The dueling grounds were carved into black stone. Stained. Ancient. Meant for spectacle not safety.
Students gathered in silence. Betting. Whispering.
Kael stood in the center. Loose robes. Confident. Twin daggers spinning between his fingers.
Azel walked in slow.
No armor. No weapons. Just a bloodstained uniform and empty hands.
A sharp chime rang out.
> Duel Initiated. No interference. No mercy. First blood ends the match
Kael grinned.
"I'll make it fast"
He moved. Fast. Precise. A blur of steel.
Azel didn't move. Not yet.
The first dagger came in low.
He stepped left. Minimal motion. No waste.
Kael twisted. A second blade arced high.
Azel ducked. One inch lower than needed.
The blade sliced air.
Kael frowned. "You got lucky"
Azel smiled. "You got predictable"
He grabbed Kael's wrist mid-spin. Shifted his weight. Pulled.
Kael stumbled forward.
Azel's knee slammed into his ribs.
Kael coughed. Spit blood.
> System trigger
Adapting to opponent rhythm
+1 AGI temporary
Kael snarled. Lunged again.
Azel leaned back. One blade grazed his cheek.
Blood dripped.
Match point.
Azel didn't stop.
He grabbed Kael's collar with both hands and headbutted him straight in the nose.
Cartilage cracked. Blood sprayed.
Silence.
The sentinel orb blinked once.
> Match Over. Azel Raen wins. First blood confirmed
Kael hit the ground.
Students stared. No cheers. Just the sound of shifting feet.
Azel looked at the orb.
"Unlock the chamber"
> Request approved. Baptism available. Room 07
He stepped off the field.
Kael groaned behind him. Broken. Humbled.
Azel didn't look back.
There was no rivalry.
Just data.