The tension in the arena was palpable as Orin and Egan stood across from each other, their gazes locked in unwavering determination. The ground beneath them hummed with latent magic, the anticipation of the duel thick in the air. Spectators leaned forward, eager to witness the clash between the two.
"Begin!" The referee's voice echoed across the battlefield.
In an instant, both combatants surged forward, spears poised like striking vipers. Orin's movements were swift and fluid, his lean frame cutting through the air with ease. Egan, a tier higher and wielding the volatile elements of Fire and Thunder, exuded raw intensity, his aggressive stance reflecting his confidence.
Orin struck first. Twisting his spear, he invoked Stormcall Javelin, hurling a concentrated spear of wind crackling with electricity toward Egan. The attack whistled through the air, its sheer velocity threatening to break the sound barrier. But Egan was prepared. Planting his foot firmly, he activated Flame Step, his body surging forward in a burst of heat, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike. The residual shockwave sent embers dancing in the air.
Egan retaliated, driving his spear downward and channelling Earth mana. Jagged stone spikes erupted from the ground, surging toward Orin like an unrelenting tide. Orin's keen instincts kicked in. His body reacted before his mind could process. With a quick pivot, he activated Thunder Step, a burst of lightning propelling him sideways, leaving behind a crackling afterimage. The stone spikes shattered harmlessly where he once stood.
A smirk played on Egan's lips. "Not bad for a mid-stage Adept three," he remarked. Without hesitation, he thrust his spear forward, unleashing a stream of fire. Flame Surge, a technique that transformed his weapon into a blazing inferno, extended its reach. The heat distorted the air, warping the battlefield into a shimmering mirage.
Orin's eyes sharpened. He countered with Gale Surge, channelling a powerful gust of wind that spiralled around him, deflecting the flames before they could reach him. Using the momentum, he dashed forward, his spear a blur of motion. Sparks flew as metal clashed against metal, their weapons locking in a battle of strength and willpower.
Egan gritted his teeth as Orin pressed the offensive. Though a tier lower, Orin's speed and adaptability made him a formidable opponent. His attacks were relentless, weaving between wind and lightning as if he were the storm itself. The crowd erupted in awe as he executed Thunderclap Surge, his spear crackling with electricity before he brought it down in a powerful arc. The force of the attack sent shockwaves rippling through the ground.
But Egan refused to be overwhelmed. His grip tightened around his spear as he channelled both Fire and Earth mana simultaneously—a difficult feat that showcased his mastery. The ground trembled beneath them as molten fissures cracked open, releasing bursts of steam. With a powerful leap, Egan soared above, his spear ignited with raging flames. With a downward thrust, he unleashed a devastating explosion, forcing Orin to react.
Orin barely managed to evade, rolling to the side just as the explosion sent debris flying. His breath came in sharp gasps, sweat trickling down his forehead, but his eyes burned with an unyielding spirit. I can still fight.
Egan landed with a heavy thud, his stance firm. "You're strong, Orin. Stronger than I expected. But—"
Before he could finish, Orin launched himself forward, his body a blur. He wasn't done yet. His spear moved with the force of a tempest, striking at Egan's defences with renewed vigour. The battle wasn't just about power—it was about determination, strategy, and will.
The crowd watched in stunned silence, knowing this was no ordinary duel. Despite the disparity in tiers, Orin was proving that strength wasn't solely defined by numbers—it was forged in battle, in the unrelenting pursuit of victory.
As their weapons clashed once more, sparks illuminating their fierce expressions, one thing was certain—this fight was far from over.
In the end, despite his unwavering spirit and relentless attacks, Orin was ultimately overpowered. Egan's final strike, a perfectly timed combination of fire and thunder, shattered Orin's defences, sending him crashing to the ground. The referee stepped forward, raising a hand to signal the outcome. "The winner of this duel—Egan!"
Orin lay on the battlefield, breathing heavily, his body aching from the fierce exchange. Though he had lost, a determined glint remained in his eyes. He had pushed himself beyond his limits, proving to everyone, and more importantly to himself, that he was far from weak.
As the day came to a close, the master stood before the gathered students, his voice firm yet composed as he made the final announcement.
"Today's competition has come to an end. The top ten students have been selected, and there is no need to continue. The top ten are as follows:
Serena - Adept Tier Four
Elias - Adept Tier Four
Tavin - Adept Tier Three
Andrea - Adept Tier Four
Kairos - Adept Tier Three
Kellan - Adept Tier Three
Elenor - Adept Tier Three
Eldrin - Adept Tier Three
Egan - Adept Tier Four
Selyra - Adept Tier Three
"Tomorrow, you will embark on training for the Dimensional Rift. These rifts are scattered anomalies that act as portals to fragments of the old world, lost civilisations, ancient cities, and lands that vanished millennia ago. Your guide will be Ms. Amara. If you have any questions regarding the Dimensional Rift, she will be available to provide answers. Rest well and prepare yourselves. Dismissed."
With that, the students dispersed, heading back to their dormitories.
Later that evening, after freshening up, Ronan made his way to the room next to his own and knocked. A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing Kairos.
"Hey," Kairos greeted, stepping aside to let Ronan in.
Ronan entered, a small smile playing on his lips. "Congratulations, brother. You made it into the top ten."
Kairos chuckled lightly. "Thanks. I wasn't expecting to, honestly."
Ronan held out a sheathed sword. "Here. Consider this a gift for making it this far."
Kairos' eyes flickered between Ronan's face and the weapon. He hesitated before taking it. "This is...a flying sword?"
Ronan nodded. "Yeah. Infuse your mana into it, and you can ride it through the air. It'll be useful in the Rift."
Kairos was about to respond when a sudden knock on the door startled them both.
Kairos opened the door to find Mr. Alden standing outside with Orin by his side.
"Kairos," Mr. Alden asked, his tone serious. "Do you know where Ronan is?"
Before Kairos could reply, Ronan stepped forward. "Good evening, Sir. I'm here."
Mr. Alden gave a curt nod. "Good. Come with me. There are important matters to discuss."
Ronan exchanged a brief glance with Kairos, confusion evident in his expression, but he nodded. "Alright, Sir."
Orin gave Kairos a quick smile. "Can you congratulate the others for us?"
Kairos nodded. "Of course."
Mr. Alden, Orin, and Ronan turned and left. Before disappearing down the hall, Mr. Alden briefly turned back and added, "Congratulations, Kairos."
Kairos watched them leave, his mind swirling with questions.