Stars of Destiny

Under the supervision of the teacher, Phaistos and Naïs prepared to measure their spells. The teacher explained the various rules that would structure their duel.

"This duel aims to experiment with the differences in your abilities to handle the water element, and I only allow you to use that element. Other than that, all moves are permitted. The match will end either when one of you is knocked out or when one of you gives up."

After pronouncing these words, a 5-second countdown appeared in the air. As Phaistos and Naïs watched the countdown tick down, their concentration sharpened little by little. After what felt like an eternity, the countdown reached zero, and a beep sounded.

The moment the beep sounded, Phaistos and Naïs sprang into action. Phaistos focused his magical energy, quickly forming a [Water Bubble] in his hands. He watched Naïs closely, searching for an opening to launch an attack. Naïs, for her part, kept a determined expression, her fluid movements showing her advanced mastery of the water element.

Phaistos launched his [Water Bubble] at Naïs, but she didn't even bother to dodge. She called upon her own [Water Bubble]. When the two spells collided, the difference in power between the two combatants became immediately apparent. Phaistos's bubble disintegrated almost instantly upon contact with Naïs's, which remained intact and stable. Worse yet, Phaistos's spell seemed to fuse with Naïs's, strengthening it.

As Naïs's [Water Bubble] approached Phaistos at higher speed, he had to dodge to the side, otherwise, it could have knocked him out instantly.

Phaistos barely avoided Naïs's attack, feeling the power of the spell that had just passed close to him. He realized that he needed to change his strategy to have a chance to compete with her. He concentrated again, this time forming a series of small water spheres that he quickly launched at Naïs, hoping to distract her.

Fortunately, Phaistos's magical control had progressed to rank E+, allowing him to learn such movements more quickly. However, none of the attacks created a real problem for Naïs. She simply dodged with a few steps back. Due to his lack of combat experience, he was unable to create a proper entanglement with his spells. He hadn't even realized that a few steps back could thwart his strategy.

Phaistos understood that he needed to think more strategically if he wanted to surpass Naïs. He quickly analyzed the situation, looking for a new approach to surprise his opponent. He decided to concentrate his magical energy to form a [Water Sphere]. He knew very well that he wasn't yet capable of using this spell, but it was his only chance to change things.

However, as he tried to focus on this new spell, Naïs continued to shoot at him. Thanks to Phaistos's last attack, she had also managed to analyze new techniques. She decided to shoot at him with several small [Water Bubbles] continuously. This prevented him from properly concentrating on the water elements around him. He felt the water elements continuously being drawn towards Naïs, and if he had to estimate, he felt he could only use 45% while she could use 55%. This difference was small, but he could feel the long-term impact it could have. Despite being handicapped by this difference, Phaistos did not give up. He continued to adjust his strategy, looking for ways to take advantage of every small opportunity.

Seeing that his attempts to concentrate on the [Water Sphere] were constantly interrupted, Phaistos decided to feint. He formed a new [Water Bubble] in one hand while simulating the preparation of his [Water Sphere] in the other. Naïs, focused on the potential sphere attack, did not immediately notice the bubble.

With surprising speed, Phaistos threw his [Water Bubble] at the ground in front of Naïs. The bubble burst in a splash of water, creating a momentary distraction. Using this brief instant, Phaistos finally managed to concentrate enough energy to create a small [Water Sphere].

"Finally," he thought as he launched the sphere towards Naïs. Although the water sphere appeared tiny, its secret lay in its action when it came into contact with a body. As Naïs was distracted, the sphere made contact with her right arm. Immediately, this small sphere absorbed the nearby water elements and quickly grew in size.

Suddenly, she found herself unable to use her right arm. This prevented her from casting her spells correctly, as low-level apprentices primarily rely on their gestures to use them.

Naïs, surprised by this new attack, became unbalanced. She looked at her right arm, now enveloped by the growing water sphere, and realized she had to act quickly to avoid being completely overwhelmed.

With surprising speed, Phaistos threw his [Water Bubble] at the ground in front of Naïs. The bubble burst in a splash of water, creating a momentary distraction. Using this brief instant, Phaistos finally managed to concentrate enough energy to create a small [Water Sphere].

"Finally," he thought as he launched the sphere towards Naïs. Although the water sphere appeared tiny, its secret lay in its action when it came into contact with a body. As Naïs was distracted, the sphere made contact with her right arm. Immediately, this small sphere absorbed the nearby water elements and quickly grew in size.

