The first raid of their newly formed group began without grand speeches or pompous gestures. Everything was surprisingly simple: a cave, silence, darkness… and tension that clung to every step.
The dungeon walls were uneven, damp, and cracked—some even stained with dried blood that had long since lost its bright hue. Between the stones lay the mangled bones of monsters—broken, crushed, some still bearing teeth in their jaws.
The students weren't alone in the dungeon: a short distance behind walked Elizabeth and Krul. Both women kept their distance, watching the students intently—not as mentors, but as silent observers, ready to intervene only if absolutely necessary.
For several minutes, they all moved forward in silence. Only the rustling of footsteps and heavy breathing broke the oppressive stillness. Alex led the way with Lianel and Kaelis, keeping a close eye on every shadow, every sound. His heart beat steadily—not from fear, but from focus.
Suddenly, a harsh noise came from one of the dark corridors to the left. Moments later, in the light of the magical lanterns floating above them, several figures emerged.
Goblins. A dozen at least, maybe more. They hissed, growled, and had already spotted the group. Small, bow-legged creatures with yellow-green skin, dressed in tattered hides and clutching rusty blades, howled and charged forward.
"Finally!" Lianel grinned, conjuring a spear of light. "I was starting to think this was a sightseeing tour."
Alex didn't answer—his sword was already in hand, and the blood around its blade stirred, sensing battle. Kaelis formed a long, double-edged sword from wind and dashed forward without hesitation.
The goblins, surprisingly swift for their build, attacked from several directions at once. But the boys didn't flinch. They acted with precision and coordination—no words, only glances and motion.
Alex faced three goblins at once. One struck down with a blade, but Alex easily blocked it with his blood sword, deflecting the attack and slashing the creature from shoulder to belly in a single motion. Another tried to flank him—but Alex sensed its presence thanks to Siren's whisper: "Left." He spun sharply and drove his sword straight into the goblin's chest, shoving it back before charging at the third.
Kaelis, meanwhile, moved like a silent storm. His wind-forged blade sliced the air at supersonic speed. The goblin approaching him didn't even have time to lift its club—the blade was already at its neck. Another was thrown against the wall by a powerful gust, then finished with a swift cut across the chest.
But from the shadows, another goblin lunged, snarling as it swung a heavy wooden club at Kaelis from behind.
"Watch out!" shouted Celia, who was just behind them. Her hand flared with fire, and a flaming projectile shot from her palm. The fireball missed Kaelis's head by mere inches and struck the goblin square in the face. It fell without a sound.
Kaelis gave a brief nod without turning.
"Thanks."
"Gratitude accepted," Celia replied with a smile and struck another goblin in the chest with a blast of flame.
Lianel, meanwhile, danced through the fight like a performer—each move elegant and precise. His spear of light slashed through the enemies with such speed that the goblins barely had time to react. One tried to dodge—Lianel swept its legs out and drove his spear through its chest.
Alex kept an eye on them all. "Incredible teamwork," he thought. Lilith stayed back, guarding the flanks with dark magic, summoning walls and spikes from shadows to block goblins from the sides. Rogan stood behind with Eliria, who was already prepared for any necessary healing.
"They're working as one..." Alex felt a calm spread in his chest. This was their first battle, and already it was clear—their group had potential. "It's been a long time since I enjoyed a group raid like this."
When the last goblin fell, the air finally settled into silence. Only heavy, sweaty breathing remained—but it was satisfied.
Alex looked around at everyone, then lowered his sword, the blood blade slowly dissolving into the air.
"Well done," he said. "Very well done."
Suddenly, a new growl echoed from deep within the cave—hoarse and furious.
"More?" Kaelis grumbled, wiping his blade. "How many of them are in here?"
The noise grew louder by the second, and within moments, a new wave of goblins surged toward them—from both sides.
"We're being flanked!" shouted Celia, glancing around.
"Lianel, Kaelis—front! Rogan, hold the rear!" Alex barked, launching himself at the oncoming goblins ahead.
