Chapter 21: The Fiery Entrance
The bustling academy corridors were alive with energy as students shuffled to their respective classes. Rudra and Nand, still discussing the aftermath of the recent Syndicate attack, found themselves navigating through the crowd toward the Combat Arena.
"Do you ever think about taking a break?" Nand asked, adjusting the straps of his overly stuffed bag. "Not everyone's out here fighting shadowy villains in their free time."
Rudra smirked. "You're saying this as if you didn't eat half the academy's sandwiches last night."
Nand rolled his eyes. "One does not fight an empty stomach, my friend."
Before Rudra could respond, a commotion ahead interrupted them. A small group of students had gathered near the practice grounds, cheering and laughing. At the center of the commotion stood a girl with blazing red hair, her hands glowing with a fiery aura.
"Who's that?" Rudra asked, curiosity piqued.
Nand's eyes widened. "Oh no. That's Ishani Raut, the walking inferno of the academy. Don't let her looks fool you. She's a ticking time bomb."
Rudra frowned. "And what's she doing here?"
As if on cue, Ishani turned and spotted the two boys. Her fiery aura dimmed as a mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Well, well, if it isn't the infamous Rudra Kairous," she said, sauntering over. "I've been hearing about you. Storm boy, right?"
---
Introducing Ishani
> Character Status:
Name: Ishani Raut
Talent: Inferno Manipulation (A-rank)
Level: 21
Background: Member of the prestigious Raut clan, known for their mastery over fire-based abilities.
"Storm boy?" Rudra repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't act coy," Ishani said, crossing her arms. "Everyone's talking about how you took down a Syndicate lackhey. Pretty impressive for a newbie."
"Newbie?" Nand interjected, clearly offended. "Do you even know who you're talking to? This guy's the future Thunder Deity!"
Ishani laughed, a melodic sound that carried a hint of mockery. "Thunder Deity? Please. Let me guess, you're the comedic sidekick?"
Nand puffed up indignantly. "I'll have you know I'm a tank in the making. Unmovable Mountain, thank you very much."
Rudra couldn't help but chuckle at their banter. "What do you want, Ishani?"
She leaned in slightly, her fiery eyes meeting his. "A spar. You and me. Right here, right now."
The Sparring Match
The crowd parted as Rudra and Ishani stepped into the practice ring. Nand sat on the sidelines, cheering wildly.
"Take her down, Rudra! Show her the power of storms!"
"Quiet, fatty!" Ishani called out, smirking. "You'll distract your buddy."
"Don't call me fatty!" Nand shot back, waving a sandwich in protest.
Rudra sighed, activating his Storm Domain. Lightning crackled around him, the air charged with electricity. Ishani responded by summoning a swirling flame around her, the temperature in the arena rising dramatically.
"First move's yours," Rudra said, gesturing.
"Big mistake," Ishani replied, launching a barrage of fireballs.
Rudra dodged effortlessly, the heat singeing the air around him. He countered with Tempest Saber, the lightning slicing through her flames.
The two clashed repeatedly, their abilities lighting up the arena. The crowd watched in awe, cheering for both fighters.
"Not bad," Ishani said, breathing heavily. "But you'll have to do better than that."
Rudra grinned. "You're not too bad yourself."
The spar ended in a draw, both fighters exhausted but exhilarated. Ishani extended a hand, her usual cocky demeanor softened.
"You're strong, Rudra. I'll give you that."
"Thanks," he said, shaking her hand. "You're not so bad either."
Nand, meanwhile, was busy collecting bets from the crowd. "Pay up, people! I told you it'd be a draw!"
Rudra rolled his eyes. "Do you ever stop?"
Nand grinned. "Hey, a guy's gotta eat."
As they left the practice grounds, Ishani fell into step beside them.
"So, what's your deal, Rudra?" she asked. "Why's the Syndicate so interested in you?"
"It's a long story," Rudra replied.
"Well, I've got time," she said, smirking.
Nand nudged Rudra with a grin. "Looks like you've got an admirer, bro."
"Quiet, fatty!" both Rudra and Ishani said in unison, making Nand burst into laughter.
As they walked back toward the dorms, the trio's banter filled the air. For the first time in days, Rudra felt a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of his life.
System Notification
That night, as Rudra lay in bed, the system delivered another alert.
> Mission Updated: Investigate the Infiltrator.
New Objective: Find clues about Syndicate activity in the academy.
Progress: 30%
Rudra clenched his fists. The storm wasn't over yet, but he wasn't facing it alone anymore.