After winning the trial of Endurance, Lennox returned to the training grounds of Nexus Academy with Nadia. He had hoped that Kira would come to congratulate him or at least inquire about how their training sessions had been going\, but she never showed up.
Under the morning sun, Nexus Academy's training grounds buzzed with activity. Lennox found himself surrounded by enthusiastic students practicing their unique bloodline abilities. Nadia had mentioned she had something important to attend to and suggested Lennox practice on his own. Just as he was about to start, a sudden gust of wind tousled his hair.
"What's happening with the Emberflare?" someone exclaimed.
"It's Theo, something bad is about to go down," another student warned.
Intrigued by their words, Lennox followed their gaze. He saw a man, standing at 5'11" with an agile build, wearing a Nexus shirt and long pants. The man had a mysterious inner glow, radiating mischievous energy. His medium length white hair flowed a disheveled curtain around his face with the longer stands framing it, and his almost translucent skin highlighted a 3-inch long stitched-up scar across his face. His bright yellow eyes, though lively, carried a dead look.
Lennox couldn't help but stare at the familiar face of the teenager before him until it clicked - it was Theo, the Nexarc who had secured second place in the Trial of Endurance. During the trial, Theo had been notorious for playing tricks, causing other Nexarcs to fail. Yet, there he was, looking at Lennox with a mischievous smile. he couldn't fathom why Theo had suddenly decided to direct his attention his way.
Theo moved forward, his presence commanding the attention of everyone nearby, the air seeming to ripple around his clothes. "I've heard you've been training non-stop since the trial, not even taking a break," he said, his voice carrying a playful challenge. "How about a challenge? Let's put your practice to the test."
Lennox hesitated, not wanting to engage in a fight, especially considering the possibility of things going wrong. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Theo wanted to fight because he had lost the first place. However, Lennox found himself torn between caution and the burning desire to prove himself once again.
Underneath the uncertainty, a fierce determination ignited within Lennox. He met Theo's gaze and nodded, his voice unwavering. "Fine. Let's see what 'you've' got."
A circle of onlookers quickly formed, drawn by the intense atmosphere. Instructors kept a watchful eye, ensuring the duel remained controlled. They knew that both Lennox and Theo had shown remarkable potential in the trials, and the clash between fire and air promised an intriguing spectacle, each element countering and complementing the other.
Both Lennox and Theo stood several feet apart on the fighting stage near the training grounds, their eyes locked in a silent exchange. Lennox was aware that in class, Theo had a reputation as the class clown but was also a formidable air user. With caution in his approach, Lennox acknowledged Theo's strength.
Lennox contemplated,' His Aerospire. It can be both an advantage and a disadvantage for my Pyroclasm.'
With lightning-fast precision, Lennox and Theo extended their right palms, conjuring waves of flame and gusts of powerful air. The clash of elements pushed them both back a couple of feet, their respective forces locked in a fierce struggle. The air repelled Lennox's flames, and his flames pushed back against the air, creating a stalemate.
Sensing the need for a change in strategy, Lennox swiftly extended his left palm, summoning a blazing fireball and launching it toward Theo. In a playful yet calculated move, Theo countered by using his left palm to create a small wall of air, deflecting the fireball. The fiery projectile soared into the air before colliding with an invisible barrier, exploding into an azure cloud of fire and smoke.
Both Lennox and Theo were aware of the protective barrier surrounding the academy, safeguarding the onlookers and instructors. However, the strain of overusing their elemental powers forced them to release the fire and air from their right hands.
The spectators, including Nexarc and the instructors, watched with bated breath, their excitement palpable. Lennox shot a disapproving glance at Theo, annoyed by the playful smirk on his face. He felt as though Theo was just taunting him, but Lennox pushed aside those emotions, calming his mind as he focused on devising a new plan to defeat him.
Lennox stood his ground, a steady gaze fixed on Theo. "You're skilled, no doubt about it. But I can't help but wonder, out of all the fighters out there, why pick a fight with me? There are plenty who could give you a more challenging match," he said, his tone serious and questioning.
Theo sensed Lennox's seriousness and couldn't help but try to lighten the mood. "Why so serious? Come on, it's just a practice fight. Let's have some fun, enjoy the moment!" he exclaimed playfully, manipulating the air to send a cool breeze against Lennox's skin, trying to break the tension between them.
Lennox absorbed those words, realizing he needed to stop being so serious. Despite the onlookers, he wanted to make a statement that this fight wasn't just a challenge but he felt like it. As they locked eyes, a meaningful exchange passed between them, but both hesitated to make a move.
"I need to distract him and find an opening," Lennox thought, his eyes scanning Theo's body and his relaxed stance, searching for any subtle shifts or vulnerabilities that could give him an advantage.
