The Silver Tower courtyard hummed with life, a mix of energy and tension that only Ascension Week could bring. The manicured hedges framed the space in neat, calculated symmetry, while the polished stone walkways gleamed under the morning sunlight. Students gathered in clusters, their uniforms a visual reminder of the academy’s rigid hierarchy.
Gray-ranked students wore simple, practical attire—plain gray jackets and trousers with minimal embellishment, designed for function over form. Their uniforms lacked any insignia, a constant reminder that they occupied the academy’s lowest rung. In contrast, Bronze-ranked students bore burnished copper accents on their lapels and cuffs, with subtle embroidery marking their modest ascent. The fabric of their jackets was slightly heavier, offering durability for the rigorous training that defined their rank.
Silver-ranked uniforms, like those worn by many in the courtyard, exuded elegance and refinement. Tailored jackets with silver-threaded hems and intricate stitching along the collars and sleeves set them apart, reflecting both prestige and capability. Some students adorned their sleeves with their family crests, symbols of noble lineage or magical prowess.
Then there were the Gold-ranked students. Their uniforms gleamed with ornate gold trim and layered accents, the fabric softer yet more structured, almost like armor. Gold crests were pinned to their lapels, each a mark of distinction that drew envious or admiring glances from lower ranks. Their attire radiated authority, a testament to their mastery and dominance within the academy.
At the courtyard’s edge, Tessa Yvareth stood beside a low bench, fiddling with the straps of her sparring gloves. Her Silver-ranked uniform bore the subtle shine of silver embroidery, though its simplicity was a stark contrast to the tailored splendor of the Silvers around her. The faint sounds of duels carried from the nearby arena, punctuated by bursts of magic and the clang of weapons. She muttered strategies under her breath, her voice too low for anyone to hear.
“If Ren uses that stupid wind technique, I’ll—”
“Tess, you really need to work on your poker face.”
Tessa snapped her head up to see Lirien Veyra approaching, her crimson braid swaying with each unhurried step. She carried a porcelain cup of Aetherleaf Tea, steam curling from its surface as she swirled the liquid absently. Lirien’s Silver-ranked uniform looked pristine, its sharp lines accentuating her effortless poise. Her emerald eyes glinted with a mix of amusement and mischief.
“I’m not making a face,” Tessa muttered, her cheeks flushing. She tightened her gloves with a sharp tug and looked away. “And I wasn’t talking to myself.”
“Sure you weren’t.” Lirien leaned against the bench, her smirk widening. She sipped her tea, her gaze flicking to the sparring arena in the distance. “You know, for someone as stubborn as you, you overthink way too much.”
“I’m not overthinking,” Tessa shot back, her tone defensive. “I’m strategizing. There’s a difference.”
Lirien arched an eyebrow. “Is that what you call muttering to yourself about wind arcs? Because from here, it looks like spiraling.”
Tessa scowled, her hands balling into fists. “Not everyone can coast on natural talent, Lirien. Some of us actually have to work to win.”
Lirien’s smirk didn’t falter. Instead, she shifted her weight, the sunlight catching the coppery sheen of her hair as she tilted her head. “Some of us don’t waste energy stressing over things we can’t control. Big difference.”
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The sharp exchange hung in the air, tension crackling like static. Tessa yanked at her wrist guard with more force than necessary, the leather creaking under her grip. The faint scent of the courtyard’s freshly trimmed hedges mingled with the earthy aroma of Lirien’s tea, grounding them in the moment despite the clash of their personalities.
“Not stressing. Preparing,” Tessa said through gritted teeth, her voice clipped.
“Mmhmm,” Lirien murmured, clearly unconvinced. She set her cup down on the bench with a soft clink, crossing her arms as she regarded Tessa. “If you say so. But you’re going to burn yourself out before the match even starts.”
Tessa turned on her, her glare fierce. “And what would you know about it? You don’t take anything seriously.”
“Oh, I take plenty seriously,” Lirien shot back, placing a hand over her heart in mock indignation. “I just don’t let it show. There’s a difference.”
“You sound like Eike,” Tessa muttered, rolling her eyes.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Lirien replied, her grin softening. She straightened, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve. “But for what it’s worth, I think you’ll be fine. Ren’s good, sure, but you’ve got something he doesn’t.”
Tessa blinked, caught off guard. “What’s that?”
“Stubbornness,” Lirien said simply. Her tone was uncharacteristically genuine, though her smirk lingered. “And maybe just enough unpredictability to keep him on his toes. You’ll figure it out.”
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Tessa hesitated, the sharpness in her posture softening. Her hands relaxed at her sides as she studied Lirien, searching for the teasing jab that usually followed such comments. But Lirien’s expression didn’t shift, her confidence tempered with something that almost resembled sincerity.
“Thanks,” Tessa muttered, her voice grudging but not ungrateful.
“Don’t mention it,” Lirien replied breezily, stepping into a patch of sunlight. She tilted her face toward the warmth, her confidence radiating even in stillness. “Really. Don’t.”
A flicker of a smile crossed Tessa’s lips before she shook her head, muttering under her breath. “You’re unbelievable.”
Lirien chuckled, her gaze drifting toward the arena as the distant cheers of another match reached them. “I try.”
The comfortable silence that followed was a rare thing between them. Tessa resumed adjusting her gloves, while Lirien picked up her tea again, swirling it absently. The golden liquid caught the sunlight, gleaming faintly as her thoughts seemed to drift elsewhere.
“Why do you even care?” Tessa asked suddenly, her curiosity breaking through the quiet.
Lirien raised an eyebrow. “Care about what?”
“Whether I win or lose,” Tessa clarified, her tone careful.
For a brief moment, Lirien’s smirk faltered, something unspoken flickering across her features. Then, just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by her usual teasing grin.
“Because watching you squirm is fun,” Lirien said, her voice lilting with amusement.
Tessa rolled her eyes. “Of course. Should’ve known.”
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Lirien drained the last of her tea, setting the empty cup on the bench with deliberate precision. Her smirk lingered, but there was an edge to it now—something sharper beneath the surface.
“Ren’s good,” she said, her tone shifting. “But he plays it safe. If you want to beat him, don’t hesitate when it counts.”
“I don’t plan to,” Tessa replied, her resolve hardening.
“Good,” Lirien said, brushing an errant strand of hair from her face. “Because hesitation gets you nowhere. Or worse.”
Tessa frowned, the weight of Lirien’s words sinking in. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Lirien shrugged, her expression unreadable. “It’s just Ascension Week, Tess. Not everyone walks out unscathed, but that’s all part of the fun.”
Tessa’s lips thinned, unease flickering across her face. “That’s… a dark way to look at it.”
“Maybe,” Lirien replied, stepping away. “But isn’t that the point? Testing how far you’re willing to go to prove you belong?”
Before Tessa could respond, the professor’s voice boomed across the courtyard.
“Yvareth! Luroth! Your match is about to begin!”
Lirien gestured toward the arena with a knowing grin. “Time to shine, Tess. Don’t let him pin you down.”
Tessa tightened her gloves one last time, her expression resolute. “I won’t.”
As Tessa walked toward the arena, Lirien lingered by the bench, her smirk softening as she watched her friend’s determined stride. The cheers from the arena reached her ears, but she barely heard them over her own thoughts.
“Don’t hesitate,” she murmured under her breath, her fingers brushing against the polished edge of her uniform badge. “Hesitation is what gets you killed.”
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The arena brimmed with energy, the crowd’s anticipation palpable as students filled the stands. Ascension Week was in full swing, and duels like this one were its lifeblood—opportunities for students to prove their mettle and, for some, earn their way to the next rank. Promotions during the week were common enough to maintain excitement but carried the weight of individual accomplishment. Each badge awarded represented a step closer to the pinnacle of mastery Ardencrest Academy promised.
Ren Luroth entered the arena first, his confident stride matched by his polished appearance. His Silver-trimmed uniform fit him perfectly, the embroidered cuffs and lapel exuding quiet elegance. The silver badge pinned to his chest caught the sunlight, and he adjusted it absently as he surveyed the battlefield. Ren’s demeanor was as sharp as his gaze—calculated, composed, and ever aware of the audience watching his every move.
From the opposite entrance, Tessa Yvareth stepped into the arena, her silver badge gleaming against the crisp fabric of her uniform. Unlike Ren, her jacket bore faint scuffs from countless training sessions, a testament to her tenacity. Her hair was tied back in a simple braid, and her piercing blue eyes locked onto Ren’s with unwavering focus.
