Practice Match (Part 1)

That morning began with a familiar rhythm. I headed back to the academy with determination. The morning class with Professor Fei Zhang started as usual, and I immersed myself in the lesson with full concentration. I knew today would be a bit different since I planned to train with my friends, and I wanted to make sure I got the professor's permission.

When the morning session ended, I raised my hand and waited for Professor Fei Zhang to finish his last tasks. Once he looked my way, I spoke up. "Professor Fei, may I request permission to train with Akira, Cestine, Charlotte, Gareth, Madalyn, and Chris?"

Professor Fei Zhang looked surprised. He put down his book and regarded me attentively. "Training with several peers? Certainly, Ellora. However, I'm curious about your reasons for this request. Why do you want to train with them?"

I explained, "I want to gain a deeper understanding of their abilities and test the techniques and strategies I've prepared. This training will also help me adapt better to the academy environment."

Professor Fei Zhang nodded, seeming satisfied with my answer, though his expression still showed curiosity. "Alright, Ellora. If that's what you want, I'll grant you permission. But I want to ensure that the training is safe, especially with you being an Integrator involved."

I smiled. "I'll make sure everything is safe. My Integrator resonance allows me to align various types of energy and techniques more effectively. This helps me in various situations and ensures no one gets seriously injured."

Professor Fei Zhang looked even more intrigued. "Very interesting. Go ahead. I'll follow and make sure everything goes smoothly."

I thanked him and left the classroom, with Professor Fei Zhang in tow. As we walked toward the training room, he kept asking more about the techniques I use. I explained some strategies and how my Integrator resonance influences my magical techniques.

When we finally arrived at the training room, I saw that everyone was already waiting. Cestine, Charlotte, Akira, Nadeshiko, Gareth, Chris, and Madalyn stood around the training arena, chatting casually while waiting for us.

Cestine saw us enter and waved. "Ellora, Professor Fei Zhang! We're ready for training."

Charlotte added with a friendly smile, "How was your morning class? I hope it went well."

I nodded. "Yes, it went well. Thank you. We can start training shortly."

Akira and Nadeshiko, as usual, stood close together, with Akira gently patting Nadeshiko's shoulder. "Good morning, Ellora."

Nadeshiko just gave a soft smile, offering a warm look to everyone.

Gareth and Chris were talking seriously about combat techniques. Gareth glanced at us and smiled. "Welcome. We were discussing strategies for today's training."

Chris added, "Yes, we're all quite excited for this session. It looks like there's a lot to learn."

Madalyn stood beside them, looking at me with a slightly indifferent expression. However, she greeted me politely. "Good morning, Ellora."

Before I could respond, the training room door creaked open again. The academy's headmaster and a woman who looked familiar entered. The rector, usually calm and serious, had an unusual expression: attentive and slightly anxious.

"Headmaster?" Charlotte asked, unable to hide her surprise. "What brings you here?"

"And who is this woman?" Cestine asked, her voice full of curiosity.

The headmaster looked at us all with a serious gaze and then spoke. "This morning, we have some changes planned. I was informed by Professor Fei Zhang about your training plans. Given the importance and potential risks of this training, I decided to bring someone who can assist."

The woman was Commander Regalizen 7, Astrid Lorelei. She waved at me with a friendly smile.

The woman standing next to the headmaster introduced herself with a soft and warm voice. "Hello everyone. I'm Astrid Lorelei, Commander Regalizen 7. I'm here to assist with your training today."

I was surprised. Astrid Lorelei was known for her magical abilities and strategic skills. Curiosity and admiration began to flow among us.

"Welcome, Commander Astrid," I said respectfully. "What will we be doing today?"

Astrid Lorelei smiled. "I'll be helping create an Illusionary Domain for your training. This is a very effective method, similar to what Ausbay used during the Regalizen Commander selection. By using an Illusionary Domain, we can simulate various scenarios and test your skills in more diverse and challenging conditions."

Akira looked intrigued. "I thought this would just be a regular training session, maybe because we're training with Ellora?"

