"Next, the 14th GA, Morgan Recca," the Vice President continued.

Morgan Recca, a formidable fighter known for her strength and resilience, stepped forward. She moved with a quiet confidence, her gaze steady and piercing, a figure who commanded respect with her mere presence. Like Plumie, she faced no challengers; the arena fell silent, a testament to the awe she inspired in her peers. "Morgan Recca retains her position as the 14th GA," the Vice President declared.

Morgan gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, her expression unfazed by the lack of a challenger. She returned to her place with a sense of calm authority, setting a formidable standard for those who would follow.

"And now, the 15th GA, Crystalia Nirvana."

Crystalia Nirvana, known for her grace, beauty, and refined leadership, stepped forward, her every move drawing appreciative murmurs from the crowd. She radiated poise, her expression calm and untroubled, embodying an almost regal composure. But this time, a challenger emerged from Section 1, stepping forward with a confident, almost arrogant stride that contrasted sharply with Crystalia’s composed demeanor.

The Vice President raised his hand, signaling the start of the match. Crystalia and her challenger locked eyes, the air between them thick with tension and mutual anticipation. The crowd leaned forward, hushed in expectation, as Crystalia's serene presence clashed with the challenger’s brash confidence.

As the battle commenced, the challenger immediately unleashed a fierce barrage of lightning attacks, bolts of crackling energy arcing toward Crystalia with terrifying speed. Crystalia moved with remarkable grace, her water roots forming barriers and streams that deflected the lightning, dispersing the energy into harmless sprays. Despite her skill, it quickly became clear she was at a disadvantage; water roots were naturally weaker against lightning. The crowd murmured, sensing the uphill battle she faced.

The challenger sneered, a mocking grin spreading across his face as he taunted her. "Is that all you’ve got? No wonder you're stuck in a lower section."

Crystalia’s gaze sharpened, her calm exterior concealing a well of determination. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and waited for an opening. Her patience contrasted with the challenger’s arrogance, as he continued his relentless assault. Then, with a quiet confidence, she closed her eyes and focused, drawing upon the core of her power.

"You’re not the only one with a trump card," she murmured, her voice low yet resonant. As she spoke, her aura shifted, and a chill swept through the arena. Suddenly, her water roots transformed, the delicate streams hardening into icy tendrils that shimmered with frost.

The crowd gasped, taken aback by the unexpected turn. Crystalia had revealed her rare ice roots, a power she had never displayed before. With newfound vigor, she manipulated the icy roots, which absorbed the lightning strikes, neutralizing the energy in a haze of frost. She moved with calculated precision, her icy attacks slicing through her challenger’s defenses.

Yet, the challenger was not so easily defeated. His expression shifted from arrogance to frustration, his eyes narrowing as he adjusted his stance. Gathering his strength, he channeled his lightning roots with renewed intensity, launching a powerful bolt that shattered Crystalia’s ice barrier, sending shards flying in all directions. Crystalia staggered back, her defenses wavering under the relentless assault.

Sensing her vulnerability, the challenger pressed his advantage, his strikes growing sharper and more precise. Crystalia’s ice roots struggled to hold back the onslaught, each counterattack meeting with fierce resistance. Her calm façade showed the faintest cracks as she grappled with the limitations of her power.

Realizing she needed a different approach, Crystalia took a steadying breath and tapped into the depths of her ice roots. She concentrated, crafting a thick layer of icy armor around herself, the frost glinting under the arena lights like a suit of glass. It was a gamble, a last line of defense against the furious onslaught.

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The challenger sneered, his overconfidence unfazed. "Your ice won’t protect you for long!" he taunted, launching another wave of searing lightning.

The crowd held its breath, eyes wide with suspense, as the two combatants clashed in a storm of ice and lightning. Crystalia’s armor cracked under the strain, yet she stood her ground, refusing to falter.

...

