The midday sun cast its golden light over the academy grounds, illuminating the open courtyard where a small crowd had gathered. In the center of the circle stood Lucifer, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he surveyed the boys around him. His posture was relaxed, yet his dark eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity.
The game was simple: Spell You, Spell Me. Two opponents would face off, exchanging spells in quick succession. The first to falter—whether by hesitation, weak execution, or a complete miss—would lose. It was a test of power, precision, and composure, and Lucifer had yet to lose a single match.
One of the boys, tall and wiry, stepped forward. His wand trembled slightly as he raised it, but he masked his nerves with a cocky grin. "I'll take you on, Lucifer," he said, though his voice wavered ever so slightly.
Lucifer tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Brave," he drawled, twirling his wand lazily between his fingers. "But foolish."
The crowd hushed as the duel began. The boy launched the first spell, a shimmering bolt of light that streaked toward Lucifer. With a casual flick of his wrist, Lucifer countered, a swirling shadow engulfing the light and snuffing it out.
Lucifer's turn. He whispered an incantation, and a jet of crimson fire shot from his wand. The boy scrambled to block it, his own spell fizzling out weakly against the onslaught. He staggered backward, his face pale as he lowered his wand in defeat.
"Next," Lucifer said coolly, his tone dripping with boredom.
Nearby, Asmodeus and Madara Uchiha watched the scene unfold. Asmodeus shifted uneasily, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his robe. "I don't understand why they'd even try," he muttered. "He's unbeatable."
Madara turned to him, his expression calm but firm. "That's the kind of thinking that keeps people weak," he said. His deep voice carried a quiet confidence that was almost infectious.
Asmodeus glanced at him, frowning. "It's not just about confidence, Madara. He's… well, look at him. Lucifer isn't just strong—he's ruthless."
Madara smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Strength alone doesn't win every battle. It's about how you use it."
Asmodeus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Easy for you to say. You've got skills. I'm still trying to make a bunny disappear without fumbling the spell."
Madara chuckled, clapping a hand on Asmodeus's shoulder. "You've got more potential than you realize. Trust me. The big game isn't about perfection—it's about showing up and giving it your all."
Asmodeus nodded reluctantly, though the knot of anxiety in his chest refused to loosen.
Lucifer's voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd, drawing their attention back to the duel. "No one else?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he surveyed the onlookers. His smirk was as sharp as a blade. "What a disappointment."
The tension was thick as the crowd began to disperse, leaving Lucifer and his group basking in their small victory.
As the afternoon gave way to evening, the academy buzzed with anticipation. It was time for the Witch Ball Game, a thrilling mix of magical combat and strategy played on a sprawling enchanted field. The game required more than just raw power—it tested teamwork, adaptability, and nerve.
Asmodeus stood on the sidelines, clutching his wand tightly. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the other players gather. They all looked so confident, so sure of themselves.
"You're up, Asmodeus," Madara said, his tone steady.
Asmodeus turned to him, his face pale. "I'm not ready for this," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Madara placed a hand on his shoulder, his gaze intense. "You don't have to be perfect. You just have to try. Confidence isn't about knowing you'll win—it's about stepping into the arena even when you're scared."
Asmodeus swallowed hard, nodding. "Okay. I'll try."
Madara smiled, the corners of his lips twitching upward. "That's the spirit. Now let's go."
As the players took their positions on the field, the crowd erupted in cheers. The game was about to begin, and while Lucifer stood at the center of attention, his dark aura commanding the field, Asmodeus clung to Madara's words, determined to prove he wasn't just another newbie.
The whistle blew, and the game was on.