Astrid Lorelei explained, "Of course, you need the Illusionary Domain for this session as it creates a simulated environment very close to reality. This allows us to test tactics and strategies without real risks. However, this also means the training will be more demanding, and we need to ensure everyone stays safe."

Nadeshiko nodded, looking at Astrid with curiosity, while Akira and Cestine appeared even more interested.

The headmaster continued, "I want to ensure that today's training goes smoothly, given the potential risks. Astrid and I will oversee the entire session to make sure everything runs well."

Madalyn looked at Astrid with a mix of respect and curiosity. "Is there anything specific we need to prepare for?"

Astrid Lorelei answered, "No special preparations are needed. However, it's important for you to stay focused and make the most of this opportunity. The Illusionary Domain will present different challenges, and how you handle them will be very valuable."

Chris, who had been observing, finally spoke. "I'm looking forward to seeing how this training will unfold. It's going to be a very valuable experience."

"Absolutely," Gareth said enthusiastically. "Let's make the most of this opportunity to learn and grow."

With all preparations done, Astrid Lorelei and the headmaster began setting up the Illusionary Domain.

"Purple Magic: Illusionary Domain Expansion."

The training room transformed quickly. The walls seemed to fade away, and our surroundings turned into a mystical forest with various elements that felt incredibly real. I could sense an intense and tense aura.

As Astrid Lorelei and the headmaster stepped back to ensure everything was ready for training, the atmosphere became more relaxed. We all gathered in the center of the room, waiting for further instructions on how the training would proceed. Our discussion grew, and Madalyn suddenly suggested.

"Why don't we do this training in a group format?" Madalyn proposed, her expression enthusiastic. "We could split into two teams and fight each other. This would give us a chance to test teamwork and group strategies."

"That's an interesting idea," Charlotte said, looking at Madalyn. "I agree, it would be more effective if we could work together in groups."

Cestine, who seemed to agree as well, added, "This could be a good way to see how we coordinate as a team. I think it could be very beneficial."

Gareth, who had been checking the training equipment, nodded. "Alright, if everyone agrees, we can start by splitting into two groups."

Suddenly, I felt an urge to voice my opinion. "Actually, I think practicing in groups might not be very effective. How about we try something different? I suggest we all team up and face one person—me."

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Everyone stared at me with a mix of surprise, confusion, and even skepticism. Akira, usually relaxed and cheerful, let out a light laugh, seeming to think the suggestion was a joke.

"Team up against one person?" Akira said with a chuckle. "Are you serious?"

I looked directly at Akira and replied firmly, "Yes, I'm serious. Group exercises might not provide the challenge we need. If you all face one person, it will give us a clearer idea of how we work together and how we can handle bigger challenges."

Cestine, who had initially supported the group idea, looked at me with curiosity. "But what if we all fail? What about balance?"

Charlotte nodded. "That's true, Ellora. We've tried fighting you before, and it didn't go well."

Gareth added, "Yes, we didn't manage very well last time."

I explained, "I understand your concerns. However, this isn't just about winning or losing. It's about pushing our limits and learning from the experience. If we can tackle one big challenge together, it will give us valuable insights into our strengths and weaknesses."

Akira and Nadeshiko, who had seemed laid-back, now appeared serious. Nadeshiko, though silent, gazed at me intently, while Akira observed closely. "If you're confident this is an effective approach, we can give it a try," Akira said finally, in a serious tone.

Professor Fei Zhang, who had been listening all this time, looked intrigued by the idea. "Ellora, this proposal is indeed challenging. It will test not just individual skills but also the team's ability to adapt and work together."

The Principal and Astrid Lorelei also seemed surprised. The Principal said, "I haven't seen an approach like this before. But if it can provide deeper insights, we might consider trying it."

Astrid Lorelei nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this could be a good opportunity to test limits and see how everyone adapts to different challenges."

With everyone's approval, I felt a surge of enthusiasm. This practice would be a significant challenge, but it was also a chance to showcase my abilities and learn more about everyone around me.

"Alright," Astrid said, "If everyone agrees, we'll proceed with this training format. Ellora, you'll be the target, and the rest will try to defeat you."