The beastkin prepared in silence. His body shifted rapidly—fingers elongating, nails turning to claws, skin hardening, and eyes gleaming with a predatory light. A savage roar burst from his throat as he charged the enemy wave.
The goblins didn't stand a chance. Rogan hit them with such force that the first one was launched into the air, crashing into another. His claws tore through the air—and flesh. One, two, three... Rogan moved with focused fury, a true hunter in his element.
"Lilith!" Alex called, not turning.
"On it," the girl replied curtly.
Dark magical circles bloomed on her palms, releasing spirals of shadow. Like living things, they surged forward, enveloping several goblins in spiked, suffocating darkness. Those not killed outright were left disoriented and lost.
"Thanks," Rogan muttered, carving a path with his claws.
"They really do work well together," Alex thought. He couldn't spare much attention to the rear—there was plenty happening ahead.
A larger force of goblins now poured from the front. Kaelis spun his blade, creating a defensive vortex of wind around him. The first enemy to step close didn't even lift a weapon—he was torn to shreds by the gale.
Alex cut his way through a group of six. His blood-covered sword crunched through one goblin's chest, then slashed downward—another dropped with its skull split open.
Lianel pushed through the front lines—his spear of light glowing brilliantly as it cleaved through all in its path. But as he stabbed one goblin in the gut, another managed to slash his left shoulder from behind. The blade tore through fabric and skin—blood immediately soaked his shoulder.
"Damn," he cursed and leapt back.
"Lianel!" cried Eliria, stepping out from behind Celia.
"Nothing serious," he muttered. "But I won't say no to help."
Eliria wasted no time. Her palms glowed with soft green light, and a magical circle flared at Lianel's feet. Energy surged into the wound, knitting the flesh together and halting the bleeding.
"Thanks," Lianel whispered, exhaling. "I've seen it so many times… but damn, it still amazes me every single time."
"Always happy to help," Eliria smiled and quickly returned to her position.
Alex watched them from the corner of his eye. "Everyone knows their role. No hesitation. No panic. That's a real team."
The last goblin fell with a dull thud, its body rolling toward the wall, leaving a bloody trail on the stone. The cave finally returned to its oppressive silence. Alex took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair before turning back.
"Rogan, Lilith... How are you?"
"All good," Rogan grunted, shaking goblin remains from his claws. "Bunch of weaklings. You guys had more fun, it seems."
"I'm fine," Lilith added calmly, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "Not the scariest thing I've seen."
"The guys are destroying everything around so fast," — Celia said, wiping her forehead, — "that I have nothing left to do at all. Maybe you could slow down a bit?"
"If another wave of goblins jumps us right before the boss room," Lianel grinned, "it's all yours."
"Oh, thank you, Lianel," Celia replied with a sly smile. "Such generosity on your part."
"If everyone's intact, we move on," said Alex, scanning the group. "The longer we stand around, the more time we give other creatures to find us."
The squad moved deeper into the cave again. The narrow passage gradually widened, forming a winding tunnel. Their footsteps echoed dully off the damp stone walls, reverberating into silence.
"You know," Lianel spoke quietly, stepping closer to Alex, "looking at you, it's hard to tell you've just come out of a fight. Not a scratch, not even tired."
"All thanks to the team," Alex smiled slightly. "If I used to have to handle a dozen enemies alone, now it's different. Everyone knows their place. We work like a single machine."
"A pretty solid machine, at that," Lianel nodded. "Let's hope we function just as well against the boss."
He didn't even finish the sentence when a sharp, guttural screech pierced the cave.
"More?!" Rogan shouted.
Several dozen new goblins burst from the shadows. They were smaller, leaner, moving with frantic energy — the young ones. But their numbers were significant.
"Someone was just saying they don't have enough to do," Lianel said with a touch of mockery, glancing at Celia.
"Nice to see you're keeping your promise," she replied with a smirk.
