The training grounds of Zenith Academy were buzzing once again, the excitement barely having settled from the previous duel. Alistar stood at the center, his voice echoing through the open dome:
"Next duel: Aurelia sylven Eveglade from Class 1-A, first year, versus Gwen Arcwright of Class 2-A."
Gasps and murmurs filled the stands as the name "Aurelia" was announced.
From the edge of the platform fluttered a small figure, her presence like a spring breeze.
Aurelia Eveglade, the fairy princess of Class 1-A, walked forward with poise.
Her short green hair bounced slightly with every step, and her golden-yellow eyes sparkled with a mixture of nervousness and determination.
"Waaaah, she’s so cute!"
"She looks like a magical doll!"
The boys of both classes were instantly enchanted. Some nearly passed out when she turned and gave a shy wave toward the crowd.
Because of her petite and delicate appearance.
Like her brother, her wings were currently invisible, but the faint shimmer of light trailing behind her hinted at their existence.
On her hip was a small summoning charm etched into a silver locket—a conduit to her spirit companion.
Then the second-year stepped up.
Gwen Arcwright entered the platform with a casual stride and a dazzling presence. Her long crimson hair was tied in a high braid, and sparks danced across her fingertips even when she wasn’t trying.
She wore a deep red combat outfit trimmed with gold, looking every bit the daughter of Count Arcwright. Her very aura pulsed with fire and electricity.
Gwen looked at Aurelia and immediately blinked. Then she clutched her heart.
"Oh my stars. Can I hug you, my adorable little junior?"
Aurelia’s cheeks flushed pink. "S-Senior, we have to start the duel..."
Gwen gave an exaggerated sigh. "Right, right. Sorry, cuteness overload. I almost forgot we were here to fight."
She winked. "Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you too badly, sweetie."
Aurelia steadied herself and smiled politely. "Thank you, senior. But I’ll still give it my all."
From the sidelines, Alistar gave the signal. "Begin!"
Aurelia immediately clasped her locket, summoning a burst of silver-blue light. From within emerged a small, floating creature—a spirit no taller than her waist.
It looked like a baby fox, with translucent wings and silken fur. Its eyes were huge and watery, its paws softly glowing.
"Awwwww—!" the crowd erupted again.
Then the fox spirit growled—and its form shimmered violently. It expanded into a spectral beast twice Gwen’s size, with glimmering claws and luminous fangs. Its tail crackled with raw light energy.
Gwen blinked. "...Okay, that’s adorable and terrifying."
The duel erupted into motion.
Aurelia took to the sky, her wings spreading in a burst of radiant light. Water spheres swirled around her, while her spirit dashed forward, launching light-imbued pulses at Gwen.
Gwen grinned. "You want to dance? Let’s dance."
With a twirl of her wrist, lightning crackled around her, intercepting the incoming fox spirit with shocking precision.
She moved like a storm given form—graceful, yet dangerous.
Aurelia cast a high-tier water beam, but Gwen twisted mid-air and redirected it with a fire shield.
Sparks scattered as she retaliated with an electric whip, which Aurelia barely dodged by twisting mid-flight.
"Nice dodge!" Gwen called out. "You’re good with aerial control. Smart use of cover spells!"
"Thank you, senior," Aurelia called back, sweat forming on her brow.
The spirit lunged again—this time letting out a guttural roar. Gwen raised an eyebrow as the light spirit morphed one of its claws into a scythe of energy, clashing against Gwen’s flaming blade.
"Whoa... your spirit’s not just cute, it’s nasty when you command it," Gwen said, clearly impressed.
Despite her lower rank, Aurelia landed a few glancing hits—water splashes, light needles, and her spirit’s tail lash.
Gwen deflected most of them, but a few scorch marks on her sleeve proved that Aurelia wasn’t just for show.
But the difference in experience soon began to show.
With a sudden flicker of electricity, Gwen amplified her speed. Fire spirals surrounded her like dancing serpents as she charged, overwhelming Aurelia’s defenses.
Aurelia cried out as her wings flickered, forcing her to land. Her spirit, exhausted from repeated commands, shrank down into its tiny form again.
Gwen cast a dazzling, lightning-laced fire arc—aimed with just enough force to push Aurelia back, not harm her.
With a final blow, Aurelia was disarmed and gently thrown to the ground by a soft current of heated air. Her body rolled, but she quickly sat up, bruised and panting.
Alistar raised his hand. "Winner: Gwen Arcwright!"
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