Bethany wins!

From MC's Perspective:

My perception was active. I was observing her movements as she continued to circle around me.

She had found the same tactics as Senior Riley. But I wasn't going to give up. It was challenging for me as well.

Boom!

Bethany drew her flame fist at Zack Lockwood's back. But her attack was seen through by me. I turned around to block her fist at the right time.

Her flames instantly covered my right palm.

Zzzzz!

The next second, the black flames began to burn my skin. If I wanted, I could use purple lightning to destroy the black flames.

But by doing that, I would concede the duel as well. I didn't want to do that. I wasn't going to make things easy for them.

I let the black flames burn my skin. At the right opportunity, I retreated backward to the edge of the platform.

Bethany was stunned. She was speechless. She was sure that her attack could force Zack Lockwood to use his purple lightning.