As the next lesson began, Garo took his place at the front of the classroom, his stern gaze sweeping over the students. "Now," he began, his voice cutting through the anticipation, "we move on to practical training. This session will be all about assessing your combat skills. You’ll be sparring on the grounds outside."

A ripple of excitement passed through the room, mixed with a touch of nervousness. The students knew this was the moment to show their mettle, to prove themselves in a direct, physical way.

Garo continued, "You’ll find your practice weapons in the changing rooms. These wooden versions are designed to mimic the weight and feel of your actual weapons, minus the lethality. When you're ready, meet me at the sparring grounds near the track area."

As they filed out of the classroom, the chatter picked up. Luis, walking alongside Haru, couldn’t help but grin. "Finally, a chance to stretch our legs properly."

Haru nodded, "Yeah, this is what we’ve been waiting for. Let's see what everyone’s got."

Angel, ever the jokester, walked beside them, twirling a stray pencil he’d picked up. "I just hope none of you cry when I beat you senseless," he teased, his tone light but with a competitive edge.

Luis smirked, "Let’s see if that spear of yours can keep up with my arrows."

They all reached the changing rooms, where their gym gear and weapons awaited. The atmosphere was electric with the thrill of what was to come. As they opened their lockers, each found their gear ready.

Luis found his wooden bow and arrows, along with a wakizashi, just as expected. He picked them up, feeling the familiar weight in his hands. "These feel pretty close to the real thing," he remarked, testing the draw of the bowstring.

Haru, in the locker next to him, picked up his dual wooden katanas. "They’ve done a good job replicating the feel. It’s all about the balance," he noted, giving them a few experimental swings.

Angel reached his locker and pulled out his wooden spear, giving it a spin. "Well, this should be fun," he said, clearly looking forward to the challenge.

As they changed back into their gym gear, the conversation continued. Aslan, already in his gear, looked a bit tense but determined. "This is going to be tough, but we have to give it our all."

Luis clapped him on the back. "Just stay focused, and remember, it's as much about technique as it is about strength."

Once they were all geared up, they headed out together toward the sparring grounds. The air was cool, with a slight breeze rustling the leaves in the trees surrounding the field. The sparring grounds were an open area near the track, with enough space for multiple pairs to fight simultaneously.

As they approached, they could see the rest of the class gathering, their weapons in hand, stretching and preparing mentally for the upcoming bouts. The mood was a mix of excitement and tension—everyone wanted to make a strong first impression.

"Look at them," Saki remarked, walking alongside Haru. "Everyone’s so serious. But this is what it’s all about."

"Yeah," Haru replied, adjusting his grip on the katanas. "This is where we start to see who’s really got what it takes."

Angel, always ready with a quip, added, "Let’s just hope the teachers don’t hold back on the praise when I outshine you all."

Haru grinned, not taking the bait. "We’ll see, Angel. We’ll see."

Garo had the students gather in a line, standing shoulder to shoulder based on their rankings. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they all stood ready, gripping their practice weapons. The sparring grounds were laid out before them, a large open area with plenty of room for movement. The surrounding trees rustled gently in the breeze, a stark contrast to the tension building among the students.

Takurov stood off to the side, watching the proceedings with a keen eye. His usual playful demeanor was replaced by a more serious expression as he observed the students. He knew this was a crucial moment for them—a chance to demonstrate their abilities and prove their worth.

Garo stepped forward, his voice carrying across the grounds as he addressed the class. "There will be one battle at a time. I want to see skill, strategy, and control. This is not just about strength; it’s about how you use what you’ve learned."

The students listened intently, each of them mentally preparing for their turn. The reality of the situation was sinking in—this was their first real test.

Garo's eyes scanned the line before he announced, "The first match will be between Saki Kazaka and Angel Goldstone."

Saki and Angel exchanged a glance before stepping forward. Saki, with her wooden kunai in hand, was focused and determined. Angel, holding his wooden spear, wore his usual relaxed grin, but there was a spark of competitiveness in his eyes.

