Elizabeth nodded, her eyes scanning the tables for an empty spot. "I heard they have a special on dumplings today," she replied, her tone contemplative. "I might grab some after."
They found a table near a window, settling in as they dug into their meals. Clark wasted no time in devouring a plate of stir-fried vegetables, occasionally glancing up to watch the students milling about.
"So," Elizabeth began between bites of a salad, "ready for our duel this afternoon?"
Clark chuckled, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Of course. I've been looking forward to it," he admitted, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You've been improving, I can tell."
Elizabeth nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "Likewise. Don't expect me to go easy on you," she teased lightly.
They continued eating, discussing strategies and techniques they planned to employ during their practice duel. The cafeteria hummed around them, students coming and going as they enjoyed their midday break.
As they finished their meal, Clark stood up, stretching his arms above his head. "Alright then, Elizabeth. Let's head to the training grounds. I want to see how your new technique holds up against my counter."
Elizabeth smirked, standing as well. "You're on," she replied confidently, following him out of the cafeteria.
With their bellies full and their minds focused, Clark and Elizabeth made their way to the training grounds, ready to put their skills to the test in a friendly yet intense duel.
Clark and Elizabeth arrived at the school's private duel grounds.
In the secluded duel grounds of the school, under the canopy of ancient trees and the watchful silence of nature, Clark and Elizabeth stood facing each other. The air tingled with anticipation as they prepared for their first clash, each unaware of the other's abilities.
Clark tightened his grip on VoidBlade, his Martial Spirit pulsing with latent power. Across from him, Elizabeth's eyes gleamed with determination as frost began to swirl around her, coalescing into shimmering wings of ice.
"Ready?" Clark called out, his voice steady yet tinged with curiosity.
Elizabeth nodded, her expression focused. "Let's see what you've got."
With a swift motion, Clark lunged forward, FireVoid Slash igniting his blade with flickering flames. The ground beneath him trembled as he closed the distance, aiming to test Elizabeth's defenses.
Elizabeth reacted swiftly, her Frostwing Blade manifesting into two icy swords that met Clark's strike with a clang of elemental forces. The clash sent sparks of fire and frost scattering into the air, each combatant gauging the other's strength.
"You're quick," Clark remarked, his eyes narrowing with respect as he pulled back, assessing Elizabeth's stance.
"And you're not bad yourself," Elizabeth replied, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She stepped back gracefully, her wings of ice spreading wide.
Clark seized the moment, pushing forward again with a series of rapid strikes, each imbued with FireVoid energy that crackled and sizzled through the air. He aimed not only to overwhelm but to learn, probing for weaknesses in Elizabeth's icy defenses.
Elizabeth parried deftly, her Frostwing Blades weaving in intricate patterns to deflect Clark's assaults. As they danced across the duel grounds, a silent exchange of martial prowess unfolded, each move and countermove revealing a bit more about their opponent's abilities.
Mid-battle, Elizabeth unleashed her second ability, Frost Wings sprouting from her back in a shimmering display of frozen agility. She soared into the air, ice feathers cascading down like crystalline rain towards Clark below.
Clark reacted swiftly, channeling FireVoid energy into his sword to create a blazing shield that deflected the icy onslaught. His eyes narrowed with determination as he countered, launching a volley of FireVoid Slashes towards Elizabeth, forcing her to maneuver with grace and precision amidst the icy barrage.
Chapter Ends.