Duels

As the magical display faded, the names of the remaining 20 were revealed in a cascade of light. The arena, already scarred from the previous battles, now took on an even more ominous air. Every heartbeat in the coliseum was punctuated by anticipation as the random pairings for the one-on-one duels were announced. No alliances, no teamwork—just pure individual strength.

Among the pairings were many dramatic matchups. The mighty Seven faced opponents both familiar and new. The stakes were clear: defeat meant immediate transportation out of the tournament, while victory would secure the fighter's place in the final stage.

The First Duel: Ethan Baron vs. A Fierce Challenger

Ethan, stood at the center of the arena, his eyes steeled with determination. His mind raced with every technique he had honed—from Shadowstep Ghost Technique to the explosive fusion of dark energy and lightning. Across from him, his opponent—a burly fighter known for his relentless aggression—stepped forward. The challenge was set; there would be no mercy.

The duel began with a clash of raw energy.

Ethan moved like a phantom, disappearing into shadows as his opponent lunged with a heavy mace. In a blur of motion, Ethan reappeared behind him, landing a devastating strike that sent a shockwave through the ground. The fighter countered with a roar, but each of his swings was met by Ethan's calculated defense, his dark magic pulsating around every strike.

The crowd was silent save for the rhythmic pounding of combat. Every impact, every evasive maneuver was a testament to Ethan's years of training and the brutal gauntlet he had survived. In the final moments, when his opponent launched a desperate attack, Ethan unleashed his secret weapon—a perfectly timed counter that fused his dark energy with a lightning burst. The blow struck true, and his opponent fell, transported away with a flash of light.

Seraphina Ignis vs. Celeste Everharte

lsewhere in the arena, the elements clashed in a duel of extreme contrasts.

Seraphina, with her flaming greatsword, faced Celeste Everhart

As the duel commenced, Seraphina's fiery aura illuminated the arena, her every strike leaving scorched trails in the air.

Celeste countered with a calm, icy precision; with each parry, shards of ice and blasts of cold wind flew, freezing the ground beneath them.

The battle was a mesmerizing dance of fire and ice. At one point, Seraphina attempted a bold offensive, swinging her sword in a wide arc that ignited the surrounding air.

Celeste responded by encasing Seraphina's blade in a thin layer of frost, momentarily dulling its heat before shattering it with a precise riposte.

The clash of contrasting elements sent steam billowing through the arena as the two exchanged rapid, calculated strikes.

In the end, as their energies waned from the continuous exertion, both warriors managed to hold their ground, forcing a draw that the judges declared a temporary victory for both. Their duel was so evenly matched that even the student council could only nod in respect at the display of elemental mastery.

Damian Blackwood vs. Alden Ascar

In a dim corner of the arena, under the shadow of ancient ruins, Damian Blackwood  faced off against Alden Ascar

Damian's approach was as eerie as it was powerful. Dark mists swirled around him as he summoned spectral arms to lash out at his opponent.

Alden, with his trademark flawless technique and golden aura, deflected each ghostly strike with his shining blade, his every move measured and precise.

The duel was an intense battle of opposites:

Alden's brightness clashed with Damian's darkness, creating an almost tangible tension in the air.

At a crucial moment, Damian unleashed a surge of necrotic energy aimed to overwhelm Alden.

In response, Alden countered with a swift, radiant slash that cut through the dark energies like a beam of light.

Their battle raged on, the field around them becoming a blend of darkness and brilliance. In the end, Alden managed to secure a narrow victory with a final, decisive strike, sending Damian reeling. Yet even in defeat, Damian's eyes burned with a promise that this was merely a setback—a challenge to be overcome in future battles.

Across the arena, other duels intensified:

Leon Ascar engaged in a relentless bout with a cunning opponent whose agility challenged his every move.

Dante Everwinter  showcased his mastery over frost, using his magic to manipulate the battlefield and slow his foe's advance until victory was inevitable.

Iris Valeria  dazzled the onlookers with a combination of swift incantations and graceful maneuvers, her duel a seamless blend of magic and martial skill.

Each fighter was tested to their limits as the crowd roared in approval and awe. The randomness of the pairings had forced these emerging leaders to confront unexpected challenges—and in doing so, many of them had forged new rivalries that would echo throughout the tournament.

The Moment of Reckoning

As the duels neared their conclusion, the arena's digital counter began tallying victories. One by one, the duels ended with the victorious warriors standing tall, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and fierce pride. The Student Council's eyes, particularly Gabriel Aurelius's, were fixed on the battlefield, silently taking note of every move.

When the final duel concluded, only 10 duels remained unresolved, leaving 20 fighters. The weight of this stage, with its one-on-one battles determining who would advance to the final stage, settled over the arena like a heavy cloak. Each competitor knew that while no one truly died in this trial, the pain of defeat was as real as it got—their chance to progress would vanish in an instant if they faltered.

Standing amid the chaos, Ethan looked around at the broken forms and battered armor.

"This is what it takes," he thought.

He recalled the training, the blood and sweat from the gauntlet, and the silent promise he had made to himself long ago—to become not just a contender, but a dominant force.

Every duel, every victory, and even every defeat was a lesson. And as he adjusted his grip on Shadowfang, he vowed that his next battle would be even more decisive.

The tournament was far from over, and with the final pairings yet to be announced, the fate of the remaining 20 rested on the strength and resolve of every single fighter.

And in that moment, the air crackled with the energy of destiny—a destiny that would soon shape the future of the Academy.