The Arcane Academy's training grounds buzzed with anticipation. Magic circles glowed around the battlefield, and shimmering wards floated overhead. Students gathered around, whispering and wide-eyed.
Mr. Eldren stepped into the center, his presence commanding silence.
"For your first evaluation, we begin with a duel. Show us what you can do."
His gaze fell on two students.
"Show. Akito. Step forward."
Show's fists clenched with excitement as he walked into the arena. Akito followed with his signature deck of glowing magical cards swirling around him.
"Heh… rookie wants to go first?" Akito smirked.
"Try not to cry when your flames fizzle out."
Show raised an eyebrow, grinning.
"I don't need fancy tricks. I'll beat you with real fire."
The barrier activated with a buzz, sealing them in.
---
⚔️🔥 Duel: Show vs Akito
"BEGIN!"
Akito immediately launched a red card.
"Crimson Chain!"
A glowing, fire-infused chain darted toward Show. He sidestepped, barely avoiding the snare.
Show countered quickly:
"Blazing Shot!"
He fired a burst of flame toward Akito, who flipped a blue card into the air.
"Reflection Guard."
A shield of mirrored mana deflected the blast, and Akito leapt back.
"Gonna have to try harder than that, flame boy."
Akito threw two more cards — one gold, one purple.
"Illusion Split!"
He vanished, replaced by three clones.
Show scanned the battlefield, growling.
"Tch... tricky."
But he didn't hesitate.
"Flame Sense!"
He slammed his palm to the ground, sending out a low wave of heat. The fake Akitos flickered — one didn't.
"Found you!"
With a leap and a spin, Show hurled a fire-coated punch straight through the real Akito's barrier.
BOOM!
Akito crashed to the ground, skidding across the arena.
The crowd gasped.
Akito tried to stand, but Show was already charging up another blast — his fists glowing red-hot.
"End it." Mr. Eldren's voice cut through the tension.
Show lowered his fists.
Akito groaned and dropped his cards.
Winner: Show.
---
🌟 After the Duel:
The students stood stunned. Even Drake raised an eyebrow.
Hibiki cheered, slapping the barrier.
"Woooo! THAT'S my guy!"
Raelyn watched silently, eyes narrowing slightly as she felt that same strange mana from earlier — now flaring stronger than ever.
Mr. Eldren approached the center.
"Impressive fire control. Still rough, but raw talent is there."
He paused.
"Show… what's your surname?"
Show wiped sweat from his brow, still smiling.
"Don't have one. I'm just Show."
For a moment, the class was silent.
Then Cyrus scoffed.
"Pfft. No surname? What is he, a nobody?"
Show turned to him, eyes blazing.
"Then I'll just have to make 'Show' a name everyone remembers."
The crowd murmured. A few students smirked.
But many... nodded in respect.
TO BE CONTINUED