The clang of weapons, bursts of mana, and crackle of spells echoed through the practice ground as four duels took place simultaneously across the open arena. A dense, charged atmosphere hung in the air, a mixture of anticipation and adrenaline. Students filled the edges of the platform, some whispering predictions, others wide-eyed in awe.
Knight Instructor Halreth stood tall beside Seraphina near the observation deck, his arms folded over his chest while his eyes scanned the field like a hawk. A pen scratched steadily on the clipboard he held in one hand as he muttered, "Clean footwork… lack of guard transition… needs to anchor mana better…"
Seraphina, calm and elegant as always, stood beside him, arms behind her back. She watched the duels unfold with keen interest.
Not far off, Luca stood beside Eric, both observing the matches with sharp eyes. The slight breeze tousled their academy robes, heavy with mana-resistant linings.
