Chapter 9: Unexpected Battle

Inside the Monolith World, the landscape was filled with undulating terrain, adorned with ancient ruins here and there. The red twilight sky stretched overhead, providing an intense and tense atmosphere. The air felt hot from the magic attacks that had been unleashed, leaving behind the scent of burning and scorched earth. The rumble of explosions continued to sound from a distance, a sign that fierce battles continued.

On one side of the arena, Keira launched a barrage of attacks. Fireballs sped from her hands, chasing her opponent with deadly precision. Her fire magic painted the air with red and orange sparks, showering her target relentlessly.

Keira: (Raising both hands, her face tense) "Destroy her!"

However, in front of her, Alya stood firm, summoning her star power. With a calm but confident movement, Alya raised her hand.

Alya: (In a low and focused voice) "Come forth, [Star Guardian]."

Above Alya, a bright light appeared, forming a glowing knight-shaped spirit, with a luminous shield capable of blocking all of Keira's fire attacks. Every fireball that hit the shield seemed to disappear, absorbed by the cosmic power emitted by the [Star Guardian].

Keira: (Breathing heavily, frustrated) "Impossible... Even my attacks can't penetrate it?"

Alya: (Smiling slightly, her voice relaxed) "Are you done?"

On the other side of the battlefield, Alan looked at Kris with respect.

Alan: (Lowering his head slightly, introducing himself politely) "It is an honor to fight you here, Mr. Kristoffer Von Celestia. My name is Alan Ashford, from the noble Ashford family of the Western Kingdom."

Kris: (Nodding lightly, replying calmly) "Just call me Kris, no need to be too formal. Besides, we are both students here, Mr. Alan from the Ashford family."

Alan: (Smiling, raising his sword with a calm demeanor) "Alright, then."

He glanced at Alya and Keira who were fighting, then asked.

Alan: (Looking at Kris with curiosity) "Aren't you going to help the Lady Saintess successor in her fight?"

Kris: (Smiling faintly, his eyes flashing with confidence) "She ordered me not to interfere."

Kris raised his sword, pointing it at Alan.

Kris: (Challenging in a confident tone) "Therefore, entertain me until Lady Alya's business is finished."

Alan: (Swallowing hard, realizing the seriousness of the situation) "I will try my best."

The battle between them immediately began, swords clashing with a loud metallic clang. Both moved with incredible speed, each attack countered with an equal riposte.

In the honor seats at the exam field, Headmaster Airi and the academy's honored guest, the Saintess Stella, sat watching the progress of the battle intently.

Airi: (Commenting admiringly, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the magic screen) "Keira is truly great at controlling her fire magic. She can attack Alya's star defense very well and quite accurately."

She paused for a moment, then smiled commendably.

Airi: (Looking at Stella respectfully) "But, of course, Alya's ability to master Star magic at her age is truly extraordinary. Especially since she can summon a spirit like that [Star Guardian]. No wonder you trained her directly."

Stella: (Remaining calm, in a flat voice) "Alya does have great potential. She was born with 8 attributes, making it much easier for her to understand Star magic."

Stella shifted her gaze to the screen.

Stella: (Narrowing her eyes, speaking softly) "But, it seems she hasn't really gotten serious in this exam."

Airi: (Surprised, speaking inwardly in an annoyed tone) "Not serious yet? Don't joke around! What did you teach that little kid, you... walking fossil?!"

However, she only smiled faintly, holding back her words.

Back in Monolith World, Keira was now panting, sweat soaking her face after unleashing a barrage of fruitless attacks.

Keira: (Speaking with ragged breaths, looking at Alya) "How can you still stand...? My attacks have no effect at all."

Alya: (Smiling slightly, in a relaxed tone) "It seems it's my turn to attack."

She began to raise her hand and recite a spell.

Alya: (In a soft but clear voice) "With these 8 powers, I call upon the center of all stars that created everything, Ash-"

However, before Alya could finish her spell, Kris suddenly interrupted.

Kris: (Speaking urgently) "Lady, please cancel your magic!"

Alya: (Turning with a sharp look, her tone annoyed) "I told you not to interfere!"

Kris: (Trying to calm her down, pointing to something in the sky) "Sorry, Lady, but we have another guest."

Alya followed Kris's gaze. In the distance, a comet sped towards them at high speed.

Alya: (In a firm tone, giving an order) "[Star Guardian], block that!"

As the comet hit the star shield, a bright light exploded. From behind the explosion, a girl from the Demon race appeared with her legs ablaze with fire.

The Girl: (In a loud voice, a little frustrated) "Heh, turns out I can't destroy it."

From behind the girl, a man dressed as a pastor walked closer. The halo above his head indicated that he was from the Angel race.

The Man: (Speaking in a casual tone, looking at the girl) "Do you have to jump into the air every time you find an opponent?"

The Girl: (Snorting in annoyance) "What's wrong with that? It's effective anyway."

The man sighed, then gently tapped the girl's head.

The Man: (In a firm but gentle tone) "We're a team, so don't leave me alone."

[To be continued]