Jace the Elemental

"BE QUIET, YOU FOOLS!" Lord Severian's voice rang out above the noise, sharp and commanding. The students fell silent instantly, the excitement in the air replaced by a tense stillness. "You are all getting so excited over something as small as getting into Rank 1," he continued, his voice harsh and firm. "None of you have even considered the risks and consequences."

His words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding. Jace felt a knot form in his stomach as he exchanged a glance with Ethan. The pride he'd felt moments ago was now tempered by a growing sense of unease.

"The fifty of you just became the targets of the other nine hundred and fifty other students in this Academy," Lord Severian said, his black eyes sweeping across the group. "And don't think that just because they're lower rank than you, they don't know what they're doing. Every single student here got in just like you. They are just as skilled, just as determined, and just as hungry to prove themselves."

The courtyard was utterly silent now, the weight of his words sinking in. Jace could see the tension on the faces of his classmates, some looked nervous, others defiant, but all were listening intently. He clenched his fists, his mind racing. Being Rank 1 wasn't just an honor; it was a target on their backs.

Lord Severian's words were a heavy reminder. "However, I'm not foolish. I know full well that you all got here by training harder, longer, and more than anyone." A small smile finally formed on his face, softening his sharp features. "So allow me to be the first to say it: congratulations on being in Rank 1."" 

He stood and began to clap, the sound slow and deliberate at first, then building in intensity. The students hesitated for a moment, unsure if this was another test, but then the tension broke. Cheers erupted, and the courtyard was filled with the sound of applause and laughter. Jace felt a surge of pride, the knot in his stomach loosening as he joined in the celebration.

Jace staggered forward as Ethan practically jumped on his back. "We actually did it, we're Rank 1!" Ethan's happiness was unmistakable, his grin wide and infectious.

"Its just the start for us," Jace said, returning his friend's smile. For a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the victory, the weight of their achievement settling in.

After a moment, Lord Severian raised a hand, and the noise gradually died down. "Now, having said that, it's time for you all to show each other what you can do before you form your groups."

Jace turned and looked at Lord Severian, his brow furrowing. What does he mean, groups? he thought, curiosity piqued.

 "Jace Carter, Selene Veyne, you're up first good luck." Lord Severian said after looking at a list.

A female student stepped forward, her dark auburn hair tied up in a ponytail and her stormy gray eyes darting between Lord Severian and Jace. "Um, excuse me, sir," she said, her voice steady but with a hint of uncertainty. "You didn't say what it is that we're actually doing."

Lord Severian waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing away a trivial question. "Isn't that obvious? You're going to duel." His tone was matter-of-fact, his black eyes glinting with amusement. "Why else do you think we came out to the dueling grounds?" 

Jace's heart skipped a beat. A duel on day one? He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Looking at Selene, he saw the same fire in her eyes. This was why they had all come here, whether or not they admitted it, they were all battle fanatics at heart.

"Doesn't look like you have an easy draw, Jace. Good luck, and don't go easy." Ethan said. Even if he was normally a joker, battle was the one thing he never joked about.

Jace gave a small bow to Selene, a gesture of respect, before looking back at Ethan. "Don't worry. You know full well I never fight easy," he said with a confident grin. Turning, he walked toward his end of the dueling grounds.

The arena was a wide, circular space atop a large magic circle, its intricate runes glowing faintly with stored energy. The circle was programmed to reset the grounds to a previous state once a duel had finished, ensuring that every fight started on equal footing. Jace took a deep breath, his mind racing as he glanced at Selene. She was slowly stretching, her movements fluid and deliberate, her gray eyes locked onto Jace with an intensity that sent a thrill through him. She gave a slight nod in return to his bow, her lips curving into a wicked grin that promised a challenge..

As Jace reached his position, he took one final deep breath, pushing out the thoughts running through his head. This wasn't the time for doubts or distractions; it was time to fight. A grin formed on his own face, matching Selene's. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him, sharpening his focus and heightening his senses.

The air around the arena seemed to hum with anticipation, the faint glow of the magic circle casting an otherworldly light on the scene. Jace's eyes narrowed as he studied Selene, noting the way she moved, the confidence in her stance. She was clearly no ordinary opponent, and he couldn't afford to underestimate her.

Lord Severian's voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding. "Begin."