Theodore didn't hesitate, he was the first to launch his attack. His wand swung upwards and a bright beam of purple light burst from its tip, the Petrificus Totalus spell. The spell that Theodore had spent so long honing was aimed directly at Itachi, seeking to restrain his movements.
But Itachi was ready. His reaction was lightning fast. He didn't block the spell, but lunged to the side, dodging the purple beam that flew centimeters from his body. It seemed to disappear for a moment, and immediately reappeared elsewhere.
Theodore was not confused. He realized that Itachi wouldn't give him the slightest respite. No sooner had the purple light disappeared than Theodore intercepted his wand and quickly cast the next spell, Reducto. A beam of red light erupted from the wand and, just like last time, raced towards Itachi, aiming to destroy everything in its path.
Itachi didn't wait for the spell to reach its target. He took a sharp step forward and, with a quick wave of his wand, cast Expelliarmus. A beam of light shot out from his wand and flew towards Theodore at an incredible speed.
Theodore reacted quickly. He held his wand out in front of him, and focused and spoke Protego, creating a transparent shield in front of him. The Expelliarmus beam slammed into the shield, and from the impact, Theodore flew back a few steps.
But Theodore was not broken. He quickly rose to his feet, his gaze full of determination. He realized that Itachi wasn't going to slow down, and he was going to have to go all out. He knew he had to use all his skills and all his cunning to make it through this fight.
Itachi, seeing Theodore's tenacity, smiled with the edge of his lips. He was pleased that his friend wasn't backing down. He knew that only under such conditions could one truly hone his skills. And he was ready to give Theodore a real fight.
The tension in the room grew with every second. The battle was just beginning.
Theodore, flying backwards from the powerful Expelliarmus, didn't give himself time to catch his breath. He realized that Itachi had no intention of giving him a second to breathe, and that every delay could be fatal to him. Quickly regaining his composure, he made a sharp dash to the side, trying to get out of the line of fire and at the same time find a way to counterattack.
Itachi didn't pursue him, letting Theodore choose his own strategy. He watched him like a predator watching its prey, waiting for the right moment to attack again. His gaze was sharp and penetrating, scanning Theodore's every move, trying to understand his intentions.
Theodore, realizing that a direct confrontation with Itachi would be disadvantageous at this point, decided to try a change of tactics. His wand swung into the air once more, and he quickly muttered Incendio. Flames erupted from the tip of his wand and crawled across the floor like a snake, seeking to encircle Itachi.
Itachi, seeing the impending wall of fire, didn't panic. He took a sharp leap, jumping over the flames and found himself on the other side of the room. His eyes seemed to flash for a moment, and he uttered Accio. An old, dusty chair that stood in the corner of the room shifted and flew straight at Theodore with the speed of a projectile.
Theodore, noticing the chair flying at him, quickly put Protego in front of him, but the chair crashed into the shield with such force that it failed. The chair shattered into splinters and shards flew in all directions, forcing Theodore to retreat again.
Theodore, realizing that Itachi wasn't going to give him any slack, decided to use his cunning. He abruptly changed his position, and began running around the room, constantly changing direction, in an effort to confuse Itachi and buy him some time to think of a new tactic.
Itachi, watching Theodore's maneuvers, only smiled slightly. He realized that Theodore was trying to confuse him, but he wasn't going to fall for his tricks. He stood as still as a rock, waiting for Theodore to make a mistake.
Theodore, realizing that his maneuvers were not yielding the desired result, decided to take a risk. He paused abruptly, and without waiting for Itachi to react, he uttered Levicorpus. Itachi, suddenly, felt his feet come off the floor and he was lifted into the air.
Itachi, dangling in the air from Levicorpus, abruptly took the initiative. He didn't panic, but instead used his position to attack. With a wave of his wand, he uttered Incarcero, and the ropes, like snakes, swiftly wrapped around Theodore, restraining his movements.
Their fight turned into a frenzied battle, where every spell was a shot, every movement a strategic move. Theodore gave his all, trying to show his skill and his determination. The first onslaught was over, leaving behind only the anticipation of further fighting, and the desire to prove who was the strongest. The tension in the room had risen to the limit, and none of them was ready to give in.
