Wind vs Flame

Astral Academy – Grand Arena

The sky above the arena darkened—not from clouds, but from Veer's wind aura spiraling skyward like a raging cyclone. The sheer pressure pressed against the audience like a heavy tide. Even some instructors looked impressed.

Saki (eyes wide): "He's using… Tempest Fang?"

Naman (arms crossed): "This'll be rough."

Reika stood her ground, the hem of her coat crackling with intense heat. Her eyes narrowed.

Reika: "Show me your full strength, Veer."

Veer (grinning): "You asked for it."

Veer raised his arm—and the wind roared like a dragon.

From the heavens, a massive, transparent blade of wind formed, shimmering with enough pressure to slice through the entire battlefield. It was his finisher:

Tempest Fang – Sky Severing Blade!

He brought it down.

Reika didn't flinch.

Reika (calmly): "Let the storm come."

She spun, both hands igniting like twin suns, and unleashed her own ultimate move:

Phoenix Bloom – Infernal Nova Spiral!

A massive lotus of fire bloomed beneath her feet, the petals expanding outward in a violent spiral of burning energy that met Veer's Tempest Fang head-on.

BOOOOM!!!

The two forces collided mid-air, forming a massive explosion of red and white light. The shockwave knocked some students from their seats, and the arena floor cracked, the very air distorted by elemental chaos.

Flame. Wind. Light. Fury.

When the smoke cleared—

Two figures remained standing.

Both were panting.

Veer's shirt was half-burned, cuts on his arms from residual fire. Reika's coat was torn, and a faint burn lined her shoulder—but both were still conscious.

Then—a thud.

Veer's knees gave way, and he dropped to one hand.

Referee (raising a hand): "Winner – Reika of Wing B!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and stunned gasps.

Student 1: "Reika beat Veer?!"

Student 2: "That was insane! I thought Veer had it!"

Saki clapped slowly with a slight smirk. Naman whistled.

Anay, ever calm, gave a single approving nod.

Anay (to himself): "Now that… was a worthy battle."

As Veer stood with effort, Reika extended her hand.

Reika (smiling): "You fight well, wind boy."

Veer (taking her hand): "You're better than your reputation… and more dangerous."

They shared a respectful nod as they walked off the stage.

But the match had set the tone. The academy was ablaze with anticipation.

Next Match Incoming…

Who will challenge Reika next under the "continuous duel" format?