Chapter 14: "Starfall Lights: Competition - The Rise of New Power"

The next day, the Starfall Colosseum buzzed with excitement once more. Students thronged the stands, eagerly anticipating the continuation of the competition. On the side of the arena, Headmaster Eldrin stood with five academy teachers. Beside him stood Sanith, a beautiful elf with long silver hair cascading like a waterfall beneath the lingering twilight. An aura of ancient wisdom and quiet magical power emanated from her. Then there was Borin, a burly man with a fiery red beard and a massive war hammer slung across his back. Among them also stood Lysandra, the rune specialization teacher, a woman with intricate glowing carvings adorning her hands and emitting a soft light, and Umbra, the dark magic teacher, a man shrouded in a dark robe with a faint aura of coldness surrounding him. Completing the line-up was Elara, an elegant woman with long, neatly styled brown hair and eyes as sharp as a hawk, radiating an aura of intelligence and profound mastery of elemental magic. They awaited the start of the matches.

"Fascinating," said Elara, observing the corridor where the students would emerge. "What do you think, Sanith, are Arthur's chances against Sylvana?"

Sanith, with a gentle yet insightful gaze, replied, "Sylvana has the advantage in terms of companion strength. Her beasts are wild and well-trained. However, Arthur possesses speed and an unpredictable wind element. If he can capitalize on his agility..."

Borin grunted softly, stroking his beard. "I'm more interested in the match between Xarther and Faun. That kid is fast and full of surprises. But Xarther... there's a cold calmness about him. He doesn't seem like a typical new student."

Lysandra chimed in with a soft voice, "The flow of mana around Xarther feels... different. There's a hidden layer. We might see something interesting from him."

Umbra smirked thinly, his gaze cold. "Faun relies on instinct and aggression. That could be his weakness if Xarther can remain calm and find an opening. Darkness sometimes provides unexpected advantages."

Eldrin, who had been listening with a serious expression, finally said, "We will soon witness their true test. Talent alone is not enough. The pressure in this arena can reveal their true character and the limits of their abilities."

Not long after the teachers' conversation subsided, Borin, his baritone voice echoing throughout the arena, stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, and aspiring heroes! The time has come for the next round of this thrilling competition! The first match will pit..." Borin paused for a moment, creating a slight tension, "...Aria against Sylvana!"

From the stands, Sylvia waved enthusiastically towards her twin sister, Sylvana, and also towards Aria. "Go you two! Show them what you've got! Arthur, don't let those plants tie you down! Sylvana, make him feel the power of claws and wings!" she shouted loudly, her tone encouraging both her friends. Beside Sylvia, Sirius put his arm around her shoulder and yelled, "That's right! Arthur, unleash all your wind techniques! Sylvana, your beasts are definitely stronger than a gust of wind!"

Then Borin continued, "And the second, equally exciting match will feature... Xarther against Faun!"

On the opposite side of the stands, Rush stood with a wide grin, waving towards Xarther. "Hey, Xarther! Remember my advice from last night? Beat Faun until he can't tell his feet from his ears! Teach him a lesson for talking so much!" he called out with a joking yet enthusiastic tone.

Not far from Rush, Lyra stood with a slightly softer expression than usual. She looked at Xarther and said in a quiet but clear voice, "Xarther... do your best." A faint blush appeared on her cheeks as she spoke those words.

Before the two pairs of combatants took their positions in the center of the arena, Aria and Sylvana exchanged glances.

Aria sighed and said with a sporting tone, "May we both do our best, Sylvana."

Sylvana grinned confidently, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Of course, Arthur. But you know, the bond with beasts is always stronger than a gust of wind. Don't get swept away!"

Meanwhile, Faun cheerfully approached Xarther, who was already standing in the center of the arena. "Boss! We finally get to fight! I can't wait to see your skills again like in the Trial Forest! Don't hesitate to beat me up, Boss! I'll try my best to keep up!" Faun showed a wide grin full of admiration.

Xarther merely stared at Faun with a flat expression, then nodded briefly without uttering a word. His expression seemed to say, "Just do your best."

Borin raised his voice again, "Alright participants, take your positions! In the name of the Nytharia Academy, let the matches begin!" The cheers of the audience roared once more, welcoming the start of the battles they had been anticipating.

Borin gestured, and the first bell rang loudly, signaling the start of the first match between Aria and Sylvana.

Match One: Aria vs Sylvana

Aria took her position in the center of the arena, a gentle wind beginning to swirl around her, her hair fluttering invisibly. Her eyes focused on Sylvana, who stood calmly a few meters away. Sylvana closed her eyes for a moment, sensing the mana around her, then opened them with the same studying gaze as when they had met in the hallway.

As the second bell rang, Sylvana raised both her hands. From behind her shadow, a glowing forest wolf with glowing green eyes and dagger-sized fangs, and a giant bird of prey with gleaming jet-black feathers and steel-like claws emerged. Both beasts roared, their aura of magical power filling the arena, ready to pounce on Aria.

