The moment the word left her mouth, glowing golden lines suddenly burst to life around the edges of the arena floor.
A barrier shot upward in an instant.
The translucent wall curved around the entire battlefield like a dome made of liquid gold, humming faintly with magic. Runes flickered along its surface every few seconds, probably meant to stop stray arrows or spells from flying into the audience.
The fight exploded almost immediately.
One of the Warriors blessed by Vaelor charged forward first, swinging his heavy wooden blade toward the opposing frontliner hard enough to crack the stone beneath his feet.
The impact echoed through the arena.
A Ranger from the opposing team rolled backward and immediately fired two arrows in response. Both slammed harmlessly against a shield spell cast by a Mage standing farther behind.
Blue light burst outward from the barrier spell while another student raised a wooden spear and rushed the left flank.
