The Awakening Of The Dormant Princess -Epic Comeback-(ON-HOLD)

Chapter 43: (Rematch: Ice Vs. Fire)

(Third Person's P.O.V)

Despite the private nature of the match and the selected audience, the magic duel was being recorded live and transmitted via enormous, transparent screens hovering outside the arena.

In the midst of the ongoing Trial Week Competition of the Magic Tournament, news of the impromptu duel between Prince Zack and the Ice Elementalist, who had seemingly returned from the beyond, spread like wildfire. Spectators flocked to the area surrounding the arena, their eager eyes fixed on the screens, anticipating the spectacle about to unfold.

Agatha and Zack took their respective positions on the battle stage, their eyes locked in unwavering determination. At Rosanna's signal, signifying that their duel could commence, Agatha wasted no time erecting a barrier around the battlefield—actually, two barriers to be precise.

Zack arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Another barrier? You do realize there's already one encircling this stage and extending to the arena's perimeter, right?"

Agatha merely shrugged, her gaze steady and unyielding. "I'm not leaving anything to chance. There's a reason why this match is so exclusive, with only select witnesses. I won't allow a repeat of our last encounter. That barrier failed us then, so I'm deploying my own."

Zack lapsed into silence, the memories of their previous battle flooding back. It had been interrupted by one of the Quintet of Darkness, who had schemed to strike him down while he was embroiled in his duel against Agatha.

"Furthermore," Agatha continued, her tone resolute, "this is a duel between you and me. There shall be no room for interruptions. I am determined to be the first to claim victory against you. Since I'm the one who challenged you first, I'll make the first move."

Zack felt a strange sense of déjà vu, Agatha's words mirroring his own from their initial confrontation. His thoughts and emotions swirled in tumult, yet he maintained his outward composure, ready for what lay ahead.

"Listen up, Zack. I don't want any reservations from you, and I'm not holding back either. Bring out your full arsenal, not just your fire, but all your elemental powers."

A slight twitch graced Zack's lips. "You'll have to make me."

Agatha responded with a confident smirk. "Challenge accepted, Red."

The familiar nickname sent a shiver down Zack's spine.

As if Agatha hadn't already surprised everyone enough today, her hands suddenly burst into blue flames, leaving not only the arena audience stunned but also those watching from outside.

Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd. Agatha was known as an Ice Elementalist, a master of ice manipulation, not fire. But it wasn't just any fire; it was blue flames. Blue flames were the stuff of legends, and any variation in color was unheard of. To witness blue flames, especially from Agatha, was nothing short of earth-shattering.

Zack's eyes widened with recognition. He knew about Starlight's blue flames; she was the sole possessor of that power.

With a subtle wave of her hand, still ablaze with blue flames, Agatha created a wall of azure fire, encircling the battle stage.

Zack followed her movements with a mix of fascination and dread. "What are you doing?" he asked, well aware of the danger if anyone discovered Starlight's unique ability. "Stop," he demanded.

Agatha maintained her mysterious smile. "It's too late for that now." With a tap of her foot, the ground transformed into ice. "I warned you I wouldn't hold back. You'd better not either."

Zack clenched his jaw. The ice beneath his feet began to melt, but then it didn't. He looked up at Agatha, who was gliding toward him with an ice sword wreathed in blue flames.