Chapter 6: Duel — Part 1.
The university grounds were unusually quiet after the Foundation Assessment.
Students were scattered across resting zones, stone benches, and shaded corridors—some lying flat on the ground, others sitting in silence, staring at nothing. The assessment had drained more than just stamina; it had pulled at something deeper.
Lanthaba sat on a low stone step near one of the inner courtyards, his back straight, eyes half-closed. He wasn't sleeping—just letting his breathing settle.
Yaikhomba lay beside him, arms spread, staring at the sky.
"I don't think my legs belong to me anymore," Yaikhomba muttered.
"You're still breathing," Lanthaba replied calmly. "That's a good sign."
Before Yaikhomba could answer, a familiar voice cut in.
"Hey. Still alive after the assessment?"
Lanthaba opened his eyes.
Sorel Yaipokpa stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets, wearing his usual relaxed smile. His presence felt different from the instructors—lighter, confident, unburdened.
"Barely," Yaikhomba said honestly.
Sorel chuckled. "That's the correct response."
Before the conversation could continue, two senior students approached from behind Sorel. One of them frowned openly.
"Oi, Sorel," he said. "Why are you hanging around junior sorcerers?"
Sorel glanced back at them, amused. "Because one of them is my cousin."
The seniors blinked.
"You came all the way here just to check on him?" the other one asked.
"Of course," Sorel replied casually. "Wouldn't want him breaking on his first day."
Lanthaba stood up. "Aren't you supposed to be in your class?"
Sorel waved the question away. "Seniors don't attend classes like you do. We focus on missions, refinement, and specialization."
"Missions?" Lanthaba and Yaikhomba asked at the same time.
Sorel grinned. "Once you become a senior, you're assigned based on capability. Some of us handle field missions regularly. Others—those with less combat aptitude—focus on politics, history, barrier maintenance, or deeper Thawai research."
Yaikhomba frowned. "So it's not all fighting."
"Far from it," Sorel replied. "Most of Thawai Society survives because people don't fight."
He was about to continue when a loud, echoing shout tore through the courtyard.
"SORELLL YAIPOKPA!"
Heads turned instantly.
From above, a figure descended from the sky—wind and frost trailing behind him. Long blond hair flowed freely as he landed lightly on the stone, a massive bird circling overhead.
The bird's wings were wide and sharp-feathered, its breath leaving traces of cold mist in the air.
Sorel sighed. "Still loud as ever."
The newcomer smirked. "Nemchand Nongthapham," he announced proudly. "Did you miss me?"
Sorel tilted his head. "Are you still trying to fight me using Sagoi Uchek?"
Lanthaba's eyes moved upward, following the bird's flight.
Yaikhomba leaned closer and whispered, "What's Sagoi Uchek?"
One of Sorel's friends answered quietly. "Contract Beasts. Birds or beasts bound through Tha contracts. Only a few families can tame them properly."
Nemchand snapped his fingers.
The bird screeched sharply, releasing a wave of cold air.
"My Ningtham Uchek," Nemchand said proudly. "A bird that carries snow and ice wherever it flies."
Sorel glanced at the bird, unimpressed. "So what do you want, Nemchand?"
Nemchand's grin widened. "I challenge you."
Sorel raised an eyebrow. "Again?"
"The twenty-third duel," Nemchand said. "Our unfinished business."
Sorel clicked his tongue. "You're wasting time."
Nemchand leaned forward slightly. "If I lose… I'll give you my family's Binding Stone."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Even Sorel's smile vanished.
"A Binding Stone?" Sorel repeated.
"A forced contract relic," Nemchand continued smugly. "Always benefits the user. No rejection."
For the first time, excitement flickered across Sorel's face.
"…You're serious."
Nemchand nodded. "Win—and it's yours."
Sorel straightened. "Then stop shouting and schedule it properly."
He turned slightly toward Lanthaba.
"Looks like you'll get to watch a real duel soon."
High above them, the Ningtham Uchek screeched again, ice forming along its wings.
The challenge had been accepted.