The arena fell silent as Lyra's Combustion Cloak blazed around her slender frame, casting eerie orange light across the spectator stands. Ronan stood his ground, seemingly unfazed by the display of advanced fire magic that had left even the senior students whispering in awe.
"Impressive," Ronan said, his voice carrying across the arena with a calm that belied the danger he faced. "But fire burns brightest just before it's extinguished."
From the stands, Kieran leaned forward, studying every move. He'd known Ronan was skilled but had always sensed the rogue-like student was holding back during their training sessions. Now, he was about to see what Ronan was truly capable of.
Lyra didn't waste time with words. She lunged forward, her movements nearly invisible as she closed the distance between them. Her fist, wrapped in concentrated flame, aimed directly for Ronan's chest—a strike that would incapacitate most opponents instantly.