The arena bell rang, swallowing the area in heavy silence.
Inazuma stood at the center, his white-and-blue hair flickering with electric energy. Across from him, Greener was rooted in the ground, thorny vines wrapped around his body like armor, pulsing with life.
The duel began.
Inazuma shot forward like a flash, a bolt of lightning forming at his fingertips. He hurled the charge toward Greener. But Greener didn't dodge—instead, he summoned a thick, heat-resistant plant, coiling it tightly around himself.
"This won't be like last time," Greener sneered.
Inazuma chuckled mockingly. "Poor fool. Who said I even need lightning to beat you?"
He lunged again, coating his fist in electricity, and delivered a crushing blow. The force sent Greener flying, blood dripping from his lips. He tried to recover, but Inazuma didn't wait. He raised his arms, summoning a thunderbolt from the sky that crashed down on Greener.
Only the plant's insulation kept Greener from being charred alive.
Barely conscious, Greener whispered, "Damn you... Inazuma..." before collapsing.
The crowd stared.
Only Magnet and Fayron applauded. The rest remained cold, resentful.
The teachers quickly stepped in, silencing the tension. "Clap for the winner," one ordered. Reluctantly, the students obeyed.
Fayron asked quietly, "Why is everyone so angry?"
Just then, an urgent call summoned the teachers to Principal Saro's office. They gathered, concerned. The dueling format was sparking too many rivalries. Principal Saro decided: the entry exam must change.
The New Challenge
Soon after, Ms. Elzis, a teacher with the ability to analyze power and energy, stood before the students.
"Starting today," she announced through the mic, "new and returning students will perform a Power Showcase, broadcasted live to the world. If less than 50% of the audience is impressed—you're out."
Murmurs spread.
Siadro, another teacher, stepped forward. "This is not to pressure you. It's to help you believe in yourselves."
Ms. Kujie remembered what the principal had said: "Tell them it's also due to the low number of new students."
She nodded and added, "Also, we lack enough new students this year."
Magnet raised a hand. "What kind of performances are we talking about?"
"Anything you choose," Elzis replied. "But students will be your audience. If fewer than half vote for you, you fail."
"Are we doing this today?" Inazuma asked.
"No," said Siadro. "You have until 1:00 PM to prepare."
"Good luck," Kujie smiled. "You're dismissed for now."
Back at the Dorms
Inazuma sighed. "I don't know what to do."
Fayron: "Maybe basketball. It was my favorite game back home."
Inazuma: "Hmm. I might try that too. What about you, Magnet?"
Magnet grinned. "Singing, of course. Everyone loves me. Whatever I do will shine."
Inazuma looked away. "I... might not make it."
Fayron: "Why?"
Inazuma: "Most students hate me. They won't support me."
Fayron: "But they can't decide your worth. You'll win."
Inazuma gave him a weak smile. "Thanks."
Showtime
The arena overflowed with students and cameras.
1) Magnet's Performance: He sang with grace, using magnetic fields to create a synchronized light show with iron shavings and metal orbs. He scored a whopping 98%.
2) Inazuma's Performance:
All lights went out. A glowing aura illuminated only him. He threw a basketball at the ceiling, and as it hit, pulses of light burst. A lightning dragon formed beneath him, soaring through the crowd. He rode it mid-air while singing Staisfa, perfectly on beat.
Some students refused to vote. Others were amazed.
Final score: 51%—just enough to pass.
3) Fayron's Turn:
He shook with nerves.
"Don't let fear ruin this," Inazuma whispered.
Fayron took a breath. Holding the mic, he said: "This is a real match I used to play with my late father. I hope you enjoy it."
He conjured a floating basketball court of fire. Then, he created fiery human-shaped figures and manipulated them like real players. Each motion was fluid and detailed.
Siadro whispered to Elzis: "His fire isn't stable. Needs training."
Elzis: "True. But he has potential."
Fayron finished the show. His hands trembled.
Voting Results:
Magnet: 98%
Fayron: 71%
Inazuma: 51%
Inazuma was stunned. "I don't know if I should be happy or worried."
Greener appeared again, scoffing: "You were supposed to be the strongest? What a joke."
Inazuma shot back: "Who asked the loser's opinion?"
Greener stormed off.
Inazuma lowered his head.
"Why does everyone hate me? Just because I'm strong? Maybe I don't want this power anymore."
Magnet placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't say that. You're my best friend. You helped me become who I am."
Fayron added: "Me too. Thanks to you, I passed. The teachers admire you. Not everyone hates you."
Magnet smiled. "You were accepted into Nova Academy. Now prove to the world you deserve the power of lightning."
Fayron: "And I will prove I deserve the fire within me."
A Sudden Change
That night, Siadro entered the dorm.
"Good news and bad news."
Fayron: "Start with the good."
Siadro: "Magnet scored an amazing 98%."
"And the bad?"
"He's been moved to a different class."
Inazuma stood silent, then sighed. "It's fine. This year we part ways—for his own good."
Fayron: "Then I promise, I'll stand by your side."
A Night Out
Fayron suggested they explore. He had $10.
"Arcade time! It's $1 per hour for students!"
"That cheap? Might be sketchy."
"Let's go. Maybe we'll find Magnet there."
And they did.
Greener was there too. "Look who barely passed."
Inazuma: "Look who lost in one hit."
Fayron stepped in. "We didn't come to fight."
Suddenly, Magnet walked in. All three froze.
"I knew I'd find you two here," he grinned.
They agreed to meet there regularly.
Fayron: "Wait... you consider me your friend too?"
Inazuma: "Of course. You were our roommate."
They toured the hotel together. That night, as Fayron lay in bed, he smiled to himself:
"They see me as a friend... I can't believe it. I feel... happy."
Next Morning at School
Before training class, they went to eat. As Fayron and Inazuma picked a table, a student approached.
"This table is ours. Move."
Fayron (angrily): "Why should I listen to you?"
Inazuma (calmly): "Let it go, Fayron."
They moved, but the same student followed.
"This one's mine too. Ever wonder why it's empty? Because it's me who owns it."
Inazuma narrowed his eyes. "What do you want... Kobe?"
Fayron's breath caught. Kobe... the name Magnet warned him about.
He looked into the eyes of the one who got Inazuma expelled.
To be continued in Episode 4...