Chapter 9: Friendly Match I

The sun rose over Astarcus, casting a warm light on the sprawling field where the first friendly matches of the school year would take place. The students assembled in their high-tech suits, each of them a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today was the day they would showcase their skills in a series of intense 1v1 battles.

Professor Kael stood at the center of the field, his presence commanding attention. "Welcome to your first friendly match," he announced. "This is your chance to demonstrate your abilities and prove your readiness for the challenges ahead. Remember, this is not just a test; it's an opportunity to learn and grow. Give it your all."

The students exchanged glances, their minds racing with thoughts of their opponents and the upcoming battles. The field was set up with various obstacles and terrains to simulate real combat scenarios. The high-tech suits they wore would track their movements and ensure their safety, but the virtual arena would provide a realistic and demanding experience.

Kael began calling out the matchups, and the first pair stepped into the arena.

**Match 1: Elric vs. Marek**

Elric, a tall and lean student with a reputation for agility, faced Marek, a muscular and robust individual known for his strength. The two squared off, their auras crackling with energy.

As the match commenced, Marek charged forward, his powerful strikes aimed at overwhelming Elric. Elric, nimble and quick, dodged Marek's attacks with precision, countering with swift, calculated moves. The clash of their abilities created a dazzling display of combat, each strike and maneuver reflecting their cultivation levels.

Elric used his agility to his advantage, landing a series of quick blows that tested Marek's defense. Marek, though slower, used his brute strength to fend off Elric's attacks and retaliate with powerful strikes of his own. The match was a showcase of raw power versus finesse, and in the end, Elric's agility and strategy secured him the win.

**Match 2: Lyra vs. Tarek**

Next up was Lyra, known for her sharp intellect and strategic approach, against Tarek, a student with a solid balance of offense and defense.

Lyra began with a series of defensive maneuvers, creating a shield of mana to protect herself from Tarek's initial onslaught. Tarek, undeterred, used his cultivation to enhance his physical prowess, launching a series of powerful attacks. Lyra, however, countered with well-timed spells and precise strikes, exploiting Tarek's overcommitment.

The match was a tactical battle, with Lyra's strategy and adaptability overcoming Tarek's brute strength and aggression. In a climactic move, Lyra unleashed a combination of spells that overwhelmed Tarek, securing her victory.

**Match 3: Zara vs. Finn**

Zara, a student known for her versatility in both offense and defense, faced Finn, a practitioner with a focus on elemental magic.

The match began with Zara using a combination of physical and magical attacks, while Finn responded with a display of elemental prowess. The arena was filled with bursts of elemental energy as Finn unleashed fire and lightning, while Zara expertly countered with defensive barriers and strategic strikes.

The battle was a testament to their respective cultivation levels, with Zara's adaptability and Finn's elemental control creating an exciting and dynamic fight. In the end, Zara's ability to balance offense and defense proved superior, earning her the win.

**Match 4: Elena vs. Joran**

Elena, known for her speed and agility, took on Joran, who specialized in heavy-hitting, slow but powerful strikes.

Elena's speed was evident as she darted around the arena, landing quick strikes and avoiding Joran's powerful but sluggish attacks. Joran, despite his slower movements, used his cultivation to enhance the force of his blows, aiming to land a decisive hit.

The match was a thrilling display of speed versus power, with Elena's agility allowing her to evade Joran's attacks and deliver precise counter-strikes. After a series of well-executed maneuvers, Elena emerged victorious.

**Match 5: Iris vs. Lyle**

Iris, with her focus on defensive magic and strategic play, faced Lyle, who was known for his aggressive combat style.

The match started with Lyle aggressively attacking, using his cultivation to enhance his physical strength and aggression. Iris responded with a series of defensive spells and barriers, carefully weathering Lyle's onslaught.

The fight was a tense battle of endurance and strategy, with Iris's defensive capabilities eventually wearing down Lyle's relentless attacks. As the match drew to a close, Iris's strategic play and resilience secured her victory.

**Match 6: Nia vs. Rowan**

Nia, a student with a background in both physical and magical combat, faced Rowan, known for his tactical and precise attacks.

The match began with Nia using a combination of physical strikes and magical attacks, while Rowan relied on his precision and timing. The arena was filled with flashes of mana and energy as both combatants demonstrated their skills.

The battle was a close and exciting fight, with Rowan's precision and Nia's versatility creating a dynamic and thrilling match. In the end, Nia's ability to adapt and adjust her strategy earned her the win.

As the preliminary matches concluded, the field was abuzz with excitement and anticipation. The winners, having demonstrated their abilities and skills, were now set to face the six S-Class students in the next round of battles. The intensity and action of the preliminary matches had set the stage for what promised to be an even more exhilarating confrontation.

Arthur watched the matches with keen interest, noting the strengths and weaknesses of his classmates. Each fight showcased the diverse range of abilities within the class, and he was eager to see how the S-Class students would fare against the winners. The friendly matches had provided a glimpse into the competitive spirit of Astarcus, and the upcoming battles promised to be a true test of skill and determination.

The stage was set for the next round of matches, and the students prepared themselves for the challenges ahead. With the excitement of the friendly matches still fresh, the anticipation for the next round was palpable.