Chapter 45: The Battle Begins

The deafening roar of the crowd echoed in my ears as I stepped into the arena. The air was thick with tension, and the atmosphere felt almost electric, crackling with excitement and anticipation. I could feel the weight of every gaze on me, the expectations, the whispers about the daughter of Gaia, the demi-goddess who had somehow wandered into their midst.

Liara walked beside me, her usual playful demeanor now replaced with a focused intensity. "Remember, Aria, don't let them get in your head," she said, her voice low. "You don't have to prove anything. Just be yourself."

I nodded, though my heart was racing. For once, my usual relaxed nature was nowhere to be found. There was something about this moment that made everything feel different. This was more than just a tournament. It was a chance to prove to myself that I wasn't just some lazy, hidden princess. That I could stand tall, not in my mother's shadow, but as someone who was capable of shaping her own destiny.

We reached the center of the arena, where the other participants were already gathered. There were a few familiar faces—students from various kingdoms, all talented in their own right. Some were nervous, some were brimming with confidence, but I could feel their eyes on me, sizing me up, wondering if I was truly the force they had heard about.

I didn't care about their expectations. All I cared about was my own.

The announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, announcing the start of the second round. "Today, the strongest contenders will face off, showcasing their power, skill, and resilience. The challenge will consist of three rounds—magic, combat, and teamwork. The winners will proceed to the final round, where only the strongest will remain."

Liara gave me a reassuring smile as she stepped back to join the crowd. "Good luck, Aria. You've got this."

I didn't need luck. Not when I had everything I needed within me. With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and turned my attention to the first opponent.

He was a tall, muscular boy from a neighboring kingdom, his long, flowing hair betraying the nobility that ran in his veins. He was clearly confident, but something about the way his eyes narrowed when he looked at me made me feel like he had already judged me—underestimated me.

"Ready to lose, princess?" he sneered.

I smiled softly, feeling the cool breeze wash over me. "I don't lose."

Without another word, he launched himself toward me, his body a blur as he closed the distance. It was clear he was fast, his movements precise and calculated. But I was faster.

I raised my hand, and the wind seemed to bend to my will, swirling around me in a gentle gust. The boy tried to strike, but I was already out of his reach. In a fluid motion, I raised both hands, and nature itself responded to me. Vines erupted from the ground, coiling around his legs, pinning him in place before he could even react.

The crowd gasped in surprise, but I was focused. I wasn't here to show off—I was here to win.

With a flick of my wrist, the vines tightened, forcing him to the ground. He struggled, but the more he fought, the tighter the plants became, their thorns digging into his skin. The power of nature was mine to command, and I wasn't going to hold back.

The announcer called out, "Aria Velanova wins the first round!"

I didn't even look back at the defeated boy as I walked away. The match was over, but I knew there was more to come. This tournament wasn't about defeating others—it was about proving to myself that I could stand on my own, even if I didn't want the spotlight.

As I made my way to the next challenge, I found myself reflecting on the power I had. I wasn't just a princess. I wasn't just the daughter of Gaia. I was Aria Velanova, and that was enough.

The next round was a combat challenge, and it was unlike anything I had faced before. The opponent this time was a woman, smaller in stature but with a ferocity in her eyes that made me pause for a moment. She wasn't like the others I had faced so far. She wasn't intimidated by me, and I could sense that she was here to win just as much as I was.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the round. My opponent didn't waste any time. She charged at me with a speed that rivaled my own, her fists raised in preparation for a brutal strike.

I dodged, but she was quick. The air seemed to thrum with energy as she launched a series of attacks, each one faster than the last. I knew I had to focus—this wasn't going to be an easy fight.

I summoned my magic, using light to create a barrier around myself, but she was relentless. Her strikes broke through the light shield with a force that surprised me. She was powerful, more powerful than I had initially thought.

But I was determined. With a surge of energy, I pushed her back, my own fists connecting with hers in a clash that sent a shockwave through the arena. The crowd roared in approval, but I barely registered their cheers. My focus was entirely on my opponent.

She smirked. "You're not bad, princess. But let's see how you handle this."

In a flash, she disappeared, vanishing into thin air. I could feel her presence, the energy of her magic humming in the air around me. I couldn't see her, but I could feel the subtle movements of the wind, the tiny ripples in the air that indicated her position.

I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to tune in to the world around me. I could hear her breathing, just a little too close behind me. With a sharp turn, I swung my fist toward the sound, and sure enough, I connected with her. She grunted in surprise, her body reappearing just in time for me to land another punch to her midsection.

The force of the blow sent her stumbling backward, and I pressed my advantage, unleashing a flurry of strikes. Light flared around my hands, empowering each punch with enough force to knock her off her feet. The crowd's cheers grew louder, but I was too focused on the fight to care about the spectacle.

In the end, it was a combination of speed, magic, and strength that earned me the victory. With a final, decisive strike, I knocked my opponent to the ground, the match ending in my favor.

The announcer's voice rang out once more. "Aria Velanova wins the second round!"

I stood there for a moment, catching my breath, before offering a nod to my fallen opponent. She had been strong—stronger than I had anticipated—but I had proven that I was stronger still.

I walked off the stage, my body aching but my resolve stronger than ever. I was getting closer to my goal, and I could feel the next challenge approaching. But I wasn't scared. I wasn't afraid anymore. I had come this far, and I would see this through to the end.

Liara was waiting for me as I returned to the stands, her face beaming with pride. "You were amazing, Aria," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You've got this in the bag."

I smiled, but there was a glimmer of determination in my eyes. "This is just the beginning."

The third round was still ahead, and I knew that it would be the biggest challenge yet. But I wasn't about to back down now.

Not when I was finally starting to understand my own power.

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