Their rivalry wasn’t born of animosity but of shared ambition. Both were climbing the same ladder, pushing themselves to surpass not just their peers but each other.
The supervising professor raised his hand, his voice resonating across the arena. “Ren Luroth and Tessa Yvareth, both Silver rank. The victor of this duel will be determined by incapacitation, yielding, or an undeniable advantage. Ren Luroth, should you achieve victory, your performance will determine your eligibility for promotion to Gold rank.”
The crowd’s murmur of approval rippled through the stands. A Gold badge wasn’t a rarity during Ascension Week, but it always marked a student as someone ready to shoulder greater expectations.
“Begin!” the professor called, dropping his hand.
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Ren didn’t waste a second. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a sharp gust of wind that swept across the arena, scattering sand and forcing Tessa to retreat.
“He’s testing my reactions,” Tessa thought, her eyes narrowing.
She thrust her hands forward, drawing moisture from the air to form a shimmering shield of water. The gust collided with the shield, sending droplets flying, but Tessa stood her ground.
Ren stepped to the side, his movements smooth and deliberate. With another motion, he sent three crescent-shaped wind blades hurtling toward her. They whistled through the air, their edges sharp enough to slice through stone.
Tessa countered with precision, sweeping her arm upward to send a column of water spiraling toward the blades. Two were deflected, but the third grazed her shoulder, leaving a shallow tear in her uniform.
“You’re predictable,” Ren said, his voice calm but taunting.
Tessa smirked, despite the sting in her shoulder. “And you’re arrogant.”
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Ren advanced, summoning a swirling vortex of wind that kicked up a wall of sand around him. The crowd gasped as the air within the vortex shimmered, making Ren’s form difficult to see.
Tessa’s lips pressed into a thin line. “If he wants to play defense, I’ll force him to move.”
She crouched low, pressing her hands to the ground and drawing moisture from deep beneath the arena. The sand at Ren’s feet turned to wet mud, sticking to his boots and slowing his movements.
The vortex faltered as Ren stumbled slightly, giving Tessa her opening. She thrust her arms upward, sending a torrent of water surging toward him.
Ren’s eyes narrowed. With a sharp gesture, he compressed the vortex into a concentrated gale that shot forward, slicing through the water like a blade. The force of the wind sent Tessa skidding backward, her boots digging into the sand to keep her balance.
“Not bad,” Ren said, his voice carrying over the fading roar of the wind. “But it’ll take more than that.”
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Tessa wiped sweat from her brow, her mind racing. “He’s too controlled. I need to make him react.”
She raised her hands, channeling mana into the air around her. The water droplets left over from her deflected attack condensed into tiny orbs, hovering like beads of glass. With a sharp motion, she sent the orbs flying toward Ren, forcing him to dodge.
As he sidestepped, Tessa stomped her foot, sending a ripple through the wet sand. A column of water erupted beneath him, catching him off guard and drenching him.
The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter as Ren stumbled, his usually composed expression cracking into one of mild annoyance.
“You’re really trying, huh?” Ren said, shaking water from his hair.
“Gotta keep you on your toes,” Tessa shot back, her grin sharp.
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Ren’s gaze sharpened. “Then let’s end this.”
He raised both hands, and the air around him shimmered with concentrated mana. The temperature seemed to drop as the wind howled louder, forming a swirling storm around him. The sand rose into the air, obscuring him entirely.
Tessa braced herself, summoning a thick shield of water. The crowd fell silent as Ren’s storm surged forward, a roaring wall of wind and sand.
The shield held for a moment before the storm overwhelmed it, shattering the water into droplets that scattered like rain. The force of the wind slammed into Tessa, sending her sprawling across the arena.
When the dust settled, Tessa lay on the ground, panting and clutching her side. Her gloves were torn, her uniform stained with sand and water.
The professor stepped forward, raising his hand. “This match is over! The winner: Ren Luroth!”
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The crowd roared as Ren approached Tessa, extending a hand to help her up. His usual smirk softened into something almost kind.
“You gave me a run for my money,” he said. “That water column? Nice touch.”
Tessa groaned as she took his hand, pulling herself to her feet. “Don’t get used to winning, Luroth. Next time, I’ll drown you.”
Ren chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ll be ready.”
The professor approached, holding out a Gold badge. “Ren Luroth, you’ve demonstrated exceptional skill and precision. Welcome to Gold rank.”
Ren accepted the badge with a small bow, but his gaze lingered on Tessa. “You’ll get there, Tess. Just keep pushing.”
Tessa rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips.
THE COBBLESTONES OF ARDENCREST’S MAIN COURTYARD GLINTED UNDER THE AFTERNOON SUN, THEIR WARM SURFACE UNEVEN BENEATH THE GROUP’S STEPS. MANA TREES, THEIR CRYSTALLINE LEAVES SHIMMERING FAINTLY, CAST DAPPLED SHADOWS ACROSS THE PATHS. THE GENTLE HUM OF THEIR MAGIC MINGLED WITH THE CHATTER OF PASSING STUDENTS, THE SOUND A CONSTANT UNDERCURRENT DURING THE CHAOS OF ASCENSION WEEK.
REN WALKED AHEAD, HIS STRIDES CONFIDENT AND DELIBERATE. THE GOLD BADGE PINNED TO HIS CHEST GLEAMED IN THE SUNLIGHT, A MARK OF HIS RECENT VICTORY. HIS TAILORED UNIFORM, SILVER EMBROIDERY NOW A SUBTLE CONTRAST TO THE GOLDEN TRIM HE HAD YET TO EARN, CAUGHT THE LIGHT WITH EVERY STEP. BEHIND HIM, TESSA FOLLOWED, HER SHOULDERS TENSE, HER EXPRESSION UNREADABLE AS HER BOOTS STRUCK THE COBBLESTONES WITH PURPOSE.
AYO AND EIKE BROUGHT UP THE REAR, THEIR CONTRASTING DEMEANORS AS DISTINCT AS THEIR RANKS. EIKE’S EASY GRIN AND CASUAL GAIT BELIED HIS SHARP AWARENESS, WHILE AYO’S EYES STAYED FIXED ON THE GROUND, HIS SHOULDERS SLIGHTLY HUNCHED. THE WHISPERS OF NEARBY STUDENTS SEEMED TO FOLLOW THEM LIKE AN UNSHAKABLE SHADOW.
“DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE GRAY RANK EARLIER?” ONE STUDENT MURMURED AS THEY PASSED.
“THEY SAID HE COLLAPSED IN THE MIDDLE OF A MATCH,” ANOTHER REPLIED, HER TONE HUSHED. “MANA DEPLETION. BARELY MADE IT OUT ALIVE.”
AYO FLINCHED, HIS STEPS FALTERING. THE MENTION OF THE GRAY RANK PIERCED THROUGH THE HAZE OF HIS THOUGHTS, AND HIS GAZE DROPPED LOWER. HIS SHADOW FLICKERED FAINTLY AGAINST THE COBBLESTONES, CURLING LIKE SMOKE BEFORE SETTLING.
EIKE TILTED HIS HEAD AT THE WHISPERS, HIS GRIN FADING. “MANA DEPLETION?” HE REPEATED, HIS TONE UNUSUALLY SERIOUS. “THAT’S NOT SOMETHING YOU HEAR EVERY DAY.”
“THEY SHOULD’VE STOPPED THE DUEL SOONER,” TESSA SAID SHARPLY, TURNING HER HEAD SLIGHTLY TO GLANCE AT THE GROUP. “BUT THEY DIDN’T. HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS BY THE TIME THEY GOT TO HIM.”
REN SLOWED HIS PACE, HIS VOICE STEADY BUT WITH AN EDGE OF UNEASE. “THAT’S ON HIM. THE SIGNS ARE ALWAYS THERE. IF YOU IGNORE THEM, YOU’RE PLAYING WITH FIRE.”
TESSA’S EYES NARROWED. “AND YOU THINK THAT MAKES IT OKAY? THAT WE’RE JUST SUPPOSED TO ACCEPT IT WHEN SOMEONE BURNS OUT?”
“NO,” REN SAID EVENLY, TURNING TO FACE HER FULLY. “BUT IT’S REALITY. THE ACADEMY WON’T HOLD YOUR HAND. YOU PUSH TOO FAR, YOU DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.”
