The Azure Clash was nearing its grand finale.
The arena had been expanded, enchanted, and reinforced. Floating platforms spun above rivers of glowing mana. Statues of past champions stood tall, watching like silent judges.
Today was the final event.
Students filled the seats. Teachers stood on alert. Nobles and sponsors sat in private booths, whispering rumors of potential prodigies.
In the center of it all stood Kael Drayke, yawning.
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Final Format: Team vs Team – 1st Year Champions vs 2nd Year Aces
Each year sent five students.
The 2nd-years were elite: elemental swordmasters, beast tamers, and even one rogue illusionist.
The 1st-years had:
Lyra: Spell genius.
Elira: Support magic and strategy.
Bim: Lucky potions.
A silent brawler named Rock.
And Kael.
Who hadn't been briefed. Again.
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Battle Start
A loud gong rang. Magic flared.
Kael blinked. "Are we fighting already?"
Elira: "Yes, Kael!"
Lyra: "Defend left!"
Kael turned right and stepped back—dodging an incoming lightning slash by pure chance.
His heel caught a loose stone. He slipped forward—
—and headbutted the lightning user.
The entire arena gasped.
The 2nd-year ace flopped down unconscious.
Commentators screamed: "Did he just counter a tier-three spell with his face?!"
Kael stood up, dizzy. "That rock was rude."
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Misunderstood Master
Elira whispered: "He must be using 'Moment Drift Style'… ancient movement art!"
Lyra, gritting her teeth: "He's just clumsy!"
Nobles in the crowd scribbled down theories. Some guessed he was a descendant of a forgotten sect. Others thought his power came from sealed divine heritage.
Only Kael knew the truth.
He was just trying not to trip.
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Unexpected Chaos
The illusionist tried to trap Kael in a mirrored prison.
Kael, not paying attention, sat on the crystal array—disrupting the spell matrix.
The entire illusion field collapsed. The caster screamed and ran.
A beast tamer summoned a mana tiger.
Kael offered it his sandwich.
It sat down obediently.
Lyra exploded three fire spells in rage.
"WHY DOES THIS KEEP WORKING?!"
Kael: "Maybe it was hungry."
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The Final Clash
Only one 2nd-year was left: Marron, a wind swordsman known as Blue Thunder.
He unleashed a barrage of strikes.
Kael, in the middle of stretching, bent backward—accidentally dodging each one.
"YOU MOCK ME?!" Marron shouted.
Kael yawned mid-backbend. "Can I nap first?"
Then Marron slipped on a potion Bim had dropped earlier.
Lightning surged—into Kael.
Everyone gasped.
Kael blinked, hair now standing on end. "…I feel tingly."
Marron fainted.
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Aftermath
The crowd erupted.
Commentator: "Unbelievable! The 1st years win! Kael Drayke remains… undefeated!"
He was awarded MVP.
He used the trophy as a footrest.
Lyra: "I hate how this works."
Elira: "I love it."
The final shot of the Azure Clash:
Kael asleep in the center of the arena, surrounded by fireworks.
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End of Chapter 20