The dueling arena shimmered with layers of enchantments, its stone floor etched with runes that pulsed faintly in the sunlight. Students filled the stands, buzzing with anticipation, while examiners and supervisors stood watch like hawks.
"Next pair!" The supervisor's voice rang out, clear and commanding.
One by one, the gang faced their opponents.
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Kael Skyrim moved first. His opponent—a tall boy with a spear—lunged forward, swift and aggressive. Kael answered with precision rather than flash. Every movement was economical, his blade deflecting the spear just enough to rob it of force. A single sweep of wind-enhanced steel disarmed his opponent, the spear clattering to the ground.
"Winner: Kael Skyrim."
Kael simply bowed, calm and collected, as if the match had been nothing more than routine training.
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Saphira Thorne stepped into the arena next, her smile bright, almost taunting. Her opponent tried to overwhelm her with a barrage of strikes, but every blow was turned aside by radiant flashes of light. Her mana flared, dazzling and sharp, and in one elegant motion she unleashed a burst that blinded her opponent long enough for her to press her blade to his chest.
"Winner: Saphira Thorne."
She twirled her quill-thin rapier with a flourish as the crowd murmured, equal parts impressed and irritated by her effortless dominance.
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Edrin Vale faced a sturdier, broad-shouldered challenger. For a moment, his nerves threatened to show, but then he planted his feet firmly, the ground itself responding. Stone erupted into jagged spires, blocking each attack. With a sudden surge of confidence, Edrin shattered the ground beneath his opponent's stance, sending the boy sprawling.
"Winner: Edrin Vale."
Edrin stood taller than before, chest heaving but eyes alight with pride.
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Riven Havana entered with a lazy smirk. His opponent tried to press him hard, but shadows licked around Riven's form, absorbing and diverting strikes. Then, with a sudden whip of dark tendrils, he disarmed the boy in one smooth, almost mocking motion.
"Winner: Riven Havana."
Riven bowed dramatically, grin widening as some students groaned in annoyance while others cheered.
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Finally, it was Alex Rosetta's turn. His opponent eyed him with thinly veiled arrogance, mana sparking along his blade.
The duel began fast, steel ringing out as Alex blocked the first strike. Fire flared along his weapon, pushing his challenger back step by step. But his opponent was relentless, pressing him with quick, precise thrusts that forced Alex to dig deep.
He gritted his teeth, heat building in his chest—raw, powerful, alive. His flames grew wilder, stronger, forcing his opponent onto the defensive. Sparks rained as their blades clashed again and again, until finally, with a decisive strike, Alex's fire roared outward.
The boy was blasted off his feet, crashing onto the dueling ground.
The supervisor's hand shot up. "Winner: Alex Rosetta."
For a heartbeat, silence filled the arena. Then Alex exhaled, lowering his blade, flames flickering gently around him. He felt it—his mana coursing deeper than ever before, breaking past its old limits.
He had stepped into the rank of a Second Tier Mana User.
No boasting, no gloating. He simply stood tall, steady and proud. This was more than victory—it was breakthrough.
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The crowd's excitement rose as the group reunited at the edge of the arena, their victories clear, their growth undeniable. The written test had challenged their minds—this trial had tested their strength. And together, they had passed.