The rest of the class watched as the two made their way to the center of the sparring area. They could feel the intensity of the moment. This was the beginning of something significant, and everyone knew it.

Garo looked between the two, ensuring they were ready. "Remember, this is a controlled spar. Show me your best, but keep it within the bounds of training."

Saki nodded, her stance low and ready. Angel spun his spear once before settling into his own stance, his grin never fading.

"Begin!" Garo commanded, stepping back to give them space.

The two Arknights in training circled each other, eyes locked, each waiting for the other to make the first move. The rest of the class watched with bated breath, eager to see how this match would unfold.

As the match began, Saki and Angel wasted no time getting into their respective strategies. Saki, true to her ninja heritage, moved with an almost invisible grace. One moment she was in front of Angel, and the next, she vanished, reappearing at different angles around the arena, her wooden kunai and throwing stars flying through the air with precision.

Angel, on the other hand, was no easy target. With a swift flap of his wings, he lifted off the ground, using his aerial abilities to keep himself just out of reach. His spear twirled in his hands as he scanned the area for Saki, who was constantly shifting positions. Every time she reappeared, Angel attempted to blind her with a flash of light from his wings, forcing her to retreat and rethink her approach.

From the sidelines, Haru, Aurora, and Luis watched the clash unfold, their eyes sharp and focused.

"She's fast," Haru commented, his gaze following Saki's movements. "But she's not just relying on her speed. She's using the terrain to her advantage, keeping Angel guessing."

Aurora nodded in agreement, her eyes narrowing as she observed. "Angel’s keeping his distance, trying to force her into the open. He’s smart, not letting her close the gap."

Luis chimed in, his tone thoughtful. "But that’s the thing—Saki doesn’t need to close the gap. She’s aiming for the long game, wearing him down. If Angel makes one wrong move, she’ll capitalize on it."

The tension in the arena grew as the two combatants continued their dance. Saki teleported to the left, launching a volley of throwing stars, which Angel deflected with a quick spin of his spear. He retaliated with a blinding flash, forcing Saki to teleport again, this time reappearing behind him and hurling a kunai. Angel narrowly avoided the attack by taking to the sky, but Saki was relentless, teleporting mid-air and attacking from above.

Haru leaned forward slightly, his focus on the intricacies of the battle. "Saki’s trying to trap him, make him think he’s got the upper hand."

Aurora smiled slightly. "But Angel’s no fool. He’s using his aerial advantage to keep her on her toes."

As the fight intensified, Angel started to anticipate Saki’s movements, countering her teleportation with quick aerial maneuvers and spear thrusts. He managed to land a few glancing blows, forcing Saki to teleport even more frequently, which began to tire her.

Luis, noticing the change, remarked, "Angel’s reading her movements better now. If Saki doesn’t find an opening soon, she’ll wear herself out."

Saki, realizing that Angel was catching on, switched tactics. She teleported rapidly, creating multiple afterimages of herself, confusing Angel as to which one was real. For a moment, it seemed like Angel had caught her rhythm, but then, she vanished entirely.

Angel, hovering in the air, scanned the arena with narrowed eyes. He thought he had her figured out, but as he prepared to strike what he believed to be the real Saki, she suddenly reappeared right in front of him, her kunai aimed directly at his throat.

The wooden weapon struck its target with precision, and Angel gasped as he felt the impact. The force knocked him back, and he landed on the ground, clutching his throat where Saki had tagged him.

The arena fell silent for a moment as the realization set in—Saki had won.

Haru, Luis, and Aurora exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and respect.

"She got him," Haru said, his voice laced with admiration. "That was a brilliant feint."

Aurora nodded, impressed. "She’s not just fast—she’s strategic. She knew exactly when to strike."

Luis crossed his arms, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Angel put up a good fight, but Saki’s on another level when it comes to deception. That was a clean hit."

Saki, breathing heavily but victorious, lowered her kunai and offered a hand to Angel, who took it with a grin, despite his loss.

