Electrifying

Rai's heart pounds ferociously, every beat an urgent demand for action. The electric hum of his lightning sword seems to resonate with the rhythm of his pulse, each thrum of power echoing his mounting frustration. Arvin's arrogant smirk taunts him from a distance, the self-assured tilt of his chin challenging Rai to close the gap between them. The arena is alive with energy, a fierce spectacle of power and prowess unfolding at a pace that's barely comprehensible.

Arvin, all nimble grace and fluidity, conjures an intricate weave of magical arrows that shimmer with an almost ethereal beauty. Each arrow, glowing with the radiant colors of their respective affinities, represents a deadly threat. Rai can't afford to underestimate any of them. They buzz in the air, creating a symphony of lethal intent, ready to pierce and rend at their master's slightest whim.

Rai's yellow eyes blaze, each quicksilver movement a testament to his single-minded determination. The bluish mana around him crackles with intensity, a tempest of energy waiting to be unleashed. The gap between them seems vast, a yawning chasm of space that Rai desperately needs to bridge.

His feet dance upon the arena floor, a mixture of agility and raw power. Every dodge is a narrow escape, every deflection a race against time. The arrows zip and zoom, some veering off, others threateningly close, brushing past Rai's skin and leaving a trail of searing cold or burning heat.

But the distance between them remains. Every time Rai lunges forward, trying to bring the fight into close quarters, Arvin fluidly retreats in a circular motion, maintaining the infuriating gap. Rai's frustration mounts with each failed attempt, the weight of Arvin's taunting presence growing heavier with every second.

And then, in a moment of sheer audacity, Rai does the unexpected. He charges forward, not with the intent to attack, but to provoke. The electric energy around him surges wildly, a palpable aura of challenge. Arvin, caught off-guard, hesitates just a fraction of a second too long.

Rai's lightning sword slashes out, not at Arvin, but at the flurry of arrows coming his way. Each parry sends an arrow astray, each dodge more desperate than the last. There's a wildness to his movements now, a raw, untamed energy that speaks of barely contained rage.

Suddenly, one of the arrows finds its mark, grazing Rai's arm. The searing pain is immediate, a jolt of fiery agony that makes Rai hiss in pain. The gash, while not deep, oozes with a luminescent blue blood, the stark contrast against his skin making the wound appear more ominous than it is.

But this setback, rather than diminishing him, only fuels Rai's resolve. Gritting his teeth, Rai channels his pain into his magic, the mana around him growing even more fierce and wild. He lunges at Arvin with renewed vigor, the gap between them finally closing.

They clash, Rai's electric blade meeting a magical shield Arvin hastily conjures. The impact is deafening, a cacophony of sound that echoes throughout the vast arena. The two fighters, locked in this intense combat, are oblivious to everything but each other.

Rai's thoughts are a whirlwind, a blend of frustration, determination, and raw emotion. I need to end this. I can't let him keep controlling the fight, if I lose, I will embarrass myself and Luna might find out. 

Arvin, on the other hand, struggles to keep his composure, his once confident facade now showing cracks. The close proximity of Rai is unsettling, the intensity of his gaze and the wildness of his aura a stark reminder of the raw power he possesses. I need to push him back, regain control.

A wicked idea sparks in Rai's mind. The stormy mana that's been a constant companion seems to stir with anticipation, responding to the electric idea forming in Rai's thoughts. The sea of mana around him dances erratically, almost as if it's as eager as Rai himself to execute this new plan.

Rai's lightning sword pulsates with more energy than ever before. Almost instinctively, he starts forming balls of lightning in his free hand. Each one crackles with deadly potential, the energy contained within so raw and powerful it's almost blinding. Rai's yellow eyes, now reflecting the same electric glow, dart towards Arvin.

"This is either genius or insanity," Rai thinks to himself.

With a swift and precise movement, Rai bats a lightning ball with his sword, sending it hurtling towards Arvin at a blinding speed. The arena vibrates with the sheer energy of the move.

Arvin's eyes widen in surprise. He hadn't anticipated this tactic, and his movements become more frantic, trying to dodge and deflect. But Rai doesn't let up. One lightning ball after another, each one sent with increasing speed and ferocity.

Arvin's thoughts race. "What is he thinking? This is so reckless!" He manages to dodge one, deflect another, but they come so fast, from all directions. The fluidity he once displayed is now replaced by panic, as he's bombarded with a relentless rain of electric energy.

But as Rai readies another lightning ball, an arrow – faster, sharper, more cunning than the ones before – pierces the storm of his concentration. Rai, caught off guard, doesn't react in time. The arrow grazes his side, sending a surge of pain throughout his body. The luminescent blue blood from the previous wound now flows more freely, painting a vivid trail down his torso.

"Damn it!" Rai inwardly curses. "I got too carried away. Can't lose focus now. Especially not with Luna potentially watching. I have to end this!"

Arvin seizes this momentary lapse. "This is my chance!" He thinks, preparing a bigger spell, the air around him shimmering with power. But as he begins to channel his energy, Rai makes his move.

Using the last of his strength, Rai charges. With a roar that echoes in the vastness of the arena, he launches one final, colossal lightning ball. This time, he doesn't bat it. Instead, he thrusts his sword forward, channeling all his remaining energy into this one attack.

The resulting explosion of light and sound is blinding, disorienting. Arvin, already off-balance from trying to summon his spell, is caught in the blast's periphery. He's sent flying backward, his magical shield shattering upon impact.

