The infirmary buzzed with soft conversations and the subtle hum of medical equipment. Ahiro, Melvin, Emily, and Sia made their way inside, glancing around until they spotted John lying on one of the beds. Bandages were carefully wrapped around his torso, the aftermath of the intense match still visible. Despite the severity of the clash, the armoured uniform had prevented deep injuries, and John seemed to be in stable condition.
"Hey, John! You look like you went through a rockslide," Ahiro joked as they approached his bed.
Melvin chuckled, "Literally! How are you holding up?"
John managed a weak smile, "I've been better. I knew Serena had grown a lot stronger, since the last time I saw her at the entrance ceremony. But I hadn't imagined the distance would be this big."
Emily added, "Nonetheless you performed very well and you finally achieved manifestation stage 3 that's a huge achievement, congratulation on that. "
John winced slightly, "Yeah, thanks. This match pushed me to the limit, but I still have a long way to go."
Sia was the most concerned out of all her eyes wet ass she finally questioned, "Are you in much pain?"
John smiled as she looked towards Sia, he shook his head and said, "Nah, not as much as it looks. The armour took most of the impact. I'll be back on my feet in no time."
Sia sat on the seat near Johns's bed and said "You shouldn't have pushed yourself this hard"
John gently held Sia's hand and said "Well that's nothing for me don't you worry"
Melvin playfully nudged John, "Well it seems none of us are required here shall we get going, John"
Emily smiled as she turned towards Sia and said, "Well Sia sure wants all of us to go"
Both John and Sia had their face flushed as all their friends teased them. After some time the atmosphere cooled down. A nurse bot came in informing that John had to rest and take his meds. Thus all the friends bid him goodbye as they made their way back to the arena.
Back at the arena, the next match had already started. Ethlind, known as the Iron Princess, and Ethan, the Black Hawk, made their way to the stage. The spotlight followed their every step, and the crowd's excitement grew as the referee prepared to announce the upcoming match.
The referee, standing at the centre of the stage with a microphone in hand, spoke into it, "Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for the next exhilarating match! In the Explorer Department, we have Ethlind, the formidable Iron Princess, known for invincible Iron Dame. Facing her is none other than Ethan, the swift Black Hawk, with the agility that can rival the fastest birds of prey!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as the two contestants took positions. Ethlind, with her composed demeanour, exuded an air of confidence, while Ethan, the Black Hawk, showcased a calm and focused demeanour, ready for the impending clash of abilities.
As both constants had taken place, Ethlind smiled towards Ethan saying "Hello Ethan how are you"
Ethan bowed respectfully before Ethlind, "Princess, I am well, and I hope the same for you. But before the match begins I must insist on surrendering. I have taken admission into the academy with a single purpose which is to protect you, not to challenge you."
Ethlind, maintaining her composed demeanour, regarded Ethan with a subtle expression of determination. "Ethan, I know your purpose for being in this academy, but your only purpose is not just overseeing my protection but also observing my growth and since we are students here, we must follow the rules laid down by the academy. Above all of it, I don't want victory handed to me like someone else; I want to earn it with my strength."
Ethan straightened up, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and loyalty. "Princess, I understand your sentiment, but I must ensure your safety. If I surrender, you advance without harm. That's a win for me."
Ethlind took a step closer, her gaze unwavering. "Ethan, protection is appreciated, but I won't grow if I don't face challenges head-on. I want to test my abilities and you to do the same. Our duty as the Students of this academy is to grow stronger so complete your duty, my Knight."
Ethan sighed, recognizing the resolve in Ethlind's words. "Princess, you're as stubborn as ever."
Ethlind nodded in acceptance, appreciating Ethan's resolve. "Understood, Ethan. But remember, don't hold back as I won't hold back either. Let this be a fair test of our abilities."
As the dialogue unfolded, their expressions conveyed mutual respect and an understanding of their roles. The audience cheered up with the declaration made by the princess, the loyalty of a knight and princess's desire to grow stronger resonated with the heart of every student who witnessed the conversation. Everybody saw the princess in a new light as they cheered for her using their full might.
As the referee's announcement to get ready echoed through the arena, Ethlind and Ethan began to prepare their awakened abilities.
Ethlind, the Iron Princess, raised a slender lance in one hand, a weapon that emanated an aura of elegance and power. With her other palm held open, she activated her ability <
Ethan, known as Black Hawk, underwent his transformation on the other side of the arena. His back sprouted majestic, black metallic wings, unfolding with a distinctive mechanical grace. These wings, finely crafted and razor-sharp, were an extension of his awakened ability. As they stretched out, ready to carry him into the skies. Ethan's hand held a sleek black bow, a weapon that hinted at both elegance and lethality. The combination of his ability with a bow was a strategic choice by Ethan's that fully utilized his mastery in aerial combatant.
The arena was now a stage for the clash of these unique and powerful abilities. Ethlind, with her metallic Dame, and Ethan, with his wings and bow, stood ready to demonstrate the diverse applications of their awakened powers. The audience, captivated by the visual spectacle, eagerly awaited the unfolding battle between these two remarkable contestants.