Traditional Duel

The final round was set to begin: a physical combat duel that would determine the No. 1 student in the academy. Excitement buzzed through the crowd as students gathered around the ring, the air charged with anticipation.

Avasyu and Ash stood on opposite sides, both focused, their earlier rounds fueling their determination for the decisive fight.

After a brief pause, the referee raised his hand and began the announcement. "The final round will decide the No. 1 of our academy!" His voice echoed across the training hall, quieting the murmurs of the crowd. "Now, let me explain the rules."

He took a step forward, standing in the center of the ring. "The duel will last ten minutes. This is a friendly competition—no personal grudges, no intent to harm beyond the spirit of the fight. But understand this: it is a real battle. Injuries can happen, and you must be prepared for that. Fight with seriousness; the title of No. 1 brings certain perks and responsibilities."

The students listened intently. Some whispered about the privileges the top rank offered, while others speculated who would emerge victorious.

"One critical rule," the referee continued, his gaze sharp, "no life-threatening attacks. I'll monitor the match closely. If anyone attempts such an attack, I'll halt the fight and the offender will face the student council for an explanation."

Turning toward the ring, the referee added, "Given the extraordinary nature of our participants, the ring has been reinforced. Four magicians—two from Class S and two from Class A—have formed a barrier around the arena to handle the impact of this duel. Don't hold back. Show us something we've never seen."

Energy pulsed through the crowd. Students from both classes exchanged glances, wondering what surprises awaited them.

The referee looked at both fighters. "Participants, you have one minute to prepare. Get ready."

Ash rotated his shoulders, stretching his arms as he shot a confident glance at Avasyu. "Ready to lose again?" he teased with a smirk.

Avasyu, eyes calm but fierce, responded, "We'll see who wins this time."

The final round was about to begin.

The referee raised his hand, voice echoing through the arena. "The final round—physical combat duel—will now begin in... 3... 2... 1... Let's begin!"

Ash and Avasyu dashed toward each other with fierce determination. Ash launched the first strike, aiming a swift left punch toward Avasyu's stomach. In a fluid motion, Avasyu twisted his body to the right, narrowly avoiding the blow. Seizing the opening, he retaliated with a right hook aimed at Ash's face.

But Ash was quick—he ducked under the punch with ease, his hair brushing past Avasyu's fist. Taking a few steps back, Ash smirked. "Not fair, Avasyu. Trying to hit my face?"

Avasyu grinned back. "You went for my stomach first. What if I throw up on you?"

Laughter rippled through the audience, but the tension remained palpable. Both fighters locked eyes, smirks fading as they refocused. This time, Avasyu struck first, his fist driving toward Ash's face again. Ash didn't dodge—he caught the punch with his left hand, the impact resonating through the ring, causing the reinforced floor to vibrate.

Without pausing, Avasyu launched a flurry of punches—aiming at Ash's face, chest, and stomach. His attacks were raw, aggressive, and relentless, but lacked structured technique.

Ash, calm and composed, blocked every strike with practiced ease, using fluid arm movements to deflect the blows.

Each blocked punch sent minor shockwaves through the ring, the audience holding their breath with every exchange. Ash's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You're strong, but you're throwing wild punches," he remarked. "Got a plan, or are you just hoping to land one by luck?"

Avasyu clenched his teeth, sweat beading on his forehead. "Maybe both," he shot back, preparing his next move.

Everyone was enjoying the fight. Though it was a friendly duel, the seriousness of the match was undeniable. Cheers echoed around the ring, excitement rippling through the audience with every move.

After a flurry of punches, Avasyu stepped back, breathing heavily. "Aren't you going to attack me?" he asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

Ash smirked. "As you wish."

In an instant, something shifted. Ash's eyes began to glow—a reddish-orange hue, flickering like flames. The temperature around him seemed to rise, tension thickening the air. His demeanor changed entirely, and before Avasyu could react, Ash charged.

The speed was blinding. Avasyu's eyes widened in shock, unable to track the sudden movement. A fist connected with his stomach, driving the air from his lungs. The impact wasn't just physical—it reverberated through the entire ring, sending a shockwave that rippled like a wave of compressed air.

The audience gasped, many shielding their faces as the gust reached them. Despite the barrier maintained by the four magicians from Class S and Class A, the force was undeniable. The reinforced ring quivered under the immense pressure, its surface trembling yet holding firm.

Avasyu staggered back, coughing as he struggled to regain his breath. His mind raced, replaying the moment. "That speed... I couldn't even see it coming." He glanced up at Ash, whose glowing eyes still burned with fiery intensity. "What... is this power?"

The crowd's cheers had shifted—some still rooting for Ash, others murmuring in awe at the display of strength. Yet amidst the noise, Avasyu clenched his fists, determination igniting in his gaze.

With his fist clenched tightly, Avasyu launched himself toward Ash, aiming to strike. But Ash, still incredibly fast, evaded him with ease. Before Avasyu could react, Ash delivered another punch straight to his stomach. The impact was fierce, reverberating through the ring like a shockwave. Avasyu was sent flying backward, colliding with the ring's ropes.

The tension in the ropes stretched to their limit as they absorbed his momentum. Then, like a slingshot, they snapped back to their normal size, propelling Avasyu forward. His body flew back toward Ash with incredible speed, but Ash casually stepped to the left, avoiding him. Avasyu crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, his body sprawled out on the ring floor. His vision blurred, and darkness closed in. Within seconds, he lost consciousness.

Silence fell for a moment before the referee raised his hand and declared, "The match is finished! The winner and the number one of the academy is... Ash!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Students chanted Ash's name, their excitement echoing through the training hall. Amid the celebration, Ash stood over Avasyu, catching his breath. He glanced at his opponent's unconscious form, his confident grin softening just a little.

Avasyu had fought with everything he had—but in the end, The match was over, and Ash remained undefeated.