Astral Academy – Grand Arena
The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
The new rule had shocked many: whoever wins a match continues fighting until they lose. It was a trial of endurance, power, and adaptability — a true test of those worthy to represent the Academy on a global stage.
Vivaan had already been defeated in the first match by Veer after a swift, high-speed battle of wind versus earth. The crowd was still catching its breath.
Now, it was time for the second challenger.
From the far side of the stadium, the crystalline gates parted.
She stepped forward with the grace of a queen and the quiet heat of a blazing ember.
Reika.
Her hair flowed behind her like a living flame, her fire-cloak flickering with subtle spiritual heat. She wore an outfit layered in red and silver, enchanted with flame runes from the southern temple. As she walked, the air shimmered around her — like the atmosphere itself bent in reverence.
Whispers echoed through the stands:
"She's beautiful…"
"That's Reika, right? The Phoenix of Wing B?"
"She's even stronger than she looks…"
Even Veer, cool and composed, blinked once.
His heart didn't skip — but his eyes did linger.
"Beautiful… and dangerous," he thought, then masked it with a half-smile.
From the stands, Saki noticed the glance and gave Veer a look, lips curling slightly.
"Careful, wind boy," she muttered to herself. "Don't get scorched."
Instructor say : Begin
Reika raised her hand — a swirling spiral of crimson fire gathering into her palm.
Veer grinned, wind swirling at his feet.
Veer (calmly): "I don't usually fight girls. But I'll make an exception."
Reika (smirking): "Then I won't go easy. It'd be rude."
And then—
BOOM!
The battle ignited like a wildfire.
Reika launched forward, her hands bursting into twin trails of flame as she performed a blazing strike—Phoenix Crescent—aimed right for Veer's chest. He vanished.
Windstep.
He reappeared above her, slicing the air with a Gale Shredder, invisible blades cutting down.
But Reika spun, her flame cloak expanding outward—Inferno Guard—deflecting the wind blades like leaves in a storm.
Reika: "Too slow."
She slammed her foot into the ground — the entire arena floor cracked as a volcano-like surge erupted beneath Veer.
He twisted midair, barely dodging the rising burst of magma.
Veer (grinning): "You fight like a goddess."
Reika (firing back): "And you flirt like a fool."
Veer dashed low, surrounding her in a vortex — Storm Cage — but Reika clenched her fist.
"Let me show you what real heat feels like."
A spiral of flame erupted from her back — Phoenix Spiral, a signature move — burning away the air itself. The vortex collapsed under the heat, forcing Veer to retreat.
The crowd roared.
"She's pushing him back!"
"Is Reika going to win?"
On the balcony, Aarya crossed her arms. Naman raised an eyebrow.
Anay watched in silence, eyes thoughtful. Her power control is exceptional, he noted. She's fighting smart—targeting Veer's terrain advantage.
Back in the ring, Veer panted slightly.
Veer (quietly): "Alright, then…"
He closed his eyes, and wind surged beneath his feet like a tidal wave.
"Let's see if you can handle a Tempest."
The skies darkened.