Jace the Elemental

The day of the contest had arrived, and the entire academy buzzed with anticipation. No one knew exactly what to expect since this was the first one, but that only added to the excitement.

Jace's group sat together, discussing strategies and trying to predict what was coming. Speculation ran wild, but one thing was certain, everyone was ready for a fight.

The energy in the arena spiked as Dean Karnell stepped forward, flanked by the academy's teachers.

"Welcome, everyone," he called out, his voice carrying over the crowd. "To the first contest of your time here."

A wave of cheers erupted from the students, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.

"Now, those of you in the lower ranks competing against higher ranked opponents, remember this, you are all students of this academy, and you've all earned the right to be here," Dean Karnell declared, his voice carrying an undeniable sense of inspiration. "For those of you in the higher ranks, you got there by proving yourselves in the entrance exam. Now, show them why."

A roaring cheer erupted from the higher ranks, as if they were accepting his challenge.

"Understand that each and every one of you will be tested today," Dean Karnell continued once the crowd had quieted slightly. "But even when tested, I expect you all to succeed. As students of this academy, you must succeed."

Despite the weight of his words, many students only grew more excited. The pressure didn't overwhelm them, it pushed them forward

"To ensure fairness, you'll only be allowed to watch the other team's magic gauntlet runs once you've completed your own," Dean Karnell explained. "During your run, you and your opponents will compete simultaneously, and whichever team finishes first wins."

The students nodded in understanding, the rules for the gauntlet were simple. Which made Jace suspect the actual challenges would be anything but.

"Although none of you should need it, good luck." Dean Karnell said concluding his speech.

Aurora turned to her squad, eyes scanning the papers they had prepared. "One final review. Our objective is to complete each challenge as efficiently as possible." She looked up, her expression firm. "Even though it'll cost us more mana, we'll hold some of our basic spells right from the start so we can react immediately."

The group expressions turned serious as they nodded, their focus sharp.

"Orion, you have the most versatility with the basic elements. Whatever the first challenge is, I want you to take it head on," Aurora instructed.

'Yes ma'am!" Orion said, standing straight and saluting. Even with the tension in the air, the gesture made everyone chuckle.

"Felix, since you probably have the highest pure firepower among us, I want you to hold back until we hit something we might struggle with." Aurora continued.

"Understood," Felix said, wearing contacts instead of his glasses for the gauntlet.

Aurora turned to the next member. "Elias, if we run into any creatures, deal with them. They didn't say we have to defeat everything, so your debuffs are our best bet there."

Elias simply nodded, already running through the different spells that might be most effective.

"Lucian and I are on emergency support," Aurora said, looking towards him. "We won't die in this dungeon, but we can be injured. Your shields are our emergency response, and I'll assist with any challenge that gives us trouble." 

Lucian nodded, already prepared for his role.

"Now that everyone fully understands their roles, there's one more thing I want to say," Aurora said, looking around the group. "I chose each of you for this team because we are going to be number one. We can and will be the best team here."

The way she said it made it sound like a simple fact, like nothing could stop them.

"That includes you three in the duels," she continued, her gaze settling on them. "You are expected to win. Not because I expect it of you, but because you expect yourselves."

She was right, Jace fully expected to win. Drawing with Aurora was bad enough, but losing to someone like Giorgi? That wasn't even a possibility that he would even consider, he wasn't just going to beat him, he was going to crush him.

"Aurora Dusk, Lila Everwood, your teams are up next. Please head to the portal and commence your final preparations." The announcement rang out.

Aurora took a steady breath, then turned to her team. "Alright, we have our plan, but if something unexpected happens, don't hesitate to improvise," she said calmly. Her gaze swept over them, firm and unwavering. "Let's win."

The five of them stepped onto the portal, making their final equipment checks. A brilliant light flared around them, momentarily blinding their vision.

When it faded, they found themselves in a massive stone corridor. Towering stone bricks lined the walls, pristine and untouched. Ahead of them, a barricade of roaring fire blacked to life, its searing heat radiating even from a distance. 

Aurora's eyes narrowed as she took in the flames. "Looks like this is our first challenge," she said. "Let's go."