The day had arrived. My first real combat practical at the Academy. The excitement in the air was palpable as students filed into the expansive training arena. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the dirt floor, the weight of the day's purpose settling over us like a heavy cloak.
This wasn't just a simple sparring match or a basic drill. Today, we would be put to the test in a series of duels—each of us facing off against a classmate, judged by both our skills and our strategy. It was a way for the instructors to see where we stood, not just as fighters, but as potential leaders, tacticians, and warriors.
I stood in front of the arena's entrance, adjusting the straps of my sword, the familiar weight of the blade reassuring. Behind me, I could hear the murmurs of my classmates, each one as anxious as I was. Lilliana stood off to the side, watching quietly, her arms crossed over her chest, her usual calm demeanor barely masking her own tension.
"Hey, you ready?" she asked, stepping up beside me.
I turned to her, forcing a small grin. "I think so. It's just a duel, right?"
She raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching as though she wanted to laugh. "A duel is a duel, Caelum. It's not just about swinging your sword. It's about reading your opponent, finding their weaknesses, and using them against them. If you can do that, you'll be fine."
I nodded, taking in her words. She'd already proven her tactical mind during the entrance exams, and though I hadn't seen her fight in person, I was sure she was a force to be reckoned with.
Just then, Professor Lira's voice rang out, calling the class to order. The crowd fell silent, every eye focused on the instructors standing at the center of the arena.
"Today, you will face each other in one-on-one duels. These will test not only your skill with weapons, but your ability to remain composed under pressure, and to think on your feet. There will be no magic allowed, and no outside interference. Your only tools are your weapon, your wit, and your ability to adapt."
I clenched my fists, feeling the adrenaline begin to pulse through me. The excitement of the upcoming battle was impossible to ignore. But there was more at stake here than just a victory. This would be my first opportunity to prove myself—both to my classmates and to myself.
The first duel was announced: Kieran versus a boy from the second row, a tall, blonde noble named Dorian. I watched closely as Kieran stepped forward with his usual composed expression, his posture calm but deadly. Dorian, on the other hand, looked tense, his eyes darting around as if trying to anticipate his opponent's next move.
The duel began with a clash of swords, the sound of metal ringing through the air. Kieran moved with precision, each step calculated, his sword flashing with deadly grace. Dorian, though strong, was outmatched in terms of experience. Kieran's movements were fluid, his attacks sharp and relentless, never giving Dorian a moment to recover.
Within moments, the duel was over. Kieran stood victorious, his sword still in hand, a small smirk on his face as he looked down at the defeated Dorian.
"That was fast," I muttered, impressed despite myself.
Lilliana nodded. "Kieran's not someone you want to underestimate. He's sharp, and he doesn't waste time."
It was my turn next. The instructors called my name, and I felt the weight of the moment settle in my chest. My opponent was a boy named Orin, a son of a minor duke with a sharp look in his eyes and a reputation for being a formidable fighter. We'd clashed briefly during some of the earlier training drills, and I knew he was no pushover.
I stepped forward, my heart pounding, and found myself face to face with him in the center of the arena.
"Let's make this quick, Caelum," Orin said, drawing his sword with a confident flick of his wrist. "I don't want to waste anyone's time."
I swallowed, steadying my breathing. "We'll see about that."
The bell rang, signaling the start of the duel.
Orin attacked first, his blade cutting through the air with practiced speed. I dodged, narrowly avoiding the slash, but the force of his swing made me stumble. He pressed the attack, his sword coming down in rapid succession, forcing me to retreat step by step.
I had to think fast. His attacks were strong and precise, but there was a rhythm to them, a pattern I could almost anticipate. He was relying too much on brute force, too focused on overpowering me.
I tightened my grip on my sword, then feinted to the left, drawing his sword that way, before I pivoted and struck with a swift cut to his right side. He barely blocked it in time, and the opening was enough for me to push forward, driving him back.
We circled each other, the clash of swords filling the air, each of us looking for an opening. Orin's confidence was slipping, and I could see the frustration beginning to mount on his face as he realized I wasn't going to make it easy for him.
I used his overconfidence against him. He lunged once more, but this time, I let him. I let him think he had me cornered, only to sidestep at the last second and bring my sword down across his back. It wasn't a deep cut, but it was enough to earn me the win.
The bell rang again, signaling the end of the duel. Orin dropped his sword, breathing heavily, while I stood, chest heaving, sword still in hand. I hadn't won by brute force—I'd won through strategy.
I offered him a hand, and after a moment's hesitation, he took it, nodding. "Good fight."
"Same to you," I replied, trying to steady my breath.
I was surprised by the respect in his voice. It wasn't often that someone from the noble families acknowledged me in that way.
As I stepped back to join the others, I noticed Kieran watching me from across the arena, his gaze sharp, calculating. He didn't speak, but the look in his eyes told me that he was assessing my every move. It was like he was silently judging whether I had truly earned my place as class representative.
The duels continued throughout the day, with each student facing off in turn. Some were quick victories, others drawn-out struggles. Lilliana fought gracefully, dispatching her opponent with a combination of speed and elegance, her white hair a blur as she moved. Even from a distance, I could see her eyes never left her opponent for a second, always calculating her next move.
Finally, after what felt like hours, it was over. The dust of the arena settled, and the instructors began to tally the results. I had made it through, my win over Orin earning me a solid place among the top fighters in our class.
Lilliana came over to me as the others began to disperse, her smile faint but warm. "Nice work," she said. "I knew you had it in you."
"Thanks," I replied, wiping the sweat from my brow. "That was harder than I thought."
"First time is always the hardest," she said with a shrug. "But you're not a beginner anymore. You're one of us now."
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride that I hadn't anticipated. Maybe I wasn't just surviving here at the Academy—I was beginning to thrive.
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