The courtyard had transformed. Barriers of stone and wind carved the edges of the arena, creating a perfect stage for the top ten students. Eryndor stood at one end, fingers twitching with the familiar hum of Ember Tier electricity, wind tugging at his coat, heart steady. Across from him were his peers—Rovan, Selara, Torrin, and six others whose reputations had spread like wildfire through the preliminary rounds.
Kael stepped forward from his platform, robes shifting with the wind. The students straightened, anticipation and nerves mirrored in their eyes.
"Before we begin," Kael said, his voice calm but commanding, "you will understand why this stage exists. Stormcrest Academy evaluates potential not merely by victory, but by growth and adaptability. The academy's rank system is structured as follows:"
He gestured with one hand, and an energy diagram appeared faintly in the air—a circle divided into tiers.
Novice Tier: New students; entry-level mastery of either elemental magic or martial skill. Adept Tier: Students who can combine martial skill with basic elemental control, capable of handling moderate combat situations. Elite Tier: Skilled individuals with refined fusion of body and element, able to anticipate and counter multiple opponents. Master Tier: Rare talents who can manipulate multiple elements simultaneously, exhibit exceptional combat intuition, and challenge the limits of Ember Tier and beyond.
Kael's eyes scanned the top ten. "Your placement in this trial determines your preliminary ranking, but ranking is not permanent. Advancement requires adaptation, strategy, and the ability to survive against stronger opponents. Ember Tier is not enough. Control, precision, and creativity are what elevate a student to the next rank."
Eryndor clenched his fists, feeling the familiar buzz of energy under his skin. His Ember Tier mastery had brought him here, but the top ten round would truly test whether he could combine elemental power with martial skill under intense pressure.
Kael raised his hand, signaling the start. "Matches will be called at random. Each pair will duel until one concedes or is incapacitated. Winners continue to the next round. Observe carefully, and remember what you've learned about adapting under pressure."
The first duel was called: Rovan Kaelith versus Selara Veyrin. Flames and water collided as the two tested each other, sparks flying and the wind whipping around their movements. Eryndor watched, noting openings and the way each opponent's style revealed strengths and weaknesses.
Then it was his turn. Torrin Ashvale stepped forward again, massive and confident. Eryndor shifted into stance, feeling lightning crackle along his knuckles, wind guiding his steps. He remembered Kael's words: this round was not just about brute force—it was about adaptation.
The two circled, each measuring the other. Torrin lunged with earth-infused strikes, heavy and relentless. Eryndor used Pulse Step to evade, weaving in Gale Feint to redirect Torrin's momentum, and struck with Arc Lash, the lightning surging through each precise blow. The ground under Torrin cracked slightly where the attack landed, but Eryndor didn't overextend—every strike was calculated, every dodge deliberate.
Kael observed silently, noting how Eryndor flowed between offense and defense, how he integrated Ember Tier energy with the martial techniques he had trained in since childhood. He didn't speak, but the slightest nod from him confirmed what Eryndor had suspected: he was already standing apart, even among the academy's strongest newcomers.
As the duel continued, Eryndor adjusted mid-fight, learning from every strike Torrin threw, every feint, every burst of elemental force. It wasn't about overpowering—it was about surviving and turning the fight into his advantage.
When the final blow was landed, subtle yet decisive, Torrin stepped back, nodding in respect. Eryndor exhaled, the wind tugging at him as lightning hummed softly. The first round of the top ten had begun—and the real challenge had only just started