"Four days had passed since the party in honor of Adam's joining the student council. Four days—seemingly not much, yet enough to fall back into the familiar rhythm. I once again felt the usual flow of Academy life, where everything bustled: lessons, training, conversations, the silence of the corridors… and my own thoughts.
During that time, I'd only had two training sessions, both with Aria. And she, as always, continued to impress. Her progress was evident even to the naked eye. She listened to my advice, absorbed every word, and immediately put everything into practice. Her drive to improve wasn't just ambition—it was something deeper. Maybe a desire to prove something to her brother, maybe to herself. But I liked it. I could see that she would become a strong fighter.
I didn't have a single session with Krul in those days. She warned me she was busy and asked me to wait a bit. But more importantly—she strictly forbade me from trying to create new mana channels on my own. Her tone was final. And though I was itching to dive into new experiments, I obeyed. After all, losing a mentor like her over sheer impatience would've been both stupid and embarrassing.
There was also one solo run into an A-rank dungeon. Alone. Nothing special—just a few dangerous creatures, some sweat, a bit of blood. But deep inside, I felt that fire again. The drive to keep moving forward. To grow stronger. Not for myself. Not just for the mission. But for those around me. And those I still need to protect.
So the four days flew by. And now—the fifth. The day that began with Mira coming to see me."
Alex lay sprawled on his bed, staring at the ceiling as if a revelation was about to appear. His arms dangled uselessly off the sides, and his face wore an expression of absolute apathy. Four days without action. No training with Krul. Just two short sessions with Aria and one underwhelming A-rank dungeon. This wasn't rest—it was a slow death by boredom.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door, and before Alex could react, it opened.
"Still alive, or have you finally died from inactivity?" Mira's cheerful voice called out.
Alex practically jumped up from the bed, his eyes lighting up.
"Mira! You're like a ray of light in this darkness! Tell me you're here for a reason—that Elizabeth is finally summoning me?"
"She is," the girl replied with a smile. "She sent me to get you. Shall we?"
"At last!" Alex leapt off the bed and threw on his Academy blazer in an instant. "Any longer and I'd have turned into a stuffed toy."
They left the room together and walked through the familiar corridors of the Academy.
"So, how are you holding up?" Mira asked, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
"Bored out of my mind. I've barely done anything these past four days. Honestly, I never thought I'd miss work this much."
"Oh," Mira laughed. "Miss Elizabeth was actually worried you needed a break. She intentionally didn't give you any extra assignments."
"It's the opposite for me," Alex sighed. "I'd rather be constantly busy than lie in bed counting 'cracks' on the ceiling."
"Well, I wouldn't mind counting cracks," she replied with a smile. "A few days of doing nothing sounds like a dream."
"Don't tell me your aunt works you that hard?"
"No!" she snapped, slightly offended. "I'm proud to be her assistant. Miss Elizabeth is always fair and never gives me more than I can handle. Sometimes the work overlaps with studies, so I have to juggle things—but I manage."
"Well, if it ever gets too hard—come to me. I'll help," Alex said sincerely.
Mira gave him a grateful look. "Thanks. I'll remember that."
They fell silent and walked the rest of the way in comfortable quiet. Even though the conversation had ended, the air between them remained warm and pleasant.
Eventually, they reached the familiar door. Mira stopped and nodded at Alex.
"She's waiting inside. Good luck."
"Thanks," he said simply, then carefully pressed down on the door handle.
When Alex stepped into the familiar training hall, the room was already filled with people. Near the lake at the center stood seven students in official Academy uniforms. They chatted among themselves—some smiling, others just listening. Off to the side stood the Directors—the seven most powerful figures in the Academy—talking quietly in a group.
Lilith was the first to notice him. She raised a hand in greeting and jogged over.
"Hope I'm not late?" he asked, glancing over the gathered crowd.
"Mother and I just got here. Three minutes ago, tops," Lilith replied calmly. "So no—you're right on time. Everyone's here."
