Lucian vs Caelum!
Lunch Break – A Clash of Determination
The midday sun bathed Solmara Grand Academy's courtyard in golden light. Students gathered in groups, laughing and chatting over their meals.
At one table, Lucian Solis sat across from Caelum Astralis, the undefeated prodigy of Solmara. Lucian had just awakened his Luminara, and his heart burned with anticipation for their battle.
"I heard about your awakening," Caelum said, sipping his drink. "That's great, but are you sure you want to fight me tomorrow? You don't even understand your own power yet."
Lucian clenched his fists. "I want to fight now."
Caelum smiled. "I figured you'd say that. But let me give you some advice—**rushing in without control isn't courage, it's recklessness.** Take today to learn about your Luminara. Then tomorrow, I'll fight you seriously."
Lucian exhaled. He didn't want to wait, but Caelum was right. He had just gained this power—he needed to understand it first.
"…Fine. Tomorrow, then."
---
Training – Understanding Luminara
That evening, Lucian stood in the academy's training grounds, golden energy swirling around his hands. His Luminara felt foreign, yet thrilling. He focused, letting his instincts guide him.
Techniques Learned:
1. Zenith Blade – A concentrated slash that extends his sword strikes.
2. Eternal Aegis – A defensive Luminara barrier.
3. Luminal Phasing – A short-range teleportation burst.
4. Solar Dominion (Unstable) – An overwhelming surge of power, but difficult to control.
He practiced until exhaustion set in. Tomorrow, he'd prove himself.
---
The Duel – Caelum Astralis vs. Lucian Solis
The next day, students gathered at the Twin Suns Arena, eager for the match. Among them, Darius Vex stood with arms crossed, watching closely.
Lucian and Caelum faced each other in the center of the ring.
Caelum smiled. "Alright, Solis. Show me what you've got."
The instructor raised his hand. **"Begin!"**
Phase 1 – The First Exchange
Lucian dashed forward, his sword glowing with Zenith Blade. He slashed—only for Caelum to vanish.
Where did he—?!
A sudden impact struck Lucian's back. Caelum had appeared behind him, striking with pinpoint precision.
Lucian stumbled forward, barely catching himself.
"You're focusing too much on attacking," Caelum said calmly. "Try reading my movements first."
Lucian gritted his teeth and activated Luminal Phasing, blinking to Caelum's flank and swinging his sword—only for Caelum to block it effortlessly.
The clash of blades echoed through the arena. Lucian attacked with everything he had, but Caelum moved with flawless grace, dodging, countering, and overwhelming him at every turn.
---
Phase 2 – Experiencing Defeat
Lucian panted. He hadn't landed a single hit.
Caelum sighed. "You're fast, but speed alone won't win this fight."
He raised his hand. "Astral Mirage."
Golden afterimages of Caelum appeared all around Lucian, surrounding him.
Lucian's eyes darted between them. Which one is real?!
He swung at one—but it passed through air.
A sharp kick slammed into his stomach, sending him skidding across the arena.
"Ugh—!"
The crowd murmured.
Lucian struggled to his feet. His vision blurred. Damn it… he's too strong…
Caelum walked forward. "You see, Solis? Power isn't enough. You need control, tactics, and adaptability."
Lucian clenched his fists. He was losing.
No. He had already lost.
The realization sank in like a stone.
I can't beat him. He's too far ahead.
His hands trembled. His breathing grew uneven.
Maybe I should just—
Then, he froze.
…Wait. I'm thinking about how to avoid losing.
His heartbeat steadied.
"I shouldn't think about how to avoid losing… but how I'm going to win."
He exhaled and lifted his sword. His mind cleared.
Caelum's afterimages flickered around him. But now… he focused.
---
Final Phase – The Comeback
Lucian stopped attacking blindly. Instead, he observed.
He noticed something.
"The real Caelum's afterimage lingers for half a second longer before vanishing."
He grinned. There's my opening.
Caelum struck again—Lucian dodged at the last second.
He turned, swinging his sword infused with Zenith Blade—at the real Caelum.
For the first time, Caelum's eyes widened in surprise.
Slash!
Lucian's attack stopped just inches from Caelum's chest.
The arena fell silent.
Caelum let out a soft chuckle. "You got me."
The instructor raised his hand. "Winner—Lucian Solis!"
The crowd erupted.
Darius scowled but remained silent.
Lucian exhaled, lowering his sword. He had done it.
Caelum stepped forward and placed a hand on Lucian's shoulder. "You're talented. Let's be rivals from now on."
Lucian's eyes widened—then he grinned. "Yeah… let's."
---
A Warrior's Gift
Caelum extended his hand, golden energy swirling in his palm.
"As a reward, I'll give you one of my most-used abilities. This technique is unique to me—until now."
The energy flowed into Lucian.
New Ability Gained: Astral Mirage
A technique that allows near-instant movement, creating afterimages to confuse enemies.
Lucian clenched his fists, feeling the power resonate within him. "This is incredible…"
Then, he looked at his own hand. "Then I'll give you something in return."
He gave his Zenith Blade to Caelum.
Caelum chuckled. "Not as powerful as Astral Mirage, but I'll take it." His golden eyes shone as he smiled. "This is what a true rivalry should be."
Lucian grinned. This was just the beginning.
To Be Continued…
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