"Well played," Angel said, still rubbing his throat.

Saki simply nodded, her usual stoic expression masking the pride she felt in her victory.

The class, having witnessed the intense match, murmured amongst themselves, already analyzing what they had just seen. It was clear to everyone that this sparring session was only the beginning, and the competition was fierce.

As the next match was called, the students watched with keen interest. Elif and Junko stepped into the arena, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Junko, holding her twin sai, stood poised and ready, her expression focused. Elif, on the other hand, had no visible weapon but radiated confidence as she prepared for the fight.

The match began with Junko immediately creating several clones of herself, a tactic that had served her well in the past. The clones spread out, surrounding Elif, making it difficult to discern which one was the real Junko. With the twin sai in each clone’s hands, it seemed like Junko had the advantage in numbers and weaponry.

However, Elif’s reaction was immediate and precise. Moving at an astonishing speed, she darted between the clones, striking each one down with single, powerful blows. The clones vanished as quickly as they appeared, unable to withstand the force of Elif’s attacks. Her movements were a blur, and it was clear that she was exceptionally fast, even without the use of a weapon.

Haru, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but be impressed. "Elif’s speed is something else. She’s dismantling Junko’s strategy without breaking a sweat."

Luis nodded in agreement, his eyes following Elif’s every move. "Yeah, Junko’s clones aren’t even slowing her down. She’s too fast."

Aurora watched intently as well, appreciating the precision in Elif’s strikes. "Elif’s not just fast; she’s efficient. Every move she makes is calculated."

Junko, realizing that her clones weren’t enough to stop Elif, decided to go on the offensive herself. She lunged at Elif with her twin sai, aiming to catch her off guard. But Elif, with her extraordinary speed, easily dodged the attack. With a swift, almost effortless move, Elif delivered a powerful kick to Junko’s side, sending her stumbling back.

Junko tried to recover, attempting to create more clones to confuse Elif, but it was no use. Elif was relentless, cutting through the clones with ease and closing in on Junko. The difference in their abilities was becoming more and more apparent with each passing second.

Elif’s final move was a blur of motion. She sidestepped Junko’s last-ditch effort to strike with her sai and delivered a clean, decisive blow that knocked the weapon from Junko’s hand. Before Junko could react, Elif was already behind her, delivering a powerful strike to the back of her knees, causing her to fall to the ground.

The match was over.

Junko lay on the ground, breathing heavily, clearly outmatched and defeated. Elif stood over her, not out of arrogance, but with a calm, collected demeanor, knowing she had done what needed to be done.

Haru, Luis, and Aurora exchanged glances, all of them silently acknowledging Elif’s prowess. She was a force to be reckoned with, and her speed was unparalleled.

Aurora spoke first, her tone filled with respect. "Elif didn’t just win that fight—she dominated it."

Luis smirked, leaning back slightly. "Yeah, Junko never stood a chance. Elif’s got raw talent, no doubt about it."

Haru nodded, still watching Elif as she helped Junko to her feet. "She’s definitely someone to keep an eye on. If she can refine her skills even more, she’ll be unstoppable."

As the two girls made their way back to their spots, the class murmured amongst themselves, the realization settling in that Elif was not to be underestimated. Takurov, observing from the side, seemed pleased with the match's outcome, knowing that Elif had the potential to be a top contender in their class.

The next match would begin soon, and the intensity of the training continued to build.

The tension in the air was palpable as the next match was announced: Autumn Yanaz versus Aslan Yusiger. As the two stepped into the sparring area, there was an immediate contrast in their demeanors. Aslan looked nervous, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of fighting a woman, while Autumn appeared calm but somewhat hesitant, her lack of physical strength evident in her stance.

Aslan approached Autumn slowly, trying to gauge how to proceed. He threw a tentative punch, but it was clear he was holding back. Autumn attempted to dodge and counter with a strike of her own, but her lack of power made it easy for Aslan to block and avoid.

