Scene: Astral Academy – Zenith Dome (Central Stadium)
The massive glass dome trembled with the roaring cheers of thousands of students. Every seat was filled. The air itself seemed electric with tension and curiosity.
> "The Top Ten are clashing!"
"This is it—Wing A vs Wing B!"
"Veer's going first? Against Vivaan?"
A silver stage rose at the center, glowing softly with spiritual runes. Projection crystals hovered around the arena, broadcasting the battle across every screen in the academy.
And some students in the stadium eager to watch
On opposite sides of the ring, Veer of Wing A and Vivaan of Wing B stepped forward.
Veer wore a focused smile, scarf fluttering behind him as his wind aura swirled around his body
Vivaan's expression was unreadable—cool and calculating, a faint flicker of black mist clinging to his arms like shadows waiting to move.
From the skybooth, Instructor Rivan announced:
> "This is a friendly but official match. Surrender or incapacitation ends the duel. Spiritual techniques are allowed. Begin!"
Round One: Testing the Waters
> Fwoosh!
Before the command even finished echoing, Veer vanished—Windstep—reappearing behind Vivaan mid-air.
> Veer (grinning):
"Let's fly."
He launched a Gale Shredder, razor-sharp wind slicing forward like invisible blades.
Vivaan ducked low, raising a hand. The shadows curled up and blocked the strike with a whisper.
> Thup… thup…
Vivaan slid back, creating distance, then pointed his finger forward. A Void Arrow formed—pure darkness infused with kinetic force—launched like a bullet.
Veer dodged upward and landed on invisible wind.
> He's walking on air…
The crowd gasped. Veer hovered slightly above the ground.
> "He's using Windstep to stay airborne!"
Vivaan calmly raised his hand, and the entire floor beneath Veer's shadow began to twist.
> Vivaan (quietly):
"Graveless Spiral."
The shadows surged upward, forming a vortex to trap Veer midair.
---
Round Two: Pushing Limits
> Veer:
"Not bad. But try keeping up with this!"
He clenched his fist—Storm Cage!
A vortex of wind clashed with Vivaan's spiraling shadows, the two elements colliding mid-arena. The impact sent waves rippling through the stadium.
> CRASH!
Vivaan was pushed back but landed smoothly, shadows cushioning his fall.
> "Vivaan's technique absorbs impact! But Veer's wind keeps him mobile!"
Both boys panted lightly, no longer smiling. The fun was gone—now it was a battle of respect.
---
Final Round: Unleashing the Signature
Vivaan stood still for a moment, then extended both arms.
> Vivaan:
"Void Burial."
The arena darkened, his spiritual energy compressing into dozens of black spears. They floated above him—ominous, trembling with pressure.
> "W-What is that move!?"
> Veer (narrowing eyes):
"Tch... then I'll answer in kind."
His wind gathered in both arms, spiraling and roaring.
> Veer:
"Tempest Fang!"
A massive crescent slash of roaring wind burst forth, cutting straight through the air toward the swarm of shadow spears.
> BOOM!
Wind and void clashed mid-field, exploding into a shockwave that blasted dust and light across the arena.
When the smoke cleared—
Veer stood firm, breathing hard but with a confident smile.
Vivaan had dropped to one knee, shadows flickering faintly, his aura depleted.
---
Winner: Veer of Wing A
> Rivan:
"Match One—Veer wins!"
The crowd erupted.
> "He cut through that whole spell!"
"His windwalk was insane!"
"Vivaan still held his own, though!"
Vivaan stood and gave a respectful nod. Veer walked over and offered his hand.
> Veer (smirking):
"You almost had me, shadowman."
> Vivaan (quietly):
"Not yet. But soon."
---
Meanwhile… from the viewing deck
Ashwajeet, arms crossed, said nothing—his golden eyes locked on the ring.
Reika cracked her knuckles.
> Reika:
"Can't wait to roast some one