Celia stepped slightly forward, and a bright red magic circle flared in her palm. At the same time, Lilith came to a halt beside her — dark symbols glowing across her arms.
"In sync?" Celia asked.
"Why not?" Lilith replied, and both raised their hands forward.
Flame and shadow merged into one destructive wave, crashing down over the mass of goblins. There were only agonized screams and the hiss of burning air.
As the dust began to settle, only a heap of mangled bodies remained ahead.
"You know," Lianel drawled, "after that... I definitely don't want to be your enemy."
"Thanks," Celia said, turning to Lilith. "Glad you backed me up."
"I just don't want to stay here another hour," Lilith shrugged. "I don't like this cave."
"Then move it," Kaelis grumbled from up ahead. "If we're done here — let's go."
A few more minutes passed. The squad's footsteps echoed through the tunnel until they emerged before massive doors. Tall, arched, inscribed with ruined symbols in stone and rusted dents left by something or someone trying to break out from within.
"There it is," Alex said quietly, stopping. "The boss room."
Alex glanced around the team. Everyone stood in battle stance, but even through the stern faces, fatigue was evident.
"Anyone need a break?" he asked softly, not raising his voice.
A few seconds of silence. Then answers began to come.
"I'm good," said Kaelis.
"Let's just finish this already," Lianel added, spinning his spear in his hand.
"Agreed," said Celia. "While we still have strength."
"All the way to the end," Rogan nodded.
"Me too," Eliria whispered, clenching her fists.
Alex nodded and stepped forward, placing his hand on the massive door. The stone responded with a low grating sound as the mechanism finally gave in. Hidden hinges groaned, and the door slowly opened, revealing the path to the final chamber.
The boss room was still part of the cave — but the atmosphere was different here. Torches lined the walls, their unstable flames casting long shadows that flickered across the uneven stone ceiling. To the left, a waterfall burst directly from the wall, falling into a narrow river that flowed through the cave and disappeared into darkness.
In the center of the room stood a throne made of bones, crudely stacked atop each other. It was partly wrapped in chains, and scraps of dried flesh — pieces of someone's body — hung from its back like garbage more than trophies. Beside the throne lay a pile of bones as tall as a man — all goblin remains, with sharpened skulls and frozen grins.
But everyone's attention was immediately drawn elsewhere.
By the waterfall sat a grotesque creature, breathing heavily and gnawing slowly on a goblin's severed limb. The boss was enormous — no less than the size of a two-story house. Its body was a mass of muscle, covered in rough green-gray skin, slashed and scarred. Its yellow, empty eyes were focused intently on its meal, seemingly unaware of the newcomers.
"That's… disgusting," Lilith whispered first, grimacing slightly.
"Perfect chance," Kaelis said calmly. "One clean hit — that's it. It won't even notice."
Alex slowly shook his head.
"He knows we're here. He's just not attacking yet."
As if to confirm his words, the goblin suddenly froze, lifted its head, and slowly turned around. Its maw, still dripping with flesh, opened in a deafening roar that shook the entire cave. Vibrations rippled through the ground, forcing everyone to cover their ears from the pain in their eardrums. Then, as if nothing had happened, the creature returned to its meal.
But the calm didn't last.
From the far edge of the chamber, down a narrow tunnel, came the sound of countless footsteps. Another wave of goblins — smaller, frantic, but many — emerged from the shadows, hissing and growling.
"So what now?" Rogan grunted, tensing his shoulders.
"Simple," Lianel interjected. "Someone takes the small fry, others go for the boss. Just need to figure out who does what."
All eyes instinctively turned to Alex.
He was silent for a moment, thinking. If he went for the boss alone — it'd be too suspicious. He'd have the strength, but… that would raise questions. He had to be careful. Take someone with him, but not break the team's balance.
"I'll go for him," Alex finally said. "Kaelis — you're with me. Everyone else holds back the goblins. Don't let them interfere."
"Got it," Lianel nodded.
"Understood," Lilith added.
