Legend of Immortal: Angeloids and Eviloids

Capítulo Dos

**YVAINE CLAIRE'S POV**

As I stood in the center of the combat arena, the atmosphere crackled with tension, emotions running high among the students who had gathered to witness this pivotal battle. The cheers erupted like a tumultuous wave, some voices fervently rallying behind my opponent, Nuho Spring, while others resonated with support for me, their chants filling the air.

"GO NUHO! BEAT THE FREAK GIRL! WOOHOO!"

The first voice I heard was a jubilant cheer for Nuho, filled with excitement and anticipation, but it was merely a prelude to the storm that was brewing. I, on the other hand, remained silent, my expression unfazed, a mask concealing the true extent of my emotions. Little did they know, they had yet to witness the unleashed power of a Gifted One.

"LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!" Sir Theo's authoritative command pierced the chaos, and the students' fervor reached a fever pitch.

"GO CLAIRE!" Athlea's voice cut through the crowd, joined by the enthusiastic chorus of my other classmates. Their support was a lifeline amidst the tumultuous sea of emotions.

Nuho, my opponent, wasted no time. In a spectacular display, he transformed into a black-armored angeloid, his expression twisted in a mix of confusion and arrogance as he glanced at me, questioning why I hadn't revealed my angeloid form yet.

"Are you scared of me?" he taunted, a teasing smirk dancing on his lips.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I replied, "Do you think so?" At that moment, doubt flickered in his eyes, a hesitation born from the possibility that I held more power than I let on.

Sensing the intensity of the battle, I shed my black jacket with lightning speed, revealing a sleeveless top beneath. The arena roared with approval, especially the male spectators, as my swift transformation captivated their attention.

Nuho's gaze scrutinized my body, his curiosity etched across his face. What thoughts churned in his mind, I couldn't discern. He was distracted, and at that moment, he failed to notice my plan of attack, even though I had yet to assume my angeloid form.

In the blink of an eye, I was behind him, delivering a powerful kick. He managed to evade a direct hit, stumbling forward as his knees grazed the unforgiving wooden floor of the arena.

His eyes widened in surprise, confusion clouding his features. What had just occurred? How had I moved so swiftly?

Taking advantage of his momentary disarray, I struck again, my power unleashed without the need for my angeloid transformation. Once more, in the blink of an eye, I was behind him, outmaneuvering him with ease.

He stood bewildered, unable to fathom how this was possible. He had underestimated the determination burning within me, the drive to level the playing field.

"Your escape routes are dwindling," I retorted, and his grimace revealed his realization that he couldn't afford to underestimate me any longer.

In the midst of his confusion, a scream of frustration and disbelief tore from Nuho's lips, echoing through the arena, a raw manifestation of his inner turmoil.

"Are you kidding me?" he muttered, grappling with the incomprehensible turn of events. Amidst the chaos, I remained composed, watching the tide of the battle shift.

As Nuho wrestled with his thoughts, I moved with purpose, positioning myself strategically, preparing to make my next move, all without the transformation into my angeloid form.

As I stood there, face to face with Nuho in his frenzied state, a chilling desperation coursed through the air. His growls of fury resonated in the darkness, and his eyes, now a fiery maelstrom of hatred, were fixed on me like a predator locking onto its prey. In that ominous moment, the very atmosphere seemed to thicken with dread.

Suddenly, a massive surge of green lightning energy erupted from his being, a force of nature unleashed with a malevolent intent. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched the deadly torrents of green lightning closing in on me, like the jaws of a hungry beast ready to devour its victim. The sheer pressure of the impending onslaught threatened to knock me off my feet, and for a brief moment, I teetered on the edge of losing my balance.

But I refused to succumb so easily to this looming threat. I gritted my teeth, determination surging through my veins. "I won't let you beat me as easily as a piece of cake," I whispered under my breath, my defiance echoing in the dimly lit battlefield.

In that critical moment, a sinister presence invaded the recesses of my mind—the grinning face of Thania, my demonic guardian from the depths of the underworld. Her malevolence was unmatched, her beauty twisted into something otherworldly. Her emerald-green scales adorned her body, leaving her appearance both alluring and terrifying. Her cold, lizard-like eyes shimmered with cruelty, and her demonic wings, a sinister shade of green, unfurled with a sinister grace.

Thania knew what needed to be done. "It's your time to shine, Thania!" I declared with a smirk, reaching out to her within the confines of my own mind. It was a pact forged in desperation, a gambit to survive the impending onslaught.