“THAT’S EASY FOR YOU TO SAY,” TESSA SNAPPED, CROSSING HER ARMS. “YOU’RE GOLD NOW. YOU DON’T HAVE TO CLAW YOUR WAY UP ANYMORE.”
REN’S SMIRK FALTERED. FOR A BRIEF MOMENT, HIS GAZE FLICKED TO THE BADGE ON HIS CHEST, HIS FINGERS BRUSHING AGAINST IT ABSENTLY. “YOU THINK IT’S EASIER AT GOLD?” HE SAID QUIETLY. “THE PRESSURE DOESN’T GO AWAY, TESS. IF ANYTHING, IT GETS WORSE.”
TESSA’S SHOULDERS STIFFENED, HER EXPRESSION SOFTENING AS HER FRUSTRATION MET THE WEIGHT OF REN’S WORDS.
The group stopped at the central courtyard fountain, its cascading water sparkling in the afternoon sun. The soft trickle mixed with the distant hum of mana lamps, their faint glow beginning to intensify as the shadows stretched across the cobblestones. Students passing by threw curious glances toward Ren, his newly acquired Gold badge gleaming against his chest like a beacon.
Eike stretched lazily, his hands clasped behind his head as he leaned against the fountain’s edge. “Well, that’s another day down. And what a day it’s been. Promotions, duels, Tess glaring daggers—almost feels like we’ve hit the Ascension Week jackpot.”
Tessa, seated on the fountain’s stone rim, shot him a glare sharp enough to cut through steel. “You’re insufferable.”
“I try,” Eike replied with a mock bow, his grin widening.
Ren, standing near the fountain’s edge, adjusted his badge with casual precision. “Well, I’m done for the week.” His smirk carried an air of finality. “No point in sticking around when I’ve already proven what I needed to.”
Tessa crossed her arms tightly, the tension in her posture mirrored by the thin line of her lips. “Must be nice, huh? Getting to tap out early while the rest of us keep grinding.”
“Must be,” Ren replied, his voice light, though there was an edge of something beneath it. “But don’t think I’m not watching. You’re not far behind, Tess.” He glanced at her meaningfully, his smirk softening just slightly. “Keep pushing. You’ll get there.”
Tessa blinked, her scowl faltering for a moment before returning with half the intensity. “Yeah, well, don’t get too comfortable. Gold badge or not, you’re still fair game.”
Ren chuckled, the sound low and easy. “I’d expect nothing less.”
He turned to Ayo, who had been lingering near the edge of the group, his eyes distant as they lingered on the fountain’s shimmering surface. “And you, Solara?” Ren’s tone was casual, but his gaze held something heavier. “You’ve got potential. Don’t waste it.”
Ayo’s head snapped up, his eyes meeting Ren’s briefly before flicking away. The distorted reflection in the fountain’s water rippled as he muttered, “Sure.”
Ren lingered for a moment, as though debating whether to say more, but he eventually turned away. With a casual wave over his shoulder, he strode off toward the Golden Tower, his figure cutting a sharp silhouette against the fading light.
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Tessa sighed heavily, brushing her braid over her shoulder as she glared after Ren. “Unbelievable. He’s not even trying to hide how smug he is.”
“You’re just mad he beat you,” Eike said, his grin as teasing as ever.
Tessa’s eyes snapped to him, blazing. “Mad? I’m not mad! I’m—” She cut herself off, throwing up her hands. “You know what? Fine. Think whatever you want. It doesn’t matter.”
Eike raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Doesn’t matter, huh? So, what’s the real issue? Jealousy? Or are you mad he’s got more faith in Ayo than you do?”
Tessa’s face flushed crimson, her jaw tightening. “I have plenty of faith in Ayo,” she snapped. “But I’m not blind, Eike. You think Luroth’s encouragement means anything? He’s just saying what he has to say because he’s already at the top.”
Her voice softened, though her words remained sharp. “And Ayo’s... he’s too nice to see it. He’s easy to take advantage of.”
Ayo blinked, the conversation finally pulling him from his thoughts. “That’s not fair. Ren’s not—” He stopped short, his voice catching as a flicker of deep sadness flashed across his face.
For the briefest moment, Ayo’s eyes shifted, their dark pupils rimmed with a deep blue hue that almost glowed against the light. The others didn’t notice the change, too caught up in their banter,
Tessa hesitated, her expression softening as she registered the tension in Ayo’s posture. “I didn’t mean it like that, Ayo,” she said quietly, the edge gone from her tone. “I just... don’t want you getting hurt. That’s all.”
Eike clapped his hands together, breaking the silence with an exaggerated sigh. “Well, this has been sufficiently awkward. Let’s call it a draw and move on before Tess actually starts throwing punches.”
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The tension eased slightly as Eike’s usual banter pulled Tessa back into the conversation, but Ayo remained quiet. He drifted a few steps away, his gaze drawn downward once more. The shadows stretching across the courtyard felt too long, too alive.
His own shadow shifted faintly, curling at the edges in ways that didn’t match the movement of the fountain or the angle of the sunlight. It stretched and contracted, as though testing its boundaries. Ayo’s chest tightened, a faint chill running down his spine despite the warm afternoon air.
He clenched his fists, forcing himself to look away. The shadows stilled, but the unease lingered.
“Hey, Ayo!” Eike called, his grin firmly back in place. “You spacing out again? Come on, let’s grab something to eat before the next match starts.”
Ayo glanced up, his forced smile faltering before he managed to nod. “Yeah. Sure.”
As they walked away from the fountain, the whispers of passing students followed them, mingling with the steady hum of the mana lamps. Ayo kept his head down, his thoughts heavy as the flicker of his shadow danced just out of sight.
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The Silver Tower Arena buzzed with anticipation, the crowd packed shoulder-to-shoulder on the stone benches that ringed the coliseum. Enchanted glass above refracted the sunlight into shifting patterns of gold and silver that danced across the sand-covered floor. The faint hum of mana filled the air, a tangible reminder of the arena’s protective barrier shimmering faintly around the battlefield.
Eike stood at one end of the arena, his golden badge catching the sunlight like a trophy. His pristine Gold rank uniform was sharp and regal, the golden accents highlighting his lean frame and silver hair. His relaxed posture and easy smirk belied the precision of his every movement. A faint orb of light danced in his palm, dissipating with a casual flick of his fingers as he turned his gaze toward his opponent.
Lirien, at the opposite end, was a stark contrast. Her Silver rank uniform, trimmed with sleek, polished embroidery, hugged her figure like armor, and her crimson hair, tied back in a loose braid, framed her fierce green eyes. She tapped her spear against the sand, sending ripples of mana outward in challenge. Her energy crackled like a storm barely restrained, the faint flames that licked along her weapon a testament to her fiery determination.
The crowd’s excitement swelled as the professor overseeing the match stepped forward, his voice amplified by a simple spell.
“Eike Eravyn of the Gold rank versus Lirien Veyra of the Silver rank. Combatants, are you ready?”
Eike raised a hand lazily, his smirk widening as he glanced toward the stands. His silver eyes caught a flash of familiar white hair, and his grin grew sharper.
“Always. But I’m not the one with something to prove.”
Lirien rolled her eyes, spinning her spear in a smooth arc. The motion left a faint trail of fire in the air as she planted the butt of the weapon into the sand.
“Save the theatrics, golden boy. We both know who’s got something to prove here.”
Eike chuckled, his tone light and teasing.
“Oh, no theatrics—just facts. Solara’s watching, you know.” He gestured toward the stands with a tilt of his head, where Ayo sat amidst the crowd, looking distinctly uncomfortable in the midst of the buzz.
Lirien’s green eyes flicked toward the stands for the briefest moment before snapping back to Eike. Her lips pressed into a thin line.
“And?”
“And,” Eike continued, his grin widening,
“you’d better put on a good show. Wouldn’t want to disappoint your biggest fan—or, should I say, your new boyfriend?”
The faintest flush of red crept up Lirien’s neck, but her grip on her spear tightened, and her smirk returned.
“Funny,” she shot back. “I didn’t know you were jealous.”
The crowd, oblivious to their exchange, roared with approval as the professor raised his hand. Lirien stepped forward, her spear igniting in a blaze of flame as she twirled it above her head.
“Try to keep up, Eravyn.”
The professor brought his hand down in a sharp motion. “Begin!”