"You seem calm, but I know you're hiding something," Lennox said, his voice steady as he observed Theo closely.
Theo grinned, gleaming with confidence. "Oh, Lennox, trying to figure me out. Good luck finding that opening. I'm ready for anything you throw at me."
Lennox's plan solidified in his mind just as Theo dashed forward, palm extended. With swift precision, Lennox conjured an azure flame beneath his foot, executing a move he called 'Flame Slamming Walll.' The ground trembled as he slammed his foot down, sending a line of fiery fire snaking toward Theo. The fiery trail surged upward, forming a barrier between them.
However, Theo was not one to back down. On the other side of the fiery barrier, he unleashed his signature move, 'Cyclone Slice.' A blade made of compressed air rotated around his hand as he swung it in a wide arc, sending a crescent-shaped wave slicing through the flames. Unfazed, he moved through the fiery wall, determined to press his attack.
"You're done," Theo shouted with certainty.
Lennox smirked, his confidence unshaken. "I don't think so," he retorted, his voice steady. "This fight is far from over."
Anticipating Theo's move, Lennox had his palm extended, ready for the confrontation. As Theo emerged through the flames, he unleashed his 'Ember Volley.' Multiple fireballs shot forth from his palm, each one aimed precisely at Theo. The intense strain on Lennox's body was evident, but he remained steadfast, determined to outmaneuver Theo.
Theo, realizing he had been tricked, desperately attempted to evade the onslaught of fireballs, his movements becoming increasingly frantic as he tried to dodge the fiery barrage. The intensity of the battle escalated as both they pushed their limits.
In the heat of the battle, Theo found himself overwhelmed by Lennox's relentless assault of fireballs. Desperation etched across his face, he attempted to block the onslaught, but the continuous barrage proved too much. One fireball pierced through his defenses, striking him squarely on his shoulder and sending him flying backward. Yet, despite the pain, Theo refused to yield.
Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Theo countered with a final Cyclone Slice aimed at Lennox's incoming fireball. The two powerful elemental forces collided, creating a brilliant explosion that illuminated the battlefield. The impact was tremendous, generating a shockwave that reverberated through the area. The force of the explosion sent both Lennox and Theo hurtling backward, their bodies crashing into the invisible barrier that shielded the spectators.
In the aftermath, a tense silence fell upon the onlookers. Excitement and anticipation hung in the air like a tangible fog. Slowly, the dissipating smoke revealed the fallen figures of Lennox and Theo, both fighters lying on the ground, their bodies bruised and battered. Blood trickled from their mouths.
"So, it's a draw!" A spectator declared triumphantly.
The spectators sighed in disappointment as there was no clear winner. Disheartened, they began to disperse, but amidst the dispersing crowd, Theo couldn't contain his laughter. "Ha! Ha! Hey, Lennox, that was a good match, wasn't it?" he remarked, a sense of amusement in his eyes.
Lennox chuckled slightly at Theo's remark, appreciating the sport despite the inconclusive end. But deep inside, he couldn't help but be angry with himself. 'Why didn't I anticipate his final attack?' he thought, frustrated with his lapse in judgment. Yet, he reminded himself that it was just a practice match, not a real one, and he vowed to learn from this experience.
Suddenly, Theo smoothly flipped up with the help of the air, his movements fluid and graceful. Lennox, on the other hand, struggled to get up, his body feeling heavy from the fight. They both locked eyes and slowly walked towards each other. As they approached, Theo extended his hand for a friendly dab.
"You had fun, right?" Theo said happily. "I just wanted to challenge you for fun because you always seem so serious."
Lennox didn't know why, but he felt that what Theo was saying held some truth. Since joining the academy, he had done nothing but practice and learn. He realized there was more to life than just being serious and focused.
"Could you give me a lift with your air magic?" Lennox said, attempting to lighten the mood with a hint of humor.
Theo laughed slightly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sure, just don't blame me if you end up airborne like a kite," he said, continuing to laugh, the tension from their fight now dissipating into camaraderie.
After chatting for a while, Lennox and the other person became friends, which brought a smile to Lennox's face. However, as he considered how others might judge him based on his appearance, he realized he should follow the headmaster's advice: to truly understand someone, you need to get to know them. After their conversation, they parted ways.
Lennox stood there, reflecting on their encounter and how he could improve. Unbeknownst to him, a subtle change occurred within his body, like a flicker deep within his fiery eyes. He couldn't quite grasp it, but he felt something shifting and wondered about the cause.
Meanwhile, Nadia had been observing the entire scene. She couldn't believe that Lennox had won, but her heart swelled with happiness. Only one thought crossed her mind as she gazed at Lennox, "Interesting."