Before the voracious energy unleashed by Nuho could consume me entirely, Thania seized control. Her presence enveloped me, and she countered the overwhelming power with an eerie calm. From her demonic claws, she released a sinister black hole energy, a vortex of darkness tinged with lightning, a force of annihilation unlike anything I had ever witnessed.

In that tumultuous clash of energies, Thania's power held firm, and the battlefield trembled under the intensity of their confrontation. And then, as quickly as she had taken control, Thania relinquished her hold on my body, allowing me to regain control.

Then, the ground beneath us shook violently, a seismic upheaval that left Nuho wide-eyed with terror. The arena's wooden tiles cracked and splintered, sending him tumbling to the ground, struggling to maintain his footing as the very ground beneath him rebelled.

I, however, stood firm, untouched by the tumultuous upheaval. The students in the stands gasped and screamed, witnessing an awe-inspiring display of power that defied explanation.

"Is that... Claire?" a hushed whisper rippled through the crowd, filled with awe and disbelief.

The chaos continued as Nuho desperately fought to regain his balance, the arena's transformation a complete surprise, and I hadn't even tapped into my angeloid powers yet.

The violent tremors ceased as abruptly as they had begun, leaving Nuho disoriented and vulnerable as if the very arena itself had conspired against him.

With newfound confidence, I approached Nuho, who struggled to rise. His expression was a mosaic of disbelief and fear.

"You underestimated me," I said calmly, my voice slicing through the lingering tension in the arena.

Before Nuho could react, I extended a hand, helping him to his feet. The students watched in stunned silence, unable to comprehend the unfolding narrative of this battle.

"Congratulations to you, Ms. Skywalker!" Ms. Sierra's voice broke through the palpable silence, and she presented me with a golden box that held an air of profound significance. The applause of my peers filled the air, a symphony of recognition that resonated deep within me.

"Because you are one of those who survived the two competitions, we are allowing you to join the special section at the Temple of Peace. Will you accept the offer I'm extending to you?" Ms. Sierra's words held the weight of destiny, a pivotal moment in my life. Sir Theo's expression betrayed his reservations about her decision.

"But, Ms. Sierra, she hasn't fully mastered all of her powers yet," Sir Theo interjected, a plea for reconsideration.

"That's not important anymore. You've seen what happened, haven't you?" Ms. Sierra's conviction remained unshaken as she redirected her focus to Sir Theo. He could only nod, silenced by the unwavering belief in her choice.

******

As I stood there, head slightly bowed, absorbing the magnitude of the moment, someone approached. I turned to find Terra, a name that had become familiar through Athlea's accounts. Her words held an ambiguous sincerity as she addressed me.

"Congratulations to you, worthless!" Terra's declaration seemed wrapped in a veneer of condescension.

My response came in the form of a forced smile, a shield against her taunts. "Thank you for the most beautiful compliment, Terra. And if you're only here to pick a fight, you might as well leave, because I won't back down," I retorted, my smirk a challenge she couldn't ignore. She departed, her feigned politeness overshadowed by her haughty demeanor.

As Terra's presence receded, Ms. Sierra arrived, and I stood up, ready to receive her instructions. The silence was heavy with anticipation, a pivotal moment awaiting validation.

"What is Terra doing here?" Ms. Sierra inquired, her gaze lingering on Terra as she walked away.

"She just came to congratulate me on my acceptance," I replied, masking the true nature of Terra's words.

"I see..." Ms. Sierra's gaze remained fixed on Terra as if scrutinizing her every move.

"By the way," she redirected her attention to me.

"The confirmation I mentioned earlier is now official. You should notify the University about it," she stated directly, her words sealing my fate with unwavering decisiveness.

*******

Standing atop the rooftop, my eyes traced the intricate web of life unfolding below. The campus sprawled beneath me, a vibrant tapestry of students during the bustling lunch hour. My brief moment of contemplation was shattered by the sound of my name, a familiar call that drew my attention away from the intricate patterns of life.

"Claire?" I turned to find Athlea approaching, her steps accompanied by the soft shuffle of another girl, a fellow student from our section.

A smile, tinged with a hint of nostalgia, graced my lips as they drew nearer. But there was a distance that had grown between Athlea and me since my recent victory, a chasm born from the cautious advice of Ms. Sierra. She had warned me about having too many students flocking around me, wary that my accomplishments might inadvertently breed envy.

In a sudden rush of emotion, Athlea embraced me, her eyes shimmering with tears that held a story of their own. I returned her hug with equal fervor, the world around us fading into insignificance.