Lirien wasted no time. With a burst of speed, she lunged forward, her spear trailing flames as she aimed for Eike’s midsection. The heat rippled outward, forcing nearby spectators to lean back instinctively. Eike sidestepped the attack with minimal effort, a shimmering barrier of light manifesting just in time to deflect the spear’s fiery tip.
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“Too slow,” Eike said, his voice calm and teasing. He raised his hand, and a blinding lance of light materialized, hurling toward Lirien with precision.
She twisted her body, narrowly evading the projectile, her movements fluid despite the heavy momentum of her charge. Pivoting, she thrust her spear downward, summoning a burst of fire that exploded outward in a wide arc. The crowd gasped as the sand beneath Eike’s feet ignited, flames roaring upward.
When the fire cleared, Eike stood unharmed, a radiant shield shimmering around him. “Impressive, but predictable.”
Lirien smirked, her voice laced with defiance. “We’ll see how predictable this is.”
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The duel quickly escalated into a dazzling display of contrasting techniques. Eike moved with calculated precision, summoning weapons and shields of light that flickered into existence only long enough to deflect or strike. Every motion was deliberate, his mana efficiency drawing murmurs of admiration from the crowd.
Lirien, in contrast, fought like a tempest. Her fiery strikes were relentless, each one pushing Eike further back. She spun her spear, flames and embers swirling around her like a living inferno. Despite the raw aggression of her attacks, there was a method to her chaos; she used the heat and smoke to obscure her movements, forcing Eike to react.
“You’re wasting energy,” Eike called out as he leaped onto a platform of light, ascending above the flames. “Burning through your mana won’t win you this match.”
“Shut up and fight me!” Lirien shouted, slamming her spear into the ground. A fiery shockwave rippled outward, scorching the arena’s sand and forcing Eike to conjure another barrier. The impact sent ripples through the mana barrier surrounding the battlefield, drawing gasps from the audience.
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The duel had become a spectacle, with both combatants drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. The heat of Lirien’s flames still lingered in the air, mixing with the faint scent of ozone from her earlier lightning strikes. Sand scorched black and rippled under the clash of mana.
Eike’s effortless movements and radiant shields were beginning to chip away at Lirien’s momentum. His golden badge gleamed under the sunlight, a reminder of his mastery and composure. Meanwhile, Lirien’s breathing grew heavier, her strikes losing some of their ferocity.
Eike leaned slightly to one side, his smirk as infuriating as ever. “Running out of steam already, Princess? I expected more from the academy’s Silver darling.”
Lirien didn’t respond, but her smirk was answer enough. She spun her spear once more, extinguishing the flames that had roared along its length. The abrupt change left the arena in hushed confusion, the crowd murmuring. Then, with a single, deliberate thrust, arcs of blue-white lightning erupted from the tip of her weapon, illuminating the battlefield in sharp, erratic patterns.
The reaction was immediate. Gasps rippled through the audience, their excitement rising again.
“Well, well,” Eike drawled, summoning a lance of light into his hand. “Lightning now? You’ve been holding out on me. I feel almost flattered.”
“You’re about to feel a lot more than that,” Lirien shot back.
She surged forward, her spear crackling with electricity. Her speed was blistering, a blur of motion that left jagged trails of lightning sparking across the sand. Eike raised a glowing barrier just in time, the spear colliding with a deafening crack that echoed throughout the arena. The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, forcing the closest spectators to shield their faces from the blast of heat and light.
Eike stumbled back, his shield spiderwebbed with cracks. His golden eyes narrowed, and for the first time, the smirk slipped from his face. “Not bad,” he muttered, his voice edged with genuine respect.
But Lirien wasn’t done. Spinning her spear again, she struck the sand, summoning a torrent of water that surged toward Eike like a crashing wave. It raced across the arena, pooling beneath his feet and glimmering with faint mana trails.
Eike leapt onto a radiant platform he summoned midair, floating just above the wave’s reach. He chuckled, his smirk returning. “Water now? What’s next, Princess?”
Lirien grinned, her green eyes blazing with triumph. “You’ll see.”
The water beneath Eike surged upward without warning, tendrils reaching for him as though alive. Before he could react, Lirien thrust her spear forward, her mana flaring as the water flash-froze in mid-motion. Jagged ice crystals shot out, locking Eike’s feet in place. Frost crept upward, the cold biting into his boots as it spread along the platform.
Eike’s composure wavered. “Ice too?” he murmured, his voice low with surprise. “You’re full of surprises.”
Lirien didn’t give him a chance to recover. Her spear crackled with renewed lightning as she channeled her mana, the electricity racing toward Eike in a brilliant arc.
Eike’s golden lance materialized in an instant, slicing through the air to intercept the lightning. The resulting explosion lit up the arena, a dazzling burst of light and energy that left the crowd stunned into silence.
The shockwave from the blast sent Lirien sliding back across the scorched sand, her boots skidding against the frost-covered ground. Eike’s platform of light shattered under the force, dropping him back to the battlefield with a sharp thud. He landed in a crouch, his lance dissipating as he rose.
Both combatants paused, their breathing heavy, their mana visibly waning. The arena was silent except for the faint hiss of dissipating energy.
The professor overseeing the duel raised both hands, his voice booming. “Enough! This match ends in a draw!”
Cheers erupted from the stands, the tension breaking into a storm of applause and excitement. The crowd rose to their feet, shouting their approval of what would surely be one of the most talked-about duels of Ascension Week.
The ice binding Eike’s feet melted into shimmering puddles as Lirien lowered her spear, planting it firmly in the ground for balance. Sweat trickled down her temple, but the glint of pride in her green eyes burned brighter than ever.
Eike dusted off his uniform, his smirk firmly back in place. “Not bad, Veyra. Not bad at all.”
“Next time,” Lirien said, her voice hoarse but unyielding, “I’ll win.”
Eike chuckled, brushing a silver lock of hair out of his eyes. “I’ll hold you to that.”
The professor stepped forward, his voice commanding as he addressed the crowd. “Both combatants have demonstrated exceptional skill. Lirien Veyra, your mastery over fire, water, lightning, and ice, as well as your performance against a Gold rank, warrants recognition. Effective immediately, you are promoted to Gold rank.”
The roar of the crowd was deafening as the professor handed Lirien the gleaming badge. She stared at it for a long moment, her fingers brushing the smooth surface before gripping it firmly.
Eike leaned closer as she examined the badge, his tone softer but no less teasing. “Enjoy it, Princess. It suits you.”
Lirien’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “Next time, I won’t stop at a draw.”
As the crowd’s cheers began to fade, the professor dismissed the audience with a wave of his hand. The protective mana barrier flickered and dissipated, the shimmering light collapsing like rippling water. Students filed out of the Silver Tower Arena, their conversations buzzing with excitement and speculation.
Eike and Lirien lingered on the battlefield, their expressions a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. Lirien adjusted the new Gold badge pinned to her uniform, her fingers brushing over its polished surface. She felt the weight of it—not just physical, but the pressure it symbolized. This wasn’t just recognition; it was a challenge to prove she belonged among the academy’s elite.
“You don’t seem as smug as usual,” Eike observed, stepping closer with his characteristic grin. “Gold rank not living up to expectations?”
Lirien glanced at him, her green eyes sharp despite the fatigue etched into her features. “I don’t need smugness to enjoy this moment. But don’t worry, I’ll rub it in later.”
Eike laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Good to know. I’d hate to think I was the only one keeping this rivalry fun.”
She rolled her eyes but didn’t reply. Instead, she turned her gaze to the now-empty stands, her mind replaying the duel. She’d pushed herself harder than ever, but the cracks in her defenses had been too obvious. If it hadn’t been for the professor’s intervention, she wasn’t sure she could have kept up with Eike’s precision.
“You were holding back,” she said suddenly, her voice quiet but firm.
Eike tilted his head, feigning confusion. “Was I?”
“Don’t play dumb,” she snapped, gripping the haft of her spear tightly. “You could’ve ended that match if you wanted to.”
He held her gaze for a long moment before shrugging. “Maybe. Or maybe I just didn’t want to.”
Lirien bristled, stepping closer until they were nearly eye-to-eye. “Why?”
Eike’s smirk softened into something more genuine. “Because, Lirien, I wanted to see what you’d do next. And I wasn’t disappointed.”
