Episode 8: Spark of Battle
Deep within the medical wing of Nova Academy, the air was thick with the scent of herbal salves and the quiet hum of distant machinery. Lying unconscious on one of the beds, Fyron began to stir. His body felt heavy, like it had been submerged in fire and ice all at once. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open.
Hovering above him was Instructor Siadro, holding a small piece of paper near his nose—one soaked in an incredibly pungent scent.
"Ah, finally awake," Siadro said with a sly smile. "Took you long enough. You nearly burned out all your energy in yesterday's training."
Fyron groaned as he sat up, his body aching. Nearby, Inazuma and Magnet were already awake, sitting up on their own beds, stretching and yawning.
Siadro crossed his arms and looked at the three of them."Listen closely. If you ever feel like you're pushing past your limit, take a break. The worst kind of warrior is the one who collapses before the fight even begins."
Inazuma let out a tired sigh."I'm gonna need a full night's sleep. I have no idea who my opponent will be tomorrow."
Magnet added with a determined expression,"Doesn't matter who it is. I have to win. No matter the cost."
Fyron looked toward Siadro."Do you think... there's a chance our opponent could be Kobe?"
Siadro shook his head."No. He's officially banned from the tournament as punishment. You won't see him in the ring."
Inazuma cracked his knuckles and smirked."Even if my opponent were the strongest man alive... I'd still beat him down."
Fyron grinned and pointed to himself."That's too bad, because I happen to be the strongest man alive."
Magnet laughed."Please. You two clowns clearly forgot that I'm the real powerhouse here."
The room filled with laughter, a brief moment of ease before the storm ahead.
Later that evening, the three of them spent time in the common areas, unwinding, sharing stories and snacks. But when they returned to their dorms, and the lights went out, Fyron lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
He whispered to himself:"Step by step, I'm getting closer. I will win. I must... for you, Mom. For you, Dad."
🌅
The next morning, the academy buzzed with energy. Students poured into the underground arena—an immense, high-tech coliseum built beneath Nova Academy. At the center was a massive holographic screen, waiting to reveal the matchups for the first round of internal tournament battles.
The screen flickered.
"Team 7: Fyron – Inazuma – Magnet"vs"Team 3: Neveah – Shadow – Greener"
A ripple of shock spread through the crowd. Fyron and Inazuma stared at the screen in disbelief.
"Greener?! Again?!" Fyron gasped.
Inazuma narrowed his eyes."He won't hold back this time. That fight in the courtyard was just a warm-up."
Magnet stood confidently."Don't panic. We'll crush him—and the others too."
The trio huddled in a quiet corner to strategize.
Fyron frowned."Wait, why is Magnet making the plan? Why not me?"
Inazuma scoffed."Because he's ten times smarter than you, rookie."
Fyron glared."I'm not dumb..."
Magnet cut in."Listen. I'll take on Shadow. Inazuma, you've got Greener. Fyron—you're up against Neveah. Melt her ice. Simple."
Fyron grumbled."Man, I wanted to fight Greener..."
📣 "Prepare for battle!"
Lights blazed, illuminating the arena. Spectators roared from the upper tiers as both teams stepped onto the field. The arena's energy was electric—no pun intended.
"3... 2... 1... FIGHT!"
The battle erupted.
Inazuma bolted forward like a lightning bolt, launching crackling arcs of energy at Greener, who countered with walls of twisting vines and thorny roots.
On the other side, Fyron charged at Neveah—but the ground beneath him suddenly shimmered. Out of nowhere, sharp spikes of ice burst from beneath, freezing his legs in place.
"You'll never reach me," Neveah said coldly, her voice as frigid as her element. "Your fire isn't enough."
Fyron grunted, launching a stream of flame—but it wasn't enough to break free.
Meanwhile, Magnet faced a frustrating challenge. His gravitational powers failed to hold Shadow, who had blended seamlessly into the arena's darkness. Each time Magnet tried to increase pressure or pull him, Shadow simply slipped through it—formless, weightless.
A shadowy fist struck Magnet from the side, knocking him off balance.
"This isn't good…" Magnet muttered. "I can't grab what doesn't exist."
As all three members of Team 7 struggled, it became clear—the enemy team was not to be underestimated. But just as things seemed dire...
Something began to shift.
A spark ignited in Fyron's eyes.Electricity danced more wildly around Inazuma.
The real battle was only just beginning...
(TO BE CONTINUED...)