Several days had passed since the Battle of Elmsworth, and life at Luminis Academy had returned to its usual rhythm. Kael went about his daily routine, attending classes and practicing his magical skills, blissfully unaware of the evil plot that Corvin had in mind.
It was a bright, sunny day as the students were gathered in the training grounds for their practical combat lessons. The teacher for the day, Instructor Thorne, had decided to have the students engage in team battles to test their ability to work together and strategize in combat.
"Alright, everyone! We'll be dividing you into teams of three for today's exercise. Your objective is to incapacitate or force the opposing team out of the arena. Remember, teamwork is key, make sure to coordinate and communicate with your allies," Instructor Thorne announced, his voice booming across the training grounds.
Kael was standing on the sidelines, observing his classmates as they formed their teams. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he noticed Corvin and his gang, Rafe and Drystan, whispering and smirking amongst themselves. They were clearly up to something, and Kael had a sinking feeling that he was their target.
As Kael tried to find a group, Corvin stepped forward with a sly grin, "Hey, Kael. Why don't you join our team? We could use a fourth member."
Kael hesitated, knowing that accepting Corvin's offer would likely lead to trouble. However, before he could decline, Corvin added, "Don't worry, we'll make sure you're paired with the strongest mages in the class."
At that moment, Corvin concocted a cunning plan to force Kael into teaming up with the two least experienced mages in the class. Using his silver tongue and sly manipulation, he persuaded Instructor Thorne that pairing Kael with the two weaker mages would provide a valuable learning experience for all involved.
Thus, Kael found himself teamed up with a shy and timid earth mage named Elara and a nervous wind mage called Rowan. Both were F-tier mages who had yet to fully realize their potential, their lack of confidence and experience holding them back from achieving their true abilities. Kael knew he had been set up by Corvin's machinations, but not thinking about it too much as he accepts the circumstances and makes the best of the situation, not realizing the extent that Corvin will go to hurt and embarrass him.
"Alright, Kael, Elara, and Rowan," said Instructor Thorne, "you will be facing Corvin, Rafe, and Drystan in the first match. Everyone else, please clear the arena."
The six mages entered the designated combat area, a vast circular space surrounded by high stone walls that served to contain the magical energies unleashed during battles. The arena floor was made of hard-packed earth, and a series of concentric rings were etched into the ground, creating clear boundaries for the competitors. Spectators sat on elevated stone benches that encircled the arena, providing a clear view of the action below.
The tension between the two teams was palpable as they faced each other, preparing for the battle to come. Kael glanced at his teammates, offering them a reassuring smile. "We'll face this together, guys. Just focus on what you can do, and we'll support each other every step of the way."
Kael noticed that Elara was shivering with fear, her eyes wide with anxiety as she stared at their opponents. Gently placing a hand on her shoulder, he looked into her eyes and spoke with genuine warmth. "Elara, you're stronger than you think. Trust in your abilities, and we'll have your back."
Elara and Rowan exchanged nervous glances before nodding in agreement. They knew they were outmatched, but they were determined to give it their all, or at least gain valuable experience from the practice battle.
As the battle began, Corvin and Rafe unexpectedly turned around and closed their eyes. Kael, Elara, and Rowan exchanged confused glances, unsure of their opponents' intentions.
Then, with a malicious grin, D-tier Drystan yelled, "Enjoy the light show!" as he unleashed the skill "Flare," a blinding burst of light that engulfed the battlefield. Kael, Elara, and Rowan instinctively shielded their eyes, momentarily blinded and disoriented by the sudden flash.
Drystan laughed, mocking their vulnerability. "What's the matter, can't handle a little light? Bunch of pathetic weaklings!"
While Kael, Elara, and Rowan struggled to regain their vision, Rafe seized the opportunity to execute the skill "Tidal Wave." He summoned a massive wave of water that swept across the arena, aiming at Kael, Elara and Rowan making them unsteady, rendering them easy targets for their next attack.
As the water crashed around them, Kael gritted his teeth, trying to shake off the effects of the Flare. He knew he had to act fast to protect his teammates from the relentless onslaught of Corvin's gang.
Elara and Rowan tried hard to fend off the onslaught, their faces contorted with determination, but they were clearly outmatched by their powerful opponents.
Corvin, a D-tier lightning element mage, smirked as he watched the chaos unfold. Turning to Rafe and Drystan, he said, "Prepare for the combination attack. Get these two losers out of our way."
Nodding, Rafe and Drystan obeyed. Rafe's water vortex began to churn with greater intensity, forcing Elara to retreat backward towards where Rowan was standing. At the same time, Drystan directed his flames to converge on Rowan and Elara, forming a circle of fire that trapped them in place.
With perfect timing, Corvin unleashed "Chain Lightning," an electrical attack that arcs from one enemy to another, dealing damage to multiple targets. The Chain lightning strikes both Elara and Rowan with incredible force, staggering them. The combination of water, fire, and lightning left the two weaker mages reeling, and they were quickly overwhelmed and forced out of the arena, leaving Kael to face Corvin's gang alone.
As Elara and Rowan were forcibly ejected from the arena, Corvin's gang couldn't help but revel in their apparent victory. Rafe's laughter echoed through the battlefield, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Did you really think you stand a chance against us?" he jeered.