Together they walked toward the group of students standing near the silvery lake that glimmered under the glow of the magical crystals embedded in the ceiling.
As Alex approached, nearly everyone turned to look at him. Most faces were unfamiliar, but the attention was welcoming rather than hostile. Elizabeth, standing among the Directors, met Alex's gaze, gave him a faint smile, then turned back to her conversation with Irida.
A tall boy with short golden hair and bright blue eyes suddenly stepped up to Alex. He exuded an easy confidence. He was clearly an angel—and not one you'd forget after a first meeting.
"The final member of our star team has arrived at last," he said with a light smile, offering his hand. "Lianel Crysten."
Alex shook it. "Alex. Glad to be working with you."
"That's putting it mildly. Who wouldn't want to hit the dungeons with someone like me?" Lianel laughed and gave Alex a friendly pat on the shoulder.
Alex smiled despite himself, though he looked a bit bewildered. He glanced at Lilith, who leaned in and whispered softly:
"Don't worry. That's just how he talks. You'll get used to it… eventually."
"Hey! What are you whispering about over there? I want to know what people are saying about me too!" Lianel's tone held no offense—just playful protest.
"Lilith's just warning him about your 'dramatic style,'" interjected a red-haired girl who stepped forward. Her green eyes sparkled with calm, and a smile played on her lips.
"What's wrong with it?!" the angel cried, offended, but the girl didn't even glance at him. She walked straight up to Alex.
"Celia Revell," she said shortly. "And please don't mind the comedian here."
"Hey!" Lianel huffed.
Alex cut in before it could go further. "I think I'll get used to it soon," he said with a smile, then nodded to Celia. "Nice to meet you—I'm Alex."
While they were still exchanging words, two more students approached: a broad-shouldered boy with beast-like yellow eyes and short light brown hair, and a girl with curly green hair who lingered shyly behind.
"Rogan Helvard," the boy said briefly, extending his hand.
"Alex," came the reply, accompanied by a firm handshake. "Good to meet you."
Alex's eyes shifted to the girl. She met his gaze and immediately blushed. Her green-golden eyes trembled, and a soft flush spread across her cheeks.
"E-Eliria… Melvinar. Very nice to meet you…" she said, stammering slightly.
Alex gave her a warm smile. "Very nice to meet you, Eliria."
She gave a small nod and stepped back a couple of paces, still carrying that gentle blush.
A tall elf with long dark hair cascading over his shoulders and piercing brown eyes approached them. His movements were elegant, and his gaze held a cold detachment.
"Kaelis Tiarel," he said, extending his hand.
"Alex," the boy replied shortly, shaking it.
Kaelis's tone was formal and reserved. He said nothing more, simply nodded and stepped back.
"If you're done with all these introductions," a voice rang out from the Directors' side, "I think we can move on to the real reason we're here."
It was Krul. Her voice was calm but commanding. Silence fell immediately, and all attention shifted to her.
Krul stepped forward and crossed her arms.
"Everyone here already knows why we've gathered today," she said warmly and calmly. "You'll have time to get to know each other better, but later. Right now, we need a leader. Every raid group has a commander. Yours is no exception."
She quickly scanned the students with her gaze.
"So, whoever wants to take on that responsibility—raise your hand."
A moment of silence followed. The students looked at one another, gauging reactions. Lianel was the first to raise his hand, tilting his head slightly forward.
"Well, I'm the oldest one here," he smiled. "Seems like a perfect role for me."
"Age doesn't guarantee leadership skills," Lilith replied dryly, raising her hand. "You have enough strength, but I'm afraid your judgment might be lacking."
"I don't know what there is to discuss," Kaelis spoke with a faint smile, raising his hand. "You can think what you like, but there's no better candidate here than me. That much is clear."
"Don't take it personally," Celia interjected, still smiling, "but anyone would be a better candidate than you."
Kaelis narrowed his eyes.
"If you're so 'sharp-tongued', why aren't you raising your hand? Show your strength if you're so confident."
"I don't want to be responsible for your lives," she shrugged. "And with your personality, I'd have to be."
