บท 13: Chapter 13: The Duel of Rivals
The sun hung high over the training grounds of Aurora Academy, casting sharp shadows across the arena as students gathered to witness the duel between Rian Ashford and Dante Valen. Dante was a powerhouse—his presence radiated confidence, and his Essentium, known as the Titan's Rage, was feared by many. Rian, however, felt a mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through him.
As the duel commenced, the instructor shouted, "Begin!" and Rian sprang into action, channelling the Flicker. He darted forward, relying on speed and agility, but Dante was prepared. With a swift motion, he unleashed a shockwave of force that sent Rian staggering back.
"Come on, Rian! Show me what you've got!" Dante taunted, a cocky grin plastered on his face. Rian's heart raced; he needed to prove himself, not just to Dante, but to everyone watching.
With a determined grit, Rian activated his Flicker, focusing on the electrical energy within him. He aimed to channel a unique technique he'd been practising—something beyond mere speed. Rian felt the surge building, but doubt crept in. Was he strong enough?
As Rian pushed forward again, he felt something shift within him. It wasn't just the Flicker; it was something more, something new. A jolt of energy coursed through his veins, igniting a pulse of raw electricity that wrapped around him like a storm.
"I can't hold back anymore!" Rian shouted, his voice barely audible over the chaos. He unleashed the newly discovered energy in a wild arc, creating a dazzling flash that illuminated the arena. The crowd gasped as arcs of electricity danced around him, momentarily blinding Dante.
But Dante, ever the fighter, recovered quickly. "Impressive! But not enough!" he roared, channelling his own energy into a colossal strike. The ground shook as he lunged, slamming his fist down. Rian barely managed to dodge, but not without getting clipped by the sheer force of the blow. Pain radiated through his body, and he staggered, struggling to maintain his footing.
Dante seized the moment, delivering a final, powerful blow that sent Rian sprawling to the ground. As the dust settled, the instructor called the match, declaring Dante the winner.
Rian felt his consciousness fading. As darkness engulfed him, he caught a glimpse of Dante, breathing heavily, a mix of admiration and exhaustion in his eyes. The last thing Rian heard was the instructor shouting for the nurse.
Rian awoke in the nurse's office, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling his nostrils. Blinking against the bright light, he turned to see Dante sitting on a cot nearby, looking equally dazed.
"Looks like we both pushed too hard," Dante admitted, rubbing his temples. "Your Flicker… I've never seen anything like it. That was impressive, Ashford."
Rian sat up, rubbing his own sore head. "You had me outclassed, Valen. But I'm not finished yet." A competitive spark ignited within him.
"I know," Dante replied, a hint of a smile creeping onto his lips. "We'll only get stronger. I can already see it—we're rivals now."
Rian nodded, the rivalry igniting a fire in him. As they exchanged words, both young men understood something profound: their destinies were intertwined, and this duel was just the beginning of a long, arduous journey ahead.
With determination simmering beneath the surface, Rian vowed to train harder. He would not only master the Flicker but discover the full potential of his Essentium. And in doing so, he would prepare for the day he would face Dante again—stronger and more formidable than before.
The chapter ended with both of them silently acknowledging that this rivalry could push them to greatness, even as they lay injured in the nurse's office.
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