nyslfriends Chapter 409 93.1 - Duels [3]
Chapter 409 93.1 - Duels [3]
Chapter 409 93.1 - Duels [3]
"Seraphina Frostborne and Irina Emberheart."
Possibly the two most known students of the academy when their names are called together.
The reason?
It is evident from their surnames.
Frostborne.
Emberheart.
Two legendary families who command the elements of ice and fire.
Eternal Rivalry, one might even say.
After all, they possess two opposite attributes.
Ice and fire have always been compared to each other, being used against nullifying each other. When there is ice, one always calls fire elemental, and when there is fire, one calls ice.
However, is it simply related to the elements?
Just because one possessed opposing attributes didn't mean that they would be required to be enemies.
And, well....The reason for their rivalry and hostility lay in....Slightly complex issues, let's say.
But at the end of the day, one thing was clear.
There, in the arena that would be housing the final day of the duels...Two heirs of these families stood face to face.
On one side, a girl with clear silver hair, an icy demeanor, and a cold, calculating gaze stood. Seraphina Frostborne. Her presence was regal and commanding, and each step she took exuded confidence and grace. She wore a special dress adorned with intricate silver ornaments and embroidery, reflecting the Frostborne family's traditional attire. The gown shimmered in the light, the fabric seemingly woven with threads of ice, creating a breathtaking effect. The dress was not merely decorative; it symbolized the legacy and honor of the Frostborne family, a reminder of their storied history and unyielding resolve.
It was completely breathtaking.
"Wow."
Even if her reputation as the first-ranked student had already spread to the academy, that didn't mean everyone knew about her beauty.
And certainly, they were not expecting to see such a scene.
It was as if they had come to a beauty festival.
Her icy blue eyes surveyed the arena with a calm, detached intensity, calculating every possible move and counter. There was precision in her every movement, a testament to years of rigorous training and discipline. She was a true embodiment of her family's legacy, a beacon of the Frostborne's enduring strength and elegance.
–SWOOSH! Suddenly, the wind moved, taking their gaze from her to the other side.
Opposite her stood Irina Emberheart, a striking contrast with her fiery red hair and hazel eyes that seemed to blaze with an inner fire. Irina's presence was equally commanding, her confidence radiating in waves. She wore a dress that was a testament to the Emberheart family's proud heritage. The gown was a rich, deep crimson adorned with gold embroidery that flickered like flames in the light. It was a traditional Emberheart dress designed to symbolize the fierce passion and strength that defined their lineage.
Irina's gaze locked onto Seraphina, her eyes alight with a blend of determination and arrogance. A confident, almost smug smile played on her lips, befitting her usual demeanor. She stood with a poised readiness, every muscle coiled and prepared for the imminent clash.
But, inwardly, her eyes were looking across the stage, her mind thinking.
'Indeed, as I thought. She did such a trick.'
It was a move expected from Seraphina Frostborne. This whole rivalry had made them understand each other more, and Irina was certainly aware of the fact that Seraphina liked to resort to psychological tactics before fighting.
Thus, she matched her advances. By doing that, she somehow got praise from that woman.
Even though she hated doing what she desired from her, Irina wasn't stupid enough not to discern the priorities.
The amphitheater was buzzing with excitement as the crowd took in the sight of Seraphina Frostborne and Irina Emberheart. The sheer elegance and contrasting fiery presence of the two combatants captivated everyone.
"Wow," someone whispered in awe. "Seraphina is stunning. I had heard about her beauty, but seeing her in person..."
"She looks like a queen made of ice," another person added, their voice filled with admiration. "That dress is incredible. It's like something out of a fairy tale."
Even the girls in the crowd couldn't help but acknowledge Seraphina's ethereal beauty. "She's so elegant. It's almost intimidating," one girl admitted, her eyes wide with admiration.
But just as the praise for Seraphina reached its peak, eyes turned towards the fiery presence on the other side of the arena.
"Don't forget about Irina," another voice chimed in. "She's just as stunning in her own way. Look at her, standing there with that confident smile."
"Yeah, if Seraphina is a cold, elegant queen, then Irina is like a warrior princess. She looks like she could take on the world alone."
She knew she needed to change her strategy.
'I will move fast.' She began to weave her flames with more finesse, focusing on precise, targeted strikes rather than overwhelming force.
She aimed for Seraphina's defenses, seeking out weak points and exploiting them with pinpoint accuracy.
Seraphina, however, anticipated each move. Her ice magic was like a dance, each motion fluid and graceful. She deflected Irina's attacks with ease, her icy constructs moving with a life of their own.
Whenever Irina attempted to gain ground, Seraphina countered with a flurry of ice shards, keeping her at bay.
*******
"She is not doing enough."
Irina was a strong student.
She was an excellent mage.
However, her opponent was strong as well.
'Seraphina.'
She had a special talent that was only mentioned in the game but not revealed. For the player who chose the Irina route and faced Seraphina, her patterns were a nightmare.
Since no matter what you do, her artificial intelligence is top-notch. She had almost the best input reading in the game.
Her patterns changed according to the movements you made, according to the spells you had chosen.
She was basically a cheat when it came to the mage one-on-ones. And, for the players who wanted to beat her, there was only one choice.
'Overpowering her with firepower.'
Irina was such a character. Rather than always thinking about the details, she innately controlled the fire. The fire was her servant, and it served her. That was it.
She would beat Seraphina by commanding the fire and using one of the strongest spells, just like Ethan did.
'But not the current one.' After all, she was bound to lose this fight from the start. This was not a changeable option in the game.
Since Irina doesn't have the power to empower Seraphina at this point in her life.
But does that mean she can't win?
'Show me if you really have changed.'
All the times we had spent together, after all those times, she became different.
She became someone who could apologize, who could listen to others, and who knew how to open herself up.
And most importantly.
She became someone who understood the importance of learning from everyone and that pride is useless if it is holding you back.
As I was thinking to myself, suddenly, I felt a presence beside me.
"What do you think?" A familiar voice that made me want to facepalm. However, her disguise was pretty good, so I held it back.
"Seraphina is pretty good, isn't she?" Lilia analyzed the fight, her eyes darting.
"She is."
"It seems Irina still can't beat her rival."
"I wouldn't be this sure."
"Hmm....Why? From how I see, Seraphina is never going to give Irina a chance."
Lilia's thoughts were correct. From how the fight was playing, it was evident that Irina wouldn't be able to overcome Seraphina.
"Wait and see."
"Haha....I can't wait to see."
With a smile, she turned to face the fight, and I did the same too.
And I slowly started understanding how Seraphina's special ability worked.