The clash of steel and the crackle of magic filled the arena as Elara and Lyric continued their intense battle. Every strike, dodge, and counterattack sent ripples of excitement through the crowd. The spectators were on the edge of their seats, their cheers and gasps creating a symphony of anticipation and awe.
In the locker room beneath the arena, Cruzer sat on a bench, leaning forward with his hands clasped, his expression a mixture of pride and concern. A glowing crystal screen projected the match in front of him, its magical feed capturing every moment of the action. "She's pushing him hard, but Lyric's not just any opponent," he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with tension.
Meanwhile, in the stands, Jean smirked, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she watched the spectacle. Beside her, Sanhsa, another academy teammate, was practically vibrating with excitement.