Theodore, being trapped, did not despair. He realized that he had to find a way out of this situation quickly, and, trying to keep his composure, he tried to free himself from the restraints. He jerked sharply, but the ropes held him firmly. Then he tried to use his spell to break the ropes, but Itachi anticipated his actions, and in the same second he cast Depulso, throwing Theodore aside.
Theodore crashed into the wall, and the ropes, loosened, crumbled into dust. He, quickly getting to his feet, realized that Itachi had taken his tactical game to a new level. He was no longer attacking head-on, but using the situation to force him to think and adapt.
Theodore tried to create distance between them again, but Itachi wasn't about to let that happen. He used Accio again, pulling one of the remaining chairs towards him. This time the chair didn't hit Theodore, but flew into the floor, shattering into splinters and creating a cloud of dust, hiding him from view.
Theodore, seeing what was happening, realized that this was his chance to attack. Without waiting for the dust to clear, he cast Confringo, aiming directly at where he thought Itachi was. A beam of fire erupted from his wand and pierced the dust cloud, creating a bright glow around him.
But Itachi, like a shadow, had already moved to another location. He used the smoke screen to disorient Theodore and take a more advantageous position. He continued to play with him like a cat, giving him the opportunity to think he was in control of the situation while he played his own game.
Theodore, realizing that his attacks were not reaching their goal, switched to a more defensive strategy. He began to use Protego constantly, creating a shield in front of him, trying to block any of Itachi's attacks. He realized that he needed to exhaust him to have a chance at victory.
Itachi, watching his actions, smiled slightly. He realized that Theodore was trying to outsmart him, but he was ready for it.
Their battle had become a battle of wits, where not only strength, but also cunning and adaptability played an important role. No one was willing to concede.
Theodore, lurking behind Protego's shield, felt fatigue begin to creep up on him. The constant maneuvers, evasions, and attempts to counterattack were draining him of his strength. He was breathing heavily and sweat was dripping down his face. He realized that if he didn't do something soon, he simply wouldn't be able to stay on his feet any longer.
Itachi, watching Theodore's actions, noticed the first signs of his fatigue. He saw how his movements had slowed down, how his gaze had become heavier. He realized that Theodore was on edge, and that he needed to give him a little push to get him to step forward.
Itachi once again went on the offensive. He used Aktio again, but this time he drew not an object, but Theodore himself. Theodore, suddenly, felt himself being pulled forward, towards Itachi. He tried desperately to slow down, but his efforts were futile.
Itachi, seeing Theodore approaching him, unleashed a lightning-fast Petrificus Totalus, aiming straight at him. Theodore, in desperation, tried to dodge, but, due to fatigue, his reaction was too slow. The violet beam hit him directly, stiffening his movements and making him unable to fight back.
Theodore froze in place like a statue. His eyes were filled with frustration, and he felt his body refusing to obey him. He realized that Itachi had won, and that his strength was no longer enough to continue the fight.
Itachi, seeing Theodore's condition, instantly stopped his attack. He walked over to him and removed the Petrificus Totalus spell, freeing him from his restraints. Theodore felt his legs give a shake as he freed himself and he fell to his knees, unable to hold himself up.
He was breathing heavily, and his arms were shaking with fatigue. He looked up at Itachi, and in his gaze he read a mixture of admiration and annoyance.
"You... you were great," he whispered, trying to catch his breath. - I... I just couldn't..."
Itachi, looking at Theodore, didn't smile. He realized that Theodore had given it his best shot, and that he had done his best. He lowered himself down beside him and looked him in the eye.
"You fought well," he said, his voice sounding calm and respectful. - But you still have room to grow."
Theodore nodded, agreeing.
"I know. I... I need to train more."
Itachi, seeing his determination, smiled with the edge of his lips.
"I know you won't give up. That's why I keep training you." He held out a hand, helping him to his feet. "So, ready for the next round?"
Theodore, accepting his hand, slowly rose to his feet. Finding his strength, he smiled. "No, I should probably put this round off for later... But thanks."
