"Begin."
The Professor's voice cut cleanly through the air.
And immediately.
Clang! Clang!
Steel rang against steel in the training hall, the sharp rhythm of two students testing strength and speed.
Sparks leapt as one blade slid off another, boots scraping over polished stone.
A circle had formed around the sparring pair, their cheers and groans rising with every strike.
At the side of the training hall, Alaric sat on one of the wooden benches, posture relaxed, arms resting loosely over his knees.
Eyes following the exchange with idle interest rather than excitement.
Beside him, Oliver muttered non-stop, hands wringing as he leaned forward.
"This is insane. She's going to take his head off. Did you see that feint? I never seen one like that. I told you we'd end up in a hall full of lunatics."
Alaric just hummed in response, gaze never leaving the sparring circle.
Clang! Clang!