Wasting no time, Alex and Kaelis charged forward. The rest simultaneously lunged at the new wave of goblins. The massive goblin finally tossed aside the limb and slowly stood up, its shadow engulfing half the cave.
"So, what's the plan?" Kaelis asked.
"Keep him busy. I'll try to land a hit," Alex replied, drawing his sword. Blood immediately began flowing along the blade, as if rejoicing at the upcoming battle.
Kaelis was the first to engage. His wind-forged blade spun in his hands like a deadly whip, slicing through the air with a piercing whistle. Alex followed behind — less hurried, but with dangerous focus in his eyes.
The giant goblin didn't wait. Its massive limb — like a tree trunk — slammed down, aiming to crush Kaelis. The elf leapt to the side, twisting in midair, and struck the wrist with his sword. From beneath the rough skin burst a dark, thick liquid — not blood, but something heavier.
Alex darted to the other paw and, seizing the moment, struck diagonally, leaving a long, deep gash. The boss roared and swung in the opposite direction — a wave of water suddenly exploded from his palm, as if he had wrung it out of the air. The torrent knocked Alex off his feet, throwing him several meters aside.
"Still alive?" Kaelis shouted, dodging another blow.
"For now," Alex replied, getting up. "That freak can use water magic too."
The goblin tried to stomp on Kaelis, but he once again slipped aside, using the wind as a boost. Alex sprang to the right and launched another attack. Their movements were synchronized, like a long-trained duet: Kaelis drew the monster's attention, and Alex slashed at its exposed spots.
Amid the battle, Alex glanced toward the rest of the team. Despite the number of enemies, they were holding strong: Celia scorched goblins in waves of flame, Lilith entangled their legs in shadows, Rogan tore foes in half, and Lianel held the flank with lightning precision. Eliria remained in the rear, supporting everyone with healing.
They're holding on well… Alex noted, ducking another swipe from the boss's paw.
And then, suddenly, the goblin raised his arm, drawing it back to strike. Alex immediately assumed a defensive stance, bracing himself for the blow… but something felt wrong.
The giant didn't charge at him.
Instead, it whirled around — and bolted in the opposite direction, straight toward the group guarding the rear. Alex couldn't believe his eyes: the target — Eliria. She stood slightly apart, protected by her comrades' backs, and now stared death in the face.
"Eliria!" Alex shouted. "Move!"
But she was frozen. Fear gripped her, paralyzed her. Her hands trembled, lips parted — but no sound, no movement.
She won't make it! flashed through Alex's mind.
In that very instant, a magical circle appeared beneath him and Eliria. The space around their bodies distorted — and in a blink, he stood where she had been, and she was now where he had just stood.
The boss was already upon him, a massive paw raised for a crushing blow.
Alex ducked — just as the goblin's paw whooshed over him with a roar and fury. Without losing a second, Alex spun and, with a powerful lunge, delivered a horizontal slash.
The blood-blade whistled — and severed the goblin's arm just above the elbow. The massive limb flew to the side, splattering foul black liquid.
The beast roared, this time — in pain.
Alex stood, his chest heaving with tension, eyes burning with cold fury.
"Decided to ignore us?" he whispered. "Bad idea."
As the goblin's paw landed on the stone with a splash of black fluid, Kaelis didn't waste a second. He slid along the wall and struck the monster's leg with his dual-edged blade. The wind-forged sword slipped through the skin like a hot knife through wax. A deep gash in the thigh made the creature roar again, this time — in desperate agony.
The boss staggered back several steps. His massive body was wounded, his movements — no longer sure. But he didn't fall. With a furious roar, he raised his remaining arm, and the water flowing from the waterfall suddenly gathered mid-air. Several waves coiled around him like serpents, ready to strike.
"More magic…" Kaelis muttered.
"His power's fading, but don't let your guard down," Alex replied, raising his sword again.
A torrent of water shot at them with maddening speed. Kaelis twisted through the air, a vortex of wind around him slicing the wave before it could reach him. Alex ducked beneath it, sliding across the slick stone, and was almost instantly in front of the goblin again.
