The academy's training grounds hummed with anticipation.
Every new student stood in the wide, circular arena—its boundary marked by faint blue glyphs. Overhead, floating orbs of mana cast pale light on the sand below.
Professor Liora's voice carried through the crowd.
"Today's evaluation will determine your combat tier. Do not hold back—your mana must speak for you."
Ira adjusted his gloves, gaze sharp and unreadable.
Elara stood a few paces behind him, visibly nervous. "We're really doing this in front of everyone?"
"You'll be fine," he said. "You're stronger than you think."
Her heart skipped. He never said things like that.
The match list flickered onto the air. Ira Valen vs. Cael Dravik.
The crowd murmured—Cael was one of the top-ranked second-years, a duelist known for his brutal precision. He smirked when his eyes met Ira's.
"Hope you brought something worth my time, first-year."
The gong sounded.
Cael moved like lightning, his twin blades crackling with red mana. Ira barely dodged the first swing; sparks lit the air. The second cut grazed his shoulder, heat searing flesh.
Ira focused—mana flaring blue beneath his boots. He thrust his hand forward, unleashing a concussive blast that sent Cael skidding backward. The ground trembled from the force.
Gasps erupted from the stands.
But Cael only grinned. "Not bad. But let's end this."
He surged forward again—until something shimmered between them. A translucent barrier snapped into place, glowing with the same pattern as Elara's mark.
She was standing at the edge of the field, hands clenched, eyes glowing faintly.
"I couldn't just watch," she said softly.
The bond's light coursed through Ira's veins. His mana roared, stronger than before.
With one final strike, he channeled that energy into a focused burst—Cael's blades shattered in a flash of blue light, and the older student fell to one knee.
The arena went silent.
Professor Liora's lips curved slightly. "Interesting. Bond activation in open combat. Very well… both of you, report to my office after class."
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