Her breath hitched at his unexpected sincerity, but she quickly masked it with a scoff. “You’re impossible, Eravyn.”
“And you’re predictable, Veyra,” he replied smoothly, though there was a warmth in his tone that softened the words.
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FROM THE SIDELINES, AYO WATCHED THE EXCHANGE WITH A MIXTURE OF AWE AND TREPIDATION. HE LEANED AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE ARENA’S STONE BARRIER, THE COOL STONE PRESSING AGAINST HIS FOREARMS AS HE CROSSED THEM TIGHTLY OVER HIS CHEST. THE SHADOWS AT HIS FEET FLICKERED FAINTLY, CURLING INWARD AND OUTWARD AS IF ECHOING THE UNEASE IN HIS MIND. NO ONE SEEMED TO NOTICE THE MOVEMENT—OR IF THEY DID, THEY DIDN’T COMMENT.
EIKE AND LIRIEN’S DUEL HAD BEEN MESMERIZING—NOT JUST FOR THE SHEER SPECTACLE OF IT, BUT FOR THE WAY THEY PUSHED EACH OTHER TO THEIR ABSOLUTE LIMITS. THEIR POWER WAS UNDENIABLE, THEIR CONFIDENCE UNWAVERING, AND THEIR CONTROL OVER THEIR ABILITIES FELT LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF A STORYBOOK. EVERY STEP, EVERY ATTACK WAS CALCULATED, PRECISE, AND BRIMMING WITH INTENT.
AYO COULDN’T HELP BUT COMPARE HIMSELF TO THEM. A GOLD RANK AND A NEWLY PROMOTED GOLD, THEIR SKILL LEVELS WERE LIGHT-YEARS AHEAD OF WHERE HE STOOD AS A GRAY. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM FELT VAST, AN INSURMOUNTABLE CHASM THAT LEFT HIM QUESTIONING HIS PLACE AT ARDENCREST.
HIS JAW TIGHTENED, THE EDGES OF HIS SHADOW FLICKERING MORE ERRATICALLY AS HIS MIND CHURNED.
“YOU’RE BROODING AGAIN,” REN’S VOICE CUT THROUGH HIS THOUGHTS, SMOOTH AND UNBOTHERED AS ALWAYS.
AYO FLINCHED SLIGHTLY, GLANCING TO HIS LEFT TO SEE REN LEANING AGAINST THE BARRIER BESIDE HIM. HIS MOVEMENTS WERE CASUAL, BUT THE SHARP GLINT IN HIS BLUE EYES SUGGESTED HE WAS WATCHING AYO CLOSELY. THE POLISHED GOLD BADGE PINNED TO HIS CHEST GLEAMED IN THE SUNLIGHT, AN EVER-PRESENT REMINDER OF HIS NEWLY ELEVATED STATUS.
“I’M NOT BROODING,” AYO MUTTERED, THOUGH THE LACK OF CONVICTION IN HIS TONE MADE THE WORDS FEEL HOLLOW.
REN’S LIPS CURVED INTO A FAINT SMIRK AS HE SLIPPED HIS HAND INTO HIS POCKET, HIS FINGERS TOYING IDLY WITH ONE OF THE SILVER RINGS THAT ADORNED THEM. THE FAINT CLINK OF METAL AGAINST METAL WAS ALMOST DROWNED OUT BY THE BUZZ OF THE CROWD, BUT AYO’S KEEN EARS PICKED IT UP.
“SURE YOU’RE NOT,” REN REPLIED, HIS TONE LACED WITH DRY AMUSEMENT. HE ROTATED ONE OF THE RINGS AROUND HIS FINGER ABSENTLY, THE MOTION AS DELIBERATE AS HIS WORDS. “LET ME GUESS—WATCHING THOSE TWO MADE YOU FEEL SMALL?”
AYO DIDN’T RESPOND. HE DIDN’T HAVE TO. HIS SILENCE WAS ANSWER ENOUGH.
REN TILTED HIS HEAD, HIS SMIRK FADING SLIGHTLY AS HE TAPPED HIS KNUCKLES AGAINST THE BARRIER. “RELAX, SOLARA,” HE SAID, HIS TONE SOFTENING. “THEY’RE GOLDS NOW. YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE AT THEIR LEVEL YET. THAT’S THE WHOLE POINT OF THE RANKINGS.”
AYO GLANCED AT HIM, HIS BROW FURROWING. “IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE THAT’S THE POINT,” HE SAID QUIETLY.
REN SHRUGGED, SPINNING ANOTHER RING WITH THE PRACTICED EASE OF SOMEONE WHO ALWAYS NEEDED TO KEEP HIS HANDS BUSY. “YOU’RE OVERTHINKING IT. PROGRESS ISN’T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. AND BESIDES…” HE STRAIGHTENED, LETTING HIS SMIRK FADE INTO SOMETHING MORE THOUGHTFUL. “YOU’VE GOT SOMETHING THEY DON’T.”
AYO FROWNED, TURNING FULLY TOWARD HIM. “AND WHAT’S THAT?”
REN’S GAZE FLICKED BRIEFLY TO THE FAINT FLICKER OF AYO’S SHADOW BEFORE MEETING HIS EYES AGAIN. HIS VOICE DROPPED JUST SLIGHTLY, ENOUGH TO MAKE THE WORDS FEEL HEAVIER. “YOU’LL FIGURE IT OUT EVENTUALLY. JUST DON’T WASTE IT.”
AYO OPENED HIS MOUTH TO PRESS FURTHER, BUT REN WAS ALREADY PUSHING OFF THE BARRIER, HIS MOVEMENTS AS SMOOTH AND EFFORTLESS AS EVER. HE OFFERED A LAZY WAVE OVER HIS SHOULDER AS HE STRODE TOWARD THE GOLDEN TOWER, HIS CONFIDENCE PALPABLE WITH EVERY STEP.
AYO TURNED BACK TO THE ARENA, HIS THOUGHTS SWIRLING AS HIS GAZE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. HIS SHADOW WAS STILL NOW, AS IF IT HAD NEVER MOVED. BUT HE COULDN’T SHAKE THE FEELING THAT SOMETHING ABOUT IT—ABOUT HIMSELF—WAS CHANGING.
LIRIEN STOOD AT THE EDGE OF THE ARENA, HER CHEST HEAVING AS SHE STRUGGLED TO CATCH HER BREATH. THE ADRENALINE FROM THE DUEL THRUMMED IN HER VEINS, AN INTOXICATING HUM THAT LEFT HER FEELING BOTH DRAINED AND ALIVE. HER CRIMSON BRAID CLUNG TO HER DAMP NECK, SWEAT-SOAKED STRANDS ESCAPING TO FRAME HER FLUSHED FACE.
THE CROWD WAS BEGINNING TO DISPERSE, THEIR EXCITED CHATTER CARRYING FRAGMENTS OF HER NAME INTERTWINED WITH EIKE’S. SHE COULD HEAR THEM—AWED WHISPERS ABOUT HER DUAL AFFINITIES, MURMURS OF DISBELIEF THAT THE ACADEMY’S SO-CALLED “SILVER PRINCESS” HAD GONE TOE-TO-TOE WITH A GOLD RANK. BUT THE NOISE FELT DISTANT, MUFFLED BY THE ROARING THOUGHTS IN HER MIND.
HER GAZE REMAINED FIXED ON THE BATTLEFIELD. THE SCORCHED SAND, THE JAGGED CRACKS CARVED BY EIKE’S RADIANT LANCES, THE FROST-COVERED PATCHES THAT STILL HISSED FAINTLY UNDER THE SUNLIGHT—ALL OF IT PAINTED A VIVID PICTURE OF THEIR CLASH. THE DESTRUCTION WAS A REFLECTION OF HER EFFORT, OF THE RAW POWER SHE’D SUMMONED IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT.
AND YET, AS SHE TIGHTENED HER GRIP ON HER SPEAR, THE SIGHT LEFT HER UNSATISFIED.
THE BATTLEFIELD WASN’T JUST A TESTAMENT TO HER STRENGTH; IT WAS A GLARING REMINDER OF HER LIMITS. EACH MARK IN THE SAND WAS PROOF OF HOW FAR SHE’D COME, BUT ALSO OF HOW MUCH FURTHER SHE STILL HAD TO GO.