Suddenly, she found herself unable to use her right arm. This prevented her from casting her spells correctly, as low-level apprentices primarily rely on their gestures to use them.

Naïs, surprised by this new attack, became unbalanced. She looked at her right arm, now enveloped by the growing water sphere, and realized she had to act quickly to avoid being completely overwhelmed.

Using a rank 2 spell had left Phaistos exhausted. He could no longer cast any spell. He knew he had to finish this combat in close quarters, which shouldn't be too complicated given that Naïs couldn't use her right arm. Unfortunately, as he rushed into the fight, the result would clearly surprise him.

In a series of movements he couldn't even describe, he found himself on the ground.

Phaistos, lying on the ground, tried to understand what had happened. Naïs, despite her immobilized arm, had managed to neutralize him with a technique he hadn't even seen coming. She now stood before him, her expression calm but determined.

The teacher quickly intervened to end the duel. "The duel is over. Well done, Naïs. You demonstrated impressive mastery despite the circumstances. Phaistos, your creativity and perseverance are remarkable. Both of you have learned a lot today. I think you should be able to cast the full form of the spell in just a few days. This shows you have a certain talent for spellcraft. This can also be seen as a hidden stat. After all, talent isn't everything." With these words, he went to observe the other performances.

Phaistos got up painfully, feeling the fatigue and aches from the fight. Despite the defeat, he felt proud of his progress and knew he had learned a lot from this duel. He turned to Naïs with a smile. "Thank you, Naïs. I still have a lot to learn, but this duel showed me my weaknesses. Honestly, I'd like to know where you learned close combat at such a level."

Naïs nodded, a kind smile on her lips. "Thank you too, Phaistos. You fought well. Let's keep training together to become even stronger. As for close combat, I learned it on my home planet, but I heard from our instructor that there's a combat institute within the academy where we can learn any combat skills we want."

"I see, that's good to know to try to fill in the gaps I currently have. I hope the conditions to enter are easy," he replied.

"When we get the chance, we can go together," she said.

As they continued to chat together, the instructor kept moving through the groups, giving instructions to each student. From his attitude, it was clear that the teacher was very dedicated to his subject, which made Phaistos appreciate him even more.

Soon after, the teacher ended the class with these words. "The next class I will give will be in two days. I also want to remind you that the academy does not require you to attend classes in the spiritual halls, as every mage must follow their own path. However, I advise you to take the time to attend in the early stages of learning to build your experience."

Naïs and Phaistos left the training hall together, discussing their impressions and plans for the coming days. "I'm really happy to train with you, Naïs. I hope I get the chance to take my revenge next time," said Phaistos with a smile.

"Thank you, Phaistos. I feel the same way, but I definitely won't let you win," she replied.

After promising to see each other again, they parted ways after taking the teleportation portal. As he was in the main hall of the academy, he decided to check his stats before joining his comrades.

[Phaistos Astraeus]

[Rank 1: Initiate]

[Magic Power: 22]

[Combat Power: 16]

[Light initial stage - completed - awaiting a breakthrough]

[Water middle stage - 10%]

[Spiritual Origin: B-]

[Magical Control: E+]

[Lineage: ???]

[Talent: ???]

Phaistos was clearly surprised by his progress in meditation, yet it wasn't a positive surprise. "I remember that Kibi achieved twice the understanding with the same amount of training as me. That would mean he should be able to improve at least twice as fast as I can. I wonder how I could catch up to his speed."

Phaistos contemplated his statistics with a hint of frustration, but he knew he couldn't let himself be discouraged. Improving required time and perseverance, and he was ready to do whatever it took to reach his goals.

Joining his comrades in the common room of the academy, he found Kibi, who seemed already engrossed in a book of advanced spells. Phaistos approached him, curious to learn more about the book he was holding.

"Kibi, what are you holding in your hands and where did you find it?" asked Phaistos with a curious tone.

Kibi looked up from his book and smiled upon seeing Phaistos's interest. "It's a grimoire of rank 2 spells called [Metal Sense] that I borrowed from the academy's library. It's located in another building of the academy, and to access it, you need to be recognized as an apprentice by one of the halls. If you want, I can take you there."

"I'm very interested, lead the way," said Phaistos with a touch of anticipation.