The Aethelred training arena was built from ancient magical stone—designed to absorb magic and channel stability so that duels remained under control. In the surrounding stands, students from both House Solaris and House Lunaris sat, watching intently.
> "Today, we'll witness one-on-one duels. Rule: no killing. But all forms of magic are allowed."
Lady Miraven's voice echoed through the arena.
> "The goal is not to win. But to show you can control your power—and that you have the courage to stand on the battlefield without running away."
Eyes began scanning the arena. Who would be facing whom?
Alexa stood at the edge of the field. Her body was calm, her breath steady.
But she could feel a piercing gaze from the upper stands.
Thalionric. Sitting quietly in his academy cloak. Watching—closely.
> "For the first duel… Erwan Reignhart versus… Alexamysa Zevarelis."
Gasps and murmurs immediately spread.
> "Isn't that the guy who attacked her yesterday?"
"Lady Miraven definitely paired them on purpose…"
"This is gonna be good."
Erwan stepped forward with a smug grin.
> "We finally get to finish what we started."
> "I thought you'd already had enough humiliation," Alexa replied flatly.
They stood face to face. The ground lit with a pale blue glow—the arena activating.
> "Begin!"
Erwan launched earth magic immediately, raising pillars and razor-sharp stones aimed straight at Alexa. His movements were fast and aggressive.
Alexa didn't flinch.
Her hand lifted slowly.
> "Freeze."
The flying stones froze mid-air.
In an instant, the arena turned into a mini frozen landscape, glittering with sharp blue crystals.
Erwan scowled, increasing the pressure, trying to shake the ground beneath her feet.
> "You can't just stand there forever!"
Alexa moved her hand—
Walls of ice rose, forming giant mirrors that reflected the earth magic back at him.
Erwan was struck by his own attack and staggered backward.
As he tried to get up—
Alexa was already standing before him. Her hand raised, forming a crystal-clear ice spear aimed at his throat. But it didn't touch him.
It simply hovered.
> "I don't need to kill you to win."
Erwan froze. Speechless.
> "The duel is over!" Lady Miraven declared.
The arena fell silent.
Then—soft clapping echoed.
Thalionric stood in the stands, applauding slowly. Elegant. Arrogant.
> "Seems House Lunaris holds a sharper gem than we expected," he murmured.
---
After the duel, Alexa walked back toward the edge of the arena.
But someone approached her.
Seraphina.
> "You did well. But winning today… doesn't guarantee tomorrow."
Alexa met her gaze.
> "Then if we must fight tomorrow… I'll win again."
---
🌙 To Be Continued...