Zack and Sia's fight began with an explosion of movent as both combatants launched themselves toward each other.
The clash of their swords echoed across the arena, and sparks flew as steel t steel.
Arlon, standing among the spectators, watched intently. He couldn't help but notice the similarities in their styles.
Both Zack and Sia were double-sword users, and their fiery personalities translated directly into their fighting techniques—aggressive, fast-paced, and relentless.
However, there was one glaring difference.
While Zack's movents were wild and unrefined, Sia's were sharp and precise, honed by years of training.
She was a warrior in every sense of the word, having been raised in battle since childhood. Zack, on the other hand, was new to real combat.
No matter how hard Zack tried, it beca increasingly clear that the match was a losing battle.
His swings were full of determination but lacked the finesse needed to land a solid hit. Sia, anwhile, dodged and parried effortlessly, her every movent calculated.
Arlon could see the outco long before the final blow landed. This result was inevitable.
Zack couldn't use his skills no matter what, and unlike Arlon, he couldn't gain any abilities yet. So, he just swung his sword.
To her credit, Sia didn't disrespect her opponent.
Realizing that Zack couldn't access any abilities, she chose to fight using only her swords, refraining from unleashing any magic or special techniques.
Yet, even with this handicap, the difference in their skill levels was undeniable.
Sia, a rare warrior Elf, moved with a grace and speed that Zack simply couldn't match. Despite his best efforts, he posed no real threat to her.
The match ended when Sia disard Zack with a clean strike, sending one of his swords clattering to the ground. She stepped back, lowering her weapons and giving him a smirk.
Zack panted heavily, his shoulders slumping as he retrieved his fallen sword.
Orlen stepped forward, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the arena. "Zack," he began, his tone firm but not unkind. "Your determination is comndable, but your lack of skills is holding you back. For your exam, your task is simple: learn an ability this week. Without it, you won't stand a chance in future battles."
Zack nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Understood, Professor," he said, his voice steady despite the sting of defeat.
***
The next matches followed a similar pattern, each revealing the gaps in the players' skills.
Carn stepped into the arena with a look of fierce determination. Her fighting style closely mirrored Maria's, relying on summons to engage her opponent. However, like Maria, she lacked the refinent and experience needed to make the most of her abilities. Her opponent dismantled her strategy quickly, forcing her into a corner.
Orlen gave his judgnt after the match. "Carn, your task will be the sa as Maria's. Spend this week learning how to fight like a true summoner."
Evan, an assassin, was paired against a sharp-eyed mage who specialized in detection spells. His attempts to turn invisible failed repeatedly, as his opponent's spellwork consistently revealed his position.
"You rely too heavily on your invisibility," Orlen said after the match. "Your exam will be to deceive a detection spell by Friday. Learn to be unpredictable."
Pierre, a tank, struggled against a nimble opponent who easily evaded his shield and attacked elsewhere. His defensive abilities were also lacking, and he was quickly overwheld.
"Pierre," Orlen said bluntly, "For your exam, you must make your opponent hit your shield five tis without moving. Learn to force the opponent to hit your shield and nowhere else."
Carole, a priest, hesitated when her na was called. She shook her head firmly, refusing to step into the arena. "I can't fight," she said, her voice trembling.
Orlen's gaze hardened. "Even priests fight in Trion. You're no exception. Your mission is to land a single hit on your opponent during Friday's exam. No excuses."
Carole nodded reluctantly, though her unease was palpable.
Lei, a broad-sword user, entered the arena with confidence but was quickly outpaced by her opponent. Her heavy weapon slowed her movents, leaving her open to counterattacks.
"Lei," Orlen said, "your swings are too slow. By Friday, you must swing your sword ten tis in ten seconds. Work on your speed and control."
Each match left the players more humbled, their confidence chipped away by the undeniable skill of the academy students.
Yet, there was also a growing resolve among them. Orlen's instructions were clear, and the tasks he set were achievable—if they put in the effort.
With Zack returning to the group, still catching his breath, all eyes turned to the arena once more.
It was June's turn.
***
June exhaled sharply and squared her shoulders, stepping into the arena with quiet determination. She glanced briefly at her companions, who offered her small nods of encouragent.
"You will face…" Orlen scanned the group of students, his gaze settling on a seemingly empty spot near the far edge of the arena.
"Leafa," he said.
June blinked, her eyes darting around in confusion. The players behind her exchanged puzzled glances.
"Leafa?" Evan whispered. "Is Orlen ssing with us? There's no one there."
Before anyone could comnt further, a tiny figure zipped into view, hovering above the ground.
"Here!" a high-pitched voice chirped.
The players' jaws dropped as they spotted a Fairy no taller than a human's hand.
She was clad in intricate, shimring armor that looked like it had been crafted from moonlight itself.
Her wings, translucent and glittering with a faint golden hue, beat rapidly to keep her aloft.
"You've got to be kidding ," Zack muttered. "A Fairy?"
Arlon, standing silently, observed the reactions of his group. While the players gawked at Leafa's diminutive size, he kept his thoughts to himself.
They don't understand yet. It's not her size that matters—it's how dangerous she can be with it.
Leafa zipped forward, her tiny sword drawn and glinting in the light. Yes, she was a warrior.
"Ready when you are!" she declared, her voice cheerful yet brimming with confidence.
June frowned slightly, her hands flexing at her sides. She knew this wouldn't be easy. She wasn't like Arlon who could use a lot of spells.
She was in the sa boat as others, so she couldn't use any skills, only spells.
Her biggest challenge wasn't just Leafa's speed or combat experience—it was her size.
Landing a hit on soone so small and agile would require precision far beyond what June was accustod to.
***
"Take your positions," Orlen commanded, his voice echoing across the arena.
June stepped into place, her posture tense but steady, her sharp eyes focused on the tiny Fairy hovering midair across from her.
Leafa held her small, gleaming sword with a confidence that belied her size, her wings buzzing faintly as she floated in place.
The arena was silent, anticipation thick in the air.
Then June reached into her inventory and drew out Infernal Spire.
The reaction was imdiate.
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Gasps rippled through the crowd of students. Even Orlen, whose calm deanor rarely wavered, flinched slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing as they locked onto the weapon.
Everyone knew what that staff was.
If they concentrated, the students could see all the enchanted equipnt players had in the earlier matches.
However, their focus was on the fights since it wasn't easy for kids to have enchanted equipnt. So they hadn't realized them before.
But the Infernal Spire was impossible to ignore. If soone found that staff by chance and sold it, they wouldn't need to work again for the rest of their lives.
It wasn't because Infernal Spire was more important than the other enchanted equipnt. It wasn't even a Royal.
But it was the best staff after the staff among the Royals.
It was also included among the Endga equipnt the heroes of the past used.
To see it now, in the hands of a guest student, was nothing short of shocking.
Every mage in Trion coveted it. No, it wasn't just mages. Almost everyone who had heard its na dread of owning it.
Infernal Spire represented more than just power—it was a symbol of ultimate mastery.
So, when she took it out, everyone was shocked beyond belief.
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