Alex, who had been silently listening, raised his hand and spoke.
"I wouldn't mind taking on this role as well."
Raphael—the angel with long blonde hair and lemon-colored eyes—stepped forward, surveying the four.
"Wonderful. So, we have four candidates. Please lower your hands."
Everyone complied.
"I'm glad to see such enthusiasm," he added. "But let me remind you: being the commander of a raid group isn't just a title. It's responsibility, leadership, a cool head in difficult situations. And of course—strength. Today, we'll test that strength."
Dionis—the elf with refined features, long silvery hair, and a piercing gaze—took the floor.
"We'll hold duels. Each of the four candidates will face off against one of us, the Directors. The task is to last five minutes. No wins, no losses. Just endurance and control. We'll fight at the level of A-rank dungeon bosses."
His gaze swept over his colleagues.
"Any volunteers to begin?"
"I'd love to test Alex's strength, if no one minds," a loud voice rang out.
Fenrix stepped forward—a burly beastkin with short yellow hair and bright orange eyes. Muscular and tall, he looked like a walking war machine. Smiling, he extended his hand to Alex.
"Finally, we meet, kid. Hope you'll show me something interesting."
Alex shook his hand, standing straight.
"I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
Next, Raphael raised his hand.
"I'll take the duel with Kaelis."
"It will be an honor," the elf said calmly, bowing slightly.
Raphael stepped closer and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No bows. This isn't a heavenly court. Relax."
Elizabeth approached Lianel at a leisurely pace. Her voice, as always, was soft and velvety.
"Well then, I'll test the strength of this young angel."
"I'll give it my all, ma'am," Lianel replied cheerfully.
And finally, Valterion Lawrence stepped forward—a slender man with short white hair and dark blue eyes. His posture was upright and flawless, like a statue carved from marble.
"Well then, Lilith, I'll be happy to see what you're capable of," he said warmly.
"I'll try not to disappoint you," the demoness replied, her expression calm.
"If everyone is fine with this, we can begin," said Irida. Her voice was calm, like wind among tall trees.
She glanced over the group.
"Who will go first?"
"I will," Lianel replied sharply, stepping forward.
"Nice spirit, young angel," Elizabeth said, then cast a quick glance at Alex. Their eyes met for a moment, and a barely noticeable smile appeared on her lips. She then turned and followed Lianel to the center of the room.
The others stepped aside, clearing the space for the duel.
Elizabeth stopped in front of the boy. Her stance was straight, and her eyes focused.
"How do you prefer to fight?" she asked.
"A spear. But I can use magic too, if that's allowed," Lianel answered, rolling his shoulders.
"You can use anything you're capable of," she replied. "I, for balance, will limit myself to just a sword."
A long blood-red blade appeared in her hand, its edge pulsing faintly, as if it were alive. At the same time, a glow formed in Lianel's palm—gradually taking the shape of a silvery spear that looked almost weightless but radiated dangerous power.
Irida raised her hand.
"Begin."
A moment of silence. Then Lianel launched forward.
His movements were quick yet elegant—each step, each strike with the spear calculated to perfection. He lunged and struck downward, but Elizabeth easily deflected the blow with a sideways sweep of her sword. Their blades met, sending sparks flying through the air.
She immediately counterattacked—a spin, a short thrust forward. Lianel shifted sideways, knocked the sword aside with his spear, and stepped back.
"He's holding up well. And he didn't flinch at the first blow," thought Elizabeth. "His reaction is decent. But how long can he maintain it?"
Lianel attacked again — a series of precise strikes aimed at different points: shoulder, ribs, stomach. Elizabeth blocked each of them with almost careless ease, as if dancing through the fight.
"Good technique. But nothing I haven't seen before."
Suddenly, the air around Lianel changed — he raised his spear high, and from the ceiling, a bright beam of light fell, striking toward Elizabeth's side. She vanished from the spot at the last moment, gliding aside, and the beam only scorched the air where she had just stood.
"That's magic, then," she said with mild curiosity in her voice.