He was ready to take on new challenges, but he needed to rest first. And Itachi was willing to grant him that until they were both ready to continue the battle.
After a grueling workout, Itachi and Theodore settled into the cushioned chairs in the Vyruchai Room. The room, as if adjusting to their needs, was filled with an atmosphere of calm and comfort. There was no trace of the recent fight, only the quiet hum of conversation and the rustle of turning pages of books.
Theodore leaned back in his chair, feeling the tension leave his body. He was breathing heavily, his muscles were aching, and his face was covered in sweat. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to enjoy the rest.
"What an exhausting experience," he said, trying to get his breathing back to normal. "I thought I'd be good for more than that."
He smiled faintly and, looking at Itachi, added with a playful intonation, "You were, of course, so gentle as always. Almost didn't hurt Thank you for not going all out, I think you even enjoyed chasing me around, didn't you, Itachi?" Theodore winked cheekily, trying not to give away his tiredness.
Theodore looked at Itachi again, waiting for his reaction. He knew Itachi didn't like jokes on the subject, but he still couldn't resist provoking him. He loved teasing him, taking pleasure in his restrained reaction. Itachi was unfazed as always, and Theodore waited to see what he would say this time.
Theodore realized that despite all his bravado, he was truly exhausted. He could feel the ache in his muscles and the burning in his lungs, but he didn't want to show it. He wanted Itachi to see him not just as some joker, but as a worthy opponent. That was why he was teasing, hiding his fatigue behind a layer of irony.
Itachi, sitting across from him, watched him relaxedly. He looked as if he hadn't even been in the battle. His breathing was even and his face remained calm and collected.
Theodore, opening his eyes, looked at him in surprise.
"Listen," he said, frowning, "are you sweating at all? It feels like you didn't even fight at all."
Itachi smiled slightly, and a light flashed in his eyes. "I'm just good at controlling my body," he replied, his voice sounding steady and calm. - And I know how to distribute my powers properly."
Theodore looked at Itachi with admiration.
"This is just incredible," he whispered. - I'm drenched in sweat, and you look like you just woke up."
Itachi, looking at Theodora, shook his head. "Don't exaggerate," he said. - I'm tired, too. I just don't show it."
Theodore shook his head. "No, Itachi, you're really cool.
Itachi thought for a moment. "I've been training since I was a kid," he said. - And I've always strived for perfection."
They both fell silent, immersed in their thoughts. Theodore, looked at Itachi. He realized that he was very lucky to have met such a friend who was not only strong, but also wise. He knew that they could accomplish a lot if they worked together.
After a brief pause, during which Theodore seemed to be enjoying his role as a tired but unbroken warrior, Itachi broke the silence. He looked at Theodore, and his gaze was calm and penetrating.
"You fought well today, Theodore," he began, his voice smooth and devoid of any mockery. "But you have some work to do."
Theodore pouted slightly upon hearing the praise, but immediately became wary, expecting criticism. He knew full well that Itachi wasn't in the habit of throwing compliments around, and that they were always followed by a constructive remark.
"Your spells are much more accurate than before," Itachi continued, his gaze still focused on Theodora.
"But there are still many mistakes," Itachi continued, not letting Theodore relax. - You're still too predictable in your actions. You use the same spells too often, and I know what to expect from you. Besides, you need to learn how to allocate your powers properly. You're exhausted already in the middle of a fight, and that's unacceptable."
Theodore frowned, agreeing with Itachi's remarks. "I know," he said. - I felt like I didn't have enough strength. I put myself out there too quickly, and then it's hard for me to keep going."
"And you're too slow to make decisions," Itachi continued, not relenting. "You spend too much time thinking about your next move, when you should be reacting faster and making decisions on the fly. In real combat, every second counts."
Theodore nodded again, admitting his mistake.
He looked at Theodore, and his gaze softened. "But despite all these mistakes, I still think you're a very fast learner," he added, and a slight smile appeared on his face. - And I'm sure you'll become a very strong mage if you keep practicing as hard as you do now."
Theodore looked at Itachi. He realized that despite all the criticism, he really believed in him. He knew that his training with Itachi would help him get better, and he was ready to take on any challenges that lay ahead.