«Normally, I would never approve a duel between a fifth-year and a first-year student. But I suppose in this case, age hardly matters. Don't you agree, Jade?» Professor Lyra Selunara says with a mocking tone.
At Astralea, a rule allows students to challenge each other to duels, provided they are authorized and supervised by a teacher. These events are quite common, but they usually draw little attention, since most turn out to be dull skirmishes between beginners.
This time, however, once word got out about the duel between Viktoria Nightshade and Rebecca Asheart, every student and teacher rushed into the stands of the arena. This fight feels like a semester tournament final, and nobody wants to miss it.
Finally, Professor Selunara signals the start of the battle.
Immediately, a dagger materializes in Viktoria's hand, its blade shrouded in a sickly green mist streaked with violet.
«This should be an interesting fight,» I declare. «However, I highly doubt Rebecca stands even the slightest chance of winning. I've already seen her full strength myself, and I can assure you it's nowhere near enough to defeat someone of Viktoria's level.»
«If I were you, I wouldn't be so sure,» Professor Selunara retorts. «Since your last fight, Rebecca has taken her training even further. You might be surprised by how much she's improved.»
«We'll see soon enough.»
Once again, Rebecca wastes no time and unleashes her Crystal Release—the Phoenix Shroud, a cloak of azure flames that renders her almost invulnerable. Without hesitation, she charges straight at Viktoria.
It seems losing to me taught her nothing about conserving her strength, especially now against Viktoria, whose main strategy is to wear her opponent down. This reckless use of power will only deepen her disadvantage. She really is a novice. From the way things are starting, this duel might end before it even begins.
«So this is your so-called strength? What a disappointment. You're even weaker than I imagined!» Viktoria taunts her.
Rebecca doesn't flinch. She remains calm and focused, pressing forward with determination. But her strikes are easily parried by Viktoria, whose flawless defense lets her move with the grace of a serpent.
Rebecca's rapier clashes against Viktoria's dagger and begins to corrode. Bit by bit, the blade deteriorates, and even the azure flames begin to fade, draining its strength.
Something feels off. The fight has gone on for several minutes, yet the Phoenix Shroud still burns with the same intensity as it did at the start. During our battle, she couldn't maintain her Crystal Release for anywhere near this long, and it hasn't even been two weeks since then. How has she grown so much in so little time?
Even Viktoria seems to notice something's wrong. Her confident, arrogant expression slowly gives way to unease.
«You little brat, who do you think you are?!»
With a sudden strike, she drives her dagger into Rebecca's thigh. Azure sparks flare as the blade bites deep into her flesh. Predictably, the Phoenix Shroud reacts instantly, unleashing its regenerative power. Rebecca leaps back nimbly, pulling out of Viktoria's reach, while a smug grin spreads across Viktoria's face.
«Viktoria's paralyzing poison is already in her veins. It's only a matter of time before it takes effect. Once it does, this duel will be over. That was easier than I expected,» I remark with satisfaction.
«Don't be so quick to celebrate, Jade,» Professor Selunara retorts. «The poison will take several minutes to fully set in, and Rebecca still has time to turn the fight around.»
«You really put a lot of faith in that girl. I'll admit she has talent… not everyone can last this long against Viktoria.»
«So young… and yet already so strong,» the professor says softly. «You and Viktoria, along with her, are the only Crystalbearers now studying at Astralea. I'm certain you could teach her better than anyone to master her crystal's potential.»
«You might be right, but I see no reason we should,» I say curtly.
The professor sighs, her voice heavy with resignation.
«Tell me, what's behind all this hatred? Are you really so afraid she might surpass you?»
«Stop spouting nonsense!» I snap in irritation.
«Maybe you don't know this, but before you entered Astralea, I was considered the academy's best student. When you defeated me in the finals of your first semester tournament four years ago, my reputation and credibility were ruined. Still, I never held a grudge against you. In fact… I've always respected and admired you. I never saw you as an obstacle, but as a stepping stone — a reason to aim even higher.»
She gently places her hand on my cheek, tilting my face so I have no choice but to meet her gaze.
«Rebecca has everything it takes to become the finest student Astralea has ever seen, and you know it too. Jade Kyndrake, your pride and competitive spirit are rivaled only by your strength. But tell me—how can you claim to be the strongest if you're afraid of facing Rebecca at her full power?»
I ignore her question—not because I lack an answer, but because stating the obvious would be pointless. Back when she was just a fifth-year and I a first-year, during our countless moonlit walks through Astralea's endless gardens, Lyra Selunara always managed to dig into the darkest corners of my soul. She uncovered every hidden facet.
She is more than a professor; she feels like an older sister, maybe the one who knows me better than anyone else in this world — maybe even more than Viktoria.
Rebecca grips her rapier with both hands and levels it at Viktoria.
«Elemental Invocation • Fire: Flamestrike Thrust!»
A torrent of azure fire bursts from her blade, rushing straight toward her opponent.
«Pff, such a predictable attack,» Viktoria scoffs, sounding almost disappointed.
She sidesteps quickly, dodging the blast. But the flames suddenly bend midair, catching Viktoria off guard before detonating in a violent explosion. The arena erupts with gasps and cheers.
«Spell manipulation at long range… that's a fourth-year subject,» I say in disbelief. «Professor Selunara, I demand an explanation!»
«You're not the only one with the privilege of a private tutor, you know,» she answers with a smile.
«I doubt that girl could ever afford one. The Asheart family was never well-off.»
Lyra shakes her head.
«I'm not doing it for the money.»
«Then why?»
«Because letting such talent go to waste would be an unforgivable mistake for this academy. And as the future king, you should realize that one day Rebecca could become a cornerstone of Kristalia's army. It's in your best interest that she learns as much as possible here at Astralea. Kind of funny, isn't it? In a way, your future depends on how strong that girl becomes.»
Once again, Lyra is right, and once again my only reply is silence.
«Getting knocked down like a fool in front of Jade, how disgraceful…» Viktoria growls, her teeth clenched, her body smeared with blood and dirt. «We've played long enough, brat. Now I'll show you true strength! Crystal Release: Dark Cobra's Coils!»
Her lower body transforms in an instant into a massive serpentine tail, black with streaks of green and violet, stretching over ten meters long.
A grimace of fatigue and worry spreads across Rebecca's face. She raises her guard, bracing herself against Viktoria's onslaught.
A satisfied grin forms on my lips.
«Keep your eyes open, Professor Selunara. The real fight begins now.»