On the screen, Liora stood calmly on her platform, facing her opponent across the stone floor.
She looked relaxed and cheery as usual, her long hair moving gently with the breeze that swept across the arena.
Her opponent, a tall second-year with a pair of short blades, seemed to be studying her carefully.
The proctor between them raised his hand.
"Begin."
The boy moved first.
He rushed forward immediately, clearly trying to overwhelm her before she could cast anything complicated. His blades flashed as he closed the distance quickly.
But Liora didn't move.
She simply raised one hand.
There was no burst of mana like with most spells.
For a moment, it looked like nothing had happened.
The boy was only a few steps away now.
Then suddenly—
He slowed.
His steps became uneven.
He blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then he stopped completely.
The crowd murmured in confusion.
"What happened?"
"Did she cast something?"
Even the hostess sounded curious.
