Twenty-seven

Congratulations on your remarkable victory, Jade!" Eloise exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm and genuine admiration for her friend's achievement. Her words were filled with a sense of pride, resonating with the joy and excitement that enveloped the atmosphere.

Jade, still trying to catch her breath after the intense competition, beamed gratefully at Eloise. Her face radiated a mix of happiness and determination as she responded, "Thank you so much. This win means a lot to me, but now my sights are set on securing the coveted first place on the council."

Eloise, known for her competitive spirit, couldn't help but be affected by Jade's unwavering determination. Her eyes gleamed with the same fire as she declared, "Absolutely, Jade! I won't forget my own aspirations of reaching the top spot on the council. Sooner or later, we will have to face each other in the arena of our dreams." Her voice resonated with unwavering resolve, embodying the spirit of a true contender.

Jade, sensing the shared passion between them, extended her hand towards Eloise, her eyes shimmering with determination and camaraderie. "Let's make a promise to each other," she suggested, a glimmer of excitement in her voice.

Eloise, recognizing the significance of this moment, nodded with equal determination and extended her hand, firmly clasping Jade's. Their hands met in a symbol of unity and unwavering support. "Yes, Jade, let's give it our all. Let's both fight tooth and nail for the esteemed first place on the council," she wholeheartedly agreed, their bond solidified through their shared pursuit of greatness.

As their conversation continued, Eloise couldn't help but notice the newly updated ranking of the Council of 10 displayed on a magical board nearby. With a mix of curiosity and anticipation, she pointed it out to Jade, exclaiming, "Look at that! You're now number eight on the council!"

Jade's response was a humble yet contented smile, accepting the new ranking with grace. "That's not bad at all," she replied, her voice filled with a sense of satisfaction. While it wasn't the ultimate goal she had set for herself, it served as a testament to her progress and the potential that lay within her.

As the night settled over Jade's home, exhaustion began to take its toll on her weary body. Jade turned to her loyal training partner, Eiji, contemplating their next move in the pursuit of their respective ambitions.

"So, what do you think, Eiji? Shall we continue training?" Jade suggested, her determination still burning brightly, refusing to let fatigue hold her back.

Eiji, ever attuned to Jade's well-being, recognized the signs of her exhaustion and advised against pushing herself further. Concern laced his voice as he gently recommended, "No, Jade. Maybe it's best for you to rest after today's intense game. You must be really tired. Let's postpone the training until tomorrow."

Reluctantly, Jade acquiesced, acknowledging the wisdom in Eiji's words. "Alright then, I'll take your advice and rest," she agreed, her thoughts momentarily drifting to her desire to face Eloise in a future battle. A profound sense of respect and admiration for her rival fueled her determination. "When Eloise has her match, I'll be there to encourage her, just as she encouraged me today," she silently vowed, fully committed to supporting her friend and fellow contender.

From Eloise's perspective, her mind buzzed with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "What am I going to do now that Jade has defeated Yugo? That means Akira is now the tenth member. I know absolutely nothing about him," Eloise pondered, her thoughts consumed by the enigma that surrounded this new opponent. Determined to gather information, she made a mental note to consult Jade for insights. But for now, sleep beckoned, offering a chance to rejuvenate and prepare for the impending match.

As the next morning dawned, the air in the school corridors crackled with anticipation. Amongst the bustling crowd, Eloise's eyes found Jade, a beacon of guidance and support. Calling out to her friend, she sought her counsel in navigating the mysteries that shrouded their upcoming encounter.

"Jade, I need your help, please," Eloise implored, her voice carrying a blend of urgency and eagerness.

Approaching Jade, Eloise conveyed her need for information about Akira, her desire to uncover any insights that could aid her in strategizing for their imminent clash. The weight of the challenge ahead was evident in her determined expression.

Jade's face reflected her contemplation as she tried to recall any details about Akira that she had come across. With a thoughtful expression, she shared the limited knowledge she had gathered, describing Akira as a mysterious individual who preferred solitude and possessed the ability to nullify others' magic. "He seems to be quite reserved, not one to openly engage with others, and his magical abilities involve cancelling out the magic of his opponents," Jade revealed, offering the little information she had managed to gather.

Eloise's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she absorbed the valuable insights. Overflowing with appreciation, she embraced Jade, her heartfelt words bursting forth, "Thank you, Jade. I truly appreciate your help." Her excitement and determination surged, fueled by the newfound understanding she had gained.

Blushing slightly, Jade accepted the embrace, a warm smile gracing her lips. "You're welcome, Eloise. Good luck to you," she sincerely wished her friend, fully aware of the challenges that awaited them both.

Eloise, fueled by newfound knowledge and determination, set off towards her class.

During class, Eloise found herself lost in thought, contemplating her upcoming battle with Akira. Her mind raced with strategies and potential moves, trying to envision a way to defeat him. As she mused, Alice, one of her classmates, approached her, gently waving her hand in front of Eloise's face.

Caught off guard, Eloise blinked and refocused her attention on Alice. "Oh, sorry, Alice. I didn't notice you. I was lost in my thoughts," she apologized, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

Alice reassured her with a warm smile. "No need to apologize. I just wanted to let you know that everyone else has already left, and it's just you and me in the room now," she informed Eloise, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Realizing the situation, Eloise nodded. "Well, then it's time for me to go," she replied, gathering her belongings and preparing to leave the empty classroom.

But before she could make her exit, Alice halted her with a gentle touch on her arm. "Wait, Eloise. Before you go, there's something I want to tell you," she said, her tone sincere.