A Fiery Fight

Lucian's POV

After changing into our combat gear in the locker room, I stride out to the training field, flanked by my best friends, Ryker and Zane. It's the start of our final year, and the academy's energy feels sharper, more intense.

Everyone knows what's at stake—this is our last chance to prove ourselves. The early morning sun casts long shadows across the vast arena, where we'll be pushed to our limits in our first official combat class of the year.

Other students are already gathering, forming lines under the watchful gaze of Master Orin, our combat instructor. A water elemental dragon, Master Orin is renowned for his intense training methods.

His sharp gaze flicks over the crowd, and as his eyes land on me, I catch the hint of a smirk. Today, he seems even more focused than usual, clearly assessing us as if seeing how we've grown since the previous year.

"Alright, everyone, welcome to your first combat training session of the year!" Master Orin's voice rings out, silencing the remaining chatter. "As you know, in each class, I'll select pairs to battle. The rest of you will watch and learn—observe how your peers respond under pressure, and use that knowledge to improve your own tactics."

I glance at Ryker, who raises an eyebrow. "Think he'll go easy on us?" he mutters with a grin. Zane snorts in response, folding his arms as he observes the field. "Not a chance. He's probably been looking forward to this all year."

Master Orin's gaze shifts back to me. "Lucian, you're up against Charles, prince of the Earth Kingdom."

Charles stands on the opposite side of the field, rolling his shoulders as he watches me, a cocky smile on his face. He thinks he can take me down, and maybe that's what makes this whole thing more interesting.

We both step forward, squaring off as the crowd murmurs around us.

Master Orin's voice cuts through the excitement. "Remember, boys: combat is as much about strategy as it is about strength. Use your surroundings, anticipate your opponent's moves, and keep your wits."

With a single, sharp whistle, the battle begins.

Charles lunges first, his fists slamming into the ground, sending rocks and chunks of earth hurtling toward me. I smirk, raising a barrier that deflects the attack effortlessly. "That's the best you've got, Charles?" I taunt, watching his eyes narrow in frustration.

"Better save the talking for later, Lucian," he snaps back, gathering his energy. A wall of rock rises between us as he retreats, clearly hoping to catch me off guard. I can see the determination in his gaze, but I already know he's not ready for what I have planned.

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Drawing on my energy, I send a massive wave of earth surging forward, cracking the ground between us. Charles scrambles back, his confidence wavering as he realizes the power difference.

He tries to counter with another wall of stone, but I laugh, barely needing to exert any effort to break through his defenses.

"Come on, Charles!" I call out mockingly. "This is combat class, not hide-and-seek."

The crowd erupts with cheers and laughter, and I catch a glimpse of Ryker and Zane watching with satisfied smirks on their faces.

Master Orin, however, raises an eyebrow, arms crossed, his gaze intense as he observes every movement.

Charles grits his teeth, summoning another wave of rock and launching it at me. This time, I sidestep, letting the rocks fly past harmlessly. "You'll have to try harder than that," I taunt, channeling my energy into a massive stone pillar, raising it above my head. "Ready to give up yet?"

"Not a chance!" Charles snaps, though I can see the uncertainty in his eyes. The thrill of the fight surges through me as I prepare to bring the pillar crashing down. But before I can land the finishing blow, Master Orin's voice booms from the sidelines.

"Remember, boys! Combat is about strategy, not just brute force!" His tone is almost amused, though his gaze remains sharp and focused.

I grin, calling back to him. "Thanks for the tip, Master Orin! But I think Charles here needs more 'dirt' time!" With that, I feign a dramatic move, bringing the pillar down inches from Charles's shoulder.

His eyes widen, and he raises his hands in surrender, a mix of relief and embarrassment on his face.

The crowd roars, and I step back, Ryker and Zane rushing up to me as Charles makes his hasty exit from the field.

"Well, that was anticlimactic!" Ryker laughs, clapping me on the shoulder. "I was expecting at least a bit of a struggle. Maybe we should bring in some confetti next time?"

"Or fireworks!" Zane adds, fanning his face dramatically. "Lucian, the conquering hero! Maybe I'll bring a marching band."

I smirk, dusting off my hands. "You should've known better than to bet against me. Charles didn't stand a chance."

Zane chuckles, crossing his arms. "But you know how the other kingdoms talk, Lucian. They think you're too strong. Some of them might try to take you down a notch."

"Let them try," I reply, the confidence surging in my veins. "I can handle whatever they throw at me. Besides, I'm practically a one-man army."

Ryker nods, a grin spreading across his face. "Then let's make sure we're up to speed, too. Can't let you steal all the glory, right?"

I laugh, throwing my arm around his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll carry you both. With the fire dragons and a prince who can control all elements, we're unstoppable."

As we make our way off the field, I catch a glimpse of Master Orin watching us with a thoughtful expression. His gaze lingers on me, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, as if he's considering something. Despite his strict demeanor, I sense a hint of approval in his eyes.

We continue to banter as we head toward our next class, the echoes of laughter and cheers fading behind us. Ryker nudges me, grinning. "Hey, Lucian, remember last time you went all 'undefeatable prince'? You couldn't stop bragging for days."

"Oh, please," I scoff, nudging him back. "You loved every second. And besides, someone has to maintain a reputation around here."

"Reputation, or just showing off?" Zane teases, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe a bit of both," I admit with a chuckle. "But can you blame me? Who wouldn't want to bask in the glory of my undeniable awesomeness?"

As we walk to our next class, our laughter fills the air, a reminder that despite the responsibilities and expectations placed on us, we're still young—still figuring out who we are and who we're becoming. Whatever challenges come our way, I know I can count on my friends. And as long as they're by my side, there's nothing we can't face.