From the sidelines, Haru and Luis watched with interest, their attention momentarily distracted as Luella, usually quiet and reserved, joined the conversation.

"He's really struggling, isn't he?" Luella asked, her voice soft as she directed her comment toward Luis.

Luis nodded, noticing Luella's shy demeanor. "Yeah, Aslan's not exactly comfortable in this situation. You can tell he doesn't want to hurt her."

Luella smiled slightly, still a bit hesitant to speak freely. "It's kind of sweet, but... it's also a fight. He needs to take it more seriously."

Back in the sparring area, Autumn tried to gain some ground. She attempted to close the distance between them, aiming to use her agility to her advantage. But as she moved in, Aslan awkwardly grabbed her and threw her to the ground, his strength overpowering her with ease.

As Autumn struggled to get back up, Aslan moved to pin her down, but it was clear he was uncomfortable with the whole situation. Autumn, realizing she was in a difficult position, tried to use her voice—her true strength. She began to sing, hoping to use her gift to turn the tide.

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However, Aslan, in his nervous state, quickly covered her mouth with his hand, effectively silencing her. His eyes darted to the teacher, his expression pleading. "Is the fight done now? I really don't want to hurt her."

Garo, observing the awkward scene, nodded, signaling the end of the match. Aslan immediately let go and stood up, bowing and apologizing to Autumn. "I'm really sorry... I didn't mean to be rough."

Autumn, although a bit flustered, accepted the apology with grace. "It's okay, Aslan. You did what you had to. I just wish I could have been more of a challenge."

Aslan offered her a hand to help her up, still looking uncomfortable. "You did fine. It’s just… I’m not good at this kind of thing."

The two returned to their spots, and the class couldn’t help but feel the awkwardness that lingered after the match. Luis glanced at Luella, who had been watching the exchange closely.

"Autumn did her best," Luella remarked, trying to focus on the positives. "It’s just tough when there’s such a physical difference."

Luis nodded in agreement, noticing Luella’s effort to engage in the conversation. "Yeah, but Aslan’s going to need to get over that hesitation. There won’t always be time to hold back in real battles."

Haru, who had been watching the match and the interactions closely, chimed in. "True, but it’s also about finding balance. You can’t go all out against someone who isn’t at the same level, but you also can’t let that stop you from doing what’s necessary."

The conversation continued quietly as they awaited the next match, each student reflecting on what they had just seen. Aslan’s victory, though uncomfortable, was a reminder that not every battle would be straightforward or easy to navigate.

The announcement of the next match caught everyone off guard—Penelope versus Luis. There was a murmur of surprise and excitement among the students as they stepped into the sparring area. Luis, with his characteristic confidence, casually mentioned, "To make it fair, I'll only use my Wakizashi. And for the first 30 seconds, I won’t strike."

The room buzzed with mixed reactions. Some thought Luis was being arrogant, including Penelope, whose eyes narrowed in anger at what she perceived as his cockiness. But Garo, unfazed, nodded and allowed the match to proceed. "It’s fine," he said, his tone suggesting that he had seen this sort of thing before.

As the match began, Penelope’s eyes glowed with a fierce intensity as she drew upon her energy manipulation abilities. The energy surged through her body, enhancing her strength and speed. Without wasting a second, she charged at Luis with everything she had, her strikes powerful enough to crack the ground beneath her feet as mini shockwaves rippled from the impact.

Luis, true to his word, did nothing but defend himself, calmly sidestepping her attacks with graceful footwork, using only the hilt of his Wakizashi to parry her blows. For 30 seconds, he danced around her with a cool demeanor, his movements fluid and precise, making it look effortless.

Penelope's frustration grew with each failed attempt to land a hit. Her attacks became more aggressive, the energy within her fueling her rage as she threw everything she had at him. The ground shook with each of her strikes, creating a spectacle that had the other students watching in awe.

But just as the 30-second mark passed, Luis’s expression shifted from one of relaxed patience to focused determination. As Penelope launched another powerful attack, Luis moved like lightning. In one smooth motion, he drew his Wakizashi and struck her midsection with precision.