Lianel didn't respond — he was already preparing his next attack. His spear began to glow brighter, and a beam shot from the tip, transforming into a dozen small projectiles, each flying toward Elizabeth. She turned, swinging her sword in a horizontal arc — an explosion of a blood wave tore through the air, destroying most of the projectiles.
However, two of the spheres slipped through. One grazed her shoulder, leaving a thin luminous trace. The other stopped in front of her as she raised her palm and halted it with a stream of blood.
"So he's not just a performer. He actually managed to hit me. I'd be curious to see him duel Alex."
The next few minutes turned into a true spectacle. With each of Lianel's strikes, the light flared — white arcs, sharp rays. Elizabeth, like a shadow, dodged, blocked, countered — sometimes with light, feinting strikes to force the boy to adjust his tactics.
"Enduring. And he keeps the rhythm. Perhaps he really is worthy of the role."
Time passed.
At last, when his final strike met her sword, Elizabeth knocked the weapon from his hands. Lianel exhaled heavily and stepped back.
"Time," said Irida.
The fight stopped.
Elizabeth lowered her sword, which immediately dissolved into the air, and nodded to the boy.
"You held your ground well. Even managed to land a hit. Very good," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've set a high bar for the others."
Lianel smiled and wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Thank you, ma'am."
A quiet murmur rose nearby — the other students were discussing what they'd seen.
Alex, watching everything, noted mentally,
"Fast, aggressive, good sense of distance. Most importantly — doesn't lose his head under pressure. Curious to see what the others will show."
"Who's next?" Irida asked calmly, turning her gaze to the students.
From among them, Lilith and Valtherion stepped forward wordlessly. They took positions on opposite sides of a small pool, which reflected the light from magical crystals embedded in the walls.
"If I'm not mistaken," Valtherion said, eyeing the girl thoughtfully, "you always rely solely on magic."
"That's right," Lilith nodded briefly, her dark hair falling over her shoulders, her voice calm and composed.
"Wonderful," the man smiled warmly, though his eyes remained serious. "Then I suppose I shall use nothing else either."
Irida raised her hand.
"Begin."
Simultaneously, magical circles lit up in Lilith's and Valtherion's palms. Hers — dark, almost fused with the night, symbols swirled over her skin, echoing with a dark glow. His — deep blue, like a night sky over snowy peaks, formed with geometric precision.
Lilith reacted first — a swift stream of pure darkness burst from her hands. It spread like a liquid, distorting light, devouring reflections. It felt as though this darkness was consuming reality itself.
Valtherion responded instantly — his circle pulsed, and several icy spheres flew from his hands, exploding mid-air and creating a curtain of snow and ice before him.
Lilith's attack struck the barrier. The air twisted, her darkness sliding over ice shards, partially consuming them, partially dissipating in the light reflected from the crystals.
"Interesting," Valtherion remarked aloud.
He extended his arms forward — a new magical circle formed around his wrists, from which long ice-spears burst forth, hurtling toward Lilith at incredible speed.
She spread her arms — darkness spiraled around her. A magical circle pulsed in her palms. A dark aura created a protective dome that absorbed most of the spears, though two broke through, slicing the air near her. One grazed the edge of her jacket.
Lilith slid to the side and turned. From her right palm burst a wavy beam of darkness, like a fog-blade, cutting across space diagonally. Valtherion barely managed to react — an ice bridge formed before him, and the beam slid off it, leaving a deep mark.
Then — a counterattack.
From beneath his feet, a wave of ice surged upward, rolling forward like a cold tide, freezing the ground, breaking the air into crystals. Lilith extended both hands — two magical circles merged into a complex pattern. Several dark spheres burst from her hands, smashing into the ice, slowing and fracturing its front.
"Powerful…" Valtherion noted her control in passing.
The air between them grew tense.
Lilith attacked again — this time her darkness thickened in the air, like a shadow compressed from all sides. Above her palm appeared a large disk, like a black sun, spinning and absorbing the surrounding light. She hurled it at her opponent.
