Chapter 25.0 – Ripples in the Crimson Wake
The academy buzzed with the aftershocks of Redmond's display. Holo-screens replayed fragments from different angles, cadets crowding in corners of the training halls just to analyze the way his crimson energy had shifted into fire, lightning, ice, and crystal.
Everywhere he walked, whispers trailed him.
Mob Conversations
"He didn't just mimic elements. Did you see it? The energy moved like it had a will of its own."
"Even Magnus Nox broke through after hearing him… if a Nox can transform like that, what about the rest of us?"
"Are you saying we should all rush to him for advice? That's dangerous."
"Dangerous? It's opportunity. You think the Supremacy Seven were born untouchable? No, they seized chances the rest of us were too scared to take."
"Still… if everyone keeps pushing without restraint, the infirmary won't have beds left."
A group of younger cadets huddled near the courtyard fountain.
"Do you think he's really stronger than the Supremacy Holders?"
"Tch, impossible. They're practically legends. But… if he keeps going like this, the tournament might not be the same."
"Maybe… maybe it'll be the year someone finally dethrones the Seven."
The thought sent ripples of silence through the group before one of them nervously laughed it off.
The Challenger Appears
Two days later, in the middle of a courtyard drill, a new voice cut across the murmurs.
"Enough with the whispers. If Luxifel wants to act like the academy's miracle, then let him prove it on the field."
The cadets turned. A tall boy with sharp eyes and close-cut silver hair stepped forward. His aura shimmered faintly, distorting the air like heat haze. He wore no extra gear, only the standard training suit, yet there was an undeniable sharpness to his presence — like an arrow always nocked and ready.
Cadet: "Name's Jarek Veylan. Origin Talent: Velocity Stream. Speed is mine, and I've pushed it farther than anyone in this academy. If Redmond Luxifel's power is truly alive… let him keep up with me."
A collective intake of breath. Jarek wasn't a nobody. Though not a Supremacy Holder, he had hovered just outside the rankings for two years, known for humiliating Enhancers who relied purely on brute strength. His duels were infamous for ending before the opponent even realized they'd lost.
Whispers surged.
"Velocity Stream… he's the fastest cadet we've got."
"Is he insane? Redmond's energy isn't just raw, it's unpredictable."
"No, he's smart. If you want to test Redmond, you don't fight him head-on — you outrun him."
The Duel Setup
By evening, word had spread.
The duel was set for the following day in Arena Three, one of the largest open domes in Aurelius. Normally, duels of this scale were discouraged outside of tournament season, but the mentors hadn't intervened. In fact, rumor said the Dean himself had quietly allowed it to proceed.
Some whispered it was a test. Others whispered it was bait — a way to draw out Redmond before the official tournament.
In the dorms, Kael Stroud was practically bouncing.
Kael: "A duel! Finally, some action. I was getting sick of all the brooding and whispers. Redmond versus the fastest student in the academy — I'll put my money on Redmond."
Selene gave him a flat look.
Selene: "You gamble on anything with a pulse."
Kael: "Because it makes life interesting."
Magnus, still pale from his breakthrough, murmured quietly.
Magnus: "It won't be a normal duel. Jarek's speed isn't about physical bursts. His Origin folds space in front of him, shaving distance like tearing pages from a book. Redmond will need more than raw energy to track him."
Silence followed his words. Even Kael didn't have a comeback.
Redmond's Reaction
When the challenge reached Redmond, he didn't flare with anger or pride. He only sat quietly in the training dome, crimson energy flickering around his knuckles as though restless for something greater.
Elira's words from long ago echoed in his head — about restraint, about the burden of influence. Yet he knew refusing Jarek would be worse than accepting.
He closed his hand, crimson energy solidifying into a spear that dissolved a heartbeat later.
Redmond (to himself): "Velocity Stream… speed is only distance bent. Crimson doesn't chase. It consumes. Let's see if I can teach him that."
The Staff's Uneasy Agreement
That night, the mentors reconvened in hushed tones.
Cassian: "This duel could end in disaster. If Redmond unleashes too much, he could kill Jarek before the boy even realizes it."
Grant: "Or maybe Jarek finally puts the Luxifel boy in his place. Either way, it's a spectacle. Students learn more from blood and sweat than from lectures."
Ava: "We are not running a coliseum."
Ward: "No. We are running a crucible. Tomorrow, we see which metal bends first."
Mob Excitement
The academy was feverish that night. Betting pools formed in secret. Rumors spread like wildfire. Even the Supremacy Seven, watching from their spires, stirred with anticipation.
"If Redmond falls, the waves will settle."
"And if he wins… then the real storm begins."