Scene: Astral Academy Stadium – Main Arena
Reika stood at the center, her crimson cloak fluttering in the wind, the platform beneath her scorched from her last two battles.
"Another challenger?" she said coolly, wiping a speck of ash from her cheek. "Let's see if you're worth the heat."
Mist suddenly crept along the floor, twirling like silk under moonlight. The temperature dipped.
From the opposite gate, walked a calm girl with ocean-colored eyes and flowing dark-blue hair. She carried no weapons, only serene confidence.
"Saki of Wing A," announced the Referee. "Affinity: Water."
The crowd stirred.
"It's her…"
"The one ranked third overall…"
"She's beautiful… but Reika hasn't lost yet!"
Reika's eyes narrowed. "Water? Tch. Let's see if a little drizzle can douse me."
Saki smiled gently, but said nothing.
Instructor:Begin
Battle Start
Reika wasted no time. A wide arc of flame surged from her palm — "Crimson Bloom!"
Saki slid across the battlefield, her steps graceful as dance.
"Aqua Veil."
A swirling shield of water blocked the blaze, steam bursting into the air.
Reika snapped her fingers — "Wild Ember Spear!" — a javelin of pure fire hurled forward.
Saki spun sideways, evading it, and summoned a twisting serpent of water:
"Tidebind Serpent!"
It slammed forward like a tidal whip, but Reika countered with an explosive punch — her super strength breaking through the water construct.
"You'll need more than tricks!" Reika yelled, flames wrapping around her fists.
"Agreed," Saki whispered.
Suddenly, "Mirror Lake Illusion" activated — a field of reflective water clones filled the arena. Reika spun in place, blasting each one, only for them to reform behind her.
"Tch—where is she?!"
Then from behind—
"Abyss Surge."
A spiral cannon of highly pressurized water smashed into Reika's back. The explosion sent her skidding across the field, steam hissing where her flames touched the arena floor.
"Reika is down!" the referee shouted.
The audience was stunned. Even Wing B's students stood, watching breathlessly.
Reika slowly sat up, coughing. "Damn... that was... clever."
Saki walked over and offered her a hand.
"You were incredible," Saki said sincerely. Only if you were in full potential
Reika interrupt saying no I lost and you win
Reika stared at her for a moment, then smirked and took the hand.
The crowd roared — not just for the victory, but for the show of respect.
Stadium Announcement
"Winner: Saki of Wing A!"
"She continues forward."
Veer clapped from the Wing A pavilion, nodding.
Anay smiled faintly.
Naman leaned back in his chair in Wing B. "Heh. Now it's getting fun."