The moment Bolt announced his conditions, the entire academy was thrown into chaos.
2.5 million dollars.
Not just an outrageous demand, but a statement. A declaration that Celestial Tempest wasn't just some upstart faction to be dismissed. They were here to play at the highest level.
The Wager
Ronan Devereux, leader of Crimson Fang, narrowed his eyes at Bolt. His faction was one of the wealthiest in the academy, backed by deep connections and influential sponsors. But even for them, 2.5 million was a hefty amount.
"You think you can dictate terms just because you're the new kid in town?" Ronan scoffed.
Bolt shrugged. "If you're so confident, why does the money matter? You were the one who challenged us."
Murmurs spread among the students watching. Bolt was baiting Ronan, and everyone knew it.
Ronan's pride flared. He had been expecting an easy victory, a chance to humiliate Bolt and destroy Celestial Tempest before it even took off. But now, backing down would mean admitting doubt.
"Fine," Ronan growled. "When we crush you, you'll be the ones crawling away in shame."
Bolt smirked. "We'll see about that."
Preparing for Battle
The Faction Duel was scheduled for the following evening at the academy's Grand Colosseum, an arena designed for large-scale battles. The rules were straightforward:
Team vs. Team Combat: Each faction would field five fighters.
Victory Conditions: The duel would end when all members of one faction were eliminated or incapacitated.
No Outside Help: Only the participating members could fight—no reinforcements, no backup.
For Celestial Tempest, this was their first real test.
Bolt, Akane, Aether, Darian, and Sylva were chosen to fight. Kairos would act as their strategist, analyzing Crimson Fang's combat styles and relaying information through their faction's communication channel.
Kairos pulled up a holographic display of Crimson Fang's fighters.
"Ronan is their strongest," Kairos explained. "He specializes in blood magic, allowing him to enhance his physical abilities and regenerate rapidly. He's a close-combat monster."
"Blood magic, huh?" Akane muttered. "That's gonna be a pain."
"The second strongest is Lucian Cade, their sniper. Uses shadow-infused bullets. He'll try to pick us off from a distance."
Sylva crossed her arms. "I'll deal with him."
"The others—Marcus, Xyla, and Reeve—are support fighters, but don't underestimate them. Marcus controls metal, Xyla uses illusion-based attacks, and Reeve is a tank with high durability."
Bolt cracked his knuckles. "Sounds fun. We go in hard and fast. No holding back."
The Duel Begins
The Grand Colosseum was packed with spectators, the energy in the air electric.
Factions lined the stands, some eager to see Bolt fail, others watching with newfound respect for his boldness. Even Felix Vance and Ryzen Valefor were present, curious about Celestial Tempest's potential.
The announcer's voice boomed across the arena.
"Celestial Tempest vs. Crimson Fang! The stakes: 2.5 million dollars! Fighters, take your positions!"
The moment the duel started, Lucian Cade fired the first shot.
A shadow-infused bullet sliced through the air, aiming straight for Bolt's head—
CRACK!
Darian intercepted it mid-air, deflecting the bullet with a high-speed kick.
Bolt grinned. "Let's go."
The Battle Unfolds
— Akane vs. Marcus (Metal Manipulator)
Akane darted forward, flames erupting from her fists as she clashed with Marcus. His metallic constructs shot toward her, but she weaved between them with explosive speed, melting them on impact. A final flaming uppercut sent Marcus crashing into the ground, unconscious.
— Sylva vs. Lucian (Sniper)
Lucian repositioned on a higher platform, trying to keep his distance. But Sylva wasn't letting him. She manipulated the earth beneath her, launching herself into the air and slamming down next to him. Before he could fire another shot, she grabbed his rifle, crushed the barrel with sheer strength, and knocked him out with a devastating blow.
— Darian vs. Reeve (Tank)
Reeve was built like a fortress, his defenses nearly impenetrable. But Darian was too fast. He danced around Reeve's attacks, striking weak points relentlessly. Using his high-speed movement, he delivered a hundred precise blows in seconds—until Reeve's body couldn't withstand the assault any longer.
— Aether vs. Xyla (Illusions)
Xyla filled the battlefield with mirages, trying to disorient Aether. But Aether remained still, closing his eyes and relying on his heightened perception. The moment he detected her real presence, he struck with pinpoint precision, disrupting her illusions and knocking her out in a single hit.
— Bolt vs. Ronan (Blood Magic Beast)
Ronan unleashed his blood magic, turning into a monstrous form with enhanced speed and power. His strikes shattered the ground, forcing Bolt on the defensive.
But Bolt didn't back down.
Summoning a massive storm of lightning, he clashed with Ronan at full force. The entire arena shook as their attacks collided—lightning crackling against blood-fueled strength.
Then, with a final thunder-charged punch, Bolt shattered Ronan's defenses and sent him flying across the colosseum.
CRIMSON FANG: DEFEATED.
Victory & Aftermath
The crowd erupted.
Celestial Tempest had won.
Bolt stood over Ronan, grinning. "Told you. Now, about that 2.5 million…"
Ronan glared but had no choice. The academy's duel contracts were legally binding.
By the next morning, Celestial Tempest had officially received 2.5 million dollars—funding that would solidify their rise as a true powerhouse faction.
And the academy?
They had just witnessed the birth of something unstoppable.