The air around the Academy felt charged with tension ever since Cassian's arrival. Eran couldn't escape the feeling that something was brewing—something beyond the usual academic rivalries. Cassian had quickly become the center of attention, his magical prowess undeniable. Where most students struggled to master basic spells, Cassian effortlessly bent the elements to his will, his power like a storm waiting to unleash.
Eran, for the first time since entering the Academy, felt something akin to fear—not for his own safety, but for the future. Cassian was different from the other students. It wasn't just his skill; it was the aura he carried, an overwhelming sense of superiority. There was something colder about him, something that hinted at a deeper ambition.
A Glimpse of Power
The rivalry between Eran and Cassian began one fateful afternoon during a magical duel between students. It was a tradition at the Academy—one that tested both physical skill and magical aptitude. Eran had signed up, hoping to sharpen his combat abilities, but when he saw the list of opponents, his stomach sank.
Cassian stood at the top of the bracket.
It wasn't that Eran was afraid of dueling someone like Cassian—he had fought much worse in the slums—but there was something unnerving about the ease with which Cassian controlled the crowd. He didn't even have to speak; his presence alone demanded attention. As Eran walked to the dueling stage, he could feel the weight of Cassian's gaze upon him.
"You're brave to challenge me," Cassian's voice was low, almost too casual, as he stepped forward. "But I would advise you to reconsider. You're playing with forces you don't understand."
Eran clenched his fists, refusing to back down. "I'm not afraid of you."
The audience gathered around, murmurs rising as the two of them faced each other. Eran's mind raced. He had learned a lot since coming to the Academy, but this would be his first real test. The dueling rules were simple—first one to land a direct hit or incapacitate their opponent wins.
Cassian raised his hand, and the air around him seemed to ripple. A gust of wind whipped through the arena, and Eran's hair was pulled back as if a storm had just appeared. With a flick of Cassian's wrist, lightning crackled along the ground, shooting toward Eran with terrifying speed.
Instinctively, Eran raised his hand, using his magic to form a shield. The lightning collided with it, sending a shockwave that rattled his bones. He staggered but held his ground. Cassian's eyes gleamed with amusement, but he didn't stop. The storm around him grew more intense.
Eran gritted his teeth, gathering his strength. He knew he couldn't rely on raw magic alone to win this fight. It was clear that Cassian's power was far beyond his own. He needed to be strategic.
With a sudden movement, Eran dashed forward, weaving through the lightning, his mind focused on the one thing he knew could turn the tide—his swordsmanship. His blade, which had been with him since his days in the slums, felt like an extension of himself. As he closed the distance, Cassian's smirk faltered. Eran was faster than he expected.
Cassian raised his hand, preparing to unleash another powerful spell. But Eran was already upon him. With a swift motion, he struck—his sword slicing through the air toward Cassian.
But Cassian reacted in an instant. A barrier of ice formed between them, blocking the attack. Eran's sword clanged against it, the impact sending a shock up his arm. The ice began to crack, but Cassian's face twisted in irritation.
"You're faster than I thought," Cassian said, his voice colder now. "But it's not enough."
With a snap of his fingers, the ice barrier exploded outward, shards flying in every direction. Eran ducked, narrowly avoiding being struck, but in that split second, Cassian's hand glowed with dark energy. He raised it, and the ground beneath Eran's feet began to rumble.
Before Eran could react, the earth itself erupted, sending him flying into the air. He landed hard, his body crashing against the arena floor. Pain shot through him, but he forced himself to stand, blood trickling from a cut along his cheek. Cassian was standing calmly, not even breathing hard.
"You're not ready for this level of power," Cassian said, his voice filled with quiet contempt. "I've trained my whole life for this moment."
Eran's heart pounded in his chest, but something stirred within him. Anger, frustration, but also a spark of determination. This wasn't just about the duel. This was about proving himself—about showing Cassian that he wasn't just a commoner, that he wasn't someone to be looked down upon.
With a shout, Eran pushed himself to his feet. His hands crackled with raw magic—fire, wind, and earth swirling around him. He could feel the power of the Book of Secrets pulsing within him, but this time, he would control it. His magic surged, forming a massive vortex of energy that collided with Cassian's dark magic. The two forces clashed in a violent explosion that shook the arena, the air thick with magical energy.
For a moment, everything seemed to freeze. And then, as the dust cleared, Eran found himself standing, barely breathing, but still on his feet. Cassian, on the other hand, had been forced back, his expression unreadable.
The crowd was silent, the tension thick in the air. Eran's magic was raw, untamed, but it had held its ground against Cassian's. He wasn't the same person who had walked into the Academy weeks ago. He was stronger. But Cassian wasn't finished.
Aftermath of the Duel
The duel ended in a draw—no clear victor, but both students had proven their strength. Cassian was the first to speak after the silence. His eyes narrowed, a smirk playing on his lips.
"You have potential, Eran," he said, his voice laced with something like respect. "But you're not there yet. Not even close."
Eran didn't respond immediately. His body ached, but his mind was already spinning. Cassian's words were a challenge, a warning. It was clear that Cassian saw him as a threat, but there was something else—a flicker of interest in his eyes.
"I'll be watching you," Cassian added before turning and walking away, his figure disappearing into the crowd.
Eran stood in the center of the arena, feeling the weight of the moment. The rivalry had only just begun, and he knew that Cassian wouldn't let this go. But neither would he. This was no longer just about proving himself—it was about something much bigger.
Eran had tasted the power within him, and he was only just beginning to scratch the surface. He would rise, and he would surpass even Cassian's expectations.
But to do so, he would need to face challenges greater than anything he had ever known.