Another watery projectile — another dodge. Kaelis seized the moment, striking the monster's knee. Alex slashed the opposite shoulder. Wounds accumulated, the goblin's strength ebbed away.
One final roar — and the giant dropped to his knees.
Alex lunged closer, sprinted — and raised his sword.
The strike was precise, straight, deep.
The goblin's head flung back as the blade slashed its throat. A moment later — the hulking body collapsed to the ground with a dull thud.
"Done," Alex murmured, breathing heavily.
"Nice work," Kaelis said.
Smiling, Alex raised his fist.
"Good job, partner."
Kaelis offered a faint but genuine smile — and lightly tapped his fist.
"Agreed."
As they caught their breath, the others finished their part of the battle. The air was once again filled only with heavy breathing and the scent of blood. Among the fighters, none clutched a wound.
Alex turned, immediately locking eyes with Eliria. She still stood slightly apart, unmoving since the boss's attack. Her shoulders trembled, her hands clenched into fists.
Alex slowly walked toward her.
"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.
Eliria flinched and looked up at him. Tears glistened in her eyes.
"I… I let everyone down…" she whispered. "I was scared. I froze. I did nothing… I'm sorry…"
He didn't say a word. He simply raised his hand and gently wiped away the tear that had traced down her cheek.
"You didn't let anyone down," Alex said softly. "Fear is normal. It fades with time. But right now — look around. Everyone's alive and unharmed. You have every reason to be proud."
Eliria nodded silently, barely holding back another wave of tears. But not from fear this time — from relief.
"Ooh, ooh," came Lilith's voice behind them. "And what do we have here?" Her tone was mildly teasing, but curiosity gleamed in her eyes.
Alex turned to meet her gaze.
"Checking on the condition of our precious healer," he replied calmly.
"Ah, I see," Lilith nodded curtly.
"Tell me," Lianel interjected with his usual smile, "are my eyes deceiving me? Did she just—"
He didn't get to finish.
A dark magical circle flared in Lilith's hand, and her gaze turned icy.
"One more word, and I'll do to you what happened to the boss. And trust me, it'll be with love, Lianel."
"Alright, alright," the young man raised his hands in surrender. "Suddenly forgot what I was going to say. By the way, commander…"
He turned to Alex, serious, though still playfully so.
"As the commander's right hand — I officially report: all targets down, alive, and without critical injuries."
Alex gave a faint smile.
"I don't recall appointing you as my right hand."
"He doesn't need to be appointed," Celia chimed in. "If he wants something — he takes it himself."
"The position was vacant," Alex shrugged. "I don't care who fills it."
"Good," Lianel replied simply, a satisfied grin on his lips.
At that moment, Elizabeth and Krul emerged from the shadows. Their steps were steady and calm, their expressions approving.
"Well done," Elizabeth said, glancing over the group.
"Time to claim your reward and leave this stinking place," Krul added. "You really did better than expected."
Krul's office was, as always, immersed in semi-darkness. Shadows flickered on the walls from the glow of several magical lamps floating near the ceiling. Standing before the large desk was the headmistress herself, arms folded across her chest. Beside her stood Elizabeth, calm and silent.
In front of them stood all seven students, fresh from the shower and already dressed in their academic uniforms. Their appearance was tidy, but the energy of the battle still smoldered in their eyes.
Krul was the first to break the silence.
"You did well." Her voice was even and slightly cold, but a note of pride was audible. "For your first joint raid, you performed excellently. Coordinated, precise, professional. Not every guild can boast such synchronization."
She paused, looking each of them in the eye.
"I hope all your future raids will be just as successful."
"And now," Elizabeth continued, stepping forward, "it's time to explain why your group was created in the first place."
The students exchanged wary glances.
"Once every three years, a grand dungeon-clearing tournament is held. Anyone can participate, as long as they are part of a raid group with at least six members. All kinds of participants take part: large guilds, independent groups, even mercenaries."
