Caelum stepped onto the sparring platform, his eyes meeting Finn's with a confident glint. He'd agreed to duel his roommate, but he hadn't expected this level of skill. The faint, ever-present static charge in the air of the Storm's Nexus intensified as the two prepared to face off, and Caelum's heart beat with a blend of anticipation and a thrill he hadn't felt in a long time. Around them, the protective barrier shimmered faintly, a reminder of the energy contained within these walls and the power both boys wielded.
The two began circling, each gauging the other's movements, Finn keeping a light, fluid stance, while Caelum held his posture with calm precision. Within moments, Finn lunged forward, his speed sharper than Caelum anticipated. Caelum managed to dodge, sidestepping Finn's attack, but Finn quickly recovered, his movements controlled and relentless. A fist shot forward, aiming for Caelum's shoulder, and before he could fully brace, the hit connected.
The impact sent Caelum stumbling backward, slamming against the barrier with a muted crackle of energy as it absorbed the force. He felt the shock ripple through his arm, and for a moment, his vision blurred. When he looked up, he noticed the sudden surge of attention from the other students around them. The girls especially watched with newfound intensity, clearly intrigued by the raw power of the duel unfolding before them.
Caelum grinned, a mix of challenge and respect in his gaze as he met Finn's eyes. "Impressive," he admitted, catching his breath. "Didn't think you'd pack such a punch."
Finn smirked, his stance unwavering. "You're not the only one who knows a few tricks."
Caelum brushed the dust off his shoulder, eyes narrowing. "All right, then," he said, a determined edge in his voice. "But if that's the best you've got, you're in for a real fight."
He took a stance, gathering his focus, the faintest shimmer of sparks dancing across his fingertips.
Caelum's eyes sharpened, his expression shifting from practiced focus to pure determination. In a single, fluid motion, he launched himself forward, driving Finn onto the defensive. This time, Caelum wasn't holding back. His fists shot out in rapid succession, each strike guided by the purpose of testing Finn's limits.
Finn, taken aback by the sudden intensity, barely managed to parry Caelum's blows. His footing faltered, and he stumbled slightly, his body struggling to keep pace. The first few hits he blocked with the edges of his arms, but the sheer force of Caelum's attacks forced him backward, his feet sliding along the polished floor. Every strike, every feint from Caelum, was a relentless reminder that he couldn't afford even a moment's lapse in concentration.
All around them, the attention of the other students gradually shifted to the duel. The air hummed with quiet awe as more and more onlookers abandoned their own sparring sessions to watch. Among them were the girls who had been watching Caelum from the beginning, their gazes fixed on him with a mixture of admiration and fascination.
The robed elder, who had been observing from a distance, began to move forward, his hands clasped behind his back. He watched with a focused intensity, noting every subtle shift in the duel with an experienced eye. For him, the importance of close combat extended far beyond physical prowess; it was the foundation of elemental control. A mage with sharp reflexes and controlled movements could harness their element more effectively. And now, seeing the raw skill and resilience in these two novices, he realized they might be more than just ordinary students.
Caelum's attacks continued to rain down, his eyes flashing with fierce determination. He could feel the energy of the room pressing in on him, the collective anticipation of everyone watching fueling his own resolve. Finn, his breathing heavy but steady, tried to hold his ground. Sweat began to trickle down his brow as he strained against Caelum's relentless offense. Each strike required him to recalibrate his defenses, and he was quickly realizing that Caelum was far more skilled than he had anticipated.
Suddenly, Finn made a misstep, his foot slipping just slightly as he adjusted his stance. Caelum seized the opening instantly, landing a sharp blow to Finn's shoulder. The impact sent him reeling, his back slamming against the shimmering protective barrier, which flared in response to the collision, emitting a faint, crackling glow.
Around them, the murmurs of the students grew louder, their excitement palpable. This wasn't just a sparring match—it was a display of talent and skill, one that had captivated everyone in the hall. Caelum, feeling the weight of all those eyes on him, allowed himself a small grin. He looked at Finn, nodding his approval.
"Not bad," he said, a hint of respect in his voice. "Didn't think you'd hold up this well."
Finn, wiping the sweat from his brow, met Caelum's gaze with equal determination. "You're not the only one who knows how to fight," he replied, his smirk betraying a hint of pride.
Without missing a beat, Caelum straightened, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension. "Alright," he said, his voice low but firm. "No more holding back."
The robed elder's eyes narrowed with interest as Caelum charged forward again. Finn braced himself, his fists raised in anticipation. But this time, something had changed. The elder could see it in Finn's posture—the hesitation, the small mistakes that were costing him ground against Caelum's unrelenting offense. Moving closer, he raised his voice, each word cutting through the hum of the crowd.
"Finn," he called, his tone carrying a weight of authority. "Your footwork is sloppy. Adjust your stance—plant your feet firmly and stop giving ground."
Finn, his face flushed and breathing labored, cast a quick glance at the elder, nodding in acknowledgment. Following the advice, he grounded his stance, his movements becoming steadier, more precise. Caelum's attacks came at him with the same intensity, but this time, Finn began to adapt, his defenses tightening.
"Better," the elder said, nodding approvingly. "And stop telegraphing your movements. Anticipate your opponent, don't react to him."
With each correction, Finn's performance improved. His hits grew sharper, his blocks more calculated. Slowly, he began to push back against Caelum, turning the tide of the duel. The onlookers watched with bated breath as the balance of power shifted, their eyes fixed on every punch, every feint.
Caelum, sensing Finn's newfound confidence, felt a surge of excitement. He met Finn's next punch head-on, their fists colliding in a powerful exchange that sent a shockwave through both of their arms. A sharp crack echoed through the hall, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The onlookers gasped, their eyes wide with shock as they took in the sight of the two fighters, their fists still pressed together.
Caelum could feel the dull ache spreading through his knuckles, but he didn't flinch. He glanced at Finn, who was breathing heavily, his gaze steady and unflinching. There was no pain in his expression, only the quiet respect of a warrior who had found an equal.
The silence was broken by a slow, deliberate clap. The robed elder, his eyes filled with a rare glint of approval, stepped forward, his applause echoing through the training ground. "Well done," he said, his voice carrying an undeniable tone of pride. "Both of you have shown remarkable potential today."
Around them, the other students exchanged glances, their admiration evident. Caelum and Finn shared a brief, knowing look—a silent acknowledgment of the respect they had earned, not just from each other, but from everyone watching.