Several weeks passed since the Harmony Challenge, and the academy buzzed with new excitement. The annual fencing festival was approaching, a grand event that brought together not only students but also members of the nobility, guild representatives, and even ambassadors from other nations. It was an opportunity not just to compete, but to showcase the strength and prestige of the academy.
Eveline, now recognized as one of the most promising students, couldn't escape the growing interest surrounding her participation. With the reputation she had built after her duels and her recent training with Varian, everyone wanted to see her in action.
That day, while Eveline practiced her strikes in the training field, Alaric appeared, his expression more relaxed than usual.
"Looks like the star of the festival is training hard," he said with a playful smile.
Eveline paused, wiping sweat from her brow and looking at him. "If you're here to tease me, Alaric, you're wasting your time."
He laughed, walking up to her. "I'm actually here to give you some news. I believe you've heard that this year's festival has attracted a lot of participants... but there's something I haven't told you yet."
"It sounds serious," Eveline replied, sheathing her sword and turning her attention to her friend.
Alaric nodded, now more serious. "There's a rumor that an elite group from the Levandis academy will participate in the tournament. They say their champion, a young prodigy named Cedric, is interested in challenging you."
The name sounded familiar. Eveline had heard stories about Cedric, known for being a swordsman as skilled as he was ruthless. Levandis was a rival academy, famous for its harsh methods and for producing formidable warriors. If Cedric had her in his sights, it meant she was truly standing out.
"He wants to challenge me? Why would someone like him care?" Eveline asked, trying to understand the motivation behind his interest.
"Your recent advancement with Varian hasn't gone unnoticed," Alaric said. "You're in the spotlight, Eveline. The fencing festival is more than just a skills competition. It's a stage where alliances are formed and the powerful measure their strength. For Cedric, defeating you would be a way to show that Levandis is still superior. And for you... well, it could open doors or attract more enemies."
Eveline pondered his words. The festival indeed seemed to be becoming more than just a showcase of talent. With so many factions and interests involved, the balance of power both inside and outside the academy was at stake. And somehow, she had become a key piece in this game.
"So, I'm going to face Cedric, is that it?" Eveline asked.
"If he challenges you, and from what I've heard, he will do so publicly, it will be hard to refuse. Declining would appear weak, and that's something none of us can afford right now." Alaric crossed his arms, concern evident in his eyes.
Eveline sighed, feeling the weight of expectations on her shoulders. But at the same time, a part of her was eager for the challenge. Facing Cedric wasn't just about proving her worth—it was an opportunity to test the true limits of her newly developed skills.
"Then let Cedric come," she said, with unwavering determination.
---
Days passed quickly as the academy fervently prepared for the festival. Banners were raised, arenas set up, and students were more focused than ever in their training. Among them, Eveline stood out not only for her skills but also for the aura of mystery that now surrounded her, the result of her mastery over light and shadows.
On one of the mornings leading up to the event, Aria burst into Eveline's room with an excited expression. "Did you hear? The draw for the duels has been made! And guess who you'll face in the first rounds?"
Eveline looked at her friend, already guessing the answer. "Cedric?"
Aria nodded, her eyes shining. "Yes, he'll be your opponent right at the start. Apparently, he pressured the committee to make it happen. He wants you no matter what."
Eveline closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. There was no avoiding the confrontation now. Cedric wasn't just interested in a duel—he wanted to test her, push her to her limits, perhaps even destroy her.
"Great," Eveline finally said, a half-smile forming on her lips. "Better to get it over with."
---
The day of the festival arrived, and the main arena was packed with spectators. Nobles, ambassadors, and students from all around filled the stands, ready to witness the duels that would determine who the best swordsmen of the academy—and beyond—were.
Eveline stood in the preparation room, adjusting her sword as she felt the buzz of the crowd outside. Her hands were steady, her heart beating in a controlled rhythm. She was calm, more than she expected.
Varian appeared beside her, watching her for a moment before speaking. "Cedric is not an ordinary opponent. He has studied not only fencing but various forms of combat magic. Be careful."
Eveline nodded. "I know. But I'm not the same anymore."
Varian offered a slight smile. "I know that. And that's exactly why you can win."
At the signal given by the official announcement, Eveline left the preparation room and walked towards the arena. The stone floor beneath her feet seemed to pulse with the energy of the crowd, and ahead of her, Cedric was already positioned, a confident smile on his lips. He was tall, with blonde hair and ice-cold eyes, exuding an air of superiority.
"Finally," Cedric said as Eveline approached. "I've heard a lot about you, Eveline. They say you master both shadows and light. I'm curious to see what you can really do."
Eveline didn't respond immediately. She raised her sword and looked directly into his eyes. "You'll see enough."
The signal for the duel sounded, and at that moment, the tension in the arena reached its peak. The audience held its breath as light and shadows began to dance around Eveline.
The true test was about to begin.