Valtherion did not retreat — instead, he closed his fingers together. Around him, five snowflakes appeared — each the size of a human head. They spun and merged into a spiraling ice pillar that slashed through space toward the dark disk.
The two elements collided. The air trembled. A flash, a freeze, then silence.
When the dust cleared, both mages stood across from one another, breathing evenly but tense.
Exactly five minutes had passed.
"That's enough," Irida's voice rang again.
Lilith relaxed her arms — the darkness dispersed. Her breathing was slightly faster, but she looked calm. Valtherion stepped closer.
"Excellent work, Lilith. Watching your spells was truly fascinating."
"Thank you," she replied, nodding respectfully.
Both returned to their places. Irida, as before, addressed the group:
"Next?"
Kaelis silently stepped into the center of the room. His movements were precise, confident — calm elven grace tinged with cold pride.
Raphael walked to meet him — tall, dignified, with long blond hair gleaming under the light from the illusory sky above the arena. His golden eyes shone warmly, though there was a quiet power behind that warmth.
"No need to be so tense, Kaelis," he smiled, stopping in front of him. "It's just a training match."
"I remember," the elf replied with a faint smile.
Raphael nodded lightly. Irida raised her hand.
"Begin."
Magic circles appeared in the air almost simultaneously. Above Raphael's palms — dazzling yellow, elegant, as if carved from the very light of the heavens. Around Kaelis — transparent like glass, but every symbol within them pulsed with sharp gusts of wind.
Raphael attacked first. He swept his hand through the air, and from it burst hundreds of blades of light — not quite arrows, not beams, but rather shards of light, slicing through the space with chaotic precision.
Kaelis reacted instantly. With a swift gesture, he summoned a magic circle before him, from which erupted a shield of compressed air that swirled into a spiral. Most of the light blades deflected; a few sliced through the shield, but none hit their mark.
"You're fast," Raphael noted, raising his hands again.
Kaelis responded by conjuring a new magic circle. A storm began to whirl beneath his feet, lifting him several meters into the air. His arms spread wide — the wind intensified, and from either side of him, blades of pure wind energy formed — double-edged and pulsating.
"My turn," he said coldly.
The elf dove downward. His movements resembled a dance — swift, yet graceful. He attacked from the flanks, dashing through Raphael's radiant defensive aura, leaving behind ragged trails of wind. Blow after blow — Raphael dodged, blocked with shields of light, and when the moment came, he created a barrier of light that blinded his opponent for a split second.
It was enough.
Raphael stepped forward and raised his hand to the sky — a beam shot out, transforming into a sword of pure light. Mid-air, Kaelis conjured another circle, and from it emerged a double-edged blade made of condensed wind — long, nearly reaching the ground, it hummed with tension.
As their swords clashed, they weren't merely striking — each blow was accompanied by elemental explosions. From Raphael's light sword, the air seemed to melt; from Kaelis's blades, whirlwinds erupted, tearing the floor of the training hall apart.
"You're stronger than you look," Raphael said, blocking an especially hard strike.
"Thanks," the elf replied, leaping back and spreading his arms.
His magic circles pulsed, and suddenly several wind blades rose around him, floating in the air before rushing at Raphael from all directions. Raphael simply clasped his fingers — a burst of brilliant light exploded around him, momentarily blinding everyone.
Kaelis squinted, darted upward to evade the counterattack, and from above created a massive vortex that engulfed part of the space below. Raphael emerged from it like mist, glowing like a star in the night sky.
"Enough," Irida's voice finally rang out.
Both halted. Raphael remained calm. Kaelis descended to the ground, slightly sweaty but standing tall. Their magic circles vanished.
"Well done," said Raphael, approaching the elf.
Kaelis gave a short nod.
"That was interesting."
"Exactly what we needed," Raphael smiled and gave him a light pat on the shoulder. "Looks like we've got one last pair left."
All eyes turned to the only one who hadn't yet fought.
As Raphael and Kaelis rejoined the group, Fenrix finally stretched his lips into a wide, predatory grin.
