chapter 44– Clash of Determination

Clash of Determination

The academy courtyard had been transformed into an arena, its enchanted barriers flickering with energy. Students gathered in clusters, their excited murmurs filling the air. Some whispered about my previous duels, others speculated whether I would finally lose my place in S-Class.

I ignored them.

This was my third ranking duel of the month. If I lost, I would drop from S-Class, and many were eager to see that happen.

I tightened my grip on my dagger. Today, I wouldn't rely on my telekinesis. No tricks, no safety nets—just my skill, my aura, and my determination.

"Alden Blackwood versus Bennett Hawthorne!"

The announcer's voice rang across the courtyard. A hush fell over the spectators as my opponent stepped onto the dueling platform.

Bennett Hawthorne.

He was ranked first in Class A—an E-rank fighter, yet the strongest of his group. His lightweight training sword gleamed under the afternoon sun, his stance balanced and confident. A single glance told me he was a disciplined fighter, someone who had spent years refining his swordplay.

Perfect.

This was exactly the kind of opponent I needed.

We stepped into the arena's circle, the shimmering boundary of the dueling ring surrounding us. Bennett bowed stiffly.

"Good luck, Blackwood."

I gave a small nod. No words—only focus.

The duel bell rang.

Bennett moved first.

He lunged, his sword slicing in a precise arc toward my torso. His speed was impressive, but I had already moved. My Shadow Step Footwork carried me to the side, my aura flaring just enough to enhance my motion. His sword cut through empty space where I had just been.

I countered immediately.

A quick thrust of my dagger, aimed at his ribs. Bennett reacted fast, his sword twisting to parry. Metal met metal with a sharp clang, the force of the impact running up my arm.

I pressed forward, slashing in rapid succession—left, right, downward—each strike meant to test his defenses. But Bennett was composed, deflecting my attacks with calculated precision.

He suddenly retaliated with a sharp jab. I barely managed to twist out of the way, feeling the wind of his strike brush past my shoulder.

"You're fast," Bennett noted, eyes locked onto mine. "But you're limiting yourself."

He had noticed.

I wasn't using telekinesis.

I smirked slightly but didn't respond. Instead, I adjusted my grip on my dagger. My breath steadied. My aura pulsed in sync with my movements.

Bennett came at me again. This time, his strikes were faster, sharper. His sword wove through the air with the ease of someone who had spent years refining his technique.

I dodged, ducking under a swing before pivoting to the side. Another stab came for my midsection—I parried with the edge of my dagger, redirecting the force. But Bennett's control was remarkable; he adapted instantly, swinging upward in a powerful arc.

I raised my dagger just in time. Sparks flew as our weapons clashed, the force pushing me back a step.

Bennett didn't let up.

He pressed forward, his attacks flowing like water. Each cut and thrust seamlessly chained into the next, leaving no openings for a counterattack. He was strong—stronger than I had expected.

But I wasn't about to lose.

I exhaled, my focus sharpening. My stance shifted.

Then, I attacked.

A feint to his left. He moved to block—exactly as I predicted. I suddenly twisted my body, using the momentum to slash at his right side instead.

Bennett's eyes widened as he realized his mistake. He tried to adjust, but I was already moving faster than he could react.

My dagger cut through the air in a precise arc—Phantom Edge.

Bennett barely managed to shift back, but my blade still grazed his side. He stumbled slightly, his balance momentarily thrown off.

Now.

I closed the distance in an instant, my dagger pressing lightly against his throat.

Silence.

The duel was over.

Bennett tensed, then let out a slow breath. His grip on his sword loosened before he finally lowered it.

"Winner: Alden Blackwood."

Professor Magnus's voice carried through the courtyard.

A beat passed.

Then the crowd erupted.

I exhaled, my pulse still steady, the weight of victory settling over me. Bennett stepped back, assessing me with newfound respect before nodding.

"That was impressive," he admitted. "I see why you're in S-Class."

I didn't reply right away. My fingers flexed around my dagger's hilt.

Had I truly won?

I had avoided using telekinesis, relying only on my blade. And yet… something still felt missing. My grip on my dagger had been solid, my aura had enhanced my movements, but I still wasn't at the level I wanted to be.

I had yet to reach true mastery.

Professor Magnus stepped forward. "Well fought. Strength is earned through perseverance."

I nodded, his words settling in my mind.

Alicia, Leon, and Seraphina stood in the crowd, watching. Alicia's golden eyes held a mixture of admiration and challenge. Leon gave a slight nod of approval, while Seraphina's expression remained unreadable. Even Reynard, ever the provocateur, smirked slightly.

Whispers spread through the gathered students.

"Blackwood won again."

"Did you see how precise his attacks were?"

"He didn't even use telekinesis this time…"

I turned away from the murmurs. The duel was over, but my path was far from complete.

As I stepped off the platform, I activated my telekinesis for a brief moment, letting my dagger hover at my side. Even now, my control wasn't perfect—it was still just a step toward my ultimate goal.

But today, I had taken that step.

I would keep training.

I would push my limits.

And I would master my blade—no matter how long it took.