⚔️ Chapter 4: Duel Festival Begins
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It was that time of year again.
The Noxharte Duel Festival.
A school tradition where students competed in spell combat to gain prestige, ranks… and favor. For nobles, it was a family showcase. For commoners, a rare shot at rising.
For Aero Nacht?
Just noise.
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Professor Albrecht announced the brackets mid-morning.
> "Due to mana sync levels, duel teams are assigned. Combat begins this afternoon."
He paused.
> "Aero Nacht… paired with Nyx Elvaris."
The room went still.
Someone chuckled nervously.
> "What kind of cursed combo is that?"
Another whispered:
> "We're gonna see something insane or someone die."
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Training Grounds – One Hour Later
Aero stood beside Nyx.
Neither spoke.
But the pressure between them was suffocating.
Their opponents? A pair of arrogant second-years from the Blaze House.
> "You're both F-Class trash," one said, cracking his knuckles. "We'll finish this in under thirty seconds."
The duel circle lit up.
Magical judges set the boundaries.
> "Begin!"
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First Attack – Firestorm Volley
Flames surged from both enemies, forming a spinning vortex of fireballs aimed at Aero.
He didn't move.
He didn't need to.
Nyx stepped forward.
She raised her hand slightly.
Frost.
Purple fire.
Both merged — unholy, cursed flame.
The vortex vanished mid-air. Evaporated. No sound.
One of the boys stumbled backward.
> "What the hell—?"
Aero walked forward calmly.
> "You talk too much."
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Aero lifted his hand.
He didn't chant.
Didn't form a spell circle.
Just pointed.
The second boy froze.
Then dropped, gasping — his mana circuits locked by some invisible force.
> "You can't cast if you forget how," Aero muttered.
Match over.
The judge hesitated… then declared it.
> "Winner: Aero Nacht and Nyx Elvaris."
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As the two left the stage, Aero glanced sideways.
> "We didn't even sync."
Nyx smirked faintly, the first time ever.
> "We didn't need to."
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Far above, in the Headmaster's Tower:
A rune crystal flickered violently.
The Headmaster's expression turned grim.
> "Both of them are evolving too quickly… and that wasn't even 10%."
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End of Chapter 4