Chapter 2: The First Trial at the Magic Academy

“Sit in the corner, Tabaxi.”
The cold-toned voice made Angeline’s ears twitch reflexively. She had just stepped into the Basic Magic Theory classroom—a wide hall with circular seating and glowing crystals suspended in the air.
All the students were already seated. The only empty seat was at the very front, surrounded by high-ranking races.
She glanced briefly at the speaker.
A silver-haired elf boy with a proud face—Erian Solvine.He sat upright, his sharp eyes looking at Angeline as if she were filth on his boots.
“You can’t sit in the middle, right? Might cause us to lose our magic just from your presence.”
Angeline pretended not to hear. She sat. In the middle.
> “Too early to surrender. Besides, it’s easier to see your smug face up close,” she whispered.


Some students snickered.Erian said nothing, but his eyes narrowed.

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🧪 Class Begins
The magic professor, Professor Vendal—an old vampire in a dark red robe—entered with an intimidating aura.
“Welcome. You've all been tested in theory, but today… we begin the practical trials,” he said with a thin smile.“You’ll be dueling.”
The room erupted in noise.
“Dueling?”“On the first day?”“Seriously?”
“Calm down,” the professor continued. “We’re not aiming for death. But injuries? Perfectly acceptable.”

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⚔️ Match Assignments
In the center of the classroom, a dueling arena unfolded as names were randomly drawn through a floating crystal orb.
“Angeline Ceu.”And...
“Erian Solvine.”
The room exploded.
“This is gonna be good.”“Tabaxi vs High Elf? She's getting eliminated fast.”

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🔥 The Duel Begins
They stood facing each other in the arena.
Erian sneered.“Withdraw now. I won’t be holding back against a lesser creature.”
Angeline inhaled slowly. Her ears twitched.She unsheathed her katana—a thin blade glowing faintly blue. Her left hand touched the metal, and a spark flickered.
> Swordmagic: Basic Fire.


“In that case... don’t blame me if your fancy clothes catch fire,” she said.
“Begin!” the professor shouted.

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⚡ A Brief But Stunning Duel
Erian raised his hand—an ice spell circle formed above, launching giant icicles.
But before the first spike landed—
SWIP!Angeline vanished.The audience couldn’t even blink.
Suddenly—she was behind Erian, her blade pressed against his neck. The katana tip glowed with a small flame.
Angeline’s whisper was barely audible:
> “Speed is more dangerous than magic you never get to cast.”


Silence.
Erian froze.His face pale, his hand still in mid-cast.
“Winner: Angeline Ceu,” said the professor, slightly impressed.

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🔚 End of Chapter
Back outside the arena, Angeline walked to her seat.The students' eyes on her had changed.
Not entirely respectful.But no longer disgusted.
Behind her, Erian touched his neck—not because of an injury, but because for the first time in his life...he couldn't track his opponent’s movement.