. Can't blame them, given the spectacle this is turning into.

Then my gaze drifts to the senior audience, seated at a distance. Holy shit, why are they here? My eyes widen when I see Raelle, the student body president, and her right-hand man, Elith, the vice president. These two are the most influential students in the academy. They've never lost a match against any other school. What the hell are they doing at a freshman duel? Right—club recruitments are coming up. They're scouting, trying to secure the best.

I mentally scroll through my list of concerns. Isadora will tell them to go pound sand. She won't even consider it. Seraphina? She'll eat it up. Now, Lysandra, that's a tricky one. She can't afford to draw eyes. I've got my reasons for not wanting her to be in the limelight.

Before I can further mull over the crapshow unfolding, Biana interrupts my thoughts. "Uuuugh, hey V, do you know anything about my opponent?" she asks, yawning.

I raise an eyebrow. "No way, are you actually planning on fighting?" Could miracles be real? Biana, in a duel? The girl can't even change out of her PJs. Is she going to torment that poor soul?

"Hehe~ No way, but I'm just curious," she yawns again, stretching like a house cat in the sun.

I sigh. "If I'm correct, Rami is a close-combat fighter. She looks like she's calm and collected. Just use your pillow as a shield, let her hit you, and pretend to pass out."

"Hehe~ I knew you wouldn't let me down," Biana says, clearly pleased with herself.

I turn my attention to Lysandra, who's scrutinizing Class B as if they're specimens in a petri dish. I lean in and whisper, "Listen, don't use any magic. Don't use too much strength. I can take your hits because of my toys, but these people need to be coated in mana or aura to withstand your strikes. If necessary, forfeit the match. You can't attract too much attention."

She clicks her tongue, clearly annoyed. What can I say? She's a literal dragon. Her existence is a ticking time bomb if it gets out, the church will do everything in its power to get its hands on her. "I promise you I'll get you something good if you listen," I quickly add, trying to bribe her into obedience.

My eyes flit across the room and land on Oliver. Shit, he's grinning. That's never a good sign. He's in his zone, desperate to unleash his alchemical wonders on someone. I almost pity Eamon. The guy's going to be hit with every debuff legally allowed in a friendly match.

Professor Ayla takes center stage again, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "The first match will be Liam vs Remy. Please come forward and step on the platform."

Liam, huh? What a damn joke. That royal pain in the ass likely rigged this matchup. I've read Remy's profile; nothing special except for her massive mana pool. Liam won't want to look weak in public. Gotta give him points for cunning, I suppose.

They both step onto the dueling platform, and you can already see the difference in their statures. Remy's respectful; wouldn't want to shame Prince Liam, especially since the Academy offers immunity from legal repercussions during duels.

Professor Calix chimes in, giddy as ever. "Alright~ Now both of you may begin whenever you're ready."

Remy bows her head slightly. "Let's have a good match, Prince Liam."

Liam chuckles, "That's right, let's have an enjoyable match."

-

Liam immediately fires a set of magical fire arrows at Remy. Let's see what you're capable of. I'll make sure to thoroughly humiliate you in front of everyone.

Remy counters, erecting a mana shield just in time. She retaliates with magic chains aimed at Liam. He lets them wrap around him, but almost instantly, the chains start disintegrating.

Remy's brow furrows. What's going on? My chains broke almost instantly. Is he using an artifact? I didn't think I could beat Prince Liam, but I won't go down without a fight. It might be considered disrespectful otherwise.

She conjures ten magical arrows, sending them hurtling toward Liam. With the same hand, she casts a fireball and launches it at him.

Liam grins, sinisterly satisfied. He moves a single mana shield around effortlessly, blocking every incoming attack. In his head, he's relishing the idea of showing her—and everyone else—how far beneath him they truly are.

Liam's grin widens into a confident smirk as he begins to manifest a barrage of magic attacks. They're advanced and intricate, a display of his magical prowess that leaves the audience gasping. Remy keeps her focus, blocking one magical assault after another. Her mana pool is large, but I can see her starting to strain under the constant pressure.

Just as she's fully engrossed in defending, Liam shifts gears. In a fraction of a second, magic chains spring forth and ensnare her. Ha! This is too easy. She lacks speed—well, what else can you expect? I've been afforded every opportunity, unlike her. Though it would be amusing to play a bit more, I can't afford to be seen struggling with someone of her caliber.

