The First Duel: Maria vs. AliciaThe arena fell silent as the headmistress stood in the center of the stage, announcing clearly:— The first duel will pit Maria against Alicia.
Maria, wearing a confident expression, stepped into the arena. She wielded fire, water, and shadow, but she decided to use only fire and water in this battle. Alicia gripped her staff tightly, ready to prove her worth.
As the signal was given, Alicia wasted no time and launched a precise water blade. Maria dodged with ease, a smirk playing on her lips. Seizing the moment, she conjured a fiery tornado that roared toward Alicia.
Alicia reacted quickly, summoning a water shield to counter the attack. The flames were extinguished with a hiss, releasing a cloud of steam that obscured the arena. Alicia cautiously looked around for Maria but saw nothing.
Suddenly, Maria reappeared behind her, silent as a shadow, and launched a fiery arrow at close range. However, Alicia sensed her presence and turned just in time to erect a water wall. Maria's attack collided with the barrier and fizzled out in a burst of sparks.
Without hesitation, Alicia counterattacked by hurling an explosive water bubble. The attack flew at Maria with blinding speed, catching her off guard. Unable to dodge, Maria took the hit head-on, creating a small explosion that sent dust into the air.
Alicia smiled, thinking she had won. But her smile faded as Maria emerged from the dust cloud, visibly irritated. Maria raised her staff and muttered a powerful incantation:
— Absolute Zero.
In an instant, a freezing wave engulfed the arena, covering everything in a layer of shimmering frost. Alicia, shocked, tried to defend herself, but the intense cold froze her in place. A thin sheet of ice encased her, immobilizing her completely.
In the stands, Jake, Silvarya, and Kallen were stunned.— How is this possible? Jake muttered. She controls both fire and water?!
Silvarya remained silent, impressed by Maria's power.— She's truly formidable, she thought.
Alaryc observed the match with a scrutinizing gaze, noting Maria's mastery over water.— She handles this element even better than fire, he thought.
In the arena, Maria walked slowly toward Alicia, her footsteps echoing on the ice. Reaching her, Maria placed her staff on Alicia's frozen shoulder and calmly declared:— I've won.
The referee confirmed Maria's victory, and with a snap of her fingers, Maria ended the spell. The ice melted instantly, freeing Alicia. Trembling, Alicia lowered her head, berating herself for her weakness.
In the stands, Alaryc noticed her downcast expression. He approached her and, with a warm smile, said:— Don't worry, Alicia. This isn't the end. If you want, I'll train you to become even stronger.
Alicia looked up at him, her lips curving into a joyful smile.— Okay, Alaryc. Thank you.
The Second Duel: Jake vs. KallenAfter a brief pause, the headmistress spoke again, drawing everyone's attention.— The second duel will pit… Jake against Kallen.
Jake and Kallen stood up, exchanging determined glances. As they headed toward the arena, the tension in the air grew even thicker.
Alaryc, Alicia, and Silvarya watched their friends step into the arena, ready for an intense battle.