Dakota: "Alright, let's do this, Liam. I'm going to create a magic barrier so we can fight without holding back."
I surround Liam and myself with a shimmering magic barrier, isolating us from the others, who stand eagerly outside, watching. I take a deep breath and say, "Okay, let's begin!"
*Without hesitation, Liam immediately fires off a spell—Lightning Strike. A powerful surge of electricity hurtles toward me at an incredible speed.
Dakota: "Hm, looks like he awakened lightning magic."
The lightning is fast—almost faster than I expected—but I manage to dodge it at the last second, feeling the crackle of electricity just inches away from my skin. Without missing a beat, I create my flame sword, casting multiple fireballs in rapid succession and launching them at him.
Liam is quick, though; he dodges every single fireball with impressive agility and, in a flash, appears behind me for a sneak attack. But I'm ready. I leap backward, narrowly evading his strike.
Dakota: thinking "Damn, he's good. His lightning magic gives him incredible speed, and his attacks are just as fast. But I can still keep up with him, so I've got a shot at winning this."
Just as I finish my thought, Liam appears right in front of me in an instant and punches me square in the face. I stagger backward, falling to the ground from the force of his blow.
Dakota: gritting my teeth "Holy crap, that was fast. I wasn't expecting him to be that quick. Alright, looks like I need to take this fight more seriously."
I push myself back up and meet his gaze with renewed determination.
Dakota: "Okay, Liam, I'll admit it—you're strong. And fast. But don't think that'll be enough to beat me."
Liam: grins "I'd be disappointed if that was all you had, Dakota. Show me what you've really got!"
Dakota: "Don't worry. I will."
I charge forward, picking up speed as Liam does the same, and we collide with a resounding BOOM, the impact shaking everything inside the barrier. Flames and sparks of lightning clash, creating a whirlwind of energy. The ground beneath us cracks, and the air fills with heat and static.
Dakota: "Liam, do you actually think you'll win this clash?"
Liam: gritting his teeth "Yes, I do!"
Dakota: "Alright, then. Let's see who wins!"
We both dig deep, pushing our strength to the limit. Our friends, watching from outside the barrier, look on in awe as the intensity of the clash builds, reaching a boiling point.
Dakota and Liam: "AHHHHHHH!"
As our power peaks, I see an opening and seize it. Pretending to fall back, I trick Liam into thinking he's won. Then, with a smirk, I extend my hand and unleash a blast of fire directly at him.
Dakota: "Tricked you!"
The flames engulf Liam, and he's thrown backward, crashing against the edge of the barrier before sliding to the ground. He lets out a pained groan as he tries to steady himself.
Liam: clutching his shoulder "Ahhh… Damn, that hurt. Alright, I admit defeat."
The spectators erupt in cheers, clearly thrilled by the intense battle they just witnessed.
Crowd: "Wow! That was incredible! Both of them were amazing!"
My friends are equally impressed, their faces lit up with excitement.
Lucas: "You guys were awesome! That was one of the coolest fights I've ever seen!"
Mia: "Yeah, that was so intense! You both were amazing!"
Ava: smirking proudly "I knew Dakota was going to win."
Dakota: raising an eyebrow, playfully "Oh really, Ava? You had that much confidence in me?"
Ava: blushing slightly and mumbling under her breath "Of course… You're going to be my future boyfriend."
Her voice is so low that I don't catch the last part, but I see her looking away, flustered.
Liam: "Dakota, you're as strong as I thought—no, even stronger. I couldn't keep up with you."
Dakota: "Hey, don't sell yourself short, Liam. You were strong, too. I had to go all out to win."
Liam: "Thanks… but that still only makes me the third strongest."
Dakota: curious "Wait, you're only the third strongest? Then who's the second?"
Lucas: grinning "That would be me."
Dakota: "So you're the second strongest, huh, Lucas? What type of magic did you awaken?"
Lucas: "I awakened ice magic."
Dakota: "Ah, ice magic. I can see why you'd be second strongest then."
Ice magic is known to be incredibly powerful—second only to fire magic in terms of raw strength. I nod in respect.
Dakota: "Ava, Mia, what about you two? What kind of magic did you awaken?"
Mia: "I awakened water magic."
Ava: "And I awakened flame magic, just like you!"
Dakota: "Really? So we both have flame magic, huh, Ava? That's awesome."
Ava: "Yeah, I think so too."
Just then, the school bell rings, signaling the start of classes. We exchange glances and head back inside for the day's lessons. Four hours later, the academy ends for the day, and we all prepare to head home.
Dakota: "Alright, everyone. I'm heading out. Goodbye!"
The four of them wave and call out in unison, "Goodbye, Dakota!"
I wave back, then turn and run home. When I arrive, I'm greeted by the warm, familiar sight of my house and head inside.
Dakota: "Mother, Father, I'm home!"
Mother: smiling "Welcome back, Dakota. Now go wash up—dinner will be ready soon."
Dakota: "Okay, Mother."
After washing up, I join my family for dinner, sharing a bit about the exciting day at the academy. Time passes, and before I know it, nine years have gone by. It's time to enter the Heroes' Academy—the academy for teenagers.
---
Mother: calling from downstairs "Dakota, it's time to go! It's your first day at the Heroes' Academy, so don't be late!"
Dakota: grabbing my bag and heading for the door "Don't worry, Mother. I won't be late. Alright, I'm off. Bye!"
Mother: "Bye, and good luck!"
As I step outside, I see my friends already waiting for me, eager for the first day at the academy.
Dakota: grinning "Hello, everyone. Are you all ready for our first day at the academy?"
They nod enthusiastically, their voices overlapping.
Friends: "Yes, we are!"
We begin our walk to the academy, which is only about a ten-minute journey from my house. The air is filled with excitement as we chat along the way.
Lucas: "Oh man, I'm so excited for the Heroes' Academy! Aren't you guys excited too?"
Liam: "Of course I am!"
Mia: "Me too!"
Ava: "Same here!"
Dakota: "Yeah, me four!"
We laugh and talk about what we're expecting at the academy. When we finally arrive, the grand entrance of the academy looms before us—a place I know so well.
As we walk toward the entrance, a guard stops us, demanding that we state our names. After we introduce ourselves, he nods and lets us pass.
Dakota: looking around with a sense of wonder "So… this is it. The Heroes' Academy. The very place where the main character and all the other characters I created in my novel exist."
It's surreal. The world I built with words is now my reality, and I can't wait to see what unfolds.
Lucas: pointing "Hey, look! Isn't that Henry Banks, one of the most talented students here?"
I follow his gaze and feel a rush of recognition. There, standing not too far from us, is Henry—the main character I created in my novel. He has black hair, piercing green eyes, and stands about 175 cm tall.
Dakota: in awe "There he is… Henry Banks, the main character I created."
Seeing him in real life is surreal. It's as if my imagination has come alive.
Dakota: murmuring to myself "I still can't believe the character I created is standing right in front of me."
And with that, my mission begins. I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of excitement and determination.
Dakota: grinning to myself "Alright… Let's do this."
This academy is my world now, and my adventure here has only just begun.