EIKE’S VOICE ECHOED IN HER MIND, TEASING AND INFURIATING ALL AT ONCE. THE MEMORY OF HIS SMUG GRIN AS HE EFFORTLESSLY SIDESTEPPED HER STRIKES SENT A FLARE OF IRRITATION THROUGH HER CHEST. HE’D MADE IT LOOK EASY—TOO EASY. AND YET, SHE COULDN’T IGNORE THE TRUTH: HE’D FORCED HER TO FIGHT HARDER, TO ADAPT FASTER, TO DIG DEEPER THAN SHE EVER HAD BEFORE.
SHE HATED HIM FOR IT.
AND SHE WAS GRATEFUL FOR IT.
A FAINT, BEGRUDGING SMILE TUGGED AT HER LIPS, THOUGH SHE QUICKLY STIFLED IT. SHE COULDN’T AFFORD TO DWELL ON THE PAST, EVEN IF IT WAS ONLY MINUTES BEHIND HER. WHAT MATTERED NOW WAS WHAT LAY AHEAD.
“I’LL PROVE IT,” SHE MURMURED UNDER HER BREATH, HER VOICE LOW BUT STEADY, THE FIRE BENEATH IT UNMISTAKABLE.
HER GREEN EYES BURNED WITH RENEWED DETERMINATION AS SHE STRAIGHTENED HER POSTURE, HER SPEAR RESTING AGAINST HER SHOULDER. THE SLEEK, POLISHED GOLD BADGE PINNED TO HER UNIFORM GLINTED IN THE SUNLIGHT, ITS WEIGHT HEAVIER THAN SHE’D EXPECTED. BUT IT WASN’T A BURDEN—IT WAS A CHALLENGE. A SYMBOL OF THE EXPECTATIONS SHE WOULD NOW HAVE TO EXCEED.
EACH STEP SHE TOOK AWAY FROM THE ARENA WAS MEASURED AND PURPOSEFUL. HER BOOTS CRUNCHED AGAINST THE SAND, LEAVING A TRAIL BEHIND HER THAT CUT THROUGH THE BATTLEFIELD’S CHAOS. THE WHISPERS OF ADMIRATION FROM PASSING STUDENTS WASHED OVER HER LIKE A WAVE, BUT SHE DIDN’T ACKNOWLEDGE THEM. HER FOCUS WAS SINGULAR, HER RESOLVE UNSHAKABLE.
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AS SHE APPROACHED THE PATH LEADING TO THE GOLDEN TOWER, LIRIEN PAUSED, GLANCING BACK AT THE ARENA ONE LAST TIME. THE SIGHT OF THE BATTERED FIELD STRUCK A CHORD DEEP WITHIN HER. THIS WAS WHERE SHE’D FOUGHT, WHERE SHE’D BEEN TESTED, WHERE SHE’D PROVEN SHE COULD STAND AMONG THE ACADEMY’S ELITE.
BUT IT WASN’T ENOUGH.
HER THOUGHTS FLICKERED TO THE DUEL ITSELF, TO THE WAY EIKE HAD SMILED EVEN AS HE COUNTERED HER MOST DESPERATE ATTACKS. HE HADN’T TAKEN HER LIGHTLY—SHE KNEW THAT MUCH—BUT THERE HAD BEEN A SENSE OF EASE TO HIS MOVEMENTS, AS IF HE’D ALWAYS KNOWN HE COULD WIN IF HE WANTED TO.
THAT THOUGHT GNAWED AT HER, SETTING HER TEETH ON EDGE.
“I’M NOT DONE,” SHE WHISPERED, THE WORDS A PROMISE TO HERSELF.
LIRIEN TIGHTENED HER GRIP ON HER SPEAR. THE FLAMES AND LIGHTNING, THE WATER AND ICE—THEY WEREN’T JUST TOOLS TO HER. THEY WERE EXTENSIONS OF HER WILL, OF THE RELENTLESS FIRE THAT BURNED IN HER CHEST. AND SHE WOULD WIELD THEM UNTIL THERE WAS NO DOUBT IN ANYONE’S MIND—UNTIL EVEN EIKE ERAVYN WAS FORCED TO ACKNOWLEDGE HER AS AN EQUAL.
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THE GOLDEN TOWER LOOMED AHEAD, ITS GILDED SPIRES CATCHING THE LATE AFTERNOON SUNLIGHT. EACH STEP TOWARD IT FELT HEAVIER, BUT NOT WITH DOUBT—WITH PURPOSE. THE BADGE ON HER CHEST FELT LIKE A PHYSICAL REMINDER OF THE EXPECTATIONS THAT CAME WITH IT. AND SHE WELCOMED THEM.
THE MURMURS OF ADMIRATION AND ENVY FOLLOWED HER ALL THE WAY TO THE TOWER’S ENTRANCE. A GROUP OF BRONZE AND SILVER STUDENTS WATCHED HER FROM A DISTANCE, THEIR WIDE EYES BETRAYING THEIR AWE. ONE OF THEM WHISPERED SOMETHING, AND THOUGH LIRIEN COULDN’T HEAR THE WORDS, SHE DIDN’T NEED TO. THE LOOK IN THEIR EYES SAID IT ALL.
SHE WAS NO LONGER JUST LIRIEN VEYRA, THE “SILVER PRINCESS” OF THE VEYRA FAMILY. SHE WAS NOW A GOLD RANK, A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.
BUT THAT WASN’T ENOUGH.
THE FIRE IN HER HEART BURNED HOTTER AS SHE STEPPED THROUGH THE TOWER’S ORNATE GATES, THE POLISHED MARBLE FLOOR REFLECTING THE LIGHT OF THE ENCHANTED CHANDELIERS ABOVE. HER FOOTSTEPS ECHOED SOFTLY IN THE VAST HALL, THE SOUND SWALLOWED BY THE QUIET HUM OF MANA THAT FILLED THE SPACE.
SHE STOPPED FOR A MOMENT, HER FINGERS BRUSHING AGAINST THE EDGE OF HER BADGE. HER GREEN EYES FLICKED UPWARD, CATCHING HER REFLECTION IN ONE OF THE TOWER’S GILDED MIRRORS. FOR A FLEETING SECOND, SHE SAW HERSELF NOT AS SHE WAS, BUT AS SHE WOULD BE—STRONGER, FASTER, UNSTOPPABLE.
LIRIEN SMIRKED, THE SHARP EDGE OF HER DETERMINATION RETURNING.
“I’LL PROVE IT,” SHE SAID AGAIN, LOUDER THIS TIME.
WITH THAT, SHE STRODE DEEPER INTO THE TOWER, HER SPEAR TAPPING AGAINST THE FLOOR IN A STEADY RHYTHM. THE FIRE WITHIN HER BURNED BRIGHTER THAN EVER. SHE WASN’T DONE—NOT BY A LONG SHOT.
Eike sat alone in the Golden Tower’s private lounge, the faint hum of mana lamps overhead blending with the soft crackle of the fireplace. The opulent chamber was a retreat for the academy’s elite, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and enchanted chandeliers that refracted light into golden hues. The day’s events played on a loop in his mind, the echoes of the crowd’s cheers and the crackling of Lirien’s magic still vivid.
The weight of the duel lingered on his shoulders, though his outward demeanor was as composed as ever. He leaned back in the plush armchair, his silver hair catching the glow of the lamps as he stared at the ornate ceiling. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest, the only sign of his restless thoughts.
“She’s relentless,” he muttered, the corners of his lips quirking up in a faint smile. “And stubborn as hell.”
He closed his eyes, the memory of the battle flashing vividly in his mind. Lirien’s dual affinities had been impressive, her control over fire, water, lightning, and ice far surpassing anything he’d seen from a Silver rank before. But it wasn’t just her mastery that stood out—it was her tenacity. Every strike, every pivot, had been driven by a raw determination that refused to yield. She’d made him work for every counter, every dodge, and even then, he knew she’d held more in reserve.
Eike opened his eyes and let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “You’ve got the fire, Princess. No doubt about that.”
He reached for the cup of Aetherleaf Tea on the small table beside him, the warmth of the ceramic grounding him as he took a sip. The bitter tang of the tea sharpened his thoughts, pulling his mind to another part of the duel—the stands. Ayo’s figure stood out in his memory, the young Gray rank sitting stiffly among the crowd, his white hair catching the sunlight like a beacon.
