The first clash of steel and magic echoed through Training Hall #1.
Swords clashed, spells boomed, and the sharp sting of pride being tested rang louder than any bell. Everyone in Class 1A was watching. Everyone was learning.
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⚔️ Luther vs. Levi
Levi Oroboros moved like a storm — twin swords slashing in elegant arcs, legs light, balance flawless. Every strike had weight. Every movement screamed effort.
His opponent?
Luther D. Wick stood with one hand in his pocket, his other casually knocking Levi's blades off-course by the inch.
He didn't even pull his sword.
And worst of all?
That dumb, infuriating smile never left his face.
> "Tch… Stop dodging and fight me seriously!" Levi snapped, sweat dripping.
Luther tilted his head. "But you're doing fine, aren't you?"
> He's provoking me, Levi thought. Mocking me. No—testing me.
Another charge. Another dodge.
Not once did Levi land a clean hit.
Luna watched from the side, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.
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🧱 Valeria vs. Tarn (Rank 20)
Tarn — the class's lowest-ranked — had the misfortune of drawing Valeria, the crimson-haired powerhouse with a sword twice her size and fists that felt like meteors.
But she hadn't even drawn her weapon.
She was sitting on his chest, fists raining down like an angry goddess while Tarn tried (and failed) to block.
"I said—fight back, damn it!!"
> I can't! he wanted to scream.
But she held back just enough not to break bones. She was angry — but not cruel.
The watching students all thought the same thing:
> How is he still alive?!
Even Luna's eyebrow twitched.
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🔥 Samuel vs. Vivian
Samuel and Vivian were engaged in an elemental war.
Fire and water clashed, bursting into steam. Vivian raised rock walls to block his spells, her magic quick and efficient — but draining.
Samuel saw it.
"You're slowing down," he barked. "You'll lose at this rate!"
Vivian said nothing. Her face was pale, her breathing sharp.
Then—she vanished into the mist.
Samuel's eyes darted, wary.
Too late.
A spike of stone emerged from the side, hitting him just above the hip. Had he not twisted at the last second, it would've knocked him flat.
His eyes flared with fire.
He countered with a sharp burst of water bullets, straight into her abdomen. Vivian crumpled, breathless.
Match over.
The class clapped weakly, but Samuel didn't raise his hand.
He stood still, jaw clenched.
Some students thought he was mad at Vivian.
But Luther, Levi, Aurora, and Valeria saw the truth.
> He's mad at himself.
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✨ Aurora vs. Kale (Rank 15)
Kale danced like a shadow — his entire fighting style built on teleporting from one shadow to another. He slipped behind Aurora again and again, slicing the air with pinpoint speed.
She had cuts on her arms, her side, even one above her cheek.
But her eyes never panicked.
And when she whispered a prayer and her hair glowed like sunlight, everything changed.
> The hell? Kale blinked, suddenly frozen.
Aurora's light flooded the area, banishing shadows.
His teleportation failed.
In that moment of confusion, Aurora dashed forward, her small mace gripped tightly in both hands.
One strike.
Boom.
Straight to his ribs.
He flew back, unconscious before he hit the floor.
Luna nodded once. "Well done."
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🧠 Reflections and Consequences
The room settled.
Some students were still reeling from what they had seen. Others were whispering, glancing at the top five — clearly out of reach, yet undeniably inspiring.
Luna, however, had words to say.
She turned to Valeria, who was helping Tarn up.
"You didn't give him a chance."
Valeria blinked. "He didn't fight back."
Luna's gaze shifted to Tarn. "And you. You said you're a scout. That you're not made for direct combat."
Tarn clenched his fists. "Yes, ma'am."
She stepped closer, voice cold.
"And yet here you are. You fought. And you lost. Miserably."
The silence was brutal.
"If you know you're going to lose," she said, "then lose with purpose. Lose with grace. Make them bleed at least once."
Tarn's face darkened.
His knuckles cracked.
He breathed deep.
Then, he walked to Valeria.
Everyone watched in silence.
He raised a hand.
"Next time," he said, voice steadier, "I'll lose again. But I'll at least punch you in the face once."
Valeria stared for a moment.
Then scoffed, laying back on her heels.
"Try not to break your hand when you do."
But she reached out and shook his hand.
Respect earned.