"Well now, finally," he said, stepping forward. "I saved my match for last on purpose. The best always comes at the end."
His orange eyes lit up with excitement as he looked at Alex.
"Your turn, kid. Shall we show them what a real fight looks like?"
Alex simply smiled and gave a calm nod. He stepped out from the shadows of the other students and walked to the center of the hall alongside the Beastkin Director.
Once they stood opposite each other, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Silence seemed to hold its breath. All eyes were fixed on the arena.
"If I'm not mistaken," Fenrix said, eyeing the boy, "you fight with a sword?"
"Not only," Alex replied, tilting his head slightly. "And you, Director? What's your usual method of combat?"
"This," Fenrix said with a predatory smile, and in that instant, his arms began to transform. His skin darkened, muscles bulged, and his fingers turned into massive, fur-covered paws with curved claws.
"I prefer my fists."
"Then let's keep it that way," Alex said calmly.
His arms became coated in a layer of blood, which instantly hardened into dark crimson claws reaching up to his elbows. The surface gleamed like metal.
Fenrix laughed openly, cracking his neck with excitement.
"Now this is interesting. A duel on the teacher's terms, huh?"
He leaned forward slightly, taking a fighting stance like a beast ready to pounce.
"Just don't regret it, boy."
"I'll do my best," Alex replied with a smile.
Irida raised her hand.
"Begin."
Fenrix lunged forward like a shot. Alex barely had time to register the blurred figure — the beastkin's fist already racing toward his chest. With a twist of his body, Alex dodged and countered with an upward strike to the gut. Fenrix caught it with his forearm, and both jumped back.
"Nice," Fenrix grunted.
The real exchange of blows began. No magic, no flashes of light or colorful effects — just speed, technique, and power.
Fenrix attacked from above, below, diagonally. His strikes tore through the air, leaving shockwaves in their wake. Alex was constantly forced to reposition — dodging, blocking, counterattacking. His claws clashed against the Director's paws, growing more precise with every hit.
The hall throbbed with the energy of two bodies colliding at relentless speed.
"Ha! I like you," Fenrix growled, as Alex drove him back with a series of strikes to his shoulders and sides. "But let's pick up the pace a little."
His eyes glowed even brighter. His body shifted again — muscles tensed further, movements grew sharper. With one burst, Fenrix was suddenly behind Alex. The boy turned just in time, blocking a kick with his leg, now covered in a protective layer of blood.
Their bodies repelled each other, both skidding across the floor. Their gazes met.
Alex could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Every muscle trembled with tension, but his face remained composed. The sensation... was extraordinary. Free. Pure. He hadn't enjoyed a fight like this in a long time.
They rushed toward each other again. This time, Alex went on the offensive. His strikes grew more aggressive. His movements — rhythmic, like a dance. He moved with confidence, his body flowing without pause.
Claws slashed through the air, Fenrix dodged, countered, but for a moment — he was on the defensive.
"He's pressing… Heh… Now this is interesting," Fenrix thought, blocking a three-hit combo.
"Well done, Alex… Looks like I'll have to take things a bit more seriously."
Fenrix seized control of the tempo. His movements changed — sharper, more feral, deeper. No longer just attacks — it was the work of a predator who had found his prey's rhythm.
The beastkin's fist slashed through the air like lightning and struck Alex directly in the gut. The boy flew — literally soaring through the air and crashing into the floor near the far edge of the room.
"Alex!" one of the students shouted.
For a moment, silence reigned. Even Fenrix froze, tilting his head to the side.
"Went a little overboard. Hope Elizabeth doesn't kill me for this."
But within seconds, the blood on Alex's arms glowed, and a wave of warmth passed through his body — healing magic. He sprang to his feet as if the hit had never happened, charging forward again, eyes blazing with determination.
Fenrix laughed.
"What a character! Show me everything you've got!"
The two clashed again. But now, after breaking through Alex's defense, the fight had grown deeper, more intense. They were no longer testing each other. This was beginning to resemble a real duel between equals.
