Date: Fifth Day of Festival
Location: Coliseum Arena – South Wing
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Today was a test of light and fire.
They called themselves the Arcane Elite — and they earned the name.
All magic. All precision. All spectacle.
We entered the arena under shadow, and left under the weight of silence — the kind only victory brings.
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They tried to blind us from the start.
A barrage of wide-area spells aimed to disorient, break formation, force a scatter.
But Riya didn't flinch.
She wove wind and flame into dancing arcs — not just countering, but turning their heat against them.
Steam rose from their side of the field.
Alice followed.
She didn't ask permission. She doesn't anymore.
A quick bite behind the curtain this morning — quiet, clean, familiar.
I told her: "Don't take too much."
She just nodded. Didn't meet my eyes.
But I saw the faint flush in her cheeks during the match.
> "I won't be your crutch," I said once.
I don't think she cares anymore.
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Anna cast third.
She's been quiet since the last match — tired, not broken.
Her magic burst like scattered glass, blinding one side of the formation.
Leander took the gap — moved with a grin and a drawn blade.
Gideon followed, slower but unstoppable.
Their formation crumbled in minutes.
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I didn't use magic. I couldn't.
Not because I was afraid — but because I know better now.
The cost would be too great.
So I stood, watched, called two commands — no more.
> "Hold position."
"Collapse from the flank."
That was all they needed.
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Elric covered the wounded. Riya burned down their illusion wall.
Alice disabled the last caster with a flick of her wrist and a soft smile.
We won.
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Their professor clapped sarcastically from the stands.
David didn't look up. But I saw his hands behind his back — clenched.
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Later, when we returned to the tent, Alice pulled me aside.
She didn't ask this time.
Just placed a hand on my chest, met my eyes, and leaned close.
> "You're always cold after a match," she whispered.
"Let me fix that."
I let her drink — just a little.
The bite stung less this time.
Maybe I'm getting used to it.
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The others are getting stronger.
I'm just trying not to become a burden.
But sometimes, when I see them fight — so bright, so fearless —
…I almost believe I'm not one.
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Tomorrow's match is against a wall.
No tricks. No spells. Just endurance.
We'll see if the mind still matters.
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End of Entry