Aurelio's lightning blasts began to falter, their potency waning with each strike. Meanwhile, Laura's flames intensified, burning brighter and hotter.
Aurelio's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. Then, a memory clicked into place – their first encounter.
"Ah, of course," he muttered. "That's one of your skills. You can absorb energy."
Laura's smile hinted at a secret. "Yes, but only a limited amount," she clarified. "The more energy I absorb, the stronger I get."
As soon as Laura finished speaking, her crimson fire blast split into three, the central flame still countering Aurelio's lightning blast while the other two surged toward him. With swift reflexes, Aurelio dodged the blasts, his agility on full display.
He gazed up at Laura, a smile spreading across his face. "Beautiful, smart, strong, and a skilled strategist," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Laura's cheeks flushed as she stuttered, "Y-you think I'm beautiful?" Her eyes sparkled with surprise, and a faint blush crept up her neck.
Aurelio's gaze drifted away, his own face burning with embarrassment. "O-of course you are," he muttered, his words barely audible.
Just then, a fiery glow illuminated Aurelio's face. He looked up to find Laura's hand charged with a blazing red flame, her smile still tinged with blush. "Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
With a burst of intensity, Laura unleashed her blast, its force far surpassing her previous attacks. Aurelio flew backward, slamming into the arena's wall with incredible impact. The arena shook, the air crackling with energy.
Aurelio struggled to stand, but before he could regain his footing, Laura hurtled toward him, fist clenched. Her swift punch sent him sliding across the arena's slick floor.
Undeterred, Aurelio attempted to rise again, only to be met with Laura's swift kick. The back of her foot connected with the base of his skull, slamming him into the ground.
Defeated, Aurelio thought, "She was already formidable before draining my energy. Now, upgraded, she's nearly invincible. Continuing to fight would only empower her further."
Aurelio's exhausted body refused to cooperate, unable to muster the strength to rise.
Mr. Doger's voice echoed through the arena, "3, 2, 1... LAURA WINS!"
The students erupted into cheers, stunned by Aurelio's unexpected defeat, which surpassed even Dominic's. Maria, witnessing Laura's prowess, began calculating her next move, fueled by vengeance.
Laura, despite her victory, rushed to Aurelio's side, helping him up. "That was heartless," Aurelio muttered, wincing.
Laura's eyes locked onto Aurelio's bruised face, her expression filled with remorse. "I'm really sorry. My brother always told me not to let emotions get in the way of battles."
Aurelio stood up straight, offering a reassuring smile. He gently patted Laura on the head. "Hey, don't feel bad. We were in a battle. You made the right call."
Laura's cheeks flushed as she looked up at Aurelio.
"It seems you and Gurda have taken our title as strongest students in the Heroes Training Society," Aurelio continued.
Laura beamed with pride, walking away from the arena. She glanced back over her shoulder, a flirtatious glint in her eye. "Sometimes, you're really cute."
Aurelio's face burned with embarrassment as he tried to hide behind his hand.