A mist formed across the training ground. The crowd hushed as the air turned biting cold. Frost spread in delicate patterns across the grass.
"Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals."
From the ground sprang several massive mirrors—tall, flawless, and pure as glacier glass. They formed a dome around Aria, encasing her.
Jon entered one.
Then he was everywhere.
His reflection appeared in every mirror, moving rapidly, impossibly fast. Kunai rained down from every angle, forcing Aria to defend from seemingly omnidirectional attacks. Her blade became a blur as she deflected and dodged, nicked here and there, but refusing to yield.
Liselotte (quietly):
"Jon's technique… it's terrifying. He moves like a spirit across dimensions."
Sam:
"That's his bloodline power. It's not just magic—it's legacy. Ice itself obeys him."
Aria breathed steadily, despite the cold. Her movements slowed as frost crept up her boots and gloves. She waited—watching, feeling.
Then she lunged—driving her sword not at a reflection, but through one of the mirrors.
CRACK!
The mirror shattered. A gust of cold exploded outward.
The real Jon appeared behind her, hand on her shoulder, kunai at her neck.
Jon (softly):
"You almost had me."
Aria (panting):
"You almost lost your other eye."
The two stepped back. The mirrors dissolved into snow.
Applause rang from the spectators.
Liselotte (rising to her feet):
"That… was magnificent."
Sam:
"They trust each other enough to go all out. That's more than friendship. That's battle-born respect."
Jon extended a hand, which Aria took.
Jon:
"You'll do just fine as Supervisor of Ricca Guild."
Aria (smiling):
"Only if you keep sharpening your skills, Lord Shadow."
They both laughed. In that shared clash, trust was forged—and with it, a foundation for battles yet to come.