The moment his blade connected, a controlled explosion erupted from the point of impact, sending Penelope flying backward. She hit the ground hard, the energy dissipating from her body as she lay there, winded and defeated.

The match was over in a single, decisive move.

For a moment, there was stunned silence. Even Blaze, who was known for his confidence and bravado, couldn't help but be impressed by the display of skill. He nodded, acknowledging Luis’s power with a newfound respect.

Garo stepped forward, his expression neutral as he assessed the outcome. "Match over," he declared, his voice cutting through the silence. "Luis wins."

Luis extended a hand to help Penelope up, his demeanor respectful despite his earlier confidence. "Good fight," he said simply, his tone devoid of mockery.

Penelope, though clearly frustrated, accepted his hand and stood up, the anger in her eyes slowly fading into a look of grudging respect. "You’re better than I thought," she admitted, her voice strained but sincere.

Luis just smiled and nodded, before turning back to the group. The other students, who had been watching intently, were left in a mixture of admiration and intimidation. It was clear that Luis was not just talk—he had the skill and power to back it up.

As the group prepared for the next match, the atmosphere was charged with a renewed sense of competition. Everyone knew that this was just the beginning, and they would have to bring their best to keep up.

As Luis made his way back to the group after his impressive victory, Haru greeted him with a friendly dap, grinning widely. "That was something else, man," Haru remarked, clearly impressed.

Aurora, who had been watching closely, smiled at Luis. "Formidable as always," she complimented, her tone warm and sincere.

Luella, standing nearby, approached Luis with a shy but earnest expression. "You were amazing out there," she said, her voice soft but full of admiration. There was a clear blush on her cheeks, and it didn't take much for anyone to see that she was smitten. Luis couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction himself, noticing the way her eyes lit up when she spoke to him.

As Luis responded with a modest, "Thanks, Luella," he couldn't shake the feeling that Matteo, her brother, was watching him. When he glanced over, he saw Matteo's intense gaze fixed on him. It was clear that Matteo wasn’t thrilled about Luis attracting his sister’s attention, but Luis shrugged it off. He wasn’t doing anything wrong, after all.

The tension in the air was broken when Blaze, ever the provocateur, called out from across the room. "Hey, Luis! I want to face you at the end!" His voice carried a challenge that made the entire group perk up.

Luis, ever confident, shot back, "Only if you win your fight first." He grinned, the challenge accepted, and turned to Garo for confirmation.

Garo, arms crossed, nodded in agreement. "Fine by me," he said. "But you better earn it."

With that settled, Garo moved on to the next match, calling out the names with a firm voice. "Azrael and Luella, you're up next."

Luella turned to Luis with a mix of nerves and excitement in her eyes. "Wish me luck?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

Luis gave her a reassuring smile, his usual bravado softened. "You’ve got this," he said, his words carrying a confidence that seemed to bolster her spirits.

As Luella moved toward the sparring area, Haru couldn’t resist teasing his brother. "Looks like someone’s got a crush," he whispered, nudging Luis playfully. Luis just rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. He was definitely interested, and Haru knew it.

On the other side of the room, Azrael, the youngest among them, was receiving a pep talk from Blaze. Despite his usual aloofness, Blaze seemed to take a special interest in Azrael, seeing potential in the boy that others might overlook. "Don’t hold back, kid," Blaze told him, his tone surprisingly serious. "You’re stronger than you think. Just focus and don’t let her size intimidate you."

Azrael nodded, his face set with determination. He might have been the youngest, but he was ready to prove that he belonged here just as much as anyone else.

As the two opponents faced off in the sparring area, the rest of the class watched with anticipation. It was clear that this match was going to be an interesting one, with both fighters eager to prove themselves.

As the fight was about to begin, Azrael gently placed his cat on the ground, the small creature meowing softly as it curled up by his feet. He looked up at Luella, his eyes carrying an unusual depth for someone so young. "I’m sorry for what’s about to happen," he said quietly, his voice filled with a strange mixture of regret and resolve.