Ayo hadn’t said much after the duel, but his silence had spoken volumes. There was a tension to him that Eike couldn’t ignore, a quiet storm brewing beneath the surface. He remembered the flicker of the boy’s shadow during the match, the way it had seemed to move with a mind of its own. Most people wouldn’t have noticed, but Eike wasn’t most people. His sharp eyes had caught the subtle shifts, the curling edges of darkness that didn’t align with the angle of the sunlight.
“That shadow...” Eike murmured, setting the cup down. “It’s not just a trick of the light.”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he laced his fingers together. Ayo had potential—it was obvious in the way he carried himself, the raw power he’d displayed in their earlier sparring sessions. But there was something else, something unsteady and untamed. It wasn’t just power—it was a question of control, of understanding. And Eike wasn’t sure if Ayo even realized what he had yet.
“You’ve got something, Solara,” he said quietly, the words more for himself than anyone else. “Don’t waste it.”
The crackle of the fireplace filled the silence as Eike leaned back again, his mind drifting once more to Lirien. The way she’d accepted her promotion to Gold rank with that fiery determination, the defiance in her eyes as she faced him down even after the match—it was a rare kind of confidence, one that burned bright but could easily consume itself if not tempered.
Eike’s gaze shifted to the polished golden badge pinned to his own uniform. He traced the edge of it absently, the cool metal grounding him. He’d held his rank for a while now, long enough to see the pitfalls that came with it. Lirien’s new badge would be both a mark of her skill and a weight she’d have to carry. And if he knew anything about her, she’d rise to the challenge with that same stubborn fire.
A faint smile returned to his lips. “Guess I’ll have to keep an eye on both of you.”
The golden light of the room cast long shadows against the walls as Eike rose to his feet. He glanced toward the window, where the fading sunlight painted the campus in warm hues. Ascension Week wasn’t over yet, and the real challenges were still to come.
But for now, Eike felt a rare flicker of curiosity. Lirien’s fire, Ayo’s shadow—both were pieces of a puzzle he couldn’t yet see, but one he knew would be worth solving.
With a final glance at the glowing mana lamps, Eike stepped out of the lounge, the echoes of the day’s battles still fresh in his mind.
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The Silver Tower courtyard had settled into an unusual quiet, a rare reprieve from the relentless energy Ascension Week typically brought. Mana lamps hummed softly along the cobblestone paths, their warm, golden light casting intricate, shifting patterns that danced with every faint ripple of the evening breeze. At the courtyard’s center, the enchanted fountain shimmered like a living jewel, its glowing waters cascading in a steady rhythm. The liquid, imbued with captured mana, scattered radiant reflections across the polished stones. The cool air carried the crisp scent of dew, mingling with the faint, metallic tang of residual magic from earlier duels.
The group had gathered near the fountain, their usual camaraderie dampened by exhaustion and the weight of the week’s challenges. The tranquil setting belied the undercurrent of tension that lingered among them, unspoken but palpable.
Lirien stood against the fountain with an air of effortless command. Her polished Gold badge gleamed boldly against the rich silver and white of her pristine uniform, refracting the lamplight with every subtle shift. The Silver Tower uniform itself was striking, designed to reflect prestige—a tailored, high-collared jacket trimmed in silver embroidery over crisp white fabric, paired with polished boots that shone in the light. Crimson strands of Lirien’s braid, still damp from the earlier duel, clung to her neck, framing her sharp, focused features. Her vivid green eyes mirrored the soft glow of the fountain, their intensity momentarily softened by the shadows beneath them. In one hand, she spun her spear lazily, the faint hum of mana coursing through it a subtle reminder of its power. The rhythmic motion mirrored her restless energy, a hint of the fire that never fully left her.
Tessa slouched on a nearby bench, her boots scuffing lightly against the cobblestones. She pulled off her gloves with sharp, irritated movements, the creak of the leather breaking the courtyard’s stillness. Tossing them beside her with a soft thud, she leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. “If I hear one more person talk about Ascension Week like it’s supposed to be fun,” she muttered, her voice edged with frustration, “I swear I’ll scream.”
The Silver Tower uniform sat stiffly on Tessa, the structured jacket and tailored pants ill-suited to her slouched posture. She tugged at the hem absentmindedly, her annoyance extending even to the formality of her attire.
“Fun?” Eike’s voice cut through the tension, light and teasing as always. He perched on the fountain’s edge beside Lirien, leaning back on his palms with a practiced ease. His own uniform was scuffed and slightly out of regulation, the buttons on his high collar undone to reveal a hint of the casual shirt beneath. His Silver badge gleamed faintly, its polished surface catching the lamplight. “Come on, Tess,” he said with a grin that could have disarmed anyone but her. “You’ve got to admit, it’s exciting. Nothing like a little chaos to keep life interesting.”
Tessa lifted her head just enough to glare at him. “Chaos,” she snapped, her voice clipped, “means headaches. And you, Eike, are chaos personified.”
Eike chuckled, entirely unfazed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Ren stood nearby, partially illuminated by the mana lamps, his Silver Tower uniform impeccably neat. The sharp lines of the tailored jacket complemented his lean frame, and the silver embroidery seemed to gleam in the faint light. His piercing blue eyes flicked lazily across the group as he leaned against a lamppost, one leg crossed over the other. His fingers toyed with one of his many silver rings, spinning it absently in a rhythmic motion. The faint clinks of metal added an undercurrent to the conversation. “She’s not wrong,” Ren said, his tone detached and observational. “Ascension Week is basically organized chaos. But hey, at least it’s not boring.”
Lirien’s smirk deepened as her fingers brushed against the edge of her badge. “Organized chaos,” she echoed, her voice sharp with self-assurance. “That’s where I thrive.” She planted the butt of her spear against the ground with a faint metallic scrape, her confidence radiating like the mana pulsing through her weapon.
The group fell silent for a moment, their conversation fading into the background hum of mana lamps and the soft trickle of the fountain. The lamplight cast long shadows across the cobblestones, shifting as the breeze stirred the surrounding trees. Despite the calm exterior, the tension of unspoken rivalries and the pressures of Ascension Week hung heavily in the air, each of them feeling the weight in their own way.
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Ayo sat on the fountain’s edge, slightly apart from the others. His Gray Tower uniform was simpler, a muted gray jacket and dark trousers that lacked the refined trim of the Silver or Gold ranks. The fabric, while functional, seemed almost drab compared to the polished attire of his companions.
his posture rigid as the muffled sound of laughter and chatter swirled around him. The glow of the fountain’s enchanted waters reflected on his face, casting wavering shadows that only seemed to deepen the unease in his chest. His fingers drummed lightly on his knees, a subconscious attempt to dispel the tension gnawing at him.
His gaze drifted to the Gold badge pinned to Lirien’s pristine uniform. Its gleam caught the lamplight with a brilliance that seemed almost deliberate, a constant reminder of her victory and rank. Around her, the others seemed at ease, their voices rising and falling in casual conversation. Even Ren, with his ever-present smirk, seemed to fit into the moment effortlessly, the glint of his silver jewelry catching the light as he spun another ring idly.
But Ayo couldn’t focus on their words. He glanced down at the dull Gray badge on his own uniform, its muted surface a stark contrast to the polished metals that adorned the others. Where Lirien’s badge shone as a mark of achievement, his felt like a weight—a constant reminder of how far he had to go.
What am I even doing here? The thought whispered through his mind, its edges sharp and cutting. It wasn’t the first time the question had surfaced, but tonight it felt heavier, more insistent.
At his feet, his shadow began to stir. It moved almost imperceptibly at first, its edges flickering against the cobblestones like ripples in still water. Then it stretched outward, curling and unfurling as though testing its boundaries. The unnatural movement sent a shiver up Ayo’s spine, and his hands clenched instinctively.
The pull deep within his chest intensified, a quiet but insistent presence that he couldn’t ignore. He tried to focus on the cool breeze brushing against his face, the soft hum of the mana lamps, anything to ground himself. But the shadow persisted, shifting with a life of its own.
Ayo exhaled sharply, forcing his fists to relax. He willed the shadow to still, his jaw tightening as the movement stopped. For a moment, everything seemed normal again. But the lingering weight in his chest told him otherwise. The shadow’s stillness wasn’t obedience—it was waiting.
“Ayo?” Tessa’s voice broke through his thoughts, sharp and edged with concern. She leaned forward slightly, her brow furrowed as she studied him. “You’ve been quiet all evening. What’s going on?”
