Chapter 15 – Rivalry and Reckoning
The training hall buzzed with energy. Dozens of first-year students lined the walls, some practicing mana control, others refining their elemental techniques. But all eyes turned when Instructor Veyra clapped her hands, her stern voice echoing across the marble floor.
"Today, you will face your assigned rivals in a formal assessment. No weapons—only mana control, physical movement, and raw skill. This isn't about winning. It's about adaptation."
Kael felt his pulse quicken. He stood near the center, arms folded, watching as names were called and students paired off. His cloak rustled with the faint motion of his fidgeting fingers—nervous habit. He'd pushed hard the past few weeks, mastering short-range chain Blinks, perfecting Echo traces, and learning how to disguise his movement patterns.
And now… he was ready.
"In the next match," Veyra announced, scanning her list, "Kael Vireon versus Lyra Elowen."
A ripple of surprise spread through the students.
Kael blinked. "Wait—Lyra?"
From across the room, Lyra stepped forward with her usual calm expression. Her short red hair caught the training hall lights, and her focused gaze locked onto him with fire.
"Should be fun," she said coolly, taking her position across from him.
Kael walked slowly into the center ring. "I thought we were supposed to train with each other, not against."
Lyra smirked. "You think the strongest magician doesn't need to handle friendly fire?"
He couldn't argue that.
Veyra raised her hand. "Begin!"
Lyra moved first—two fire sigils appearing with a flash. She didn't aim directly at Kael but launched them toward opposite sides of the ring. The blasts ignited with controlled force, filling the area with smoke and flickering light.
Kael narrowed his eyes. She's controlling vision. Not just attacking.
He Blinked backward just as a burst of flame grazed where he'd been standing. Lyra was already repositioning, fast and efficient, dancing around the smoke like she owned the arena.
"Don't hold back!" she called.
Kael grinned, heart racing. He didn't intend to.
Blink—2.8 meters. Left, high ground.
He reappeared above a support column, using Echo Blink to leave a trail behind. Lyra turned, tracking the echo with her spell—only to miss as Kael dropped from above, landing behind her with a palm coated in light mana.
He aimed a tap toward her shoulder—non-lethal contact to signify a hit.
But she twisted away with a flame burst, launching herself backward. She landed in a crouch, flames spinning around her hands.
"You're better," she said, breathing harder. "Faster."
Kael approached slowly, watching her footing. "So are you. You predicted my echo."
"That was a guess." She smirked. "Lucky one."
Another flash—three fire bolts this time, one wide, one short, one delayed.
Kael Blinked through the first two and rolled under the third. The floor scorched behind him, but he kept his balance. He moved fast, closing the gap.
The match turned into a blur—flame clashing with light, precision against prediction. Kael's Blinks came sharper now, often just barely dodging her attacks. He never overreached. Never panicked.
But neither did she.
Their duel wasn't just a battle—it was a conversation, fast and furious, with movement as the language.
Then, with a sudden surge of mana, Kael launched a double Blink, chaining the motion mid-air. His afterimage appeared to Lyra's left—just as he reappeared behind her.
His fingers tapped her shoulder.
"Point."
She froze, then straightened with a breathless laugh. "You've been practicing."
"You told me to keep up."
Veyra stepped in, satisfied. "Match concluded. Excellent control. Both of you—well done."
Applause came from the sidelines—some impressed, others stunned. Even the upper-ranked students exchanged glances.
Kael stepped back beside Lyra, wiping sweat from his brow.
"You could've roasted me," he said.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "And you could've Blinked through my firewall."
They smiled.
It wasn't about who won. Not really.
It was about trust.
Later, in the academy garden, Kael sat beneath a marble arch, breathing in the crisp air. Training had drained him more than he thought. He opened his system log, scrolling through the notes he'd taken during the match.
[Mana Application Log]
— Blink Directional Control: 78% success
— Echo Distraction Rate: 42%
— Chain Blink (Air): unstable, needs refinement
— Enemy pattern reading: improving
"Not bad," he muttered.
A familiar voice spoke from behind. "You're treating this like war."
He turned to see Elith Raan, arms folded, her silver-gray cloak fluttering behind her. Her sharp blue eyes studied him like a puzzle.
"War's probably easier," Kael replied.
She sat nearby without asking. "You moved like a tactician. You're not just reacting—you're planning three steps ahead. That's rare."
Kael shrugged. "I have to. Blink doesn't give me strength or power. Just… the chance to be smarter."
"You're using it well," she said quietly.
He looked at her, surprised by the softness in her tone. For someone who rarely spoke, her words carried weight.
"Thanks," he said.
Before she could reply, a gust of wind swirled through the courtyard. Elith glanced up, then stood.
"Be careful. The stronger you grow, the more they'll watch you."
Then she walked away.
Inside the castle-like dorm tower, Juno burst into their room with a dramatic gasp. "Kael the Blinker, they're calling you now!"
Kael blinked. "Seriously?"
"Well, I'm calling you that," Juno said, throwing himself onto his bed. "But you were epic out there. Even Lyra looked impressed."
Kael sank onto his own bed, chuckling. "She nearly burned my coat off."
"Romantic," Juno said with a wink.
Kael tossed a pillow at his face.
Meanwhile, far above in the royal quarters of the academy's upper towers, Princess Selene stood by a balcony, staring into the courtyard below.
She'd watched the entire match.
Kael's growth hadn't just caught her attention. It intrigued her—irritated her, even. How can someone with that weak of an affinity push this far?
Her blue eyes narrowed.
She didn't know if it was admiration or frustration.
But it was definitely something.
End of Chapter 15
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