As the dust settles, Rai, panting heavily and bleeding from multiple wounds, stands at the edge of the arena. Opposite him, Arvin teeters at the very edge of the platform. With one final, desperate effort, Rai lunges, and with a powerful push from his lightning-infused hand, sends Arvin plummeting off the platform.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The loud echo of my hand connecting with my own face resonates in the stillness following the fight. "That was the stupidest fight I've ever seen," I groan aloud, unable to contain my disbelief. I mean, really? It was like watching two kids slap-fighting over a toy in the sandbox.

Turning my head, I see Elara, her usually keen eyes now clouded with confusion. "Why didn't he use any proper spells?" she asks, her gaze fixed on the now empty platform where Rai had just emerged victorious.

Stretching my arms and suppressing a yawn, I reply, "Because he was afraid of Rai's lightning. Arvin clearly had the upper hand, and it looked like his strategy was to wear Rai out. Rai, being Rai, can't really use spells, so he has to get up close and personal. Arvin had numerous opportunities to whip out something way more powerful, but he got stuck in his head and overcomplicated things."

Elara tilts her head thoughtfully, her vibrant blue hair catching the glint of the overhead lights. "The fight... I–"

"I know, I know," I interrupt, waving a dismissive hand. "It was a painfully dumb fight. Rai has speed, sure, and a decent amount of raw strength. But tactically? He's about as sharp as a spoon. And, to be fair to Arvin, from his point of view, Rai's a top-tier student from Class A, an uncommon lightning user with an ungodly amount of charge. Arvin probably overestimated him, unsure of Rai's actual capability."

Elara chuckles softly, her laughter like the delicate chimes of a bell. "It's a shame, really. I thought it would be more interesting."

I yawn, the weight of the previous... fight weighing heavy on my eyelids. Turning, I spot Lysandra, grinning from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat. Her eyes glint mischievously in the dim arena light.

"Why are you smiling like that?" I ask, my suspicion piqued. What's this damn lizard up to?

Lysandra's piercing eyes shift to Elara. "You owe me ten gold coins."

This... This bitch has no shame. What's she going to do with them? Use them to buy a whole damn cow to feed on? Elara's delicate features contort into a sheepish smile, the playful banter evident in her eyes.

"I guess you did win," she admits, reaching into her pouch to retrieve the shiny gold pieces. "Here you go." She gracefully hands them to Lysandra, not a hint of bitterness in her demeanor.

Lysandra's laugh is loud and genuine as she collects the coins. "Hehe, I'm the best at gambling," she brags, her voice dripping with self-satisfaction.

That reminds me... There's something I've been wondering about Elara. "Hey, Elara," I begin, my voice laced with genuine curiosity, "Is water your only affinity?"

Elara tilts her head, pondering my question. Her fingers brush against her chin in thought. "Yes and no..." She hesitates for a moment, weighing her words carefully. "I do have a slight affinity for ice magic, but..." She shrugs gracefully, the movement delicate and fluid. "I don't like using anything other than water."

Interesting. It's not like Rai or Flora, who seem to be pigeonholed into their respective elements.

-

I attempt to stifle another yawn, my fingers pinching the bridge of my nose. Oh my god, this is so boring. I mentally groan, my patience wearing thin. Every fiber of my being screams for this whole ordeal to be done and dusted. How many more fights until it's my turn? 

The professor's voice, sonorous and grandiose as always, cuts through my thoughts. "Elara and Lysandra, to the stage!"

I blink, momentarily caught off guard. Really? This should be quick. Lysandra has an overall advantage. Though, to an outsider, it might seem like a thrilling match between a poised water mage and a fierce... well, lizard.

As Lysandra starts to stride toward the stage, I grab her ear, pulling her slightly back. "Remember," I whisper sternly, trying to drill the importance of my words into her stubborn mind, "don't use anything other than the basics and absolutely no raw strength, okay?"

Lysandra pulls away with a snap, her eyes flashing with annoyance. She clicks her tongue in displeasure, a clear sign of her irritation. "I got it, V," she mutters, voice dripping with sarcasm. Then, without another word or glance, she heads to the stage, her steps confident and sure.

I watch as the two of them stand opposite each other, their contrasting styles apparent in everything from their posture to their expressions. Elara looks composed and graceful, every inch the poised mage, while Lysandra appears ready to pounce, her predatory nature barely contained. 

Lysandra, with that mad glint in her eyes that spells trouble, grins at Elara. "Oi, blueberry," she taunts, "forfeit right now and you won't get hurt."

Elara offers a smile, genuine and soothing, trying to defuse the tension. "Come on, Lys," she coos softly, "there's no need to be disrespectful. Why can't we get along?"

Lysandra's smirk takes on an even more menacing tone. "Oi, you have no right to call me 'Lys.' No one can call me that." And to emphasize her point, a fireball dances on her gloved hand. "I've changed my mind. I'm going to give you a beating," she snarls, seemingly provoked by Elara's benign nature.

I can't help but groan, resting my head in my hand. Oh fuck, Lysandra. Months of training, months of trying to help her stay composed... Why does she always have to turn into this whirlwind of chaos whenever she fights?

The space beside me, previously occupied by Lysandra, is suddenly filled. I don't need to turn my head to know who it is. Isabella. That damn noble. I can sense her smugness without even looking. Without shifting my gaze, my voice drips with disdain, "What do you want, you damn bastard?"

Isabella meets my cold glare with one of her own. "Once you lose and become my servant, you'd better learn respect and behave, you barbarian."

Oh, there she goes again with that servant nonsense. Turning my attention back to the stage, I spot Lysandra now seemingly gearing up for some major action. I click my tongue in irritation. There's a 50/50 chance Lysandra will cause a scene. Isabella's icy voice pulls me back, "Your barbaric friend up there is going to cause a scene, isn't she?"

I roll my eyes, irritation evident in my voice. "What do you want? You were quietly sitting at your desk a minute ago."