Scene 1: Rumors and Resentment
The academy grounds buzzed with murmurs as whispers about the Class S students spread like wildfire. Many from Class A gathered in clusters, their expressions skeptical. Among them, Gareth Arcos, a tall and lean young man with sharp features, sneered at the mentions of Alistair, Cedric, and Princess Seraphina.
"Class S is just a way to coddle the nobles and their allies," Gareth declared loudly, gathering the attention of his peers. His green eyes, filled with contempt, scanned the crowd. "They think they're better than us just because of their family names."
Cedric Vale Kylith, who had been quietly observing the scene, stepped forward. His icy blue eyes met Gareth's, and a chill settled over the crowd. "It's not just about names, Gareth. Maybe you'd understand if you had the skill to match," he said coolly.
Gareth's smirk deepened as he retorted, "I'll make sure you regret those words, Cedric. You and the rest of your overrated class."
Alistair watched the exchange from a distance, keeping a calculated silence. He recognized Gareth's type—a man desperate for recognition, eager to undermine others to elevate himself. Alistair's mind began to formulate a plan, understanding that this conflict could become more than just a sparring match.
Scene 2: Brewing Tension in the Shadows
After the confrontation, Gareth gathered a small group of Class A students, including Lysandra Elwick, a lightning mage whose family held a grudge against the Agarest after losing territory. They met in a secluded corner of the academy, their voices hushed but filled with resentment.
Lysandra's violet eyes flashed with irritation. "We can't let them keep strutting around like they own this place. My family has suffered enough because of the Agarest."
Gareth nodded, his expression turning serious. "We'll show the academy that Class S is nothing but a farce. I'll challenge Alistair to a public duel, and when he falls, it'll prove that his reputation is overblown."
The group agreed, each bringing their own motives and vendettas into the plot. They believed that by tearing down Class S, they could shift the academy's favor—and by extension, the balance of power in the brewing territorial tensions.
Scene 3: Clash of Elements
A few days later, the challenge was issued. Gareth faced Alistair in the academy's sparring arena, where students and instructors gathered to witness the showdown. The sun glinted off their weapons as they took their positions, tension crackling in the air.
Gareth wielded his wind-based magic with ferocity, summoning gusts that tore through the arena. His strikes were swift, creating razor-like whirlwinds aimed at Alistair. But Alistair stood firm, his twin swords drawn, surrounded by the dark aura of Kurokaji.
With a focused breath, he unleashed Nightfall Slash, a wave of black flames that sliced through Gareth's wind, turning the air into a swirling vortex of fire and wind. As the flames closed in, Gareth barely managed to create a protective barrier of wind, but the impact sent him skidding across the arena floor.
Panting and scorched, Gareth glared at Alistair, but the result was clear. The match ended with Alistair victorious, leaving Gareth humiliated but more determined than ever.
Scene 4: A Growing Threat
After the duel, Cedric approached Alistair as they left the arena, his expression unreadable. "You handled him well, but Gareth isn't the type to back down easily. He'll keep coming after us."
Alistair glanced at his rival, then at Princess Seraphina, who had been watching from the sidelines. "Let him. If he becomes a threat, we'll deal with him together."
The princess nodded, her voice calm but firm. "We should be careful, though. His defeat won't go unnoticed, especially by those who wish to see the Agarest fall."
As the trio made their way back to the academy halls, they couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The shadows of their families' pasts loomed large over the academy, and they knew that the real battles were yet to come.