Chapter 37: Tournament
Clara's unexpected appearance in combat clothes caught Lyra off guard as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. The vibrant yellow and blue hues of Clara's usual attire were replaced by a more practical and intimidating ensemble, signaling the seriousness of the upcoming event.
"Lyra, do you even know why everyone is so hyped about this Essence Tournament?" Clara asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Lyra, still groggy from her slumber, hazarded a guess. "So people can beat each other up?"
Clara laughed, shaking her head. "No, no, no. Excessive violence can make you lose points. The Essence Tournament is an art, Lyra. It's a tradition deeply rooted in Sanguine culture, where they compete using traditional Essence techniques."
She continued, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Our Essence Tournament is a big spectacle. While they don't say it officially, they pretty much match us against the Sanguinis. It can get pretty brutal, but the rewards are worth it. If you win, you get a free passing grade, a free excuse day, and an awesome trophy!"
Lyra's eyes widened as the realization of the tournament's significance sank in. She felt a surge of excitement and determination, knowing that this was her chance to prove herself and showcase her abilities.
However, her excitement quickly turned to panic as she remembered a crucial detail. "Oh yeah, my battle outfit!" she exclaimed, frantically searching through her belongings. To her dismay, she realized that she didn't have any suitable combat attire.
Clara, noticing Lyra's distress, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't worry. We'll figure something out. I might have some extra gear that could fit you."
Lyra looked up at her friend, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Really? That would be amazing, Clara. Thank you so much."
Clara grinned, pulling Lyra into a quick hug. "That's what friends are for. Now, let's get you suited up and ready to kick some Sanguine butt!"
As they rummaged through Clara's collection of combat clothes, Lyra couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie and support. She knew that with friends like Clara by her side, she could face any challenge that came her way.
Finally, they found a suitable outfit for Lyra - a sleek, black ensemble with reinforced padding and strategically placed pockets for her alchemical concoctions. As she slipped into the gear, Lyra felt a surge of confidence and determination wash over her.
She turned to Clara, a fierce grin on her face. "Alright, I'm ready. Let's show them what we're made of!"
Clara matched her grin, her Essence energy crackling with anticipation. "That's the spirit, Lyra! Together, we'll give them a performance they'll never forget."
As they made their way to the tournament grounds, Lyra's mind raced with strategies and possibilities. She knew that the competition would be fierce, that she would be facing off against some of the most talented Essence users in the academy.
But she also knew that she had something special, a unique blend of telepathic abilities and alchemical knowledge that could give her an edge. And with the support of her friends and the fire of her determination burning bright, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they stepped into the arena, the roar of the crowd washing over them like a tidal wave, Lyra felt a sense of purpose and belonging that she had never experienced before. This was her moment, her chance to prove to herself and to the world that she was more than just a small-town girl with a tragic past.
She was Lyra Argyle, a force to be reckoned with, and she was ready to take on the world.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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stone