Elizabeth paused, emphasizing the tension.
"The Academy has never participated before. But this time, we decided to change the rules of the game. And you — you are the ones who will represent the Academy two years from now."
The words hung in the air. All seven exchanged glances in silence. No one said a word, but each of them understood the weight of the news.
"As Elizabeth said," Krul interjected again, "you have two years. We will turn you into a team that can stand against even the finest representatives of the most renowned guilds."
She waved a hand over the desk, and a glowing calendar projection appeared in the air, marked with notes.
"Here is what awaits you in the future: twice a week — joint raids under our supervision. Another two times a week — sparring training. One-on-one. Or one of us against several of you. The situations will vary, and you must be ready for anything."
Krul lowered her hand, and the projection disappeared.
"This will all start on Monday. For now... you have two days. Rest. Recover. Things will only get harder from here."
She looked at them once more and gave a slight nod.
"Any questions?"
Silence.
"Alright. You're dismissed."
The students began leaving the office one by one. But just as Alex was about to step through the door, Krul suddenly spoke up:
"Alex. Stay for a moment."
The boy slowed his pace and turned back, remaining in the room as the door closed behind the others.
"I'm listening," Alex replied calmly, stopping in the middle of the room.
"I happened to have a rare free moment," she said, folding her arms. "And I thought it would be a good time to return to where we left off. I mean — the creation of new mana channels for darkness, unless you're too exhausted after the raid. We can always reschedule."
"No, I'm fine," Alex replied, looking her confidently in the eye. "Ready to start right now."
Krul smiled warmly — a very different smile from her usual expression.
"Good. Then have a seat."
She gestured toward a soft sofa by the wall. Alex walked over and sat down. Just like last time, Krul settled beside him, maintaining a respectful distance. Alex inadvertently glanced to the side — at Elizabeth, who still stood near the desk, silent and calm.
"If you're worried about me," she said, catching his gaze, "I asked to be here. I'm curious to see how you work with these channels. So don't get distracted — listen to Krul and do as she says."
Alex sighed.
"Alright."
Krul leaned in a little closer.
"Do you remember how we did it with the first channel?"
"Yes, I remember everything," the boy confirmed.
"Good," Krul nodded, placing her palm on his back. "Begin."
The work on the new mana channel took a long time. This time, Alex was directing it toward his left arm — slowly, carefully, without haste. His movements were more confident, and the inner darkness more stable, no longer as turbulent as before. The channels no longer collapsed with every attempt, but he didn't take any chances — acting with cold precision, not allowing himself to rush.
Nearly four hours passed.
When the process was finally complete, Krul withdrew her hand and looked at him.
"How do you feel?"
Alex took a deep breath and opened his eyes.
"Good. Very good, actually. I can feel the dark mana flowing smoothly from the core to my palms. Like water in a stream."
"That's the result of your work," Krul nodded. "But we're not done yet. We still need to run the channels through your legs, and then — expand the ones we've already made. So the darkness can nourish every muscle. That will give you a serious boost in physical ability."
She smiled slightly.
"But that's enough for today."
With those words, she turned to Elizabeth.
"He's in your hands now."
"I'll leave him be for today," Elizabeth replied. "No point in overloading him." Then she added, addressing Alex, "Come see me tomorrow."
"Alright. I will," he confirmed, rising from the sofa. He bowed briefly to both women and was about to open the door when—
"Alex," Elizabeth called.
He stopped and turned around.
"Yes?"
"You did well today," she said with a gentle smile. "As a commander."
"Agreed completely," Krul added, giving him that same barely noticeable warmth in her gaze.
Alex replied briefly but sincerely:
"Thank you. Both of you."
Then he opened the door and left the office.
"You have a very fine nephew," Krul said, watching him go.
Elizabeth smiled proudly.
"Of course. I am his aunt, after all."
She paused for a few seconds, then added more softly, her voice tinged with something else:
"And Lilith is a very talented girl. Together, they'll achieve great things."
