"Zoey, drop him," the guy ordered, his voice laced with authority.
Zoey released me, her fingers lingering for a split second longer than necessary. She muttered something under her breath, her hesitation palpable as she took a step back.
"I'm Fenric Ashcroft," the tall, commanding figure introduced himself, his voice dripping with quiet authority. His sharp features and piercing gaze made it impossible to look away.
Alisha stiffened beside me, her eyes widening in recognition, though she said nothing.
Fenric gestured to the sharp-featured girl she was standing beside him, her arms crossed and a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "This is my sister, Veyra Ashcroft." His hand moved to the stoic girl who had just let me go. "And Zoey Aldermond."
I straightened, brushing invisible dust off my uniform as I tried to mask my unease. "So… what grades are you guys in?" My voice was casual, but my curiosity was genuine.
Fenric didn't hesitate. "I'm a Grade Four finalist. Zoey and Veyra are in Grade Three."
His nonchalant tone suggested, that status was something he didn't need to flaunt. Before I could respond, a heavy thud landed beside me. Startled, I stumbled backward, barely catching myself before I fell.
I glanced up to find another figure standing over me. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his expression unreadable.
"Rule number one," he said coolly, his tone as sharp as a blade, "always stay alert."
I scrambled to my feet, brushing off dirt as the man continued. "I'm Master Asriel, and before we begin anything, I need to test your abilities."
He moved with practiced ease, settling onto a rock behind him as though it had been placed there specifically for him. His eyes scanned us, measuring, calculating.
"A fight," he announced. "Winner takes all."
Veyra's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she turned to Alisha. "A fight between Alisha and Rowan? Easy. Alisha's got this in the bag."
Fenric chuckled, leaning casually against a tree. "Finally, some action. It's been a while since I've seen a decent fight between two newbies."
"I'll stake three kilograms of coins on Alisha," Zoey added, her usual stoic demeanor softening with amusement.
"I'll top it up to make it six," Veyra chimed in, her tone laced with challenge as she glanced my way. Her smirk was sharp enough to cut, and I felt the weight of her judgment.
I crossed my arms, smirking despite the rising tension. If only they knew the abilities I held, they wouldn't be so quick to underestimate me. Alisha, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease, offering me a friendly smile that felt almost patronizing.
"Strength isn't just about appearances," Fenric interjected, his voice cutting through the banter. "It comes from within. I'll stake six kilograms of coins on Rowan. If Alisha wins, she keeps the coins."
The stakes felt heavier than the coins themselves. Master Asriel watched us with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement as the chatter died down. When silence settled, his voice rang out.
"Step forward," he commanded, pointing to an open patch of ground.
Alisha and I moved into the clearing, the air between us crackling with tension.
"You win by surrender," Asriel said. "If you're too weak to continue, yield. That's your only way out."
A notification flashed before my eyes:
The promise of such a reward ignited something in me, but before I could even process it, a sharp pain exploded across my face.
Alisha's kick landed with precision, snapping my head to the side and sending me stumbling. Her movements were a blur, and before I could recover, another kick struck my chest, harder this time. She had ice coated her leg, amplifying the force.
I hit the ground with a grunt, my hands digging into the dirt. Pain radiated through my body as I struggled to stand. But Alisha wasn't letting up.
A stomp slammed my head into the ground, and stars danced in my vision. I groaned, tasting blood. My nose throbbed, and warm liquid trickled down my face.
I tried to push myself up, but Alisha conjured a block of ice beneath me, lifting me high into the air. My body dangled helplessly as the ice dissolved, leaving me to plummet.
Another notification appeared:
I clenched my teeth, dismissing the option. I couldn't waste my MC on this fight. And I wouldn't want them notice my abilities at least Not now.
As I fell, another ice block appeared below me, perfectly placed to break my fall or my head. The impact sent a jolt of pain through my skull, and I gasped as another notification flashed.
Alisha's expression remained cold and focused. There was no trace of the friendly smile she'd given me earlier. Was the smile a fake one I asked myself as she raised her hand, preparing to summon another ice block.
"Edith!" I shouted I a low tone, summoning the AI interface embedded in my mind. "What can I use to counter this?"
"The counter ability," Edith replied smoothly. "It dissolves any ability your opponent uses against you."
"Activate it!" I yelled, desperation sharpening my voice.
"It costs 2,000 MC," Edith warned.
"Just do it!" As I could feel myself falling at a great speed.
As I hurtled toward the ice block, a pulse of energy erupted from within me. The ice shattered into harmless shards, and I landed on the ground with a roll, springing to my feet.
The air was already tense I could see that Alisha was shocked with what just happened, but she didn't stop as the threw a spear of ice towards me,
I weakly dodged it remained in my stance,I wiping the blood from my nose, locking eyes with her.
"My turn," I growled, my voice low but carried a sense tone, as I charged forward towards her.