Duelcrest Academy

The following two days went by in relative tranquility.

The classes at Duelcrest Academy weren't that different from the school I had attended before, except they focused much more on the practical applications of magic. In addition to the time spent in lectures, every afternoon, starting after lunch, several hours were dedicated to training, both in magical duels and in hand-to-hand combat.

The magic training room was not far from the main lecture hall where we had classes in the morning. It was a spacious area without desks, equipped with numerous magical dummies that lazily received our attacks. There was also a large zone protected by a magical dome, identical to the one conjured for official duels, where one could practice one-on-one without the fear of losing points.

As for physical combat, the training sessions were held in the school's inner courtyard. That extensive green lawn was clearly the result of some sort of enchantment. It was definitely too large to fit within the school building's walls. Moreover, the temperature was drastically different from outside the school's main gate. Despite it being a particularly cold September, we could easily roll up our shirt sleeves and be perfectly fine.

Furthermore, despite many students, including myself, not being proficient with the sword, there hadn't been any accidents so far, not even a scratch. It seemed that in that area, we were protected by a magical barrier that prevented us from harming each other.

After the evening workouts and a hearty dinner, Amy and I went to the common room, where there were numerous armchairs and tables, perfect for reviewing what we had studied in the morning. No one had tried to challenge me to a duel anymore, and I hadn't gone looking for trouble either. At least for the first few weeks, I intended to take things slowly.

If things continued like this, apart from a few classmates who weren't particularly pleasant, the next two years would be quite pleasant and peaceful overall. However, there was a blot on this otherwise perfect picture: the silent war that was being fought between me and Sophia Thornton.

Since our dispute on the first day, we hadn't spoken to each other. However, during the first sword training session, I couldn't help but notice the giggles and amused glances Sophia continuously threw my way as I wielded my weapon with the grace of an elephant.

So, I couldn't help but retaliate when instead of launching a fireball at the dummy, Sophia produced puffs of black smoke that caused half the class to cough.

«You should just apologize,» Amy said exasperated on the third evening.

We were studying when Sophia entered the common room and headed for a chair near the fireplace. Amy must have noticed the dirty look I shot at her as she passed by our table. She returned it with such an icy glare that I wouldn't have been surprised if the room's temperature dropped a few degrees.

«Apologize? For what? She's the one who started it,» I replied, lifting my nose in the air.

«She could have been more diplomatic, for sure, but remember, you were the one who approached her with ulterior motives. It's not strange that she got annoyed,» Amy scolded me.

She was right. But I didn't want to admit it.

«There's no reason to make peace anyway... I don't want anything to do with that girl.»

«Mmmh, I don't think you're telling the truth. Maybe at first, you approached her just to find her weaknesses. But I think after talking to her, she caught your interest. And I think the same goes for her. You had plenty of fights in the past but you never quarreled like this with anyone. When you are in the same room it's like you can't help to look at each other.»

Amy replied, adjusting her glasses on her nose.

"This girl is dangerous, it's like she can read my mind..."

She might not be a powerful mage, but when it came to understanding human relationships, she was unmatched.

She had hit the nail on the head. For better or for worse, after our dispute, my thoughts kept inexorably veering in Sophia Thornton's direction.

I couldn't quite define the reason. Despite the antipathy that flowed between us like a poisoned river, I had a great desire to get to know her better.

Despite her bad temper, she kinda intrigued me. Where did she learn to swordfight like that? And why did she have that strange attitude towards the school?

«We've known each other for, what, 16 years now? I've never seen you interested in anyone in our little town. Maybe it's because you've never met someone who can stand up to you. I think you should try to bury the hatchet. Maybe at breakfast tomorrow?» Amy suggested.

«You know I'm not great at these things... But I guess it can't go worse than this...» I replied.

«Exactly! Also, think about the future. If you can befriend her, she'll be a great ally! You, the most powerful mage, and her, the strongest swordswoman. You could come out on top together,» Amy said excitedly.

«But in the end, we'd still have to fight...»

It was something I didn't want to think about. Not so much for Sophia. But for Amy. The day would come when one of us would be eliminated or we would have to duel each other.

I didn't know how I would have managed without her. Those few days at the academy had made me realize more than ever.

I hadn't given it much thought during our years in our hometown. Almost taking her sunny company for granted.

But now, in this alien environment, having her with me has been a blessing. Without her, I would probably be holed up in my room staring at the ceiling.And even now, she was giving me that necessary push to change things.

«Thank you, Amy,» I said, smiling at her confused face.

An hour later, in my room, I wasn't smiling anymore. In fact, I wanted to tear my hair out.

I could see those icy green eyes staring me up and down, judging my pathetic attempt to make peace.

"Aaaah," I sighed, "why did I tell Amy I'd do it..."

I tossed and turned in bed, trying to think of a way to avoid encountering Sophia.

"Come what may," I finally thought, defeated.

Between Sophia laughing in my face and an angry Amy, I preferred the former.

Slowly, I slipped into a restless sleep, unaware that the next day I would never have the chance to make those apologies.