The sun had reached its highest point. Noon fell upon the coliseum like an inescapable sentence. The stands began to fill little by little; members of the entire academy took their seats as a growing murmur spread like an uneasy tide. The emotion—thick, tense, expectant—began to rise among the spectators.
-How long do you think the new one will last?
-Hahaha, against the superior Kalista he won't last even five minutes.
-Yeah, the new one is dead.
Phrases like those floated through the crowd. The outcome had already been decided even before the duel began. High above the coliseum, those elevated seats that resembled thrones were filled one by one. Each master arrived with solemn steps and took the place assigned to them.
The first to appear was Ursa. As soon as she sat down, she raised her hand and encouraged the crowd with a wide, almost provocative smile. She was enjoying this more than anyone.
-Buah… are you already making a fool of yourself so early, Ursa?
The words came from Helios, who, as always, was mocking her. But to her surprise, Ursa did not respond. She kept greeting the audience with enthusiasm, as if Helios's voice did not exist. That only irritated her even more.
-Look at you… with that happy face. It's kind of disgusting.
( Said Helios mockingly )
Ursa glanced at her sideways… and smiled even wider.
Helios clicked her tongue, annoyed.
-That smile of yours really is disgusting.
Ursa returned to her seat. She sighed, closed her eyes, and kept that smile intact—firm, almost dangerous.
-You know, Helios? Today I'm so damn happy that none of your mockery or cheap insults can affect me. Not me… and not this great day.
Helios clenched her teeth. A grimace of anger crossed her face.
-Cheap, huh? Why don't we take advantage of the fact that we're already here and settle this down there, you stinking beast?
Ursa stared at her, expressionless… until she let out a soft laugh.
-Hahaha, sorry, but I can't play with you, Helios. That's not what a lady with class would do.
( Said Ursa, letting out a light chuckle )
Helios slammed her hands hard against the armrests of her seat.
-You filthy beast! That's it! Let's go down there, I'll teach you some respect, you piece of shit.
( Said Helios threateningly )
-Come on, come on, ladies… this is not the time to fight.
Athelstan intervened nervously, trying to calm the situation.
-Both of you stop fighting, or we'll be the ones to make you calm down.
The twins Reika and Seika stepped forward. The tension thickened—dense, dangerous… until a new presence shattered it completely.
Luzbel and Zarathoz had arrived.
Ursa shifted her attention to Zarathoz, a mocking smile forming on her face.
-Well, Director Zarathoz. I thought you'd be hiding in your office.
( Said Ursa mockingly )
Zarathoz ignored the comment and sat down elegantly. Her throne was more ostentatious than the others, slightly elevated, dominant.
-You've got some nerve showing your face around here, Zarathoz.
( Said Ursa with a provocative smile )
Zarathoz replied calmly, without losing her composure.
-Of course. After all, this is an official matter. And as the director of this academy, it is my duty to witness it and ensure that everything is fair and proper.
( Said Zarathoz with a faint smile )
-Yeah, hahaha… whatever you say.
( Said Ursa arrogantly )
Ursa leaned back in her seat and, in a murmur loaded with threat, whispered:
-I hope you enjoy that seat very much… because today will be the last time you use it.
Zarathoz glared at her with fury, but limited herself to clenching her teeth and tightening her fists.
Luzbel was heading toward her seat when suddenly Ursa stretched out her foot. Luzbel stumbled and fell to the ground.
-Oops… sorry. I didn't notice.
( Ursa began to laugh )
The coliseum witnessed the act. Some laughed. Others remained in uncomfortable silence. Athelstan tried to help her, but the laughter grew louder. Luzbel stood up on her own, lowered her head, and hurried to her seat.
Ursa turned toward Zarathoz with a shameless smile.
-Now that we're all here, could you do us the honors, beloved director?
( Said Ursa arrogantly )
Then, a metallic sound echoed through the air.
Footsteps.
Armor.
Everyone looked up.
From the balcony appeared Princess Amon.
Immediately, the masters knelt. The entire coliseum followed.
-Your Majesty, I did not expect to see you here. Please allow me to bring you a place to sit.
( Said Ursa, trying to appear helpful )
Zarathoz did not move or even look at her.
-Do not worry, Miss Ursa. I have only come to witness this encounter… though something tells me it will be very brief.
( Said Amon seriously )
-So ignore me. Miss Zarathoz, you may continue.
( Said Amon, touching Zarathoz's shoulder )
Zarathoz took a deep breath, stood up, and stepped to the edge of the balcony. Her voice rang out powerfully.
-Today we will witness a duel between two students of our glorious academy. Two souls in conflict. And as civilized beings, we will resolve this here. Conflicts enter the coliseum… and they stay here.
The audience fell silent.
-First, the challenger. From the cold forests of Reihoku. A member of the academy's third cycle and an honorable member of House Valdragon. The Winter Fang… Kalista!
The coliseum erupted in cheers. Kalista appeared with her head held high, radiating confidence. She carried the banner of her house. The crowd adored her… and she knew it.
-And the challenged… newly enrolled in the academy. Morgan.
Silence.
Seconds passed.
Minutes.
-Where is he?
-Did he run away?
-Hahaha, he stood up the director.
Ursa laughed.
-Looks like your boy stood you up, Zarathoz.
-What's going on, Zarathoz? Did your boy run away?
( Asked Princess Amon seriously )
Zarathoz felt anxiety tighten around her chest. She searched for Luzbel with her eyes. She was just as confused.
-Well… looks like the new one chickened out.
( Said Kalista, laughing )
Laughter erupted.
Ursa smiled maliciously.
-Well then, Your Majesty… this is how it ends, isn't it?
Zarathoz raised her hand, about to announce the victory…
Then—footsteps.
From the corridor.
Slow. Steady.
The coliseum turned.
Morgan appeared.
Alone.
Serious.
With no support whatsoever.
Zarathoz exhaled in relief.
-Now that both contenders are present… are you ready?
( Shouted Zarathoz )
-Yes, I'm ready.
( Said Kalista, annoyed )
-Yes… I'm ready.
( Said Morgan, sighing )
-In that case… let the battle begin.
End of the chapter:
The most dangerous among the small.