[Location: Chemistry Lab – 6:35 AM]
Kael gave Phoebe a lazy smile, hands behind his head. "Relax. I'll get it ready for you soon. It's not like I'm going to ghost my new rune professor."
Phoebe narrowed her eyes at him with mock annoyance. "You better. I don't tutor handsome idiots for free."
Kael chuckled but before he could shoot back a comeback...
BZZZT.
The speakers crackled alive, echoing throughout the academy.
> "All students are to report immediately to the arena. A sanctioned duel between Second Year students Vael Morvayne and Zeta Locke is about to commence."
Kael blinked. "Wait… Zeta Locke? As in Mr. Locke's son?"
Phoebe glanced toward the door, uninterested. "Mhm. That's him. Beast affinity genius. But I've got some research to do, so I'll pass."
Kael stood, already curious. "Suit yourself."
---
[Location: Arena – 6:48 AM]
The arena was almost full, packed with students from all years, whispering and pointing as Kael found himself a seat near the upper deck. From here, he could see the whole circular platform.
There they were.
Vael Morvayne, dressed in black and red combat gear, his signature silver-lined rapier gleaming under the morning light. His stance was loose, but his aura was cold and sharp, a predator ready to strike.
Across from him stood Zeta Locke, wearing simple silver robes with blue trim. No weapons.
Instead, around his neck hung a deep azure crystal pendant, humming with power.
Kael narrowed his eyes and thought,
> That necklace it's a Beast Core Amplifier. Honestly, it's probably more dangerous than a blade.
He activated Mana Composition Perception, his vision sharpening.
First, he looked at Vael.
> Blood red mana. Dense. Sharp. Not monstrous like Jin or Elira's but still top-tier for a second year. He's got refined control and combat instinct.
Then, Kael turned to Zeta.
His pupils dilated slightly.
> White mana… flaring like a sun… It's rare. Like… purity and chaos woven into one. Is that divine-type mana? No… more primal. Probably his beast core going full sync with the amplifier.
The tension crackled in the air as the announcer raised his hand.
"Begin!"