Aria swiftly gathered the wind around her body, creating a small, rapidly spinning vortex, ready to be used as a shield or attack. Her eyes moved quickly, watching the two ferocious beasts circling her warily.

The wolf lunged at Aria with lightning speed, its claws swinging ferociously. Aria nimbly leaped to the side, avoiding the deadly attack. At the same time, the bird of prey flapped its wide wings, creating a strong gust of wind as it flew high, ready to swoop down from the sky.

The battle turned into a test of speed and agility for Aria. She had to evade the wolf's attacks on the ground and the threat from the air simultaneously. Aria used the wind to help her move quickly, gliding and leaping to avoid the attacks of Sylvana's beasts. Occasionally, she sent gusts of high-pressure wind towards the wolf, trying to disrupt it or throw it off balance.

Sylvana stood calmly behind her beasts, giving commands through her gaze and gentle hand movements. She coordinated the attacks of the wolf and the bird of prey perfectly, creating a dangerous and difficult-to-evade combination of assaults.

Several times, the wolf's claws nearly struck Aria, leaving thin tears in her clothing. The bird of prey also swooped down sharply several times, forcing Aria to roll and evade with difficulty. However, Aria did not give up. She kept moving, searching for an opening in the coordinated attacks of Sylvana's beasts.

The battle reached its climax when Sylvana commanded her bird of prey to swoop down sharply from above at full speed, diverting Aria's attention to the aerial threat. At the same time, the wolf quickly and silently darted across the side of the arena, trying to attack Aria from the flank.

However, Aria had anticipated this tactic. As the bird swooped, Aria quickly created a very powerful vortex of wind in front of her. The vortex not only stopped the bird's attack but also created a strong gust of wind that pushed the approaching wolf backward.

Seizing the opportunity, Aria gathered all the remaining wind energy around her body, creating a high-pressure ball of wind that whizzed louder and louder. With a small roar full of determination, she released the ball of wind towards Sylvana, who stood some distance away.

Sylvana was surprised by the sudden attack. She didn't have enough time to evade completely. The ball of wind struck her with full force, sending her flying backward and knocking her unconscious. Her beasts, losing control without Sylvana's commands, retreated slowly.

Catching her breath but with victory in her grasp, Aria stood tall. Sylvana, though defeated, had put up a fierce fight with her extraordinary control over her beasts.

After a brief pause, Borin stepped forward again. "The second match will begin shortly! Prepare to witness the battle between Xarther and Faun!"

Match Two: Xarther vs Faun

Faun hopped lightly around Xarther, who stood upright in the center of the training arena with both small hands clenched. A wide grin never left Faun's face.

"Alright, boss! Time for some fun! Don't worry, I won't hold back completely!" Faun called out in a cheerful tone, slightly underestimating yet still admiring. Both his hands, coated in shimmering silver paint, were ready to "fight."

The second toy bell rang, and Faun immediately charged with the speed of a child's toy. He moved like a small shadow, trying to surprise Xarther with quick movements. His hands swung wildly.

However, Xarther seemed calm amidst Faun's agile movements. His sharp eyes followed every move Faun made intently. With minimal movement, he avoided every "attack" of Faun. His speed was extraordinary for a child his age, and his movements were very efficient.

Faun kept moving with a combination of leaps and spins, occasionally trying to grab Xarther with his small hands. He kept talking while moving, showering Xarther with praise and playful taunts.

"Great, boss! You're so fast at dodging! But how about this?!" Faun leaped and tried to kick Xarther with his small leg.

Xarther calmly ducked, avoiding the kick, then with a swift movement landed a hard punch on Faun's stomach. Although still small, Xarther's fist felt solid and strong, surprising Faun and pushing him back several steps with a startled laugh.

The fight turned into a contest of speed and extraordinary physical strength for children their age. Faun relied on instinct and his boundless energy, underestimating the strength of the boy in front of him. Meanwhile, Xarther relied on his composure, the accuracy of reading his opponent's movements, and his extraordinary physical strength for his age.

Several times, Faun's hands nearly hit Xarther, but each time it happened, Xarther managed to dodge nimbly or parry with both his small but strong hands. He countered with directed punches to Faun's body, forcing Faun to retreat while laughing.

The climax of the fight occurred when Faun, with a quick feint, tried to "pounce" on Xarther from above. However, Xarther had anticipated this. With lightning speed, he jumped upwards, taking advantage of Faun's downward momentum, and landed a hard kick on Faun's chest.

Faun gasped, his breath catching in his throat. He was thrown back several meters and landed hard on the ground with a loud laugh. Although not hurt, the "attack" was enough to stop his movements. Xarther landed lightly, both his hands clenching again, ready.

Faun looked at Xarther with a stunned expression but still held great admiration. "Crazy... Boss is really amazing! Your strength... it's unbelievable for a kid your age! I didn't even expect your punch to be that strong!"

With a wide grin despite being slightly out of breath, Faun raised his hand in surrender. "I give up, Boss! You're definitely the strongest!"