Luella nodded, her grip tightening on her whip, ready to give it her all. The moment Garo signaled the start of the match, she lashed out with her whip, aiming to catch Azrael off guard. But just as the whip was about to make contact, something eerie happened. A deep, all-consuming darkness surged from Azrael, spreading like a shadowy wave across the arena. The darkness engulfed Luella in an instant, swallowing her completely.

The class watched in shock as Luella collapsed to the ground, twitching slightly before going utterly still. Matteo, her brother, immediately rushed to her side, his face twisted with a mixture of fear and fury. "You monster!" he shouted at Azrael, his voice filled with venom as he drew his blade, preparing to strike the young boy.

Before Matteo could land his blow, Blaze appeared beside Azrael, his scimitar blocking Matteo’s strike with a metallic clang. "Back off," Blaze growled, his eyes locked with Matteo's in a tense standoff. "He’s not your opponent."

Garo stepped forward, his voice booming as he ordered Matteo to stand down. "That’s enough, both of you! We’re not here to fight each other like this." He looked sternly at both Matteo and Blaze before turning his attention to Autumn. "Autumn, check on her."

Autumn quickly knelt beside Luella, her hands glowing with a soft, soothing light as she assessed the situation. After a moment, she looked up and gave a reassuring nod. "She’s fine. It looks like she’s just in a deep sleep, caught in an intense dream. She should wake up on her own soon enough."

Luis watched the scene unfold with a heavy heart, visibly saddened by what had happened. The other students, including the strongest among them, looked at Azrael with newfound respect. His power was strange and terrifying, but undeniably potent. Even those who had doubted him before now saw the immense potential he held.

Takurov, observing everything from the sidelines, noticed Azrael’s cat padding up to him. He bent down, scooping up the small creature and handing it back to the young boy. "Here," Takurov said, his voice gruff but not unkind. Azrael took the cat with a small nod, holding it close as he stepped back from the arena, his expression unreadable.

The atmosphere in the class was tense, the weight of what had just happened lingering heavily in the air. But the lesson had to continue, and the students prepared themselves for what would come next, the intensity of the training and the reality of their powers sinking in deeper with each passing moment.

As the previous match concluded, Garo stepped forward, his voice booming across the training grounds. “Next up, Aurora Ravenheim versus Callus Imanov.”

A murmur rippled through the class, a mix of surprise and anticipation. Callus, the undefeated champion of their morning training, was about to face Aurora, who had already shown grace and strength in every aspect of their studies so far. Haru felt a knot tighten in his stomach as he heard her name, his gaze immediately shifting to her.

Aurora stood calmly, her expression unreadable as she prepared herself. Haru could see the confidence in her posture, but that didn’t ease his concerns. The rest of the class seemed to share his sentiment, their eyes darting between the two fighters, curious to see how this match would unfold.

Callus, standing at the other end, was as composed as ever. He grasped his bowstaff with the relaxed grip of someone who knew their strength and wasn’t worried about the outcome. A few of the students whispered among themselves, trying to predict who would win.

"Aurora's good, but Callus is a whole different level," Haru heard someone say, echoing his own thoughts.

As Aurora began to step toward the stage, Haru couldn’t help himself. He reached out, gently taking her hand. “Be safe,” he said, his voice filled with concern.

Aurora turned to him, a soft, confident smile playing on her lips. “I’ll be fine,” she reassured him, her tone calm and soothing. The warmth in her voice and the way she squeezed his hand briefly before walking to the stage gave Haru a sliver of comfort, though the knot in his stomach remained.

Emma, who had been watching the interaction, slid up beside Haru with a knowing smirk. “Worried about her?” she teased, though there was a hint of genuine concern in her eyes as well.

Haru sighed, watching as Aurora took her position. “She’s strong, but Callus… he’s on another level,” he admitted quietly.

