Starless Reincarnation

The rest of the battles passed by in a blur, each showcasing the incredible talent of the academy's students, both new and old. However, the final battle captured Raven's attention entirely. This match allowed mana to be used, a rarity in these introductory spars, and the combatants were none other than Kael Draven and Lumina Aurelis.

Kael, with his wiry frame and wild silver hair, radiated an unpredictable energy as he stepped into the arena. His piercing violet eyes scanned the crowd, then settled on Lumina, who entered with an air of calm and grace.

Lumina's presence was mesmerizing. Her platinum-blonde hair shimmered like a halo around her, and her turquoise eyes, flecked with gold, held a serene determination. She wore a flowing ivory and gold combat outfit, a royal twist on the academy's uniform. Her attire highlighted her lineage without sacrificing practicality, and at her side hung a gleaming royal sword. The blade was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its hilt encrusted with golden filigree and inlaid with a crescent-shaped sunstone that pulsed faintly with her light magic.

The arena was silent with anticipation as the two opponents faced each other.

"Let's make this a good one," Kael said, gripping his curved scimitar, its star-carved blade glinting under the sunlight.

Lumina gave a small nod, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword. "Indeed. Let us show them the grace of light and the fluidity of the stars."

The headmistress signaled the start, and Kael wasted no time, closing the gap between them with blinding speed. His scimitar danced through the air, its strikes fluid and precise, forcing Lumina onto the defensive. She parried his blows with admirable skill, but the ferocity of his assault kept her from gaining ground.

Kael's scimitar lashed out in a wide arc, forcing Lumina to dodge. He followed up with a feint, then pivoted into a sudden, sharp thrust aimed at her midsection. The crowd gasped as Lumina barely managed to deflect the strike, her royal sword ringing out in protest.

"Not bad, princess," Kael said with a smirk, his movements unrelenting. "But you'll need more than tradition and titles to win this."

Lumina's calm expression never wavered. "Very well. If skill alone will not suffice, then allow me to show you the light of the Aurelis family."

She stepped back, her turquoise eyes glowing faintly as the crescent sunstone on her blade began to radiate a soft golden light. Kael's smirk faltered as the atmosphere in the arena shifted.

Lumina moved, her strikes now imbued with light magic that left shimmering trails in their wake. Each swing of her sword grew faster, more precise, as if the light itself guided her movements. Kael blocked her attacks with difficulty, the radiant force behind her blade pushing him back with every clash.

"Impressive," Kael muttered, his tone serious now. He retaliated with a burst of speed, his scimitar weaving intricate patterns as he aimed for her unguarded side. But Lumina anticipated his move, sidestepping gracefully and countering with a burst of light magic that blinded him momentarily.

Kael staggered, shielding his eyes, and Lumina seized the opportunity. She raised her sword high, the sunstone at its hilt blazing brightly. A radiant wave of light erupted from her blade, surging toward Kael and forcing him to leap back to avoid being overwhelmed.

The crowd erupted into cheers as the arena was bathed in Lumina's light. Kael gritted his teeth, clearly impressed but unwilling to give up. He lunged forward, his scimitar cutting through the air in a last-ditch effort to turn the tide.

Lumina met his attack head-on, her blade shining with concentrated light. Their weapons clashed in a blinding flash, and when the light faded, Kael's scimitar was knocked from his grasp. He stood frozen, her blade resting lightly against his throat.

"I yield," Kael said, his voice steady despite his defeat.

Lumina stepped back, lowering her sword with grace. The light surrounding her dimmed, leaving only the faint glimmer of her sunstone.

The crowd roared in approval, and even Kael managed a respectful nod. "You've earned this victory, Lumina. I'll admit, you surprised me."

"Thank you," Lumina replied with a polite bow, her calm demeanor returning as if the intense battle had never happened. She turned to the crowd, acknowledging their cheers with a regal wave before leaving the arena.

Raven watched Lumina with newfound admiration, the display of light magic and skill leaving a lasting impression.

'She's not just a princess,' Raven thought. 'She's the light magic user that Alden was talking about. How interesting.'

Raven decided to get up and leave now that the match was over. As she stood and began to make her way toward the exit, she didn't notice Lumina's gaze following her. The princess's eyes lingered on her retreating figure, studying her for a brief moment before she turned her attention back to the arena. Raven remained unaware of the silent observation, focused on her own thoughts as she left the stands.

As Raven stepped outside, enjoying a stretch after the intense day, she was suddenly tackled from behind.

"Celia!" Raven gasped, almost losing her balance.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Celia apologized, still clinging to her sister in a tight, affectionate hug. "I just couldn't wait! I came to tell you the results came out! I haven't seen them yet either, but I overheard some students talking about it."

Raven laughed lightly, trying to wriggle free. "Okay, okay. Let's go check it out then."

Celia jumped off and, with an excited bounce, the two sisters made their way toward the front desk. The atmosphere in the hall was buzzing with students anxiously awaiting their results, but Raven remained calm as she approached the desk. After a moment, she was handed her letter.

With Celia eagerly waiting by her side, Raven tore open the envelope. She took a deep breath and started reading the contents aloud:

"Congratulations, Raven Vermillion. You've been officially accepted into Eldoria Academy. Based on your exceptional abilities and performance, we have decided to place you a grade ahead. You will begin as a second-year student. We look forward to your future here at Eldoria."

Celia blinked, stunned, then her expression shifted to one of utter disbelief.

"EHHHHHHHHHHHH?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in shock. "You're starting as a second-year? That means you'll be in the same grade as me! That can't be! I was supposed to be your senior!"

She collapsed dramatically to her knees, clutching her heart as if mourning a great loss. "My hopes of being your senior... shattered in an instant...!"

Raven couldn't help but chuckle at Celia's antics. "You're still my older sister, even if we're in the same grade now."

Celia grumbled, half-pouting but still grinning. "I guess this means you'll be showing me up from now on, huh? I'm going to have to work twice as hard to keep up with you now!"

Raven smiled softly, feeling a sense of accomplishment but also a deepening bond with her sister. "Let's just say we'll be learning together from now on."

Celia stood up and wiped a dramatic tear from her eye. "Fine, fine. But don't forget, I'm still the big sister here! You may be ahead for now, but I've got years of experience in this academy!"

As the two walked away, their laughter echoed down the hallway, ready to face whatever the academy would throw their way together.