The cheers of the audience roared once more, this time for the victories of Aria and Xarther.

After a brief break to drink healing potions provided by the teachers, Aria and Xarther stood facing each other again in the training arena. Borin stepped forward once more. "Ladies and gentlemen! The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived! The final match! The best of the best! Prepare yourselves for the battle between... Aria and Xarther!"

The cheers of the audience roared again, this time with a higher pitch and full of anticipation. Aria and Xarther, though still small, had demonstrated extraordinary abilities.

Aria stood with slightly ragged breaths, clutching her small sword tightly. Xarther stood before her with the same calm expression, both his small hands clenched, ready.

The toy bell rang, and Aria immediately took the initiative. A soft wind began to swirl around her, accompanying her quick movements. She charged at Xarther with the speed of the wind, her small sword moving nimbly.

Xarther deftly avoided every swing of Aria's small sword. His speed was incredible, even faster than he had shown before. He moved with precision, parrying and dodging every attack of Aria with both his hands.

Aria realized that Xarther was faster and stronger than she had anticipated. With burning determination, she focused her mana deeper into her small sword. The wind around her small sword grew stronger, and suddenly, a small bolt of lightning struck from its blade towards Xarther.

Xarther was surprised by the lightning attack. He barely managed to avoid it, feeling a faint electric shock near his arm. His sharp eyes now showed a hint of wariness.

The battle intensified. Aria continuously attacked with a combination of wind and lightning from her small sword, forcing Xarther to keep moving and defending. Every time lightning flashed, the audience gasped in amazement.

However, Xarther did not give up. Despite being pressured, he remained calm and kept searching for an opening in Aria's attacks. He relied on his extraordinary speed and physical strength for a child his age, parrying Aria's attacks and occasionally trying to land a strong counter-punch.

Finding it difficult to defeat Aria, who was growing stronger with her lightning, the aura around Xarther suddenly changed. Dark shadows began to emanate from his body, enveloping him in a terrifying energy. Xarther's eyes flashed a faint red. The demonic power of Xarthos within him began to awaken.

The audience fell silent for a moment, shocked by Xarther's sudden change in aura. They only saw the dark energy surrounding the boy and mistook it for dark magic.

On the side of the arena, Eldrin let out a long breath, a deep worry etched on his face. He recognized that dark aura. However, he observed closely that Xarther was still in control, not appearing possessed as he had feared.

With the demonic power of Xarthos flowing through him, Xarther's speed and strength increased dramatically. He moved faster than Aria's lightning flashes, and every blow he landed felt much heavier. Aria was forced to retreat, struggling to withstand Xarther's suddenly overwhelming attacks.

Despite Aria's best efforts with her wind and lightning from her small sword, Xarther was too strong. With one powerful punch that he managed to land, Aria staggered and fell, her small sword slipping from her grasp.

Borin, seeing that Aria was unable to continue, raised his hand. "The match is over! The winner is... Xarther!"

The cheers of the audience roared once more, mixed with murmurs of astonishment at the dark aura that had briefly surrounded Xarther. Eldrin breathed a sigh of relief, although questions about the boy's power still lingered in his mind. Xarther, despite winning the match, seemed slightly out of breath, and the dark aura around him slowly dissipated, leaving behind the faint red glow in his eyes, which returned to their usual black.

After Borin announced Xarther's victory, the crowd of students applauded and cheered. Aria lay on the arena floor, slightly out of breath, staring at the arena's ceiling with an expression of disappointment but not defeat. Sylvia and Sirius immediately approached her, helping Aria sit up.

"You were great, Arthur! Your lightning almost got him!" Sylvia encouraged.

"Right! That kid's power is really weird," Sirius chimed in, glancing at Xarther, who looked a little tired but calm.

On the other side of the arena, Faun bounced over to Xarther with sparkling eyes. "Boss! You were amazing! That dark power... so cool! What kind of magic was that?"

Xarther only shook his head slightly, because the power of Xarthos had come out even though he hadn't wanted it to, luckily the obsidian bracelet his mother had given him was hiding it. "I don't know..." he answered briefly.

Lyra approached with soft steps, looking at Xarther with admiration and a hint of concern. "Xarther... are you alright?" she asked gently.

Xarther nodded slightly. "Yeah..."

From the teachers' seats, Eldrin rose slowly, his gaze fixed on Xarther. He saw Lysandra approaching him, runes on her hands glowing faintly.

"Headmaster," Lysandra whispered, her voice full of curiosity. "The dark energy surrounding that child... its patterns are unlike any dark magic I've ever studied. There's something different."

Umbra, who stood near them, smirked thinly. "The potential of darkness is always intriguing."

Amidst the clamor of students beginning to leave the arena, Faun tried to engage Xarther in further conversation about his power, while Lyra stayed close to Xarther, showing her care without saying much. Aria, helped by Sylvia and Sirius, stood up with a renewed determination in her eyes. This defeat would not stop her; she would train harder for the next competition.