The aftermath of the explosive duel between Lyria and Aeliana left the training grounds in ruins. The academy buzzed with gossip about the fierce rivalry and the display of overwhelming power. However, amidst the excitement, Satoru maintained his usual quiet demeanor, trying to blend into the background as much as possible.

As the students gathered the next morning for a temporary training session in a different part of the academy, whispers about the fight still lingered in the air. Freya and Seraphina joined Satoru, the trio forming a comfortable circle away from the bustling crowd.

“That was some duel yesterday,” Freya remarked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I can’t believe they caused so much destruction.”

“Yeah,” Seraphina agreed, her gaze lingering on Satoru. “But Satoru didn’t seem fazed by it at all.”

Satoru shrugged modestly, his expression calm. “They were both impressive. I just hope they don’t get into more trouble.”

As the morning training began, a noble student named Gregory, known for his arrogance and infatuation with Seraphina, strutted onto the training grounds. He had always viewed Satoru as an obstacle to winning Seraphina’s affection, and the recent events had only fueled his resentment.

Gregory approached the trio with a sneer. “Well, well, if it isn’t Satoru, the commoner who thinks he can compete with nobles. It’s a wonder they even let you stay here.”

Seraphina’s eyes narrowed. “Gregory, leave him alone. Satoru has every right to be here.”

Gregory ignored her, his eyes locked on Satoru. “I challenge you to a duel, Satoru. Let’s see if you’re as good as people say, or if you’re just a weakling hiding behind your friends.”

Satoru sighed inwardly but nodded. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

The students quickly gathered around, sensing the brewing confrontation. Freya and Seraphina exchanged worried glances, but they knew Satoru could handle himself.

The duel began, and Gregory wasted no time in launching a series of aggressive attacks. He wielded his sword with confidence, each strike aimed to humiliate and overpower Satoru. However, Satoru remained calm, his movements precise and controlled. He parried Gregory’s attacks with ease, his expression unchanging.

As the duel progressed, it became clear that Gregory was outmatched. His attacks grew more desperate, and his frustration was evident. Satoru, on the other hand, maintained his composure, waiting for the right moment to strike. With a swift and calculated move, Satoru disarmed Gregory, sending his sword flying across the training grounds.

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The crowd gasped in astonishment, and Gregory stumbled back, his face red with embarrassment and anger. “This isn’t over, Satoru,” he spat, turning on his heel and storming away.

The students erupted in applause, impressed by Satoru’s skill and composure. Freya and Seraphina rushed to his side, their faces alight with admiration.

“That was amazing, Satoru!” Freya exclaimed, her eyes shining.

Seraphina smiled warmly at him. “You handled that with such grace. I’m glad you’re our friend.”

Satoru nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Thanks. I just didn’t want to cause any more trouble.”

As the excitement died down, the students resumed their training. Satoru, Freya, and Seraphina returned to their exercises, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. However, the peace was short-lived.

Later that afternoon, as the students were practicing in the temporary training grounds, a heated argument broke out between Lyria and Aeliana. The tension from their previous duel had not subsided, and their competitive spirits clashed once more.

“You think you’re the better leader, Lyria?” Aeliana taunted, her eyes blazing. “You’re nothing but a show-off with no real skill.”

Lyria’s eyes narrowed, her aura flaring. “And you think you’re any better, Aeliana? You’re just an arrogant dragon with a superiority complex.”

Their argument quickly escalated into another duel, despite the instructors’ efforts to intervene. The two unleashed their powers, causing the training grounds to shake with the force of their attacks. Fire and wind clashed violently, creating a spectacle that drew the attention of the entire academy.

Satoru, Freya, and Seraphina watched in awe as the two rivals battled it out. Despite his preference for staying out of the spotlight, Satoru couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for their raw power and determination.

The duel continued to rage, the intensity of their attacks increasing with each passing moment. Just as it seemed that the training grounds would be completely destroyed, the headmaster arrived, his presence immediately halting the fight. With a wave of his hand, he neutralized the girls’ powers, restoring order to the chaos.

“That’s enough!” he commanded, his voice resonating with authority. “This academy is a place of learning and growth, not a battlefield for personal vendettas.”

Lyria and Aeliana glared at each other, their breaths heavy, but they reluctantly stood down. The headmaster’s stern gaze swept over the students, ensuring that the message was clear.

With the tension finally dissipated, the students were dismissed for the day. As they walked back to their dorms, Freya turned to Satoru and Seraphina. “I hope this doesn’t happen again. We need to focus on our studies and training, not petty rivalries.”

Seraphina nodded in agreement. “Agreed. We’re here to become stronger and wiser, not to tear each other down.”

Satoru remained silent, his mind drifting back to the duel and the intense emotions that had fueled it. Despite his preference for a quiet life, he knew that the challenges at the academy were far from over. But with friends like Freya and Seraphina by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came his way.