The Elementiels

Ch. 9: TRIAL BY FIRE!

The crowd in the grand arena sat on the edge of their seats, murmuring in disbelief as a towering dragon entered the ring. Jason’s gaze fixed on the beast, and his heart twisted painfully as memories of Stacey’s last moments flooded back. He shivered, unable to shake the dread settling in his bones. Sensing this, Grandpa Mark placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.

“It’s alright, Jason,” Grandpa said, his voice a gentle rumble. “They’ll be fine. These students are tougher than you think.”

Jason forced a smile but couldn’t entirely mask his worry. All around, the spectators held their breath, eyes locked on the field to witness how the students would confront the danger looming before them.

Up in the royal balcony, King Arthur turned to Commander Elijah, brow furrowed. “Are you…certain this is safe?”

Commander Elijah gave a reassuring nod. “Do not worry, Your Majesty. This is a low-class dragon, fierce in appearance but manageable for those with training. Our students have been prepared for such a challenge. With teamwork and discipline, they can overcome it.”

The dragon prowled forward, flames crackling in its throat. With a roar that shook the arena walls, it unleashed a torrent of fire. The students scattered, narrowly avoiding the blaze, surrounding the beast with measured steps.

“Whoa, that was close!” Mike muttered, his heart racing.

Adam called out, his voice carrying over the din, “Stick together, everyone! If we work as a team, we can bring it down! Attack from all sides!”

“Right!” came the enthusiastic response, a determined chorus. Arrows sliced through the air, and swords gleamed as students charged from every direction, their battle cries rising. The dragon growled, its eyes flashing with rage as it swung its tail, sending a few students sprawling across the ground like scattered leaves.

“Oh man, this is bad! This is really bad!” Ben stammered, eyes wide with panic.

The dragon’s gaze locked onto him, its jaws opening as if to strike, but Mike tackled him out of harm’s way just in time. “You alright, bro?”

“Yeah, thanks to you,” Ben replied.

The students kept up their relentless assault, arrows raining down and swords biting at the beast’s armored hide. Cynthia, with her calm precision, drew her bow and fired, hitting the dragon’s eye. It shrieked, momentarily blinded.

“Nice shot, Cynthia!” David called, grinning with admiration.

“Thanks! Keep going, everyone!”

The dragon, furious now, opened its mouth and let loose another blast of fire. The students raised their shields, bracing against the intense heat, sweat beading on their brows as they held their ground. The dragon stumbled, assaulted from every side by relentless attacks.

Beatrix darted forward with incredible speed, her sword flashing as she sliced the beast’s leg, forcing it to falter and collapse.

A counselor leaned toward the king, his voice filled with awe. “Remarkable, Your Majesty! These students are exceptional. They might even be better than last year’s class.”

“It’s difficult to compare, really. We didn’t hold an exhibition like this last year.”

Below, the students regrouped, determination etched into their faces. They attacked again and again, but the dragon’s scales were like armor, barely yielding to their strikes. “This thing is tough!” Mike exclaimed.

“No matter how hard we hit, it just keeps coming back!” Ben shouted.

Adam stepped forward, resolve gleaming in his eyes. “I’ve got a plan! Everyone, keep attacking from below, distract it! Frank and I will go for its head!”