"I never imagined that you'd achieve what I've always dreamt of for our section, and what's even better is that my new friend played a part in making it happen," Athlea's voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, her words carrying a weight that resonated deep within me. I remained silent, closing my eyes as I absorbed the sincerity of her words. She eventually released me from the embrace, her composure restored.

"Oh, by the way, this is Zen Kersee," Athlea introduced her companion, a gesture that revealed the depth of her friendship and trust.

"Nice to meet you," Zen's voice carried a warmth that instantly put me at ease. I responded with a genuine smile, appreciating the warmth in her greeting. "Anyway, congratulations on your win. I had no idea that there were angeloids with guardians from different portals."

"Honestly, I didn't even know I had such abilities," I admitted, my voice tinged with uncertainty, echoing the myriad questions that swirled within.

"What do you mean, Claire?" Athlea's concern radiated from her eyes, her smile bittersweet.

"If you're a powerful being, what about your real parents?" Zen's inquiry struck a chord deep within me. I couldn't help but wonder about my true origins and whether a reunion with my birth parents held the promise of miracles.

"They're probably strong as well," I replied, my smile carrying a shadow of introspection. Yet, a flicker of doubt gnawed at my certainty. The journey to uncover the truth about my past remained a daunting quest.

But the moment was not one for dwelling on uncertainties. There was something I wished to share with both Athlea and Zen, a token of appreciation for their presence in my life.

"Anyway, there's something I want to give to both of you," I said, noticing their anticipation building. I smiled warmly, feeling the bond between us strengthen.

"What is it?" Athlea's voice brimmed with excitement. "A memento, perhaps? Are you leaving? Oh, how embarrassing, you've barely known me, and you're already giving me something!" Zen chimed in, her tone tinged with modesty, earning a soft chuckle from me.

"Don't worry; you're both friends to me. And since you're Athlea's friend, Zen, it's only fitting," I said before reaching into my bag to retrieve the golden box that Ms. Sierra had entrusted to me.

"But this belongs to you, Claire. You've worked hard for it, haven't you? We can't accept this, Claire. You truly deserve it," Zen argued, her words laced with sincerity.

"Yes, indeed! It's meant for you, Claire. Please reconsider!" Athlea pleaded, her eyes reflecting the genuine warmth of her friendship.

I fixed my gaze on them, my expression earnest and determined. "I've made my decision," I declared, a note of finality in my voice, and they met my resolution with lingering doubt.

I blinked a few times before explaining, "I had a dream where I opened it, and the pixie dust magic didn't come to me. It flew away, and I tried to chase it, but I couldn't catch it." My demeanor remained steadfast, my tone grave.

"Come on, Claire. It's just a dream," Zen protested, her skepticism on full display.

I shook my head, unwavering in my conviction. "All my dreams come true, Zen. Believe me," I urged, my words imbued with a solemnity that silenced them, forcing them to grapple with the gravity of my claim.

Taking a deep breath, I pressed on. "So, I'm going to open it for you both," I announced, their eyes widening at my audacity. The golden box responded to my intent, its mouth aglow with a gentle radiance. From it emerged two golden fireflies, their luminescence mesmerizing. They alighted upon the heads of my two friends before bursting into golden dust, creating a shimmering aurora that enveloped our entire university campus.

We stood there, witnesses to an enchanting spectacle, united in our awe. Even the passing students paused, their hurried footsteps arrested by the captivating display. Amidst it all, I remained serene, a simple smile gracing my lips.

"I suppose this is my chance to bid you both farewell," I remarked, turning to them in unison.

"Are you leaving?" Athlea's voice wavered as she considered the possibility.

I smiled, offering her a reassuring nod. "Yes, but please take care of yourselves. I have no regrets about being a part of your life during this brief time. I believe this is truly goodbye," I said before embracing them both tightly, their whispered thanks a gentle melody in my ears.

"Thank you so much, Claire."

Releasing them from our embrace, I smiled once more. "Alright, I'm going now," I said, taking a step toward my departure when they spoke up once more.

"Take care, Claire," Athlea's eyes welled with tears as she waved goodbye, a heartwarming sentiment shared by Zen. Athlea had always been one to easily form attachments, the kind of person who would shed tears when saying farewell.

I inhaled deeply, drawing strength from within. Since the day my foster parents were taken from me, I had not allowed a single tear to fall. The past was buried deep, and this moment called for a different kind of resolve.

For one last time, I looked at the two of them. Zen was consoling Athlea, who was on the verge of tears.