“Well, let’s see what happens,” Emma said, her tone shifting to curiosity. “Aurora’s got some tricks up her sleeve, and Callus looks like the type who enjoys a good challenge.”

As the match officially began, Aurora sprang into action. She moved with the grace of a dancer, her body a blur as she danced around Callus, her dual duanshans slicing through the air with incredible precision. Each movement left a stunning afterimage, like a ghostly aurora borealis, trailing frost in its wake.

Callus, still holding his bowstaff, watched her intently, clearly impressed by her display. He didn't seem the least bit worried, though, his posture relaxed as he observed her attacks with a discerning eye.

Haru and Emma watched closely, analyzing every movement. “She’s incredible,” Emma whispered, almost to herself, as Aurora continued her elegant assault, each strike more calculated than the last.

Callus didn’t seem fazed, and although he wasn’t using his full strength yet, it was clear that he was toying with Aurora, giving her a chance to shine. But Haru knew it was only a matter of time before the real fight began.

Aurora’s eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. She knew that speed and agility were her strengths, but Callus was a juggernaut of endurance and raw power. To take him down, she would need to use every ounce of skill she had.

With a swift movement, Aurora launched herself at Callus, her duanshans cutting through the air in a blur of silver and frost. The blades aimed for his midsection, but Callus was ready, spinning his bowstaff in a circular motion to parry her strikes with ease. The clash of wood against steel echoed across the field, and a shiver of cold mist followed each of Aurora’s strikes, leaving a trail of frost where her blades had passed.

Callus, still holding back, blocked each attack with a calm precision that belied his strength. His eyes remained focused, tracking her every movement as if anticipating where she would strike next. Aurora darted around him, her feet barely touching the ground as she moved in a fluid dance of combat. She struck from the left, then the right, then spun low to sweep at his legs, but Callus merely hopped back, his bowstaff twirling in his hands like an extension of his body.

“Damn, what is he on?” Angel muttered from the sidelines, watching in disbelief as Callus continued to fend off Aurora’s relentless assault without breaking a sweat.

Aurora gritted her teeth, frustration beginning to creep in. She needed to do more than just attack—she needed to change the battlefield to her advantage. With a swift pivot, she leaped back, creating distance between herself and Callus. Her hands glowed faintly blue as she began to channel her power, focusing it through her duanshans.

A wave of icy wind erupted from her blades, spreading across the ground. The temperature dropped sharply, and within moments, the ground beneath them was coated in a thin layer of frost. Aurora continued to move, her every step leaving a frozen trail. She spun her duanshans in a wide arc, sending shards of ice shooting towards Callus, aiming to pierce his defenses and restrict his movement.

Callus’s expression remained unchanged as the shards of ice approached. With a simple flick of his wrist, he spun his bowstaff, shattering the ice before it could reach him. The ground beneath him began to freeze as well, but he stood firm, his stance solid and unyielding.

Aurora wasn’t done. She knew that freezing the ground would limit his mobility, even if just slightly. She lunged forward again, this time aiming higher, her blades slicing through the air towards his shoulders. Callus met her attack head-on, raising his bowstaff to block her strike. The impact sent a shockwave through both of them, and for the first time, Aurora felt the full force of his strength as her arms trembled from the collision.

She spun away, using the momentum to attempt another strike from the side, but Callus was ready. He sidestepped her attack with surprising agility for someone his size and countered with a swift, low sweep of his bowstaff aimed at her legs. Aurora barely managed to leap over the attack, her heart pounding as she realized just how close she had come to being taken down.

“She’s trying to tire him out,” Haru observed quietly, watching every move. “But he’s not even close to reaching his limit.”

Aurora knew that as well. She could feel the strain in her muscles, the way her breath was coming in shorter gasps. The frost-covered ground was working in her favor, slowing Callus’s movements ever so slightly, but it wasn’t enough. She needed to push harder.

With a determined shout, Aurora unleashed another wave of icy wind, this time aiming to freeze the very air around them. The battlefield became a winter wonderland, with snowflakes swirling in the air and the ground becoming slick with ice. She charged at Callus once more, her duanshans cutting through the snow like twin fangs.

