After the first friendly duel, the Aetherbound students were furious. They demanded that the advantage given to the non-Aetherbound be removed. In their eyes, it had clearly been the deciding factor.
The teacher calmly declined their request.
He explained the importance of observing the battlefield.
"Always understand the circumstances of the field," he said. "Whether the situation favors you or not, you must adapt. A true fighter creates plans—and backup plans. Preparation saves time and puts pressure on the opponent."
This time he spoke loudly so everyone could hear.
Deep inside, however, he knew the real reason the non-Aetherbound were performing so well.
It was primeval instinct.
The ancient survival instinct that had allowed humanity to endure for thousands of years.
When someone becomes Aetherbound, this instinct often weakens. Their bodies rely more on their elemental power than on natural survival responses. But primeval instincts are tied closely to the human heart.
When they activate, the heart begins to beat rapidly. Blood flows faster through the body, granting a temporary boost in physical performance and sharpening the mind with a single purpose:
Survival.
That was also why the government was still interested in non-Aetherbound humans. They were naturally adapted to these instincts. Aetherbound, on the other hand, had to slowly grow accustomed to their powers and refine them over time.
Soon, it was time for the final match.
Harry vs Adrian Vale.
Adrian was a boy of decent height, around 5'6, with short white hair. He chose a rapier, a thin and long sword designed for precise thrusting attacks. It lacked strong defensive capability compared to other swords, but it was still better than a staff in close combat.
Adrian possessed the Wind attribute. By channeling wind energy into his rapier, he could increase the speed and precision of his strikes. It was a fighting style built entirely around offense.
Normally, students remained silent during duels to follow school rules.
But this time, the tension between the two sides had grown too intense.
Harry could feel the heat in the air.
It made him uncomfortable.
He had always preferred staying in the background. Being alone was normal for him—not because he was lonely, but because that was simply how he lived.
Yet this was the first time he had felt such excitement.
After thinking for a moment, Harry chose a gauntlet.
It was a large armored gauntlet that extended almost to his shoulders.
The teacher raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Gauntlets were excellent close-range weapons, offering both offense and defense. However, against a rapier—which excelled at speed and range—it was a dangerous choice.
Harry also had almost no combat experience.
But the same could be said for Adrian.
This was his first time using a rapier. The school had only taught basic weapon handling. The idea of using a rapier had come from his older sister.
The duel began.
Harry immediately took a defensive stance, raising both gauntlets and waiting.
Adrian did not hesitate.
He attacked.
His rapier flashed forward in a sudden lunge.
But Harry dodged.
The strike missed.
The crowd gasped in surprise.
Adrian's attack had been extremely fast.
But Harry wasn't watching the blade.
He was watching Adrian's footwork.
A rapier had both range and speed, making the blade difficult to track. But the user's feet always revealed the attack.
Adrian wasn't discouraged.
He began circling Harry, searching for an opening. Harry mirrored his movement.
Outside the ring, the tension grew.
Students began chanting.
Harry could hear his own name being shouted.
His heart began to race.
Adrenaline surged through his body.
Suddenly, Harry dashed forward and attacked.
At such a close distance, the rapier's advantage disappeared. The blade was not sharp along its sides—only at the tip.
For a brief moment, Adrian felt fear.
But he had prepared for this.
Earlier, while circling Harry, he had been quietly channeling wind energy into the tip of his sword.
As Harry moved in for the punch, Adrian struck the rapier against the ground.
The wind energy exploded outward.
A powerful repelling force blasted Harry backward nearly ten steps.
The crowd gasped again.
Before Harry could recover, Adrian lunged forward.
The rapier struck Harry's lower chest.
Harry dropped to one knee.
Even with protective enchantments on the arena, the pain was real.
But Harry stayed calm.
He needed to get closer.
Adrian attacked again.
This time Harry deflected the strike with his right gauntlet. Adrian's wind energy had weakened after the repelling attack, and frustration flickered across his face.
He attacked once more.
The rapier struck Harry's left shoulder.
But something felt strange.
Harry had allowed the hit.
At that exact moment, Harry swung his other gauntlet and struck the middle of the rapier.
Because the blade was thin, the impact sent a shockwave down its length, weakening the weapon's stability.
The crowd erupted.
Harry followed up with a powerful punch directly to Adrian's chest.
Adrian staggered back, pain spreading through his upper body.
But he wasn't finished.
Gathering the rest of his wind energy, he stepped back and prepared a final lunge.
Harry was exhausted. Pain shot through his body. His vision blurred.
Adrian shouted and thrust forward.
The strike was incredibly fast.
Harry heard the shout.
His heart began pounding wildly.
His vision darkened.
Everything around him faded—except the incoming rapier.
And suddenly…
It felt slow.
Harry didn't know if the attack had slowed down or if his perception had changed.
But he reacted instantly.
He rolled aside, sprang upward, and delivered a powerful uppercut.
The punch landed.
Adrian collapsed.
The arena fell silent.
No one could believe what they had just witnessed.
Harry stood there in shock. His heart pounded violently, and his entire body trembled.
After a brief silence, the crowd erupted into applause.
Some students began chanting Harry's name.
Others excitedly discussed the best moments of the duel.
But the teacher was not celebrating.
He stared at Harry with a dark expression.
As if he were trying to see straight into his soul.