Arx: "(Two weeks had passed since the arrival of the new instructor. I have delved into the deepest information about the scrolls and trained hard for this day.)"

B'taldren: "Greetings, class. Today is the day of our friendly tournament, and as I said before, the student who emerges victorious will be granted a scroll."

Their class then headed out to the arena where the tournament would be held.

...

B'taldren: "Though this is only an assessment of your skills, put up a good performance. May fortune favour everyone."

Schemn: "(Arx... I have to be careful if I ever face him in this tournament. He might have some tricks up his sleeve. After all, he alone defeated 16 students in a duel on the day of Aleria's return. I'll have to witness what he's capable of.)"

B'taldren: "We will be drawing lots to determine who will fight against whom."

B'taldren summoned a cup of lots in his hand.

...

B'taldren: "It seems like everybody is done drawing lots. Come forward when your name is called... Please come forward, Wylienne Stiliette and Arx Von Azarkey. (This kid... why is an Azarkey entering this institution? I'm getting bad memories from the past.)"

Arx: "A girl..?"

Wylienne: "I know what you are thinking. Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I'm weak. All those students you've defeated were just mere trainees. Don't underestimate me."

Arx: "Gladly, and please don't worry, you're not the first girl I've faced in a duel."

The other students backed off as they made way for the participants. Amidst the crowd, Schemn stood, anticipating Arx's showcase of skill. He muttered,

Schemn: "Show me everything in your arsenal..."

B'taldren: "Well then, it seems both students are ready. Begin!"

As the duel commenced, Wylienne made the first move, her hand glowing with a soft light as she summoned an earthen spike from the ground, aiming directly at Arx. Arx deftly sidestepped the attack and closed the distance between them, his stance ready to unleash Zelyuero.

Arx: "Zelyuero: Swords' Dance."

Arx launched a series of rapid strikes, his blade movements a blur. Wylienne countered with a barrier of light, the clash of their powers creating sparks that lit up the arena. She retaliated with a sweeping kick, sending a wave of earth towards Arx, but he leapt over it with ease.

Wylienne: "(That's his rumoured sword technique, huh?)"

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She raised her hand, summoning pillars of earth around Arx, attempting to trap him. Arx moved with precision, slicing through the earthen structures with his sword technique, Zelyuero, his movements fluid and controlled. He watched her closely, analyzing her technique.

Arx: "(Her earth magic is powerful, and her light magic adds an extra layer of complexity, almost on par with Denxel's, but her mastery is lacking. She's trying to overwhelm me with sheer force, but she lacks the finesse.)"

Wylienne: "You're not the only one with tricks."

With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a blinding flash of light, momentarily disorienting him. She used the opportunity to launch another barrage of earthen spikes, but Arx quickly regained his composure and deflected them with a swift spin of his blade.

Arx: "Impressive."

He pressed forward, his attacks relentless. Wylienne struggled to keep up, her defences starting to falter under Arx's assault. She tried to counter with a powerful earth-shaking stomp, but Arx anticipated her move and leapt into the air, coming down with a powerful strike that shattered her defences.

Wylienne: "No... I will not lose here!"

She summoned all her remaining energy, creating a massive earthen spike and launched it towards Arx. Arx narrowed his eyes, gripping his sword tightly.

Arx: "Zelyuero: Paper Cut."

With a powerful swing, he cleaved the spike in half, the force of his strike sending shockwaves through the arena.

Arx: "This ends now."

He closed the distance between them in an instant, his blade aimed at Wylienne. She summoned a desperate shield of light, but it shattered under the force of his attack, sending her sprawling to the ground.

B'taldren: "Enough! The match is over."

Arx stepped back, lowering his weapon. Wylienne struggled to her feet, breathing heavily, but a look of determination still burned in her eyes.

Wylienne: "Tch... I'll get stronger."

Arx nodded, offering her a hand. She took it, and he helped her up.

Arx: "You fought well."

The crowd erupted in applause, the intensity of the battle leaving everyone in awe. Arx glanced at B'taldren, who nodded approvingly.

B'taldren: "Well done. You've both shown great skills."

Schemn: "(No, what he's shown isn't enough. I'll have to keep on observing.)

With the first round concluded, the tournament continued.

B'taldren: "Now then, let us continue."

...

Match after match, student against student, the tournament progressed with intense bouts and displays of skill.

...

B'taldren: "Come forward when your name is called. The next students will be... Schemn Vylrianaz and Maia Xen Elvonzē."

Schemn muttered as he stepped towards the arena,

Schemn: "It's finally my turn."

Maia: "It's an honor, Schemn, to fight against the right hand of the First Blade."

Schemn: "The honor is mine, Maia. I never thought I'd go up against a member of the Elvonzē family, one of the Six Noble Families, and a sibling of the Fourth Blade. I look forward to this match. Please give it your all."

Maia nodded, determination in her eyes. The crowd fell silent, anticipation building as the two opponents took their stances.

B'taldren: "Begin!"

Maia moved first, summoning a gust of wind to propel herself forward. She followed up with a rapid series of water blades, each one aimed with precision at Schemn. Schemn dodged and parried, his sword moving with practiced precision.

Schemn: (I have to stay close. If I let her keep the distance, I'm done for.)

Closing the gap, Schemn launched a flurry of strikes. Maia blocked and countered with swift kicks, using the wind to enhance her agility. Schemn adapted quickly, reading her movements and adjusting his attacks.

Maia: "You're good, but can you handle this?"

Maia created a vortex of wind and water, a swirling barrier that forced Schemn back. She then sent the vortex towards him, the force threatening to overwhelm him.

Schemn: (Think, Schemn. How do you break through?)

Schemn analyzed the vortex, noticing its rhythm and flow. He timed his next move perfectly, slicing through the barrier with a powerful strike, the water and wind dispersing around him. Maia, momentarily surprised, regained her composure and launched a torrent of water at him.

Schemn: (Stay focused. Adapt.)

He dodged the water attack and closed the distance again. He landed a few hits on Maia, who quickly retaliated with a burst of wind, pushing him back. Schemn steadied himself, eyes locked on Maia.

Maia: "Impressive, Schemn. But I won't go down easily."

She summoned a water whip, lashing it towards him with incredible speed. Schemn ducked and rolled, avoiding the whip's deadly strikes. He used his sword to deflect the whip and then dashed forward, closing the gap once more.

Schemn: (I need to end this quickly.)

He launched a series of rapid strikes, forcing Maia to defend. She countered with a powerful wind blast, but Schemn anticipated her move, sidestepping and delivering a decisive blow to her side. Maia stumbled, her defenses momentarily down.

Seizing the opportunity, Schemn pressed the attack, his strikes relentless. Maia tried to summon another wind barrier, but Schemn broke through, disarming her with a swift motion.

Schemn: "This is it, Maia."

With one final, powerful strike, Schemn knocked Maia to the ground, his sword at her throat. She looked up at him, breathing heavily.

Maia: "You... win."

Schemn stepped back, offering her a hand to help her up. She accepted, and the crowd erupted into applause, impressed by the intense and skilful duel.

B'taldren: "The winner is Schemn Vylrianaz!"

...