Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Wings of Light vs Stormfire Elegance

The training grounds of Zenith Academy were buzzing once again, the excitement barely having settled from the previous duel. Alistar stood at the center, his voice echoing through the open dome:

“Next duel: Aurelia sylven Eveglade from Class 1-A, first year, versus Gwen Arcwright of Class 2-A.”

Gasps and murmurs filled the stands as the name “Aurelia” was announced.

From the edge of the platform fluttered a small figure, her presence like a spring breeze.

Aurelia Eveglade, the fairy princess of Class 1-A, walked forward with poise.

Her short green hair bounced slightly with every step, and her golden-yellow eyes sparkled with a mixture of nervousness and determination.

“Waaaah, she’s so cute!”

“She looks like a magical doll!”

The boys of both classes were instantly enchanted. Some nearly passed out when she turned and gave a shy wave toward the crowd.

Because of her petite and delicate appearance.

Like her brother, her wings were currently invisible, but the faint shimmer of light trailing behind her hinted at their existence.

On her hip was a small summoning charm etched into a silver locket—a conduit to her spirit companion.

Then the second-year stepped up.

Gwen Arcwright entered the platform with a casual stride and a dazzling presence. Her long crimson hair was tied in a high braid, and sparks danced across her fingertips even when she wasn’t trying.

She wore a deep red combat outfit trimmed with gold, looking every bit the daughter of Count Arcwright. Her very aura pulsed with fire and electricity.

Gwen looked at Aurelia and immediately blinked. Then she clutched her heart.

“Oh my stars. Can I hug you, my adorable little junior?”

Aurelia’s cheeks flushed pink. “S-Senior, we have to start the duel…”

Gwen gave an exaggerated sigh. “Right, right. Sorry, cuteness overload. I almost forgot we were here to fight.”

She winked. “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you too badly, sweetie.”

Aurelia steadied herself and smiled politely. “Thank you, senior. But I’ll still give it my all.”

From the sidelines, Alistar gave the signal. “Begin!”

Aurelia immediately clasped her locket, summoning a burst of silver-blue light. From within emerged a small, floating creature—a spirit no taller than her waist.

It looked like a baby fox, with translucent wings and silken fur. Its eyes were huge and watery, its paws softly glowing.

“Awwwww—!” the crowd erupted again.

Then the fox spirit growled—and its form shimmered violently. It expanded into a spectral beast twice Gwen’s size, with glimmering claws and luminous fangs. Its tail crackled with raw light energy.

Gwen blinked. “…Okay, that’s adorable and terrifying.”

The duel erupted into motion.

Aurelia took to the sky, her wings spreading in a burst of radiant light. Water spheres swirled around her, while her spirit dashed forward, launching light-imbued pulses at Gwen.

Gwen grinned. “You want to dance? Let’s dance.”

With a twirl of her wrist, lightning crackled around her, intercepting the incoming fox spirit with shocking precision.

She moved like a storm given form—graceful, yet dangerous.

Aurelia cast a high-tier water beam, but Gwen twisted mid-air and redirected it with a fire shield.

Sparks scattered as she retaliated with an electric whip, which Aurelia barely dodged by twisting mid-flight.

“Nice dodge!” Gwen called out. “You’re good with aerial control. Smart use of cover spells!”

“Thank you, senior,” Aurelia called back, sweat forming on her brow.

The spirit lunged again—this time letting out a guttural roar. Gwen raised an eyebrow as the light spirit morphed one of its claws into a scythe of energy, clashing against Gwen’s flaming blade.

“Whoa… your spirit’s not just cute, it’s nasty when you command it,” Gwen said, clearly impressed.

Despite her lower rank, Aurelia landed a few glancing hits—water splashes, light needles, and her spirit’s tail lash.

Gwen deflected most of them, but a few scorch marks on her sleeve proved that Aurelia wasn’t just for show.

But the difference in experience soon began to show.

With a sudden flicker of electricity, Gwen amplified her speed. Fire spirals surrounded her like dancing serpents as she charged, overwhelming Aurelia’s defenses.

Aurelia cried out as her wings flickered, forcing her to land. Her spirit, exhausted from repeated commands, shrank down into its tiny form again.

Gwen cast a dazzling, lightning-laced fire arc—aimed with just enough force to push Aurelia back, not harm her.

With a final blow, Aurelia was disarmed and gently thrown to the ground by a soft current of heated air. Her body rolled, but she quickly sat up, bruised and panting.

Alistar raised his hand. “Winner: Gwen Arcwright!”

The crowd cheered wildly.

Gwen walked over and helped Aurelia up with a smile.

“You were fantastic, my little cutie pie.”

Aurelia blushed, brushing off her skirt. “Thank you, senior…”

Then, curiosity got the better of her.

“Um, senior? Can I ask something?”

Gwen tilted her head. “Shoot.”

“You’re a second-year… don’t you have a spirit too? Why didn’t you summon it?”

Gwen giggled and crouched down to whisper. “What an adorable question.”

She leaned in. “Professor Alistar told us not to. If we second-years summoned our spirits, most of you first-years wouldn’t last a minute.”

Aurelia’s eyes widened.

“But don’t worry,” Gwen added with a wink. “I’ll show you mine later, just between us girls.”

Aurelia beamed. “Okay!”

As the two exited the platform together, hand in hand, the crowd roared with applause—not just for the fight, but for the wholesome bond blooming between senior and junior.

—

After parting with Gwen…

As the applause began to die down, Professor Alistar stepped forward with his usual composed air, his sharp eyes trained on the small figure of Aurelia.

The young fairy girl still looked flustered from Gwen’s overwhelming strength, but her spirit companion floated protectively beside her, flicking its ears as if ready for another round.

Thalor also came over, making sure his sister wasn’t hurt.

“Aurelia,” Alistar said, his voice firm but clear. “You’ve done well.”

Aurelia straightened slightly, blinking in surprise. She hadn’t expected direct praise from the professor.

“To have already bonded with a spirit—at your age and rank—is a remarkable feat,” Alistar continued, nodding with approval. “Most first-years don’t even understand the spiritual plane exists, let alone how to form a contract. And your mana control was… exceptionally stable for a beginner. Not flawless, but very promising. You really are a prodigy.”

Alicia von Crestvale, leaning lazily against a pillar nearby, gave a light clap and flashed a smile.

“Well said, Professor. I was just thinking the same. That was a clean duel, little fairy. You’ve got talent—and those wings? Adorable.”

Aurelia flushed bright red at the compliment. “T-Thank you, senior…”

Not too far away, sitting on the observation bleachers, Alex Dragonheart watched the whole scene unfold, arms crossed and eyes sparkling with a strange mix of admiration and internal panic.

He leaned toward Alden, whispering with mock seriousness, “Man, I wish I could hear her voice up close… she’s too cute. I wish I could hug her. Like a fairy doll.”

Suddenly—five voices rang out in perfect harmony from behind him.

“Lolicon.”

Alex flinched violently.

He spun around to find Alden, Ethan, Ava, Seraphina, and Charlotte all seated together, sipping drinks and staring at him with the deadpan judgment only close companions could muster.

“Who said that!?” Alex barked, pointing a finger.

Ava raised an eyebrow, pretending to sip her juice.

Charlotte looked up at the sky, whistling innocently.

Ethan rubbed his chin and said thoughtfully, “Was that a passing spirit?”

Seraphina inspected her nails.

Alden simply smirked.

Alex buried his face in his hands.

“I hate all of you,” he muttered.

——

A/N:-

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