Kael stepped out into the training arena, sword in hand. The sun was bright above, casting long shadows across the smooth stone floor. Across from him, Elsa emerged with a confident stride, bow already in hand, her hair now cropped short, glinting in the light.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
A bow again, huh. Just like in the main story.
He tightened his grip on the sword. This wasn't just any spar. They were inside the official training arena where any injuries would be automatically healed after the fight. No consequences. No holding back.
That meant one thing.
She's going all out.
This wouldn't be like the other light sparring matches around campus. Elsa wasn't going to take it easy. And neither could he.
The crowd roared around them, voices overlapping in waves of noise. The floating screen above zoomed in on their faces.
Then came the commentator's voice, loud and clear:
"BEGIN!"
And just like that he vanished.
Kael barely had time to get into his stance before it hit him.
Swish swish swish!
Dozens no, hundreds of shimmering mana arrows materialized midair and flew toward him like a rainstorm of light.
"Seriously?!" he muttered, ducking, weaving, deflecting with his blade.
Some arrows slammed into his arms, stinging with sharp bursts of pain before the arena's enchantments numbed the damage. Others missed by inches as he twisted and dodged.
He finally rolled behind one of the raised stone barriers along the side and caught his breath, panting.
Then he rose again, sword steady.
His eyes locked onto Elsa across the arena, already nocking another shimmering arrow, smirking.
Kael straightened his back and muttered under his breath.
"…Guess I'll have to get serious."