###Chapter 14: Sudden attack

The next pair to take the stage was highly anticipated, a duo known throughout the academy for their exceptional skills and reputations.

Their names carried weight among the students: Adrian, the sword prodigy, and Julian, a master of all four elemental magics.

Whispers rippled through the crowd as they stepped forward, their presence commanding attention without effort.

Adrian, with his sharp features and the air of confidence around him, was renowned for his unparalleled skill in swordsmanship.

His sword, a gleaming blade forged from enchanted steel, seemed almost alive as it caught the light. On the other hand, Julian's calm demeanor belied the storm of power he wielded.

The faint hum of energy crackled around him, a testament to his mastery of fire, water, earth, and air—something even veteran mages struggled to achieve.

Their assignment was equally as grand as their reputations. The teacher handed them their note, and the room fell silent as the name was read aloud: Nere, the Colossal Titan. Gasps echoed through the crowd.

"A giant?" one student whispered.

"Not just any giant," another replied. "Nere has been undefeated in every trial. It's almost impossible to take him down without perfect teamwork."

The teacher stepped forward, addressing Adrian and Julian. "You two will be facing Nere, the Colossal Titan. Remember, this isn't just about defeating the monster.

It's about working together. I'll intervene if I sense danger, but don't think that excuses reckless behavior. Do you understand?"

Adrian smirked, adjusting the grip on his sword. "No problem. I'll handle this before Julian even casts his first spell."

Julian rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Typical sword-swinger arrogance. Try not to trip over yourself while I take care of the real work."

The tension between the two was palpable. Though both were prodigies, they were also infamous for their inflated egos. Each believed himself superior, not just to their peers but also to their partner. While their skills were unmatched individually, their inability to cooperate was the chink in their armor.

"Enough," the teacher said firmly. "Take your positions."

Adrian and Julian stepped into the arena, standing on opposite sides. The ground rumbled as the massive gate at the far end of the arena creaked open. A shadow loomed large, and the crowd fell silent, holding their breath.

Nere emerged, his massive frame towering over everything in sight. His skin was rough and gray like stone, his eyes glowing with an eerie yellow light. Every step he took shook the ground, and his deep, guttural growl resonated through the air.

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"Let's see what you're made of," Adrian muttered, dashing forward without waiting for a signal.

"Idiot," Julian hissed, raising his hands to conjure a spell.

Adrian closed the distance in seconds, his blade glowing as he infused it with mana. With a powerful leap, he aimed a slash at Nere's knee, hoping to cripple the giant's mobility. But just as his sword made contact, Nere's massive hand swatted him away like a fly, sending him hurtling across the arena.

"Predictable," Julian muttered, stepping in. He raised his hands, summoning a swirling vortex of fire and wind. The flames roared to life, encircling Nere's legs and forcing him to stumble.

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Julian barely had time to smirk before Nere stomped down, creating a shockwave that extinguished the flames and sent Julian stumbling backward.

"Are you just going to stand there and show off, or are you actually going to do something useful?" Adrian shouted, picking himself up from the ground. His armor was dented, and his sword's glow flickered, but his determination was unshaken.

"Maybe if you didn't rush in like a fool, I wouldn't have to clean up your mess!" Julian snapped.

Their bickering cost them. Nere, seizing the opportunity, swung his massive arm in a sweeping motion. The force of the wind alone knocked both of them off their feet, sending them skidding across the ground.

"Focus!" the teacher's voice boomed, his eyes narrowing as he monitored the fight closely.

Adrian groaned, getting back to his feet. He glared at Julian. "Fine. If you're so smart, what's your plan?"

Julian hesitated for a moment before replying, "We take him down together. I'll immobilize him with earth magic, and you go for the weak points."

Adrian nodded begrudgingly. "About time you came to your senses."

Julian slammed his hands into the ground, and the arena trembled. Vines and rocky spikes shot up from the earth, wrapping around Nere's legs and arms. The giant roared, struggling against the restraints.

"Now, go!" Julian shouted.

Adrian darted forward, his sword glowing once more. This time, he aimed for Nere's wrist, the joint exposed between the rocky plates of his skin.

With a precise slash, he severed a tendon, causing Nere to drop his massive club. The crowd cheered, the momentum of the fight shifting in their favor.

But Nere wasn't done. With a deafening roar, he broke free from the restraints, his eyes blazing with fury. He raised his foot, preparing to crush Julian beneath it.

"Move!" Adrian yelled, sprinting toward his partner. He tackled Julian out of the way just in time, the ground where they'd been standing exploding into dust and debris.

Julian scowled but didn't argue. "I need time to charge a stronger spell. Cover me!"

"On it," Adrian said, standing between Julian and the raging giant.

As Julian began chanting an incantation, Adrian engaged Nere in a deadly dance. He ducked, rolled, and leaped, narrowly avoiding each devastating blow.

Every swing of Nere's fists created craters in the ground, but Adrian's speed and agility kept him just out of reach.

"Almost ready," Julian muttered, his voice strained as the elements swirled around him.

"Hurry up!" Adrian shouted, deflecting a blow that nearly knocked the sword from his hand.

Finally, Julian's spell reached its peak. A massive orb of energy formed above him, a swirling combination of fire, water, earth, and air.

"Adrian, get clear!"

Adrian didn't need to be told twice. With one final leap, he retreated as Julian unleashed his attack.

"Elemental Cataclysm!" Julian roared, and the orb hurtled toward Nere.

The impact was catastrophic. Fire engulfed Nere, water drowned his roars, earth spikes impaled his limbs, and wind tore at his skin. When the dust settled, Nere lay motionless, his massive frame crumbling to pieces.

The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound echoing across the arena.

Adrian approached Julian, panting heavily. "Guess that wasn't so bad."

Julian smirked, though he was equally exhausted. "Maybe you're not completely useless after all."

When everyone thought that the battle was over, Nere's yellow eyes flared to life, brighter and fiercer than before.

His mouth opened wide, and a searing beam of destruction magic erupted forth, catching both Adrian and Julian off guard.

The blast sent them flying across the arena, their bodies hitting the ground hard. Pain shot through their limbs as they struggled to regain their bearings, the force of the magic leaving them stunned and scorched.

Neres eyes dimmed, and he fell into true stillness this time, the battle decisively ended, with them losing.

The teacher rushed, and looked at their condition

"This is bad!" his words filled with concern, he hurried and carried both of them to the healer.

"Luckily, when the Nere unleashed his magic, Julian pulled up a barrier, reducing the damage they took, they'll be fine now" the teacher and students relieved

"Well done. You both displayed exceptional skill, despite your… challenges. Take this as a lesson. Even the strongest must learn to work together."

As Adrian and Julian exited the arena, the class buzzed with excitement, the previous tension replaced with admiration. But the teacher's voice cut through the noise.

"Next pair, step forward."

A new tension filled the air as two figures walk their way to the the Arena, their heated words drawing attention.

The class fell silent, the mystery of their identities sparking curiosity.

"Let's see if the next duo can rise to the challenge," the teacher said, a knowing smile playing on his lips.