Éclipse

Chapter 2 : Next round

Yuta, full of energy, exclaimed with pride:
- They weren't that tough as opponents, after all!

Hina replied with a smile and a friendly pat on Yuta's shoulder:
- Seriously? They were just lightweights, nothing more.

Shiro, who was listening to their conversation, joined in and said thoughtfully:
- We've only had three matches. There must be some tougher opponents left for the next rounds.

Hina nodded:
- Yeah, you're right.

Neru, cutting their conversation short, announced loudly:
- Yuta and Rikudo, you're up next! Let's keep this going!

Spectators took their places around the arena, focused on the duel between Yuta and Rikudo. Taking his position, Yuta gave his opponent a challenging look:
- So, what can you do?

- I control electricity, Rikudo replied. And you?

- I command lightning.

- That's basically the same thing, isn’t it? remarked Rikudo with a smirk.

- Not even close, Yuta retorted confidently, before dashing toward his opponent like a flash.

Rikudo narrowly dodged, pivoting to avoid Yuta's strike, and countered with a quick hit that Yuta also evaded. A rapid series of blows, dodges, and parries followed, so fast that some students couldn't keep up. Each impact created slight sparks, highlighting the power of their elements.

Then, Yuta suddenly paused, willingly taking a hit from Rikudo that sent him flying across the arena. Using the momentum, Yuta rolled agilely, stood up, and launched into a backflip, delivering a powerful kick to Rikudo, who flew out of the ring.

- Victory goes to Yuta! declared Neru, his voice booming. Next up! Selen versus Xalia!

---

**Intermediate Match:** While Selen and Xalia prepared, another fight was organized to keep the audience engaged.

---

Neru announced the next duel:
- Now, Kazuma versus Levania!

Kazuma, a specialist in brute force, faced Levania, known for her mastery over earth. Right from the start, Kazuma charged at full speed, but Levania raised a stone wall to block his attack. Kazuma struck the wall with all his strength, creating cracks, but Levania quickly stepped back, using earth to strengthen her fists. The fight continued with intensity, each blow from Kazuma resonating throughout the arena, while Levania used her control to defend and counterattack. After a fierce struggle, Kazuma surrendered, worn out by Levania’s strategic defense.

- Victory goes to Levania! Neru announced.

---

As the spectators cheered for Levania’s performance, Neru spoke again:
- Next up, Selen and Xalia!

The two fighters took their positions in the arena, bowing respectfully before engaging in battle.

---

**Selen vs. Xalia:**

Xalia, with a confident smile, took her stance against Selen.
- Let’s do this, Selen. Show me what you've got.

Selen attacked with speed, launching a series of strikes that Xalia skillfully blocked using mana shields. Gradually, Xalia gained control, chaining magical attacks and using mana chains to limit Selen’s movements. Xalia’s command over magic eventually overwhelmed Selen, and after a decisive series of attacks, Selen fell, unable to continue.

- Victory goes to Xalia! proclaimed Neru.

---

After a few more fights, Neru’s voice echoed once more:
- Hina versus Xalia!