After the somewhat ominous orientation with Headmaster Elowen, the group of first-years found themselves back with Mara. She was, as usual, leaning against a nearby wall, arms crossed, looking bored but alert.

“Alright,” Mara said, pushing herself off the wall. “Next stop: the arena. It’s where all the fun happens. Follow me.”

Lance and the others trailed behind as Mara led them across campus. The large domed buildings gave way to an open courtyard, where students were practicing spells, swordplay, and various forms of magical combat. The courtyard was alive with the hum of magic and the sharp clang of steel as students honed their skills. At the far end stood the arena—a colossal structure that towered above everything else, its dark stone walls making it look more like a fortress than a simple training ground.

The massive entrance was flanked by imposing statues of past champions—mages of great renown who had left their mark on the university through legendary feats. Inside, the arena opened up into a grand coliseum, complete with a sand-covered central stage surrounded by rising tiers of stone seats. Magical wards shimmered faintly in the air, reinforcing the boundaries of the combat space.

“Impressive,” Oliver said, gazing up at the high walls of the arena.

Kade’s eyes lit up. “Finally! Something interesting.”

Bella and Felix followed, their steps slowing as they took in the vast space.

“This is where you’ll be spending a lot of time,” Mara explained as she gestured toward the arena floor. “Whether it’s practicing your spells or testing your combat skills, this is the place. Duels, group battles, tactical training—it all happens here. And yes, before you ask, the healers are always on standby.” She smirked. “But don’t get too comfortable. The arena can still break you.”

As they stepped further into the center of the arena, they heard footsteps approaching. A tall figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with short, dark hair streaked with silver, wearing a long, flowing coat that swirled around her as she moved. She had an air of authority about her, with sharp eyes that seemed to take in every detail at once.

“Professor Korra,” Mara greeted her with a nod, her usual indifference replaced with a trace of respect. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Still watching over the new recruits, are you, Mara?” Professor Korra replied, her voice calm but commanding. She looked at Mara, then shifted her gaze to the group of students behind her. “You’ve certainly grown since your first year.”

Mara rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, I remember. You don’t have to remind me.”

Professor Korra smirked. “It’s good to see that you’ve become competent, at least.”

Lance couldn’t help but stare at the professor. She had a presence that demanded attention, but not in the same overpowering way as Elowen. It was subtler, more controlled, like a storm waiting to break.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Students,” Professor Korra addressed the group, her voice firm. “Welcome to the arena. I am Professor Korra, and I will be overseeing some of your combat and tactical training during your time here.”

Her gaze lingered on each of them in turn, evaluating. “I know you’re all green, fresh from your summoning and barely capable of anything worth noting. But we’ll change that soon enough. First, though, I’d like to see what I’m working with.”

Her eyes swept over the group, pausing on Lance and Oliver. “You two—sit this one out. You’re not quite ready yet.” She waved them to the side without further explanation. Lance, who was about to protest, met her gaze and thought better of it. Instead, he and Oliver exchanged glances and moved to the side of the arena.

Korra’s attention returned to the others. “Anyone who can access magic, step forward.”

Kade, Felix, and Bella all raised their hands, stepping forward. Korra’s eyes lit up with amusement.

“Good. Before we begin, let’s do the formalities. Names. Not that I’ll remember, but apparently, it’s important. Some book said so.”

Kade was the first to speak, his excitement barely contained. “Kade Everhart.”

“Alright, ‘Fade,’ you’re up,” Korra said, waving him forward with a lazy gesture.

Kade blinked. “It’s Kade.”

“Yeah, sure. Show me what you’ve got.”

Without wasting any more time, Kade summoned blades of lightning from his wrists, their crackling arcs casting a sharp light across the sand. His fighting style was aggressive—he darted forward with swift, precise strikes, aiming to slash at Korra with his lightning blades.

But Korra moved like water, her body fluidly weaving out of the way of each strike. She didn’t block or deflect; she simply dodged, her expression never changing. Kade gritted his teeth, throwing in a sharp kick, which she easily sidestepped before sweeping her own leg out and knocking him flat onto the sand.

He groaned, lightning flickering out as he hit the ground.

Korra smirked, offering him a hand. “Not bad, Fade. But you need to work on that footwork. Trying too hard. You’ll trip over your own energy.”

Kade mumbled, “It’s Kade.”

Korra shrugged. “Don’t care. Next.”

Bella stepped up next, her eyes flashing with determination. She summoned fire, her hands glowing with flickering embers that formed into a small, unstable fireball. She hurled it at Korra, but it fizzled out midway. Bella’s face flushed with frustration, and she quickly tried again. The second fireball was slightly more stable, but Korra merely stepped to the side, letting it dissipate into harmless sparks.

“You’re holding back,” Korra commented, crossing her arms. “Fire’s got to be bold, not hesitant. Try again when you’re not afraid of burning something down.”

Bella’s frown deepened, but she nodded and stepped back.

Felix was the next to step forward, his silver serpent coiled at his side. With a wave of his hand, he cast an illusion, creating multiple copies of himself in the arena, all moving in perfect sync. It was a clever trick, but Korra’s sharp eyes saw through it. With a swift motion, she punched through the nearest Felix, causing the illusion to dissolve into mist.

The real Felix appeared a moment later, but before he could react, Korra flicked her wrist, sending a pulse of magic that knocked him to the ground.

“Nice try,” Korra said, dusting off her hands. “But illusions are only useful if they actually fool someone.”

Felix groaned as he sat up, rubbing his arm. “Noted.”

Korra turned back to the group, a smirk playing on her lips. “If any of you choose to take up combat courses, you’ll probably be seeing a lot more of me. Just remember—I don’t make it easy.”

She paused, her sharp gaze sweeping over the group once more. “This is Arcane University, after all. If you want to thrive here, you’ll have to prove yourself. I’m not here to babysit you.”

And with a final smirk, Korra raised her hand, a swirling vortex of magic appearing around her feet. Before anyone could blink, she vanished in a flash of light, leaving the group in stunned silence.

Lance let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “Well... that was something.”

Mara chuckled, crossing her arms. “Welcome to the arena, rookies.”