He blinked, startled, and quickly looked up. Her expression was expectant, but there was a softness in her tone that made him hesitate. He opened his mouth, but the words felt caught in his throat.
“Nothing,” he said finally, his voice firmer than he intended. He glanced away, his fists tightening once more before forcing them to relax. “I’m just tired.”
Tessa’s frown deepened, skepticism flickering across her features. “You always say that.”
Ayo didn’t respond immediately. He couldn’t meet her eyes, afraid she might see the truth he was barely holding back. Instead, he focused on the rippling water in the fountain, its glow distorted by the shifting shadows beneath it.
Before the silence could stretch too far, Eike’s voice cut in, light and teasing. “Maybe he’s just feeling a little overshadowed. All these promotions flying around—it’s hard to keep up when you’re stuck in Gray.”
Ayo forced a laugh, though it sounded hollow even to his own ears. “Yeah, that must be it.”
Eike grinned, leaning back against the fountain with an air of practiced ease. “Don’t sweat it, kid. Not everyone can be a star like me and Lirien. It’d be exhausting if they could.”
Lirien shot him a pointed look, though her smirk betrayed her amusement. “Some of us don’t need the theatrics to prove we belong, Eravyn.”
Eike raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m just saying. Not everyone’s cut out for the spotlight.”
The exchange drew a faint chuckle from Tessa, but her gaze lingered on Ayo, her concern not fully dispelled. He felt the weight of her attention pressing on him, and for a fleeting moment, his resolve wavered.
What would they say if they knew? The question burned in his mind, and he quickly pushed it away. He couldn’t let them see the cracks—not yet.
At his feet, the shadow stirred once more, its edges flickering faintly before stilling again. This time, no one noticed. Or at least, no one said anything.
The group’s laughter and banter washed over him, but Ayo felt as though he were miles away, caught in a quiet storm that only he could feel.
What am I even doing here? The thought returned, heavier than before, as he stared into the rippling water.
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Ren pushed off the lamppost with a fluid motion, his arms still crossed as his sharp gaze swept over the group. His silver rings caught the glow of the mana lamps, the faint clinking sound as he toyed with one of them adding an edge to the already tense atmosphere. When he finally spoke, his tone was calm but razor-sharp, cutting through the night like a blade.
“Day 3,” he began, his smirk small but deliberate. “And some of you already look like you’ve been through a war.” He tilted his head, the glint in his blue eyes unreadable. “Hate to break it to you, but the real fun hasn’t even started yet.”
Tessa’s frown deepened, her jaw tightening. She sat straighter on the bench, her gloves clenched in her lap. “What’s that supposed to mean, Ren?”
Ren’s shoulders lifted in a nonchalant shrug, the faint creak of leather from his jacket punctuating the silence. He began to twist one of his silver rings, the movement hypnotic. “Just that this week isn’t about duels or earning badges. It’s about finding the cracks. The weaknesses. The people who don’t belong here.” His smirk faltered slightly, his expression turning serious. “And the ones who make it through? They’ll wish it was just about duels.”
The air around the group shifted, a heaviness settling over them as Ren’s words hung in the air. Even Eike, who usually brushed off such remarks with a laugh, looked momentarily thoughtful. He leaned forward on the edge of the fountain, his elbows resting on his knees as he glanced between Ren and Lirien.
“You’re a real beacon of optimism, aren’t you?” Eike finally said, his tone light, but there was an edge to it.
Ren didn’t smile. “Just being realistic. Ascension Week isn’t about fairness. It’s about survival. The ones who get through this? They’re the ones who can handle what’s coming next.”
Tessa scowled, her voice sharp. “And what exactly do you know about what’s coming next, Ren? You act like you have all the answers.”
Ren’s gaze flicked to her, his smirk returning, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I don’t need all the answers. I’ve seen enough to know how this place works. Promotions, rankings, accolades—it’s all window dressing. The real test is whether you can stand when the ground beneath you starts to crumble.”
Tessa stood abruptly, her frustration boiling over. “You think you’re better than everyone else just because you have a Gold badge? Newsflash, Ren—arrogance isn’t strength.”
Ren chuckled, his smirk widening as he watched her. “You’re right, Tessa. Arrogance isn’t strength. But understanding the rules of the game? That’s what keeps you alive.”
Before Tessa could retort, Lirien’s voice cut through the tension like a knife.
“That’s enough,”
she said, her tone sharp but calm. She planted her spear against the ground, the blade digging slightly into the cobblestone. Her green eyes met Ren’s with an unflinching gaze.
“We’ve all made it this far for a reason. Some of us thrive under pressure.”
Ren’s lips twitched, almost as if he were considering a retort, but he said nothing. Instead, his gaze shifted to Ayo, who had been silent the entire time. The younger boy sat at the edge of the fountain, his eyes fixed on the glowing water. His shadow flickered faintly at his feet, curling at the edges as if responding to his inner turmoil.
“Solara,” Ren said, his voice quieter now but no less pointed. “What about you? Do you thrive under pressure?”
Ayo blinked, startled by the sudden attention. He glanced up, his black twisted hair catching the light as his deep blue eyes locked onto Ren’s before fading back to their normal Brown hue. For a moment, he said nothing, his hands tightening into fists at his sides.
“I’m still here,” Ayo said finally, his voice low but steady.
Ren’s smirk returned, this time softer, almost approving. “Good answer.”
The group fell into an uneasy silence, the tension between them thick enough to cut. Eike finally let out a low whistle, standing and stretching his arms behind his head. “Well, this has been fun. If we’re done with the doom-and-gloom predictions, I think I’m going to call it a night.”
Tessa muttered something under her breath, still clearly irritated, but she didn’t argue. She shoved her gloves into her pocket and stalked toward the Silver Tower, her boots echoing against the cobblestones.
Ren lingered for a moment longer, his gaze once again drifting to Ayo. The smirk softened even further, a rare flicker of something almost like understanding crossing his face. “Keep your head up, Solara,” he said, his voice quieter this time. “You might surprise yourself.”
Ayo looked up, but Ren was already walking away, the soft clink of his rings fading into the night.
----------------------------------------
As the conversation waned, the group began to drift apart. Ren adjusted his Gold badge with practiced ease, his fingers brushing the polished surface as he glanced at the others. “You know,” he said, his tone casual but carrying an edge, “it’s funny how some people are barely hanging on while others are thriving. Ascension Week really does separate the weak from the strong.”
Tessa’s eyes narrowed, her gloves clenched tightly in her hand. “That’s a pretty arrogant thing to say, even for you.”
Ren tilted his head, his smirk widening. “Just calling it like I see it. If that bothers you, maybe it’s because there’s some truth to it.”
“You think you’re so untouchable because you got a promotion,” Tessa shot back, standing from the bench with a sharp glare. “But that doesn’t make you better than the rest of us.”
Ren raised an eyebrow, the gleam in his blue eyes sharpening. “Doesn’t it, though? The rankings don’t lie, Tessa. If you want to prove me wrong, you know what to do.”
Tessa opened her mouth to retort, but Eike stepped in with a low whistle, cutting through the rising tension. “Whoa, easy there, both of you. We’ve already had enough drama for one day. No need to add more.”
Tessa huffed, turning away as she pulled her gloves back on. “Whatever. I’m done here.”
Eike chuckled, stretching his arms behind his head. “You always know how to liven things up, Ren.”
Ren shrugged, spinning one of his silver rings with deliberate ease. “I aim to please.”
As Tessa stormed off, muttering under her breath, Ren leaned back against the lamppost, his gaze flicking briefly to Ayo, who remained silent by the fountain. For a moment, the smirk faded, replaced by something more thoughtful. “Keep your head up, Solara,” he said, his voice quieter than before. “You might surprise yourself.”
Ayo glanced up, startled by the sudden shift in tone, but Ren was already walking away, his rings clinking faintly as he adjusted them.
Eike yawned, his usual grin firmly in place. “Guess that leaves me and the kid. Come on, Solara, let’s get out of here before the Silver Princess comes back to terrorize us.”
Ayo managed a faint smile, though his thoughts remained distant. As the others left, he lingered by the fountain, the flickering lamplight catching the edges of his shadow.
He stared into the rippling water, his distorted reflection staring back at him. What am I even doing here? The thought echoed louder than before as he pushed off the fountain and turned toward the Gray Tower.
Behind him, the fountain’s glow dimmed, leaving the courtyard quieter than ever.