From the Knights, a short boy with an axe walked forward with a confident posture.
From the Mages, Fabian emerged, his white hair catching the sun as he jested with his peers, predicting a swift victory.
The two fighters entered the 40-meter square, facing each other as the anticipation from the rest peaked.
Mrs. Georgina's voice cut through the tension. "Each fighter, stand at the opposite edges of the square."
Fabian smirked, obeying with a leisurely stride, while the axe boy's face twisted in annoyance. He muttered under his breath but had no choice, trudging back to the far edge.
The Knights grumbled and began murmuring after sensing the setup.
'They're giving the Mages every advantage,' Adrian noted.
The square's size already favored ranged spells, and now the starting positions ensured Mages could maximize their distance.
Suddenly, Instructor Xana's aura flared, as she directed it specifically at the grumbling Knights.
