The sky was covered with heavy clouds as Eveline entered the academy's main courtyard. The weeks of intense training with Alaric had done wonders for her control over magic, and she felt the balance between light and darkness within her as never before. However, there was a growing tension among the students. Since the confrontation with the hooded figure, Eveline's power had become a constant topic in the halls, bringing with it inevitable rumors, admiration, and envy.
Among the most envious was a student known for his strength and arrogance: Darius, the prodigy of swordsmanship. He was a veteran at the academy, the son of a renowned family of warriors, and considered himself the strongest of all the students. His spells and sword skills had made him a legend at the academy before he had even completed his second year. And, of course, he didn't like the idea of someone, especially a "newcomer" like Eveline, being seen as the most powerful.
That day, the rumor that Darius was seeking a duel with Eveline quickly spread. Students from all over began to gather in the courtyard, eager to witness the confrontation. Darius stood in the center, his long, sharp sword resting on his shoulder, a confident smile curving his lips.
Eveline, on the other hand, hadn't paid much attention to the challenge at first. Her days were filled with training her inner magic, and she had no interest in proving her strength to others. But Darius's persistence and the constant taunting from the students finally reached her. She knew that at some point, she would need to show that she was not there to be challenged or underestimated.
As she entered the courtyard, all eyes turned toward her. The crowd parted, allowing her to pass. Alaric and Aria were among the onlookers, their faces showing mixed expressions of concern and curiosity.
Darius raised an eyebrow as he saw her approach, clearly pleased to finally get his duel.
"So, you decided to show up," he said, spinning his sword casually in the air. "I've heard a lot of rumors about your new powers, Eveline. But words aren't enough. I want to see what you really have."
Eveline kept her gaze steady, not allowing Darius's inflated ego to intimidate her. "I wasn't interested in a duel, Darius. But it seems you won't leave me alone until it happens. So, let's get this over with."
The crowd murmured in excitement as the two took their positions in the center of the courtyard. Students and teachers lined up around, watching in anticipation. Alaric, in particular, was attentive. He knew that Eveline was just beginning to understand the balance of her power, and a duel could be risky, especially against someone like Darius.
"You think you can beat me, Eveline?" Darius said arrogantly. "I've trained for years with the best masters of sword and magic. You may be powerful, but you're just a novice when it comes to real combat."
Eveline didn't respond immediately. She gripped her sword firmly, feeling the flow of magic within her connecting with the blade. Alaric always said that power came from control, not brute force, and that was exactly what she intended to demonstrate.
Silence fell over the courtyard as the two stared each other down. Then, in the blink of an eye, Darius charged.
His attack was fast and precise, as if he was determined to end the duel with the first move. Darius's sword cut through the air toward Eveline, imbued with elemental magic that crackled with electricity. The strike was impressive, but Eveline, with surprising calm, raised her blade and blocked the attack with ease. The clash of swords echoed through the air, sparks flying around them.
Darius's eyes narrowed in surprise. He stepped back and tried another strike, this time mixing swordsmanship with a wind spell that increased the speed of his movements. However, Eveline not only kept up with his attacks but also seemed to anticipate them.
She deflected every blow with precision, her movements smooth yet relentless. The crowd watched, impressed. While Darius used all his strength and technique, Eveline fought with control and balance. It was clear she wasn't just defending herself; she was studying her opponent.
"You won't last long like this, Eveline!" Darius shouted, now clearly irritated. He conjured a powerful spell, creating a circle of fire around them, then attacked with a series of rapid, heavy blows.
Eveline, maintaining her composure, felt the heat of the fire around her but didn't let it intimidate her. When Darius charged again, she decided to act.
With a swift motion, Eveline channeled her magic through her sword, and instead of blocking Darius's blow, she deflected it, using her blade to redirect the force of the attack. Darius's magic dissipated into the air, and, caught off guard, he lost his balance for a brief moment.
It was enough.
Eveline stepped forward and pointed her sword directly at Darius's chest, stopping the blade just inches from his skin. The crowd held its breath.
Darius, panting and sweaty, stood still, his eyes wide. He had been defeated — and humiliated. Eveline hadn't crushed him with brute force, but had bested him with control and technique.
"Is this what you wanted, Darius?" Eveline said calmly, without withdrawing her sword. "You needed to prove something. But true power doesn't come from strength or training alone. It comes from balance, from control. And in the end, that's what makes me stronger."
Darius lowered his head, his fists clenched, but he knew there was nothing to say. The fight was over.
Eveline, satisfied, lowered her sword and stepped back. The crowd began to murmur, some applauding in recognition. Aria rushed over to Eveline with a smile, clearly relieved the duel was over. Alaric, watching from a distance, gave a slight nod, as if pleased with the outcome.
Darius, still catching his breath, looked at Eveline with a mixture of anger and respect. "You… beat me this time," he said, his voice low. "But this isn't over."
Eveline met his gaze, but not with disdain. "I'm not here to compete with you, Darius. I'm here to protect those who need it and master the power I've been given. If you want to try again, I'll be ready. But remember: strength without purpose is just destruction."
With those words, Eveline turned and left the courtyard, leaving Darius and the crowd behind. The duel had ended, but Eveline's journey was just beginning. More than ever, she knew that her true test was yet to come.