Chapter 73 - Solar Punch

Sia found herself cornered as Lune, undeterred and relentless, continued to unleash a barrage of <> with unwavering precision. Each arrow, skillfully manipulated by Lune's control over water, approached from various directions, creating a formidable onslaught that tested Sia's agility and defensive capabilities.

Despite Sia's enhanced strength, the sheer versatility and strategic deployment of Lune's watery projectiles seemed to leave her with limited options. The arena echoed with the sounds of splashing water and the whooshing of arrows cutting through the air, creating a captivating dance of elemental combat. 

After exchanging many moves the stadium was transformed into a watery battleground, challenging Sia to navigate the slippery terrain. Sia, despite her enhanced physical abilities from <>, found it increasingly difficult to maintain her balance. While Sia couldn't find any way to land a hit on Lune which still maintained her distance, Lune also couldn't break her defences and determination. 

Lune also faced the struggle of sustaining her <> ability amidst the prolonged dual. As the tension escalated, Lune made a strategic decision to conclude the match decisively. Concentrating her water arrows, she amalgamated them into a colossal, singular water arrow, a formidable move that aimed to overpower her opponent. She had decided to break Sia's defences and win the match with this move. 

To the surprise of many, including Lune herself, Sia's response was not fear but a wide, confident smile. The golden glow of her hair intensified, signalling an increase in her fighting spirit. With the increase in her fighting spirit, her fists also began to radiate with a fiery aura. 

Without hesitation, Sia stepped forward, her determination cutting through the waterlogged arena. Lune also didn't waste any time and launched the water arrow towards Sia.

Sia's strategy was to face any threat head-on and so she did. With a resounding punch, she collided with the massive water arrow. For a fleeting moment, the two forces seemed locked in a standstill, the water arrow suspended by the sheer force of Sia's fiery determination.

Then, in a spectacular display, Sia shouted <> causing her already bright fist to glow even brighter and finally, the colossal arrow began to shake, it could no longer endure the sheer strength and resolve behind Sia's fist and it began to evaporate into a cloud of steam.

The entire stadium was enveloped in vapour, obscuring the vision of the spectators. A professor quickly stepped forward. With his wind-based ability, he created a huge gust of wind clearing the area of vapours and finally revealing the aftermath of Sia's powerful punch.

What emerged from the dissipating vapour was a triumphant Sia, her fist having landed on Lune's face with precision. Lune, unable to withstand the fiery impact, collapsed under the force, signalling the end of the intense dual. The audience erupted into cheers and applause, witnessing the remarkable display of elemental prowess and strategic combat.

Sia, with her radiant hair and victorious glow, stood as a testament to her determination to win. 

The stadium echoed with the triumphant cheers of Students along with Ahiro's group as Sia emerged victorious from her intense dual. Sia, acknowledging the support, waved at the enthusiastic audience before making her way out of the waterlogged arena. The group, equally animated, exited the stadium in high spirits, eager to congratulate their friend on her well-earned win.

As they caught up with Sia outside the stadium, Emilly couldn't contain her excitement and rushed forward, enveloping Sia in a heartfelt hug. "Congratulations, Sia! That was an amazing match! Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?" Emilly asked about her concerns. 

Sia, still glowing from the thrill of victory, reassured Emilly, "I'm perfectly fine, Em. No injuries, just a bit soaked from the arena, but that's part of the fun, right?"

After Emilly, Ahiro, Melvin, and John took turns congratulating Sia. Ahiro, with a genuine smile, expressed, "That was incredible, Sia. Your control over <> was impressive, especially against such a dynamic ability like <>."

Melvin, adding his praise, said, "You truly showcased the strength and adaptability of your ability. It was an amazing victory, Sia."

John, as always, kept it lighthearted, "I'd say that was a knockout performance, Sia! Literally!"

Sia, appreciating the camaraderie, smiled widely and replied, "Thanks, everyone. Your cheers meant the world to me. It was a tough match, but I'm thrilled to have you all by my side. Let's celebrate this victory together! Today's meal is on Melvin's"

Melvin shouted excitedly at the name of food before realising what Sia had said, causing all the others to laugh aloud.

"Well ok miss Solar Punch" Melvin also teased Sia back. 

"Well that's the name, if you have any problem talk to my fist" Sia replied as she started running after Melvin. The whole atmosphere was filled with joy as both of their friends had won. 

After a quick snack, Sia excused herself as she said she would rest for the day. John also said that he would be training for his match tomorrow, Ahiro also joined John on his way to the training hall.

Inside the training hall, Ahiro thought of booking a private room to practice but found that he was low on points, all the points he had earned through attendance and regular performance in his various classes were almost all spent as in this previous week he had spent much time in private room planning to improve on his trump card. 

Since he had less points now he decided to train in the training hall common area. Since today half the students of the first year already had their matches, there were fewer students in the training hall. Taking a corner in the hall, Ahiro decided to practice his manifestation stage 2. he started practising various moves on a dummy that was made available in the common area, it was a simple dummy that was made using much durable components. 

after a hour of practice he switched to using speed and again started practising basic along with some advanced moves that he had praticed till now. Finally it was time for dinner so he decided to take a break. 

he was already drenched in sweat so he decide to take shower, after taking a proper shower and having a healthy meal he decided to hiht bed early as rest was also important as tomorrow he had th give his hundred percent otherwise he may disappoint himself. with lots of thought in his mind Ahiro finally fell in arms of sleep. hoping to give his best tomorrow.