The Roar of Flames

With only four competitors remaining, the professor is surprised to see who has made it to this stage. However, it is not so much the presence of Seraphina or Marcus that astonishes him, as both come from powerful families, but rather the rise of Caius, whose skills have proven to be impressive throughout the tournament.

The duel between Marcus and Caius begins with Marcus expressing his desire to face Aleric, but he accepts Caius's challenge in hopes of reaching the final.

Marcus: "Is that all you've got, Caius? Is fleeing your only strategy?"

After these words, Caius demonstrates a change in his strategy, abandoning his previous evasive tactics and facing Marcus head-on.

The tension in the air rises as Marcus and Caius face off in a duel of skill and determination. Marcus skillfully dodges Caius's initial attacks, showcasing his prowess and agility on the battlefield. However, his confidence wavers as Caius persists, showing no signs of retreat. As the battle reaches its climax, Marcus struggles to keep up with his relentless opponent, questioning his own skills and strategies in the process.

Finally, with a quick and precise movement, Caius manages to overcome Marcus's defenses, leaving him bewildered and defeated by his opponent's firm determination. With this impressive victory, Caius advances to the next round of the tournament.

The tension in the air is palpable as the students of the class gather to witness the much-anticipated match between Seraphina and Aleric. As the duel commences, magical screens illuminate the classroom, projecting the fierce battle for all to see.

From the outset, it's evident that both combatants are evenly matched in skill and determination. Seraphina's graceful yet powerful strikes are met with Aleric's swift and precise defenses, creating a mesmerizing dance of blades that captivates the audience.

As the duel progresses, the magical screens capture every moment of the intense exchange, allowing the students to witness the unfolding drama up close. The clash of steel echoes through the arena as Seraphina and Aleric push each other to their limits, their determination driving them forward despite the mounting pressure.

However, as the match reaches its climax, a subtle shift occurs. Aleric, who had been holding his own against Seraphina's relentless assault, begins to falter. His movements become less fluid, his defenses weakening with each passing moment.

In the midst of the battle, Aleric's mind races with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, he knows he has the skill to defeat Seraphina and emerge victorious. But on the other hand, he remembers his true purpose for being in the academy—to steal the magical stone that holds the key to his destiny.

With this realization weighing heavily on his mind, Aleric makes a calculated decision. He purposely allows himself to be bested by Seraphina, knowing that it will draw less attention to him and his true motives. As Seraphina delivers the final blow, sealing his defeat, Aleric accepts it with a sense of resignation, knowing that his actions serve a greater purpose, even if they remain a mystery to those around him.

As the students cheer for Seraphina's victory, Aleric silently contemplates his next move, determined to stay one step ahead in the high-stakes game unfolding within the walls of the academy.