In the training ground, the advanced students gathered. Master Ragnar spoke, explaining the day's lesson: "Today's test will be a challenge. Two heirs of families will fight me. Now, let the test begin."
Master Ragnar slammed his heavy sword into the ground, sparks flying from its sharp edge. "Saruto... Lucian... you two first!" he shouted.
The ground shook, and the students crowded around the circle. The two exchanged the same hateful glances. "Why do I have to be dragged into everything with this bastard?!" Lucian exclaimed angrily.
"As if I care about you either," Saruto replied, warming his hands. "Just get out of my way."
But suddenly, Master Ragnar's aura erupted like a volcano. A tremendous force pressed down on everyone, and most of the students nearly fell to the ground. Lucian knelt for a moment, gritting his teeth, while Sarotto... remained standing. Ragnar grinned, raising his massive sword. "Good... now show me your weapons."
Saruto closed his eyes for a moment, his swords forming in his fists. Lucian raised his arm, forming his own icy spear, steam rising from it. A master's voice boomed: "Begin!"
Lucian charged first, unleashing a volley of icy blades. "I'll prove to you that you're nothing but a burden, you wretch!" he muttered to himself.
But instead of joining forces, Sarotto also attacked from his side, his swords flashing as they struck Ragnar. Ragnar easily parried the blows. Each strike from both left a fatal gap. "You two fight more than you cooperate," Ragnar shouted at them.
Then he unleashed a surge of his power, sending them both reeling. But they both rose quickly, their intent to kill each other far outweighing any desire to defeat their opponent. Lucian launched another attack, but Sarotto's sword chains suddenly coiled around his arm, preventing him from advancing. "Don't interfere with my fight, you fool!" he cried.
"You're the one who's holding me back!" Sarotto retorted angrily.
The fight raged on, the students surrounding the arena watching with wide eyes. Each strike revealed the extent of their strength and their lack of coordination. Finally, in a moment of confusion, Ragnar seized the opportunity, leaping high and brandishing his heavy sword. A deafening explosion shook the entire hall.
Both fell to the ground beneath his blow, and the air filled with dust. The master stood above them, his sword planted in the ground, and said, "You lost, not because of your weakness... but because of your lack of cooperation. Strength alone is not enough to win, you losers!"
Whispers spread among the students; some laughed at Lucian and Sarto's fall and the humiliation they had suffered at the hands of Ragnar's teacher. They were both burning with anger, anger towards the teacher's insult, towards the other heirs' mockery of them, and towards each other.