The crowd's roar rolled like thunder across the academy arena as Lucian and Vyn stood facing each other under the blinding overhead lights.
Dust drifted between them, glowing gold in the noon sun pouring through the translucent ceiling. The cracked stage floor still bore the scars of Silas and Reia's clash, each fracture line humming faintly with residual mana.
Lucian stood with his hands in his pockets, his black uniform coat fluttering lightly in the updraft. His eyes were half-lidded, cold, unbothered, his dark hair falling slightly over his forehead.
Vyn stood in silence, her grey and black robes drifting around her ankles like drifting smoke. Her long hair fell across her face, hiding her eyes, but faint violet mana flickered around her fingers. The air felt denser around her, like reality itself strained to remain stable.
Athena raised her hand.
"Lucian Black. Vyn Thorn. Begin."
She dropped her hand, her voice echoing through the arena speakers.
