Immediately after that, a mistress came into the class. She wore a long blue gown that reached her toes and flowed on the ground as she walked like a wedding gown. She had sparkling green eyes and walked gracefully to the front of the class.
Someone suddenly gasped, "It's Miss Lyra, the famous Rank A earth mage."
"Wow... she's even more gorgeous than I heard."
"SILENCE!" Lyra spoke in an authoritative voice. "As some of you may know, I am Lyra Ascania, from the esteemed Ascania Clan. I'll be in charge of your combat training today."
"Uh?... Combat training? We never heard anything about today being a combat class," some students murmured.
"This is very urgent as this prestigious academy will be participating in the magic academy competition next week. Five participants will be selected from each academy, so I am here to test your skills and see who I deem fit to participate."
Suddenly, there was an uproar as everyone got eager to prove their skills and make a name for themselves in the tournament. "This is just a time for me to prove myself to the world," someone said.
"Onto the training grounds, everyone. Your test begins now," Miss Lyra declared.
After the announcement, the students began to file out of the classroom towards the training grounds. As they walked, Lukas found himself alongside Henry and a few other classmates. The academy grounds were buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The pathways were lined with tall, ancient trees whose leaves rustled softly in the morning breeze.
"Do you think you have a chance in the competition?" one of the students, a boy named Marcus, asked Henry.
"I'm not sure," Henry replied. "But I'll give it my best shot. What about you, Lukas?"
"I don't really think about it," Lukas said nonchalantly. "I'll just see how it goes."
As they continued walking, they passed by the academy's grand fountain, a majestic structure with water cascading down intricate carvings of mythical creatures. It was a favorite spot for students to gather and chat.
"Remember when we used to play around here during our first year?" Henry said, reminiscing.
"Yeah," Lukas said with a slight smile. "Seems like ages ago."
Just then, a group of younger students ran past them, laughing and chasing each other. One of them accidentally bumped into Lukas, nearly knocking over a stack of books he was carrying.
"Sorry!" the young boy exclaimed, looking up at Lukas with wide eyes.
"It's okay," Lukas said, steadying the books. "Be careful next time."
The boy nodded vigorously and ran off to join his friends.
"Kids," Henry said with a chuckle. "They're always so full of energy."
"Reminds me of us," Lukas said.
They continued their leisurely stroll, taking in the sights and sounds of the academy. It was moments like these that Lukas cherished—the simple, everyday interactions that made life at the academy feel like home.
As they neared the training grounds, the atmosphere grew more serious. Focused conversations and determined expressions replaced the laughter and chatter. The students knew that the upcoming competition was a significant event that could shape their futures.
The training grounds were vast, with multiple sections designated for different types of combat training. Miss Lyra stood at the center, her presence commanding attention. The students gathered around her, eager to begin.
"Today, we will be testing your abilities in various combat scenarios," Miss Lyra announced. "You will be paired up and will face different challenges. Remember, this is not just about winning but also about demonstrating your skills and strategy."
Lukas found himself paired with Henry, which was both a relief and a challenge. They had trained together before, but the stakes were higher now.
"Ready to show them what we've got?" Henry asked, a determined glint in his eye.
"Always," Lukas replied with a confident smile.
As the training began, the students were pushed to their limits. They faced various challenges, from one-on-one duels to team battles and obstacle courses that tested their agility and quick thinking. Lukas and Henry worked seamlessly together, their years of friendship and training paying off.
Miss Lyra watched them closely, her keen eyes missing nothing. She was impressed by their teamwork and the way they adapted to each challenge. Lukas's unique abilities and Henry's strategic mind made them a formidable pair.
By the end of the session, the students were exhausted but exhilarated. They had given it their all and were eager to see who would be selected for the competition.
"Well done, everyone," Miss Lyra said, her voice carrying over the training grounds. "I will review your performances and announce the participants tomorrow. Rest well and be prepared for more training."
As the students dispersed, Lukas and Henry exchanged a satisfied look.
"That was intense," Henry said, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Yeah, but we did great," Lukas replied.
They walked back to their dorms, the sun setting behind them, casting a golden glow over the academy. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, they were content with their efforts.
Later that night, Lukas sat by his dorm room window, looking out at the starry sky. The day's events replayed in his mind, from the dimension with Ellice to the combat training with Henry.
"Why do I feel this way?" he thought, his mind drifting to Ellice. She had been on his mind more than usual lately, and he couldn't quite understand why. Her sudden change in demeanor around him, her flushed cheeks, and her snorts of frustration all played in his thoughts.
"Is this... love?" he wondered, shaking his head at the absurdity of it. He had never been one to dwell on such emotions. His focus had always been on his abilities, his goals, and his mission.
But Ellice was different. She challenged him in ways no one else did. Her strength, her cold exterior, and the vulnerability she tried so hard to hide intrigued him.
"Maybe," he thought, "maybe there's more to this than I realize."
With a sigh, he closed the window and lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he let his thoughts wander to the girl who had somehow managed to break through his defenses.