Chapter 3:Battle of the elements

The atmosphere at *Aeloria Academy* was buzzing with excitement that afternoon. The annual *Battle of the Elements*, a prestigious event that showcased the school's most talented magical students, was about to begin. It was a spectacle that every student anticipated with a mixture of awe and fear. For the high-tier students, it was a chance to show off their powerful abilities, solidifying their status. For others, like Seraphina, it was an intimidating reminder of the gap between them and the elite.

Seraphina was sitting in the courtyard, trying to stay out of the way as the students around her eagerly discussed the upcoming event. Her mind, however, wasn't on the competition. She had just finished a quiet conversation with Maria, and the words lingered in her mind. *Could I ever be like them?*

"I hope you're not planning on hiding out during the competition," a voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

Seraphina looked up, startled to find *Alistair*, one of the top-tier students, standing in front of her. He had a confident smirk plastered on his face, his pale blue robes glimmering in the sunlight. Alistair was a gifted student, known for his impeccable control over water magic. His family was powerful, and his arrogance was just as well-known.

"Oh, I don't plan on hiding," Seraphina replied coolly, her heart racing. She wasn't sure if she was trying to convince him or herself.

Alistair raised an eyebrow, his expression one of polite amusement. "You're serious, then? You're really going to participate in the *Battle*?" His tone was condescending, though he tried to mask it with a smile. "I'm sure your... *abilities* will be very interesting to watch."

Seraphina clenched her jaw. He was just like the others—one of the students who thought his power made him superior. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, like he was judging her without even needing to see her magic.

Maria, sensing the tension, stepped in beside Seraphina, offering a warm smile to Alistair. "Don't mind him, Seraphina. You know how these guys are."

Alistair's smirk grew wider as he looked Maria over, his eyes flicking to the other students gathering nearby. "I'm sure you'll be just as entertaining, Maria," he said, his voice oozing with insincerity. "Your fire magic has a *lot* of potential, but I wouldn't get too carried away." He glanced at the group of elite students who were gathering in their circle. "You wouldn't want to embarrass yourselves in front of the real contenders."

Maria's face flushed, but she quickly masked her irritation. "Thanks for the advice, Alistair, but we'll manage."

Alistair didn't even acknowledge her response, turning away with a flick of his wrist, signaling to his fellow students. The message was clear: *You don't belong in my world.*

Seraphina could feel the sting of the comment, but before she could dwell on it too much, a voice from behind her called out.

"Are you two still letting these idiots get to you?"

Seraphina turned, startled to find *Kael*, a student from the middle-tier who had always been an ally of sorts, standing there with a teasing smile. Kael was known for his sharp intellect and practical application of magic, a skill set that didn't make him popular among the high-tier students, but he was respected for his ability to adapt to any magical challenge.

"Alistair's just trying to get under your skin," Kael continued, shrugging as he looked at the retreating figure of the arrogant student. "Don't give him the satisfaction."

Seraphina sighed, grateful for the distraction. "It's hard not to. He's got the entire school wrapped around his finger."

Kael grinned. "Not everyone. You've got your own magic, right? That's something he can't take away."

Seraphina's stomach twisted at the mention of her powers. She was still trying to come to terms with the strange flicker of magic she'd felt earlier. What if Alistair's words were true? What if her magic was as weak as she feared?

As if on cue, the bell rang, signaling that the *Battle of the Elements* would soon begin. The students began filing into the arena, which was a large open space surrounded by stands. A magical barrier separated the contestants from the spectators, ensuring no one got hurt during the event.

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The competition was intense. Seraphina watched, captivated, as one student after another showed off their extraordinary abilities. *Sophia*, the top student in the fire house, created a massive blaze that raged high into the sky. *Lorian*, from the earth house, summoned jagged rocks that swirled around him like a protective storm.

Maria, too, had her turn. The air crackled as she raised her hands, unleashing waves of fire that danced and twisted in elegant patterns. It was impressive—beautiful, even—but Seraphina couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Maria wasn't fully herself. She was trying to impress, trying to *belong.*

Seraphina's own turn came next. Her heart hammered in her chest as she stepped into the arena, aware of the curious eyes that followed her. The students from the elite houses whispered amongst themselves, some rolling their eyes in disbelief, others looking her up and down with disdain. *What does she even have to show?*

The pressure weighed heavily on her as she stood before the spectators. She knew she had to perform—but how could she, when her powers were so unpredictable? She was supposed to show something spectacular, but she didn't even know how to control what was inside her.

Taking a deep breath, she raised her hands. The air around her shimmered for a brief moment, and a faint ripple spread out from her fingertips. It wasn't much—a few seconds of magic, a subtle shift in the atmosphere—but to Seraphina, it felt like the world had stopped. The students murmured, their eyes widening in surprise.

Then, as quickly as it had started, the magic faded, leaving nothing behind but a quiet, stunned silence.

Alistair's voice cut through the stillness, dripping with sarcasm. "Well, that was... *something*." His laughter, along with the snickers from the other high-tier students, rang in Seraphina's ears.

Seraphina felt her heart drop into her stomach, but before she could retreat, Maria stood by her side, her presence a quiet shield. "It's not about impressing them," Maria whispered, her eyes meeting Seraphina's. "It's about knowing who you are—no matter what they say."

Seraphina took a deep breath, glancing around at the other students who were still staring. This wasn't the end. It was only the beginning.

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