"Huff… huff… ugh, I'm gonna really feel this tomorrow."
The classroom buzzed with the fervor of ongoing battles, the clashing of skills, and the resonance of magical abilities creating an electric atmosphere. In the center, a three vs three tournament unfolded, each trio vying for supremacy in the confined arena. Spells crackled, metallic clangs echoed, and bursts of steam intermingled with the shouts and cheers of the watching students.
Silas navigated through the bustling spectacle, his gaze focused on the ongoing skirmish. Three groups engaged in a mesmerizing dance of combat, each member contributing to the symphony of chaos that unfolded in the center of the room. Elemental spells collided, mechanical devices whirred to life, and strategic maneuvers showcased the diverse talents of the students.
Approaching the sidelines, Silas spotted Marlene and Calix, both sitting against the wall, their eyes fixated on the ongoing spectacle. The cool bronze metal of the floor greeted Silas as he took a seat beside them, his eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The trio observed the unfolding battles, analyzing the techniques and magic displayed by their fellow classmates.
"You look like shit…" Marlene chuckled, her eyes suddenly narrowing on his neck. "Did you get choked out? And what's up with all the water?"
On Silas's neck were two harsh, red imprints, seemingly branded onto his neck. As they took the shape of two hands, it was obvious what had happened.
"I got into a little scuffle… I'm fine now though."
"Did you at least win?"
…
(Back in the restroom)
"*cough* *cough* *cough*... ugh… ack… *cough* *cough*... Fuck, he almost… *cough*... killed me… argh… shit…"
As Lucas finished panicking and making sure Silas was gone, he stared at the puddle of water beneath him. His eyes were bloodshot and his skin was as pale as a ghost. He truly almost died from asphyxiation, and if it wasn't for the fact that he had choked the boy out just seconds earlier, he wouldn't have fainted.
Images of the scuffle prior to his loss of consciousness rushed through his mind. Silas's gaze as he Lucas took a top mount after swiftly taking the exhausted boy down. Him pinning the orange-haired boy with his knees acting as blades on each side of his ribs. And finally pressing his hands into the boy's throat, until…
"I seriously almost died…" Lucas muttered in a tussled voice, gripping his throat which, unlike Silas, had no marks. "I… almost died."
He had never experienced such a close call before. Death was practically brimming his neck with its bony scythe. If he had lost his grip, or if he had maybe pushed Silas to his limits just a few moments earlier… he would have died.
The once arrogant boy looked down at his hands. They quivered uncontrollably.
…
"Are you sure you're alright? I feel like it's getting even more red," Calix asked the uncomfortable Silas who kept rubbing his neck.
"I'm fine man. Don't worry about me and focus on preparing for our next match," Silas immediately shot back, almost annoyed at the boy's generous amount of worry.
"Pft… alright, then," Calix rolled his eyes.
"Anyways, take a look at those two," Marlene attempted to cut through the tension.
As the battles raged on at the center of the classroom, the trio exchanged observations and occasional remarks. Silas couldn't help but marvel at the diverse talents on display, each student showcasing their unique skills and abilities. The atmosphere in the room, a blend of excitement and tension, fueled their anticipation for their own turns in the spotlight.
Marlene, with her keen eye for strategy, pointed out impressive displays of magic, while Calix, fueled by his competitive spirit, couldn't help but analyze the fighters' combat techniques. Silas absorbed their insights, the trio forming an impromptu commentary team as they watched the dynamic battles unfold before them.
In the midst of the chaos, a sudden surge of magic caught Silas's attention. A particularly skilled trio executed a mesmerizing combination of spells, their synergy was evident as they seamlessly countered their opponents. The crowd of students erupted into cheers, amplifying the vibrant energy that permeated the classroom.
Then, the air suddenly shifted.
As the ongoing tournament in the classroom continued, a new trio stepped up to the stage, commanding the attention of their peers. Two decently strong-looking children, both around 13 years old, flanked a figure who seemed to defy the norm. Despite being the same age as his companions, Victor Beaumont carried an air of maturity that belied his youth, appearing more like a 16 or 17-year-old.
Victor's presence alone seemed to shift the atmosphere in the room. His gaze, confident and piercing, surveyed the battlefield with a self-assuredness that bordered on arrogance. His dark, tousled hair framed a face that bore the marks of experience beyond his years. Dressed in a combination of practical combat gear and steampunk-inspired accessories, Victor exuded an aura of authority.
The two flanking Victor, while not as imposing, radiated strength in their own right. Their expressions were stoic, eyes focused on the opponents they were about to face. As the trio took their positions in the center of the ring, a hushed murmur spread through the watching students. Victor Beaumont was a legend in the academy, and his participation in the ongoing tournament elevated the stakes.
On the opposing side, another trio nervously stepped onto the stage. Their demeanor reflected a mix of anxiety and determination. The trio consisted of three classmates, each trying to conceal their nerves beneath a layer of excitement. A brief peptalk exchanged between them served as a source of encouragement, and with hesitant but eager steps, they made their way to the center of the ring.
The classroom fell into a tense silence as both trios faced each other. The contrast between the confident, almost regal demeanor of Victor's trio and the nervous but determined expressions of their opponents set the stage for an intriguing confrontation. The air crackled with anticipation, and even the ongoing battles in other parts of the room seemed to momentarily fade into the background.
"I guess we know who the winner will be…" Calix chuckled.