The grand hall was wrapped in a heavy silence, as if the very walls were holding their breath. Dozens of students gathered around the dueling arena, their eyes glittering with anticipation. At the center stood Darius, his massive frame radiating strength, a smug grin plastered on his face. Opposite him, Arian stood tense, fists clenched, sweat dripping down his brow while his heartbeat pounded like war drums.
The instructor raised his hand, his voice booming:
"Let the duel begin."
Darius moved first, surging forward as though the ground itself could not contain him. A blue glow burst from his wrist, and in a flash, a spectral wolf materialized—its body translucent, its eyes burning like embers. The beast roared and lunged at Arian with blinding speed.
Arian failed to dodge the opening strike. The wolf slammed into his chest with thunderous force, sending him crashing two meters back. The impact knocked the air from his lungs, fire searing through his body.
Darius laughed loudly.
"This is the challenger? Even the spirits reject him!"
The crowd murmured—some sneering, others watching with pity. But Arian refused to stay down. He bit his lip until blood trickled, dragging himself back to his feet.
"I'm not finished yet."
With a growl, Darius sent the wolf forward again. This time, Arian closed his eyes for a heartbeat. He remembered the book, the words etched into his mind: "Shatter the veil… to see the truth."
His eyes snapped open, now veiled by a dark aura. The wolf split into three illusions, but his heart discerned the real one.
"Spirit Technique: Break the Illusion!"
He dashed past the false images, narrowly evading the true strike. Gasps erupted from the students, while the instructor's lips curved faintly—he had seen what he was waiting for.
But Darius only sneered.
"Not bad… at least you won't fall from the first blow."
He leapt at Arian, his fist crashing down like a hammer. Arian braced his arms, but the force was overwhelming. His body buckled, blood spilling from his mouth as he collapsed to his knees, breath ragged.
If I give up now… they'll see me as nothing. No… I have to fight.
He stomped the ground, whispering through clenched teeth:
"Spirit Technique… Burst of Speed!"
His body blurred like a streak of light. Darius spun around in confusion, but Arian appeared behind him, striking with a sharp blow to the side. The impact wasn't strong, but it forced the giant to stagger half a step back.
The crowd erupted:
"He touched him!"
Darius's fury ignited. He thrust his hand forward, summoning the wolf again—this time splitting into a storm of overlapping phantoms, all snarling as they encircled Arian.
I have to use everything now.
He clenched his fists and roared:
"Spirit Technique… Gale Rush!"
A whirlwind burst around his body, his steps darting like the wind itself. He wove through the illusions, tearing apart the true wolf with a storm-infused strike. The beast howled before dissolving in a flash of blue sparks.
The hall froze in silence.
Arian, bloodied and battered, still stood tall. His eyes burned with unyielding resolve. Darius stepped back, for the first time stripped of his arrogant smile.
The instructor raised his hand, voice cutting through the air:
"Enough."
The students erupted in whispers—shock, awe, disbelief. Among them, Celia's eyes shone with a conflicted light… a mix of worry and pride.
Arian dropped to his knees once more, yet a faint smile curved his lips.
I… stood my ground.
And thus the curtain fell on the first duel—where the outcast did not fall, but instead sparked a fire in every heart watching.