«Amid all this chaos, no one can see a thing! Did anyone figure out what just happened? I sure didn't, but it was incredible! Could Jade really have survived Rebecca's deadly strike?!»
The announcer's question breaks the silence that follows the explosion.
How dare she… how dare that girl push me this far?! I should have crushed her in an instant. Instead, I've humiliated myself before the entire kingdom, driven to unleash the Crystal Release. How could I let this happen?!
WOOOM!
A powerful gust of wind sweeps away the flames and smoke left behind by the explosion.
Wind born from my wings. Crimson red, like my hair, they spread wide from my back. And that's not all. My skin is now clad in hard crimson scales, and my yellow eyes gleam, slitted like a reptile's.
«This match just keeps surprising us! Jade has finally unleashed his Crystal Release, while Rebecca looks to be at her limit! Is this breathtaking duel already nearing its end?»
Fending off Rebecca's assault took far more out of me than I expected, and even then, escaping unharmed was nothing short of a miracle. Right now, only pride keeps my legs from buckling.
For now, Rebecca lies motionless at the edge of the arena floor. Her Phoenix Shroud has completely faded, and she doesn't even look able to stand. She drove herself beyond her limits, and her body paid the price, collapsing under the pressure of the Crystal Chant. If she suffers a magical collapse—the complete depletion of her energy—not even Professor Selunara's healing magic could bring her back on her feet.
What is that foolish girl trying to prove?
I walk toward Rebecca with slow, steady steps. She is slumped at my feet, her body drenched in blood. Yet, she lifts her head slightly and offers me a faint, satisfied smile.
«That's not the expression someone about to be defeated should have,» I remark.
«This is only the expression of someone who has finally achieved her dream…» she whispers faintly.
What dream is she talking about? Hah, it hardly matters.
Rebecca closes her eyes and lowers her head.
«Thank you for the wonderful match, Jade. This is the happiest day of my life. I'll never forget it.»
«Fantastic. Marvelous. Incredible!» the commentator shouts with excitement. «I can't think of any other words to describe the most thrilling duel I've ever witnessed! Rebecca has everything it takes to become the next legend of Astralea—I'm certain we'll hear her name again and again!»
The next legend of Astralea? I won't allow that. Not while I'm still here!
I stretch out my arm toward her. A sphere of crimson flames bursts to life around my hand.
«Elemental Invocation • Fire—»
«Jade, that's enough! The match is over!»
A firm, resolute female voice echoes from outside the arena.
I recognize it instantly and let the spell fade, releasing my Crystal Release and returning to human form. It's the voice of Lyra Selunara, a striking young woman with long hair, pale gold streaked with midnight blue. She is the professor of Healing Magic and the one responsible for the students' safety during the tournament.
She quickly steps onto the arena floor and joins us at the center.
«Elemental Invocation • Water/Heal: Curative Bubble»
A large bubble of water takes shape above Rebecca's body and slowly descends, enveloping her unconscious form.
Normally, Elemental Invocations can only be combined with other elements—water, fire, earth, or wind. But after years of research, Professor Selunara achieved something unprecedented in the history of magic: fusing an Elemental Invocation with a non-elemental discipline, in this case, healing magic. This achievement earned her countless accolades throughout the kingdom, despite being only four years older than me.
After briefly congratulating me on my victory, Professor Selunara gives me a sly smile and departs, the aquatic sphere floating behind her.
I let out a long sigh of relief—it's finally over. Still, I can't let anyone see me overly pleased with such a hard-fought win.
In the crowd, I spot my father just as he leaves his privileged seat in the stands. But the moment our eyes meet, I quickly look away. His expression is far from pleased. Watching me struggle so much against a mere first-year student must have deeply disappointed him—yet another one.
Soon after, the barrier surrounding the arena dissipates, and Viktoria Nightshade vaults over the railing with ease, rushing toward me, excitement on her face though I can tell she's unsettled.
«Jade, you were phenomenal! Not that I ever doubted you'd win!» she exclaims. Then her voice drops, and a mischievous smile plays on her lips. «You know, tonight I have a very special surprise planned to celebrate your victory. I'll give you a little hint: Selene will be there too.»
Knowing Viktoria, and knowing how well she understands my tastes, I can already guess what kind of surprise she has in mind. I certainly don't mind—it's exactly what I need after such a stressful, exhausting day.
«Anyway, since it's almost lunchtime, would you like to eat at the restaurant across the street? Jasmine will come with us too,» she suggests.
«Alright, give me an hour. Just enough time to freshen up and stop by Professor Lustsilk's office.»
Viktoria reacts to my words with a scowl.
«That damned Morgana Lustsilk, what does she want from you this time?! You spend far too much time alone with her in that office, if you ask me…»
«I have no idea why she wants to see me. She simply asked me to come to her office after the match. I assume she just wants to give me her feedback on my performance. After all, besides being the professor of History of Magic, she's also my private tutor. Viktoria… don't tell me you're getting jealous?» I ask with a teasing grin.
Her face flushes bright red.
«If I were jealous, I wouldn't let you fuck Arielle, Selene, and Jasmine, would I?!» she snaps. «It's just that… that woman really rubs me the wrong way. There's something truly strange about her…»
«I didn't think I needed your permission to fuck other girls. You're acting like a jealous girlfriend, you know?»
Viktoria blushes even more. She folds her arms and turns her back to me.
«Do as you please. Go to your beloved Morgana and give that depraved woman what she wants. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe I should build a harem of my own. I'm by far the most attractive girl in all of Astralea. One snap of my fingers and they'd all fall at my feet… even that hunk, Professor Laxar. I see how he looks at me, you know? I'm sure if I asked, it wouldn't take a minute before he followed me into my bedroom! And why should you care? I'm not your girlfriend!»
I embrace her from behind, gently wrapping my arms around her neck.
«You're right, you're not my girlfriend. You're much more than that. You're the one I share every sunrise and sunset with, every smile and every tear. The only one who truly knows every side of me. Do you remember that afternoon in the Sacred Deer Forest?»
«How could I forget?» she says with melancholy. «I've never felt so scared in my life. We were little more than children then, and yet you faced all those bandits alone…»
«I had no chance of defeating them, but it didn't matter. I would have given my life to save you, and I'd do it again a thousand times. You'll always be a part of me, Viktoria.»
I feel the gentle warmth of her tears brushing against my arm.
«I don't want anyone else to take you away from me. Promise me we'll always stay together, Jade,» she sobs.
I hold her even tighter.
«I promise, Viktoria.»
She turns back toward me, returning my embrace. Rarely does Viktoria show this tenderness, but when she does, her sweetness is indescribable.
«Now hurry up and go to that damned woman. Jasmine and I will be waiting for you under the arches of the main garden. Be careful,» she says, wiping her cheeks.
With the conclusion of this duel, my final semester at Astralea officially begins. I'm certain Rebecca's power will grow far beyond what she showed today, and mine must keep pace. My pride as Kristalia's future king—and as a man—depends on it.