Callus’s bowstaff met her blades with a resounding crack, and the two were locked in a struggle of strength versus skill. Aurora twisted her body, using every ounce of her agility to try and find an opening, but Callus was like an impenetrable wall. He parried each of her strikes, his movements precise and controlled, barely shifting his stance as he defended against her onslaught.

Aurora’s attacks grew more desperate as she felt her energy waning. She aimed for his arms, his legs, even his head, but Callus countered everything with almost casual ease. He was still holding back, she realised, and that only fueled her determination to push harder.

She leaped back, panting heavily, and raised her blades once more. This time, she gathered her remaining strength and sent a blast of icy wind directly at Callus, hoping to catch him off guard and freeze him in place.

Callus narrowed his eyes as the blast approached. He didn’t move to dodge or block it; instead, he simply raised his bowstaff and slammed it into the ground. The impact sent a shockwave through the ice, shattering it into pieces and dispersing Aurora’s attack before it could reach him.

Aurora staggered back, her legs nearly giving out beneath her. She had given everything she had, and yet Callus remained unscathed, barely even winded.

Haru watched in awe, his heart heavy as he saw the exhaustion on Aurora’s face. She was giving it her all, but Callus was a force of nature, seemingly unstoppable.

Callus, standing tall and composed, looked down at Aurora with a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You’ve got spirit, Aurora. But if you keep going, you’re only going to hurt yourself. It’s time to give up."

Aurora, panting and clearly exhausted, refused to back down. Despite the throbbing pain in her muscles and the icy sweat dripping down her brow, she shook her head defiantly. "I’m not done yet," she declared, her voice steady despite her fatigue.

The determination in her eyes earned her a newfound respect from her classmates. Ashelyn, watching from the sidelines, nodded approvingly, recognizing the strength of Aurora’s resolve. Even Blaze, who had initially seen her as nothing more than a pretty face, couldn’t help but be impressed by her tenacity.

Aurora pushed herself to her feet, her legs trembling under the strain, and raised her duanshans once more. She knew she was outmatched, but she was determined to prove that she could stand toe-to-toe with the best, even if it meant enduring more pain.

She charged at Callus again, this time with a desperate speed, aiming for his side in an attempt to break through his defenses. But Callus, ever composed, sidestepped her attack with minimal effort. As she stumbled past him, he swept his bowstaff low, catching her legs and sending her crashing to the ground.

Aurora gasped as she hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind out of her. Before she could recover, she felt the tip of Callus’s bowstaff press against her upper back, pinning her down with a firm but controlled force.

"Enough," Garo’s voice cut through the tension, authoritative and final. "Aurora, admit defeat. The fight is over."

Aurora, her body aching and her pride wounded, closed her eyes for a moment. She knew she had given everything she had, and yet it wasn’t enough. But she wasn’t ashamed—she had faced one of the strongest in their class and held her ground as long as she could.

With a heavy breath, she nodded. "I… I admit defeat," she said, her voice quiet but steady.

Callus lifted his bowstaff and stepped back, offering Aurora a hand to help her up. "You did well," he said sincerely. "You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of."

Aurora accepted his hand and got to her feet, her legs still shaking. "Thanks," she managed, her voice a mix of exhaustion and gratitude.

The class, witnessing the end of the fight, remained silent for a moment, processing what they had just seen. Aurora had earned their respect not just for her skill, but for her unwavering determination. As she walked back to her spot, there were nods of acknowledgment from her peers, and even a few quiet words of praise.

As she passed by Haru, he gave her a small, proud smile. "You did great out there," he whispered as she walked by.

Aurora nodded, still catching her breath. "Thanks, Haru," she whispered back before returning to her spot.

Garo, observing the respect that had been earned, nodded to himself. "Alright, let’s keep moving," he commanded, bringing the class back to attention. The next match was about to begin, and the intensity in the air only seemed to be growing.