[Scene – The Arena, Next Day]
Morning sun spills into the New Era Academy's dueling grounds, a circular stone arena surrounded by rising seats packed with students. News of the transfer student's challenge spread like wildfire — the stands are full, buzzing with anticipation.
Haya Kenjiro stands confidently at one side of the arena, his ornate staff resting against his shoulder. His friends fill the front row, already grinning as if victory is guaranteed.
Shin steps in from the opposite gate, his hands in his pockets, expression unreadable.
Whispers ripple through the crowd.
> "That's him? Doesn't look dangerous."
"Maybe Haya will finish this in one spell."
The duel is overseen by Professor Raiden, whose eyes flicker between the two. He still remembers the strange feeling during Shin's power test.
---
[Scene – The Rules]
> Professor Raiden: "The duel ends when one participant yields, is incapacitated, or is forced out of the arena. Use of lethal magic is prohibited."
His gaze lingers on Shin, as if silently warning him.
---
[Scene – Duel Begins]
Haya twirls his staff, summoning a glowing ring of golden sigils.
> Haya: "Don't blink, transfer student."
With a sharp motion, he unleashes Crimson Fang — a barrage of razor-sharp flame constructs roaring toward Shin.
Shin… doesn't move.
At the last moment, the flames bend around him, dissipating into harmless embers. Gasps echo across the arena.
> Haya: "What—?!"
Shin hadn't even raised a hand. It was as if the magic itself refused to touch him.
---
[Scene – Haya Gets Serious]
Frustrated, Haya slams his staff into the ground, the arena trembling as molten cracks spread outward.
He leaps high, gathering light into a blinding sphere above his head — Solar Spear, a finishing move capable of crushing stone.
Umei, watching from the stands, grips the railing.
> Umei: "Haya… that's too dangerous."
The Solar Spear hurtles toward Shin. At the last moment, Shin finally moves — one step forward. The air distorts. A wave of invisible force ripples outward, shattering the spell midair into harmless dust.
The crowd freezes in stunned silence.
---
[Scene – The End]
Shin appears in front of Haya in a blink — no magic circle, no chant, just raw speed and control. He places a hand lightly on Haya's chest.
A sudden, crushing pressure forces Haya to his knees. His staff clatters to the ground. Shin doesn't hurt him — he just makes it impossible for Haya to stand.
> Shin: "…I told you, you'd regret this."
He steps back, the pressure vanishes, and Haya collapses, gasping. The duel is over.
---
[Scene – Aftermath]
The arena erupts in shocked murmurs.
> "What was that?"
"He didn't even use a real spell!"
"Who is this guy?"
Professor Raiden narrows his eyes. That wasn't just skill. That was… suppression. Control over magic I've never seen in a student.
As Shin leaves the arena, Umei runs to catch up.
> Umei: "You were holding back, weren't you?"
Shin glances at her, saying nothing. But the faintest curve of a smile touches his lips.
---
[Final Scene – Elsewhere in Haratsu]
In a candle-lit chamber, the hooded figure from before watches through a scrying crystal. The duel plays out in shimmering light.
> Hooded Figure: "So… the Akehara heir is in Haratsu. This will make finding the lost one much easier."
Their fingers brush the pendant around their neck — identical to Shin's.
[To be continued…]