With a flick of his wrist, Liam uses the chains to hurl Remy off the dueling platform, making it evident that the match is over.

Remy sighs as she picks herself up, dusting off her robes. Just how fast is Prince Liam's casting speed? Ugh. I did hold back slightly, but in hindsight, it wouldn't have changed the outcome.

Professor Ayla steps up, her face unreadable as ever. "Liam has won this match. Now, come up to the stage—Aira and Zara."

Tsk, just as I expected. Liam made sure to exert his power and influence, but the way he did it speaks volumes. I get that he wants to prove his strength as a prince but he's doing it all wrong. As for Remy, she'll be a wild card in the future; if she doesn't die she might achieve her goal of joining the magic association. The next match should be more interesting, Mage vs Mage is usually a boring fight if they don't have distance, it usually ends quickly like it did now.

Aira and Zara lock eyes as they stand on the dueling platform, swords in hand. The tension in the air is palpable, their auras mingling and clashing even before their swords do.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Zara," Aira says, extending her hand for a shake. Her eyes hold a calculating glint. Unlike my impulsive brother, I know the value of diplomacy and respect.

Zara shakes her hand, smiling genuinely. "Haha, it's a blessing to trade blows with the princess of our nation. I would appreciate it if you don't hold back."

Both of them take a step back, and the air crackles as they raise their swords. Zara makes the first move, rushing at Aira with a right swing. She anticipates an easy block; her real intention is to follow it up with a swift kick to the hip. A classic misdirection. Let's see how you block this, princess. Hehe~ Please show me your techniques, I would love to learn from you.

Aira does block the sword attack, but her eyes never leave Zara's form. "Impressive, however, I can read it plain as day," she says, pivoting her foot inward to counter Zara's kick. Instead, she nudges Zara's other foot, causing her to lose balance.

But Zara's reflexes are quick. With a hand on the ground, she pushes herself into a backflip, regaining her footing with cat-like agility. Aira's eyes narrow. Interesting. Her reaction speed is faster than I anticipated. She could make an excellent knight. I'll win her over, just like I plan to win over any other potential asset.

With an ethereal glow, Aira coats herself in aura, making her already sharp movements seem almost twice as fast. Zara does the same, her aura a different hue but similarly intense.

They clash, their swords meeting in a dance of sparks and echoes. Each parry and counter is a conversation, a battle of wits and skill. Zara grits her teeth. Aira's techniques are sublime, but they're also less taxing on her aura. At this rate, I won't be able to keep up for much longer.

Aira senses the shift in Zara's energy and presses her advantage. She feints, then lunges, her sword cutting through the air like a bolt of lightning. But just as she thinks she has Zara cornered, the younger girl surprises her with a technique she's never seen before—elegant, risky, and dangerous. For a brief moment, their eyes meet, and something like respect passes between them.

In a flurry of precise swings and maneuvers, Aira expertly dodges all of Zara's attempts. "Interesting," she muses internally, watching as Zara subtly tries to mimic her technique. It's a high-risk move, attempting to copy something so complex in the middle of a duel. "You seem to be more fit for swordsmanship than I initially thought."

Aira says, "That's not how you do it," gracefully guiding her sword in a way that forces Zara toward the edge of the platform. "Attempting to copy my flow of energy won't give you the result you're looking for. It's not just about energy; it's about intention, timing, and a deep understanding of your own body's dynamics."

A grin flashes across Zara's face, her eyes twinkling with a newfound understanding. "Thank you for the lesson, princess. I know what to do now." Within herself, Zara thinks, If she's willing to reveal her energy flow, then I'll gladly try to adapt it, starting with her posture.

However, Aira's expression shifts into one of gentle disappointment as she shakes her head. "I'm sorry to say this, but the match is over."

Zara freezes for a moment, then glances down. She's standing just outside the marked boundary of the dueling platform. How did that happen? In her focus on mimicking Aira's techniques, she'd lost awareness of her position.

Professor Ayla's voice cuts through the crowd's murmur. "Aira wins this match for stepping out of bounds. Both contestants displayed remarkable skill, but a duel's a duel."