A Measured Display

The spacious combat arena at Astralis Academy was a fusion of grand design and cutting-edge enchantments. Towering columns ringed the central battleground, each inscribed with runes that stabilized stray magical energies. Students crowded the surrounding balconies, eager to witness the next duel in the monthly combat evaluations.

Elian stood at the arena's edge, calmly observing the scene. Overhead, glowing glyphs displayed the matchups, and his name soon flickered into place:

ELIAN DRAYVEN vs. DARIAN KAEL

A hush fell over the spectators. Darian Kael was a known powerhouse in the academy—famous for his aggressive fighting style and potent fire-earth magic. Elian, on the other hand, was more of a mystery. His peers saw him as competent but withdrawn. No one quite knew the depths of his abilities, or how far he could truly push himself.

> Announcer (through a runic amplifier):

"Combatants, step forward!"

Elian entered the arena in his sleek black-and-silver uniform, runic lines faintly glowing along the sleeves. The subtle hum of energy around him hinted at hidden reserves, but he kept them carefully in check. Opposite him, Darian smirked, rolling his shoulders as arcs of flame crackled around his fists.

A Subtle Start

The gong sounded, and Darian wasted no time. He launched a scorching wave of fire, laced with shards of hardened earth, directly at Elian. Rather than dodging outright, Elian narrowed his crimson eyes, letting the system's Inspect skill activate.

A faint, digital overlay appeared in his field of vision:

Name: Darian Kael

Rank: Gold (Crimson Fang)

Strength: High physical prowess, combined with intense fire-earth synergy.

Weakness: Overconfidence, susceptible to feints and counters when pressing the attack.

Elian had faced monstrous beasts in the wild, so Darian's assault—while fierce—felt almost predictable. Still, he intended to show only a sliver of his potential. He summoned Fire Manipulation with a precise, measured gesture, forming a swirling vortex of flames that clashed with Darian's inferno. Sparks danced in the air as the two fires met, swirling into a fiery maelstrom.

> Darian (shouting over the roar of flames):

"You can't beat me by copying my element, Drayven!"

Elian didn't respond. Instead, he channeled Firestorm, a newly acquired sub-skill he'd barely tested. Intense heat flared in his palm, but he reined it in, letting only about ten percent of its potential flow. The resultant surge of flames burst outward in a controlled explosion, scattering Darian's fire and forcing him back several steps.

A Glimpse of Water

Sensing Darian's next move—a stomp that would raise a barrage of rock spikes—Elian quickly switched to Water Manipulation, another skill he had unlocked but rarely showcased. A ripple of aqua energy formed at his feet, weaving into a translucent barrier that blunted the impact of the jagged stones. Steam hissed where the lingering fire met the swirling water.

Gasps rose from the crowd. Few Silver Rank students could command two elements so fluidly, especially under combat pressure. Whispers rippled through the spectators, curiosity and disbelief mixing in equal measure.

> Student 1 (eyes wide):

"Is he dual-affinity? That's…rare."

Student 2 (shaking her head):

"I've never seen him use water before."

Holding Back

Elian's mind raced with strategies, but Eve's steady presence in his thoughts reminded him of his goal: reveal enough to pass, but not enough to stand out as a threat. He could feel his other dormant powers—Shadow, Beast Tamer, and more—just beneath the surface. But the moment he used them, he risked drawing the academy's—and the Celestial Sanctum's—unwanted attention.

He steadied himself, exhaling slowly. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a brief, dazzling swirl of Firestorm again, forcing Darian onto the defensive. A wave of water followed, knocking Darian off balance. Elian dashed in, a burst of enhanced speed from his system aiding him as he aimed a precise strike at Darian's guard.

Darian grunted, blocking at the last moment, but the sheer force of Elian's partially restrained blow sent him skidding across the arena floor. A hush fell over the crowd—Darian Kael, the Crimson Fang, was on the back foot.

> Darian (breathing heavily, eyes blazing):

"What…are you?"

Elian didn't answer. Instead, he stood straight, eyes cold, controlling his breath. He could feel his power swirling inside him, begging for release. But ten percent was all he would allow. Enough to make a point, but not enough to reveal his true strength.

A Calculated Victory

Sensing that he might lose control if the duel continued, Elian clenched his fists and let the flames and water subside. He stared at Darian, silently conveying that he had more to offer if provoked. The referee, sensing the intensity, intervened.

> Referee:

"That's enough! Winner: Elian Drayven."

The crowd erupted into stunned murmurs. Some cheered; others whispered conspiracy theories about how Elian had hidden so much power for so long. Darian, still on one knee, glared at Elian with a mix of frustration and grudging respect.

> Darian (voice low):

"We'll settle this properly next time."

As Elian left the arena, he could feel dozens of eyes following him. His performance, though carefully restrained, had stirred curiosity and suspicion. In a world where anomalies were hunted, and hidden power drew the wrath of gods and men alike, Elian's partial reveal was a double-edged sword.

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And so, the stage widens. With his victory over a known powerhouse, Elian steps further into the academy's spotlight—unwittingly inching closer to the scrutiny of those who sense the immense, uncharted power he carries.