The afternoon sun hung high, casting golden rays over the courtyard as students gradually gathered around the edges of the training field. Word spread quickly—Serina, the high-ranking priestess-mage, had challenged Inigo to a duel after witnessing his wild new moves. It was rare for any student, let alone someone like her, to call for an open challenge.
Even rarer was Inigo accepting it with a grin.
They now stood on opposite ends of the training yard, a magic barrier already in place to absorb stray projectiles. Professors and students lined the perimeter, some perched on benches, others hovering above on enchanted platforms.
Inigo rolled his neck once and unsnapped the holster that held his Desert Eagle. He didn't draw it yet. His feet shifted into a relaxed stance, arms at his sides.
Serina spun her staff once and tapped its base on the ground. A ripple of holy magic pulsed from her, and golden runes lit up beneath her boots.
"You ready?" she asked, smirking.