I felt excited and ready to face the challenge. As my friends began preparing, I strategized and considered how to tackle this strong group.

As the preparations began, I focused and stayed calm. I knew this would be a demanding practice, but I was confident that with the right teamwork and strategy, we could gain valuable experience.

The practice began with high energy, and I was ready for whatever would come. All eyes were on me, and I could sense the pressure and excitement from my friends. This was a crucial moment, and I was determined to give my best.

As the training battle started, the atmosphere in the training room became intense. Each student launched their attacks, and I had to quickly prepare to handle the various assaults coming my way.

Madalyn, standing on one side of the room, directed her light magic toward me. The bright light emanating from her hands looked powerful and potentially searing. I immediately activated a dimensional defense barrier around me, a layer of energy that reflected and absorbed the magic, making it impenetrable. Madalyn's light hit the barrier but couldn't penetrate it.

Meanwhile, Chris had begun summoning his elemental spirit. I saw the energy from the spirit gathering around Chris, forming a blurry yet menacing shape. This would definitely be a serious threat if left unchecked. I watched closely to understand how the spirit operated and prepared to counter its attack.

Gareth, standing behind Chris, began transforming into a fierce beast. His body grew and changed into a very powerful animal form. I could feel the wave of energy he emitted and quickly formulated a strategy to handle him. Gareth's beast form would be challenging to deal with if I only relied on defense, so I needed to be prepared for his powerful physical attacks.

Charlotte, near Gareth, started creating mirrors around her. The mirrors shimmered with light, and I could sense the magical aura emanating from each one. This was clearly mirror magic, and I needed to be cautious not to get trapped in illusions or attacks that might be reflected through the mirrors.

Cestine also began her assault. She released toxic smoke from her hands, and the smoke started filling the surrounding area. This toxic smoke would obstruct my vision and affect my movement. I immediately activated the air filter in my barrier to ensure that I wasn't affected by the poisonous smoke.

Akira, standing behind all this chaos, prepared his traditional blade. The blade looked very sharp and sophisticated, and I could feel the magical energy connected to it. Nadeshiko, beside Akira, watched calmly, seemingly waiting for a signal to act. I couldn't ignore their presence, so I had to monitor their movements closely.

With threats coming from all directions, I continued to observe and analyze each movement. My defense barrier held against Madalyn's attacks and Cestine's toxic smoke, while I watched Akira's sword techniques and Nadeshiko's movements closely. I knew this was a very demanding practice, and I had to use every moment to analyze my opponents' weaknesses and strengths.

As Madalyn continued to unleash her light magic, I noticed a pattern forming in her attacks. I could predict the direction of her strikes and adjusted the barrier to reflect each incoming attack. Meanwhile, Chris's elemental spirit began to move, and I observed how the spirit reacted to my barrier. I had to prepare for the next step to handle the spirit if its attacks became too intense.

Gareth, in his beast form, started approaching with impressive speed. I prepared to face his physical attacks quickly, using the barrier as protection while planning my counterattack.

Charlotte, with her mirrors, began creating complex patterns around me. I had to avoid getting trapped in the illusions the mirrors might create. I focused on the mirrors closest to me, trying to identify patterns that might lead to counterattacks.

Cestine, who continued to release toxic smoke, seemed to be intensifying her attack toward me. I had to keep updating the air filter in my barrier to ensure the toxic smoke didn't affect my ability to act. I also needed to figure out how to deal with Cestine and stop her smoke.

As everything started to get more chaotic, I felt my adrenaline surge. This was a highly demanding practice, and I had to keep thinking quickly and making the right decisions to face all these threats. I remained focused on the strategy and kept an eye on every movement of my opponents.

Despite how exhausting and intense this practice was, I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing it was an opportunity to test my abilities and learn more about everyone around me. I knew this practice would provide valuable insights and help me prepare for future challenges.

With all these elements in the battle, I stayed calm and ready to face whatever came next. This was an important moment, and I was determined to give my best and demonstrate my true abilities.

***