The arena was buzzing with excitement as the headmistress stepped forward and solemnly announced:— The second duel will pit Jake against Kallen.
Jake and Kallen exchanged a glance, a mix of mutual respect and fierce determination in their eyes. Both boys knew each other well, but the idea of facing a friend didn't lessen their competitive spirit. Jake, the master of fire, clenched his fists as flames flickered around him. Kallen, calmly placing a hand on the ground, summoned a slight tremor with his earth mastery, a subtle reminder of his strength.
The two stepped into the center of the arena amidst the cheers of their peers. When the referee's hand dropped to signal the start, the battle began.
First StrikeJake struck first, hurling a blazing fireball toward Kallen, who quickly raised a stone wall to block it. The impact shook the ground, but the barrier held firm. Jake smirked, impressed by Kallen's resilience.
— Not going down easy, huh? Jake quipped.
— Not a chance, Kallen replied with a grin.
Without hesitation, Kallen retaliated by stomping the ground, sending a fissure racing toward Jake. Jake leapt into the air to avoid it, but as he landed, a stone pillar shot up, narrowly missing him.
A Fierce ExchangeRefusing to be outdone, Jake used his speed to close the gap between them, igniting sparks around him as he moved. Once within reach, he unleashed a barrage of fiery punches. Kallen, with practiced precision, summoned an earthen armor to absorb the blows. Each punch vibrated through the armor, causing fragments to chip away, but Kallen stood firm.
Spotting an opening, Kallen delivered a shockwave-enhanced punch, sending Jake sprawling backward. Jake quickly got back on his feet, his resolve unshaken.
— Not bad, Jake admitted as the flames around him intensified. But I'm not holding back anymore.
He concentrated his energy, forming a blazing spear in his hands. With a powerful throw, the spear tore through the air. Kallen raised a stone shield, but the impact sent him skidding several meters back.
The Fight for VictoryThough injured, Kallen showed no signs of surrender. He used the terrain to his advantage, summoning stone spikes to encircle Jake and trap him. Jake, undeterred, focused for a moment before erupting in a fiery blast, reducing the stones to ash.
The two rushed at each other for a final, intense exchange. Using the heat to amplify his movements, Jake managed to unbalance Kallen. In a last-ditch effort, Kallen summoned a massive boulder and hurled it at Jake.
Jake, in a bold move, poured all his energy into a final attack, creating a massive sphere of fire. The two forces collided in a deafening explosion, sending a cloud of dust into the air.
When the dust settled, Jake remained standing, exhausted but victorious. Kallen, on his knees, smiled and admitted defeat.— Well done, Jake… You earned it.
Celebrations and a New AnnouncementJake extended a hand to help Kallen up. The two exchanged a firm handshake, a sign of mutual respect. As Jake returned to the stands, he was met with cheers from his friends.
— Amazing job, Jake! Alicia exclaimed.
— You really gave it your all, added Silvarya with a smile.
Alaryc patted his friend's shoulder and said:— You impressed us all.
Blushing slightly, Jake replied:— Thanks, guys. But don't think I'll let you win next time.
The headmistress stepped forward once more, her voice ringing through the arena:— The final duel of this round will pit… Alaryc against Silvarya.
A murmur rippled