As the clash dragged on, Crystalia’s armor began to splinter, the cracks spidering across its surface. Her breaths came faster, and she knew that her ice alone wasn’t enough to secure victory. Summoning her last reserves of energy, she whispered to herself, "This ends now." Her aura shifted once more, and a fierce whirlwind rose around her, swirling with raw, unrestrained power.

The crowd gasped as the whirlwind expanded, the winds whipping into a frenzy that encircled her challenger, trapping him within a cage of turbulent air. He struggled, his movements frantic, but the force of the wind held him captive. With a final burst of power, Crystalia summoned her water roots, the streams of liquid weaving around her challenger, binding his hands and feet to prevent any more lightning attacks.

Crystalia’s voice was soft, but resolute as she murmured, "Let’s end this." She directed her icy roots to create sharp fragments, the shards weaving into the whirlwind, transforming it into a storm of frozen blades. Each fragment struck with deadly precision, breaking through the challenger’s defenses and drawing blood with each hit.

The audience watched in stunned silence as the challenger’s strength waned, his movements slowing under the unrelenting barrage of ice and wind. His defiance faltered, his strength failing him, until finally, he collapsed, fainting from the blood loss and sheer exhaustion of battle.

Crystalia’s strength waned as well; she fell to her knees, her chest heaving from the effort. She glanced at her fallen challenger, confirming he was no longer a threat, before allowing the whirlwind to dissipate. The arena stood silent, the air thick with awe and respect for the battle they had just witnessed.

The Vice President’s voice broke the stillness. "Crystalia Nirvana is victorious! She retains her position as the 15th GA."

Members of Crystalia’s section quickly came to her aid, helping her to her feet, while others provided healing. She managed a small, grateful smile, knowing she had given everything to protect her rank.

As the arena settled, the Vice President stepped forward with a final announcement. "And now, the 16th GA, Zeeha Cores."

Zeeha took her place at the center, her heart pounding with both anticipation and trepidation. One by one, challengers began to raise their hands. Four students from Section 16 stepped forward, their faces familiar to Zeeha.

Kyren’s gaze hardened as he recognized them. "Those are the ones who burned our hut," he muttered, his fists clenching. Hiro, standing beside him, tapped his shoulder and pointed toward another figure—a final challenger, Calir.

Kyren’s eyes widened as he saw Calir, his mind racing with a mix of fear and urgency. He knew all too well that if Calir emerged victorious, he might use his wishes to eliminate Zeeha—and possibly even him and Hiro. The stakes were higher than ever.

Without hesitation, Kyren raised his hand, stepping forward to join the challengers. Hiro quickly followed suit, standing beside him with an uncharacteristically serious expression. Their actions sent a ripple of surprise through the crowd, the boldness of their gesture unmistakable.

The Vice President glanced at the two friends, his face betraying a hint of curiosity. "We have additional challengers stepping forward."

Zeeha, standing at the center, caught Kyren’s eye and instantly understood. They were here for her, ready to risk everything out of loyalty and friendship. She felt a surge of gratitude and relief, bolstered by their presence.

As the challengers, including Calir, prepared for battle, Zeeha looked at Kyren and Hiro. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice tinged with appreciation. The gravity of the moment wasn’t lost on her, nor the significance of their support.

Kyren nodded, his face set with grim determination. "We’re in this together. Calir’s the real threat, but we’ll handle it."

"Let’s settle this once and for all," Calir called out, his tone controlled and focused, his former rage replaced by a chilling calm that unsettled Kyren. He knew that Calir’s composure meant he was more dangerous than ever.

"I beat you once; let’s make it twice and official," Hiro teased, thumping both of his fists to try and embracing the tension.

But Calir merely smirked, unphased by Hiro’s attempts to rattle him. He was focused, his eyes cold and calculating.

Meanwhile, the other four challengers aligned themselves with Calir, their faces alight with malice. "It’s payback time, Ms. 16th," one of them sneered, his gaze filled with a smug satisfaction.

The Vice President raised his hand, signaling the start of the final battle.