After the first match concluded and everyone took a brief break, Aiden and Chloe stepped into the center of the training grounds. The arena felt charged with energy, the air heavy with the anticipation of the second duel. Chloe turned to Aiden, her lips curving into a bright smile. "Go easy on me, alright?" she said playfully, her tone light but her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.
Aiden returned her smile, tilting his head slightly. "I'll try," he replied, though there was a glimmer of confidence in his voice. He then activated his Shard, the magical artifact glowing faintly as it analyzed Chloe's abilities. The results appeared before his eyes, and his expression flickered with surprise.
Power Level: 189
Mana Level: 198
Affinity: Plant, Light
Aiden raised an eyebrow, impressed. Chloe possessed dual affinities, both of advanced elements. It wasn't something he had expected. Fiona, standing at the sidelines, called out to both of them. "Are you two ready?"
Chloe nodded confidently, her smile unwavering. Aiden gave a brief nod, his stance relaxed but ready. Fiona raised her hand. "Alright, begin!"
The moment the match started, Chloe's playful demeanor vanished. She launched a glowing orb of light at Aiden, its speed surprising him. He quickly erected a water barrier, the translucent shield shimmering as the light orb approached. But just as it neared, the orb exploded in a brilliant flash, blinding Aiden momentarily.
He staggered back a step, blinking rapidly as his vision blurred. The unexpected tactic caught him off guard, but he didn't panic. Closing his eyes, he focused on his mana sense, reaching out with his awareness to feel his surroundings. Through this, he detected Chloe's movements. She was spreading plant vines, both around him and beneath the ground, attempting to trap him.
Aiden smirked faintly. Clever, but not clever enough. Channeling his mana, he unleashed an earth wave, the ground around him rippling outward in a destructive surge. The force uprooted the vines, tearing them apart and leaving the soil barren. Chloe gasped, momentarily stunned. She had been certain her light bomb had blinded him effectively, giving her time to set her trap.
Recovering quickly, Chloe shifted tactics. The vines above ground surged forward, sharp and deadly as they aimed for Aiden. He remained calm, his gaze steady as he raised a wall of fire. The flames roared to life, incinerating the vines instantly. Both Chloe and Clara, who was watching from the sidelines, widened their eyes in shock. They hadn't expected Aiden to wield fire magic as well.
"Fire too?" Chloe muttered under her breath, stepping back slightly. She had assumed Aiden specialized in earth and water elements, but this revelation threw her off balance. What she didn't know, however, was that Aiden possessed all elemental affinities and had mastered the basics of each.
With her vines burned away, Aiden advanced, his movements deliberate and controlled. He conjured another wall of flames, this time encircling Chloe. The heat radiated intensely, and though the flames didn't touch her, they left her with no room to maneuver. Fiona stepped forward, raising her hand.
"That's enough. Aiden wins," she declared.
The flames dissipated as Aiden lowered his hand, the training grounds returning to calm. Chloe sighed, a mix of frustration and admiration in her expression. She approached Aiden, her smile returning. "You're really strong," she admitted, extending her hand. "And you're good at hiding it too. Using your strongest element at the end was a smart move."
Aiden hesitated for a moment, surprised by the gesture. He shook her hand, noting how soft and delicate it felt. It was the first time he had shaken hands with a girl, and the unfamiliarity of the experience caught him off guard. Fiona, observing from the side, grinned mischievously, while Clara crossed her arms, frowning at her sister's reaction.
As the group began making their way back to the mansion, Fiona glanced at Chloe and Clara. "So, do you believe me now?" she asked, her tone teasing.
Chloe pouted, her cheeks puffing slightly. "I didn't doubt him at all!" she protested. "I mean, there have been cases of students this strong at his age. Most of them end up as disciples of Archmages from the Mage Council or heads of noble families."
Clara remained silent for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "He's strong," she admitted, though her eyes burned with determination. She stared at Aiden, her fighting spirit evident. Aiden, noticing her gaze, sighed inwardly. The effort it took to hold himself back during the duels had been mentally exhausting. He couldn't afford to reveal his true power level, but maintaining the facade had been a strain.
As they walked, Chloe occasionally glanced at Aiden, her admiration clear despite her attempts to hide it. Fiona noticed and smirked, leaning closer to her. "You didn't believe me earlier when I mentioned his rank, did you?" she teased.
Chloe's face turned red as she waved her hands defensively. "Of course I believed you!" she insisted. "I just… didn't expect him to be this strong. Students like him are usually already chosen by an Archmage or a noble family head."
Aiden's ears perked up at the mention of discipleship under an Archmage. The idea intrigued him, and a spark of excitement ignited within him. The academy had already proven to be a place of immense learning, but the prospect of studying under an Archmage opened up even greater possibilities. He couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination.
By the time they reached the mansion, the tension from the duels had eased. Fiona stretched her arms, a satisfied smile on her face.