As Elyas's magical misadventures became the stuff of legend at Arcanis Academy, it wasn't long before the more skilled students began to notice him. Alistair, a top student with a reputation for arrogance and prowess, saw Elyas's constant chaos as an opportunity to boost his own standing. With a smirk that could freeze molten lava, Alistair decided that a public duel would be the perfect way to demonstrate the superiority of "real" magic.
Alistair (sneering): "You've caused enough chaos around here, Elyas. It's time someone teaches you a lesson about real magic."
The duel was set for the next morning in the academy's grand dueling arena, a place that looked like it was designed by someone who'd watched too many action films. Elyas, caught between the rock of his own pride and the hard place of his magical ineptitude, had no choice but to accept.
His friends rallied around him in a mix of support and dread. Seraphina's face was a picture of concern, her usual confidence replaced with genuine worry.
Seraphina (worried): "Elyas, you're not ready for this. Alistair is one of the best duelists at Arcanis. Are you sure you want to go through with it?"
Elyas, feeling more trapped than a mouse in a magician's hat, sighed heavily.
Elyas: "I don't have a choice. If I back out, everyone will think I'm a coward. Besides... maybe I'll get lucky?"
Seraphina gave him a look that said "Good luck, you're going to need it," while Marlowe clapped him on the back with enthusiastic—if somewhat misplaced—encouragement.
Marlowe (dramatically): "Fear not, Elyas! A hero's heart knows no bounds. Let the music of your bravery echo through the ages!"
Kellen, who had long since resigned himself to Elyas's continual mishaps, muttered under his breath.
Kellen (deadpan): "Just try not to set anything on fire. Again."
The day of the duel arrived with the sort of fanfare you'd expect for a showdown of epic proportions. The entire school gathered in the dueling arena, their eyes twinkling with anticipation. Elyas, dressed in his finest, and most oversized, dueling robe, stood nervously in the center of the arena. He glanced over at Alistair, who was wearing a smug grin that could only be described as "world-class smirk."
As the duel began, Alistair wasted no time. He raised his hands, and with a flourish, summoned a storm of fireballs that whizzed through the air toward Elyas. The fireballs were impressive—if you liked your flames in a variety pack.
Panicking, Elyas tried to cast a protective shield. Unfortunately, he forgot a crucial step and instead summoned a swarm of doves. These weren't your ordinary doves; they were enchanted, glowing with an otherworldly shimmer. The doves flew straight into the fireballs, creating a spectacularly chaotic scene of feathers, fire, and confused birds. The arena was soon filled with a cloud of white feathers and the acrid smell of singed pigeon.
Alistair (laughing): "Is this really the best you can do, Elyas?"
Desperate to avoid the next wave of Alistair's magical onslaught, Elyas squeezed his eyes shut and tried to cast a teleportation spell. His goal was to dodge the attacks and regroup. Instead, he ended up teleporting himself directly into the audience.
To Elyas's horror, he landed in Seraphina's lap. She was eating a sandwich, which she now had to struggle to keep from becoming a magical mess.
Seraphina (exasperated): "Elyas, seriously?"
Elyas, embarrassed and attempting to regain his composure, tried to stand up. Unfortunately, he tripped over a row of students who had been watching the duel with rapt attention. The resulting domino effect sent several students crashing into each other like a row of human bowling pins.
Meanwhile, Marlowe, not wanting to be left out, had started composing a ballad about Elyas's spectacularly failed teleportation.
Marlowe (singing loudly): "In the midst of battle's blazing light, our hero took a flight, and found himself amidst a sandwich's might!"
Kellen, shaking his head and trying to avoid the flying debris, decided to intervene. He concocted a potion with a quickness that would've been impressive if it weren't for the fact that it fizzled and sputtered. The potion did nothing more than produce a cloud of confetti.
Desperate to regain some control, Elyas finally managed to teleport back to the arena—this time, somewhat more gracefully. He reappeared in the center of the arena, where he saw Alistair preparing for another spell, this time with a much more intimidating aura.
Elyas (to himself): "Okay, Elyas, think. You can do this. Just... don't mess it up."
Summoning what little confidence he had left, Elyas attempted to cast a spell he'd barely practiced: a simple but effective "repelling" spell. He aimed it directly at Alistair. However, his aim was off, and instead of repelling Alistair, the spell created a gust of wind that blew the entire audience's hats into the air.
The audience erupted into a mix of laughter and applause as their hats twirled above them like a bizarre magical parade. Alistair, momentarily distracted by the hats, looked flustered. He stumbled and nearly lost his balance.
Seizing the opportunity, Elyas decided to improvise. He hurled a few more random spells—most of which were more humorous than harmful—causing magical flowers to bloom in the arena and an oversized, enchanted rubber duck to float into the air. The sight of a giant, quacking duck floating above the arena was enough to distract everyone from the duel itself.
Alistair, now thoroughly bewildered by the absurdity of the situation, tried to maintain his composure but found it increasingly difficult as Elyas's magical misfires continued. Eventually, Alistair's pride took a hit, and he retreated with a huff, declaring that the duel was over.
Alistair (irritated): "This is ridiculous. I'm done with this farce."
Elyas, still somewhat dazed and covered in confetti, dusted himself off. The audience erupted into cheers and applause, not necessarily for his prowess, but certainly for the entertainment value.
Seraphina, coming to Elyas's side, shook her head but couldn't help but smile.
Seraphina (smiling): "Well, that was certainly... memorable. You've managed to turn a duel into a comedy show."
Elyas (sighing): "I guess I'll take that as a win. At least nobody got hurt. Except maybe my pride."
Marlowe, ever the bard, was already crafting a new ballad about the "Epic Duel of Daffy Duck and the Heroic Elyas." Kellen, rolling his eyes but secretly amused, clapped Elyas on the back.
Kellen (grinning): "Well, at least you didn't burn the place down this time."
As Elyas left the arena, he couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Despite the chaos and the laughter at his expense, he felt a strange sense of accomplishment. Maybe he wasn't the most skilled mage, but he certainly knew how to make an impression.
And with that, Elyas headed back to his dorm, ready for whatever new magical misadventure awaited him next.