Main Arena – 30 minutes after Inavy's match
The roar of the crowd still echoed through the stands. The freshmen buzzed with excitement, replaying the spectacle Inavy had just delivered. When the door opened, every gaze turned.
Inavy Stormbreak entered calmly, his uniform still marked with traces of lightning from the previous battle. Some looked at him with admiration, others with envy, and a few with pure disdain.
— Look, it's Stormbreak... — someone whispered. — He thinks he's the new thunder of the city.— After that fight, he kind of is, — another replied.
Inavy ignored the whispers. His eyes remained calm, focused. He knew the path of a hero wasn't paved by applause, but by determination.
Darius Valtier approached, grinning from ear to ear.— Man, you were incredible! I can't wait for my match. I can't let the level drop, right?
Inavy smiled faintly.— Give it your all. Because in the end, I want to face you too.
They both laughed and bumped fists.— Deal then, — said Darius. — Save some energy, because the stage is about to shake again.
Thirty minutes passed. The giant screen lit up once more, displaying the name DARIUS VALTIER in golden letters.
Main Arena
— Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the second match of the day! — the announcer's voice boomed across the stadium. — On one side, the younger brother of the Guild of a Thousand Lights' leader, Lorien Valtier! He ranked second overall in the Draft, carrying the blood of thunder and glory! Representing the Valtier name... DARIUS VALTIER!
The crowd erupted in cheers. Blue and gold lights spun as Darius entered the arena, confident and smiling, waving like he owned the place.
In the stands, Diana watched with an amused smile.— Look at Darius, Lorien. He really looks like you back when we were in the same guild.
Lorien smirked.— Not even close. I was better looking.
Diana rolled her eyes.— Still as full of yourself as ever.
The announcer's voice rose again.— But he won't be fighting alone! On the other side of the arena, with crystal claws gleaming and silver armor shining beneath the lights, comes the warrior of the Crystal Clan: HELENA LUNE!
The audience roared. Helena emerged, tall and proud, her silver hair glimmering under the light, her gaze confident and defiant.
— Hey, Valtier, — she called with a small smile.Darius yawned. — What's up, glass princess?
She arched a brow. — After this battle, you won't be laughing like an idiot anymore. You'll learn being a hero isn't a joke.— Relax, princess, — Darius replied with a grin. — Today's just practice. The real fight isn't with you.
The audience burst into laughter and jeers. Diana sighed.— Yep... exactly like Lorien.
The Battle Begins
The ground trembled as the signal blared. Helena dashed forward in a blur, launching sharp crystal projectiles.Darius snapped his fingers.
A flash of blue light enveloped his body — and he vanished.
He reappeared upside down behind her, smirking.— That's your attack? I'm still warming up, princess.
The crowd went wild. Darius dodged the next wave of crystals with his hands in his pockets, moving like he was dancing.— Olé! Come on, faster!
Helena roared, forming a massive crystal hammer and slamming it into the ground.The impact cracked the arena floor — but Darius was already gone.
He appeared behind her again. With a simple flick to her forehead, he ended the fight.
The sound echoed. Helena blinked, dazed. The hammer shattered into fragments, and she dropped to her knees, defeated and humiliated.
— Lightning victory for Darius Valtier! — the announcer shouted.
The crowd went insane.
Darius raised his hands.— Next time, try adding more glass, princess.
He walked out of the arena with a cocky grin, basking in the cheers and laughter.
Lorien watched, satisfied.— That kid really loves the spotlight.
Ray, beside him, murmured:— It's like watching the old Lorien again.
Freshmen Lounge
Darius burst in, overflowing with energy.— So? What'd you think of my fight, Inavy?
Inavy crossed his arms.— Fight? You basically humiliated her, man.
Darius scratched his neck, laughing.— Maybe I went a little overboard.
Rose Eldara approached, smiling shyly.— Congratulations, Darius. You fought really well.
He made a theatrical bow.— Thank you, princess of water.
Then, the loudspeakers came alive once again.
— And now, the third match of the day! — the announcer roared. — On one side, the wild and dangerous NERO, known for his brute strength and destructive power! And on the other, the princess of the Eldara clan, sister to the legendary Rudius Eldara, leader of the Leviathan Guild! She is… ROSE ELDARA!
The crowd erupted. In the stands, Rudius jumped to his feet.— Go, sister! Show them what it means to be an Eldara!
Rose took a deep breath. Her heart raced, but her eyes were steady.Before she left, Inavy spoke softly:— Give it everything you've got, Rose. I'm rooting for you — one hundred percent.
She blushed.— Don't worry, Inavy. I will.
Nero vs. Rose Eldara
The signal echoed. Nero charged like a tank, his fists wrapped in red energy.— Didn't know they sent healers to real battles, — he mocked.
Rose stayed calm.— Who said I came here to heal anyone? Today… I'm here to wound.
She closed her eyes, and a blue aura flared around her. Water began to rise, swirling and gleaming like liquid glass.
Nero attacked. Rose moved with grace and fluid precision, dodging every blow as if she were part of the current itself. From her arms, blades of water formed instinctively.
— My body... it's moving on its own? — she thought, astonished.
Rudius watched, mouth open.— Incredible...
Up in the stands, Diana murmured:— That girl has potential.
Nero roared, punching the ground and sending stone fragments flying. Rose spun gracefully, forming a whirlpool that deflected the impact and countered with spinning blades of water.
Her movements were like a dance — fast, precise, elegant.
She stopped, eyes glowing with resolve.— You still don't get it... I'm not just any healer.
Her voice echoed through the arena.— I am Rose Eldara!
She raised her arms. The air thickened with vapor and energy.
— Ascending Geyser! — she cried.
A column of water erupted beneath Nero, blasting him into the sky. He crashed down hard, unconscious. Silence filled the arena — and then the entire stadium exploded in applause.
— Victory goes to Rose Eldara! — the announcer declared.
Rudius cheered, shouting his sister's name. Diana crossed her arms, smiling.— She doesn't realize it yet, but she's awakening the Eldara power. I'd like to have her in my guild someday.
Back in the Freshmen Lounge
Inavy and Darius celebrated.— That was insane, Rose! — Darius yelled.— You destroyed him! — Inavy added.
Rose returned, still breathing heavily but smiling, greeted by applause and hugs.
Ranking Board
The arena's giant screen updated the names and scores:
Inavy Stormbreak – 160 pointsDarius Valtier – 150 pointsRose Eldara – 150 pointsLeon – 120 points
The next matchups appeared right after:
Darius vs. LeonInavy Stormbreak vs. Rose Eldara
Silence filled the room. Everyone turned to Inavy, who let out a heavy sigh.— That's... complicated, — he muttered.
Rose looked at him, puzzled. Darius patted his shoulder, laughing.— Guess fate wants a little drama, brother.
Inavy said nothing, his gaze fixed on the arena beyond the glass.The thunder of a new challenge rumbled in the distance.