"I believe that," Krul said quietly.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow with a smile:
"Care to join me for a couple of glasses of wine tonight?"
Krul nodded lightly, a calm smile lighting her face.
"With pleasure."
When Alex returned to his room, the sun was already dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in soft gold with hints of purple. The silence that reigned in the dormitory felt unusually pleasant—no noise, no footsteps in the hallway.
Opening the door, he noticed something new: a small note lay on his bed. Walking closer, Alex immediately recognized the handwriting—confident, slightly sweeping, without unnecessary flourishes. It was Adam's.
"If you're not collapsing after the raid, drop by the training room."
Alex frowned slightly as he read the lines.
"What does he want with me?" he wondered.
He tossed the note back onto the blanket, and in that very moment, a glowing magical circle lit up beneath his feet. A second later, Alex found himself in the familiar training hall.
The room was bathed in dim blue light from lanterns on the walls. In one corner, a small artificial pond shimmered—created for mana recovery. And in the center of the room, a duel was taking place.
Adam and Aria were trading focused blows. In Aria's hands were two short daggers made of blood, gleaming red in the magical light. Adam held a long sword, its blade veiled in flickering lightning. Their movements were quick, precise—the energy in the air was almost tangible.
Aria struck first, launching into a flurry of slashing attacks. She came at him from different angles, trying to confuse Adam, but he didn't retreat—only twisted his body at odd angles and responded with sharp counterattacks. His sword moved with a near-whistle, and each strike carried the weight of thunder.
Alex didn't intervene, merely watched from the shadows.
"She's holding up well," he thought, observing Aria. "Putting in just as much effort as during our training. Her focus is perfect."
But even her refined technique didn't always help. Adam's lightning speed was no figure of speech. His magic made his body far faster than that of an ordinary fighter. Aria couldn't always keep up and occasionally had to fall back to avoid losing her rhythm.
Then came the final moment. Adam feinted an attack from the right, forcing Aria to block in that direction—but in a flash, he changed angle and brought the blade to her neck from the left. The girl froze, then sighed and lowered her weapons—the daggers dissolved into the air.
"Thank you," said Adam, withdrawing his sword, which immediately lost its electric glow.
"Oh, come on..." Aria muttered with exaggerated offense. "Once again, I'm your punching bag."
Adam smiled warmly.
"Don't say that. You're the only one who can keep up with me this long. And more importantly—after training with Alex, I don't have to hold back as much."
"Well," she tilted her head, "he turned out to be surprisingly good as a teacher. I'll beat you soon."
"Soon? I doubt it. But someday, maybe," Adam winked.
"And here I am," came a familiar voice.
Both fighters flinched and turned sharply.
"How long have you been here?!" Aria asked with a note of suspicion, narrowing her eyes.
"Just showed up—literally a second ago," Alex replied with a perfectly calm face.
"Yeah, right..." she muttered, then waved a hand. "I'll leave Adam in your capable hands."
She turned and headed for the pond.
Left alone with his friend, Alex raised an eyebrow.
"So, what did you need me for?"
"A quick duel," Adam replied.
"Really?" Alex glanced at his slightly worn-out appearance. "You and Aria just finished, didn't you? Maybe that's enough?"
"I'm not tired," Adam smiled. "Besides, this is different. A duel with Aria is one thing. With you... well, you know."
Alex sighed heavily.
"Yeah, I know. How hard do you want me to go?"
"All in," Adam said seriously. "It's important. For me."
"What exactly?"
"All questions—after. Right now... the fight."
Without waiting for permission, Adam leapt back several meters. His sword once again became wreathed in dazzling lightning.
"Ready?"
Alex summoned his blood blade in his right hand. The edge pulsed like something alive.
"Ready."
"Just one warning!" Aria suddenly shouted from the pond. "Alex has this annoying habit of holding back against those he thinks are weaker. If you want a real duel, make him go all out."
"I know," Adam nodded, eyes locked on Alex.
And in the next moment, the two of them charged at each other.