CHAPTER FIVE- COMBAT TRAINING
752 Words
Professor Kael stepped onto the center of the combat arena as the students settled into their seats.
"Ladies and gentlemen," his amplified voice echoed across the academy grounds. "Today's lesson is simple: one-on-one combat. Remember, brains don't win fights on their own. No excuses. Win—or lose—on your own merit."
The students were quickly divided according to their abilities, and the arena erupted into a series of battles.
Cheers and shouts echoed from every corner of the field as spectators encouraged their friends.
Omar dominated his opponent with overwhelming strength, ending the match within moments.
Across another arena, Asher's lightning-fast movements proved impossible to follow. His opponent barely managed to react before Asher struck the finishing blow.
Mia, the academy's queen bee, casually froze her opponent's feet in solid ice before ending the fight with a smug smile.
Liam manipulated the earth beneath his opponent's feet, throwing him off balance long enough to secure an easy victory.
Olivia struggled.
Her flames flickered unpredictably, forcing her to defend more than attack. She nearly lost several times, but every time doubt crept into her mind, she heard Becca's voice from the sidelines.
"You can do this, Olivia!"
Taking a deep breath, Olivia regained her composure and narrowly claimed victory.
The crowd erupted into applause.
Then the cheering slowly faded.
Professor Kael glanced down at the list in his hand.
"...Owen Holloway."
The arena became unusually quiet.
Students exchanged uneasy glances.
Owen stepped into the ring.
His opponent followed.
Darius.
A physically gifted final-year student infamous for his brutal fighting style.
Whispers immediately spread through the crowd.
"This won't last long."
"Poor Owen."
Professor Kael raised his hand.
"Begin."
The instant the signal was given, Darius charged without hesitation.
Owen didn't move.
He simply watched.
His dominant foot is on the right...
His shoulder drops before every punch...
His reaction time is slower after committing to a swing...
Professor Kael observed quietly from the sidelines, making notes.
"Excellent analysis," he murmured.
Suddenly—
WHAM!
A heavy punch slammed into Owen's shoulder, sending him stumbling backward.
Laughter erupted from the audience.
Without panicking, Owen steadied himself.
Three sharp pieces of broken stone rose from the arena floor under his telekinetic control and shot toward Darius like arrows.
Darius smashed straight through them.
The crowd roared.
Owen immediately formed a powerful telekinetic barrier between them.
Darius shattered it with raw force.
Chunks of stone floated into the air around Owen as he desperately attacked again.
Darius dodged every single one.
Owen's breathing became heavier.
"...Impossible."
"He's completely outmatched."
"He's such a loser."
The whispers grew louder.
Then, in a blur, Darius appeared directly in front of him.
One devastating strike.
Owen crashed onto the arena floor as dust exploded into the air around him.
The entire arena fell silent.
Then—
Laughter.
The students burst into mocking laughter as Owen slowly climbed to his feet.
"So pathetic."
"He reads all that nonsense and can't even fight."
"He's all brains and no hands."
"He's the definition of brains over brawn."
Their cruel words echoed through the combat arena.
Owen slowly pushed himself upright. His uniform was torn, dust clung to his clothes, and small cracks spread across his telekinetic barrier before finally fading away.
Professor Kael folded his arms, his expression unreadable.
" you should go to the Infirmary," he said calmly.
Owen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. Despite the pain, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Professor Kael raised an eyebrow.
Owen let out a quiet chuckle.
Only one person wasn't laughing!
His eyes drifted toward Olivia.
Unlike everyone else, she wasn't mocking him. Instead, she stared silently, her expression filled with concern. She completely ignored the crowd and focused only on him.
Their eyes met for a brief moment.
For reasons Owen couldn't explain, her silent understanding gave him the strength to stand a little straighter.
Even after suffering such a humiliating defeat, he refused to let them see him break.
- Writer