Alex struck with combinations aimed at the torso and legs, dodging Fenrix's relentless attacks. Fenrix countered with fierce strikes that blended technique, instinct, and sheer power.
Strike — block — feint — sweep — dash. Sweat beaded on Alex's forehead, but he held firm, breathing steadily. His body moved like in a dance, each motion precise, deliberate, almost intuitive.
Fenrix watched his movements with growing admiration.
"He pushes back... even after a blow like that. He holds on, adapts, learns right in the middle of battle. Interesting—an incredibly interesting young man. And how long were you planning to keep such a talent from us, Elizabeth?"
More flurries of strikes followed. The hiss of air with each movement. The sound of blows tearing through the space between them. Outwardly — two were fighting. Inwardly — each was carving a path toward the limits of their strength.
Then suddenly, Irida's voice — clear and commanding — cut through everything.
"Enough!"
Fenrix barely managed to stop a swing that was already flying toward Alex's neck. The boy halted too, breathing heavily, his eyes still blazing. They looked each other in the eye. And in those gazes — respect, strength, and a deep understanding.
Fenrix exhaled and lowered his hands, which instantly returned to their human form.
"Ha... If we had gone on for another minute, I might've taken a hit myself. Well done, Alex. Very well done."
Alex slowly straightened, unclenching his fingers.
"Thank you… Director. That was incredible."
Fenrix smiled and gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder. Behind them, the rest of the hall had fallen silent.
"He's truly impressive," Lianel was the first to speak, rolling his shoulders. "And you know, if anyone was meant to close this round of fights, it was him. I liked it."
"Ha!" Celia shot the angel a teasing smile. "And far more entertaining than your match, Lianel."
"That's only because I didn't have time to fully show what I can do!" he grumbled, folding his arms across his chest in mock offense.
"Very clean work," Rogan said in his gravelly but calm voice. "His strikes were precise, and his reactions — sharp. A true fighter."
"Agreed," Lilith nodded slightly. "Alex showed his best. I hate to admit it, but his control over the match was far better than mine."
"Um…" Eliria chimed in a little shyly. "That was really beautiful. I mean… powerful. But your matches were… impressive too. You all… did well."
Kaelis, however, remained silent. He didn't say a word or make a single gesture. He just stood off to the side, arms crossed, his amber eyes watching Alex with focused, icy intensity. But even without words, it was clear — the elf already considered him a rival.
Krul clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Well done," her voice rang out with confidence, but not without warmth. "You all gave it your all, and that's exactly what we wanted to see."
She stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across each student.
"These matches were not just for entertainment. We held them so that those wishing to become the head of your group could demonstrate their strength. Because, like it or not, no matter how much we talk about the importance of leadership qualities — strength also plays a huge role. Especially when it comes to dungeon raids."
Krul paused and crossed her arms.
"After what we've seen, each of you can now start thinking about who you would trust with your life. And that is very important. But," — she raised her index finger — "this was only the first stage… of the leadership exam."
The hall grew quiet again.
"Next comes the final trial. But that's still ahead. Before you go on a raid together, you need to get to know each other better. And for that, in three days, we — the Directors — will host an evening. Just for you. No outsiders. Attendance is mandatory."
She glanced at her fellow Directors. They nodded in agreement — Fenrix, Irida, Raphael, Valtherion, Dionis, Elizabeth — each confirming her words with serious expressions.
"Looks like I didn't forget anything," Krul concluded. "That's all for today. You may go."
She turned and headed toward Lilith, who was already waiting for her.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth approached Alex. Her movements, as always, were precise and calm.
"Alex," she addressed him. "Would you spare me a bit of your time?"
"Gladly," he replied softly, turning his gaze to her.
Before leaving, Alex bid farewell to Lilith and Krul. The latter gave him a brief nod, while Lilith offered a restrained, but warm smile.
Moments later, Elizabeth and Alex disappeared through the door, leaving the rest of the participants in the quiet comfort of the hall.