Magnostadt Academy of Magic

Chapter 10: The Sparking Ember

"Welcome everyone to the Aruse challenge that we'll be having today~! I'll be your hostess for this match today, 3rd Year Shina Leka!" A bubblegum haired girl said into the mic in her right ear, winking when she was done speaking. Her side ponytail following her movement as she twirls around a bit.

It was time for the Aruse match to begin, a match that would decide the lives of the competitors.

While Shina was speaking to the crowd, Aine was leaning against the wall in the room that she was assigned to, watching the tv that was displaying Shina talking to the crowd. Riko was in the room with her, sitting on the couch looking relaxed as usual, sipping on her daily cup of coffee.

"You ready Aine?" Riko said, looking at Aine's face for any signs of anxiety but only saw tranquility on her face.

"Ready as I'll ever be to be honest with you but I'll admit I am a bit afraid," Aine said, sighing and decided to move to sit next to Riko's left side.

"Afraid? Aine you are literally armed to the teeth with the items and knowledge you'll need to beat Diana, no matter what she does I'm sure you will have a way to turn it against her," Riko assured Aine, silently cursing at the fact Aine had gotten better at hiding her emotions.

"What if I still fail Riko? I will fail in protecting Erina and that's the last thing that I want,"Aine spoke softly, leaning her head on Riko's shoulder.

Riko reached up her left hand to put it around Aine's shoulder and rubbed her left shoulder in slow circular motions. Taking another sip of her coffee, she offered the cup to Aine to which she accepted. Taking only a small sip of the overly sweetened coffee before handing the cup back to Riko.

"I'm sure you'll be fine Aine you're a smart person who can figure things out if they really tried. All you have to do is give it your all regardless of the challenge the judges will give," Riko said in a small voice.

"I will always do my best when it comes to the people I love," Aine said, smiling at the comfort Riko was giving to her.

Aine was basking in Riko's comfort for a while, to which Riko didn't mind, before knocks were heard at the door. The door opened to reveal a blank looking guy dressed in a black suit.

"Aine Wisteria? You're about to come out in a few minutes please follow me," the male said, standing by the door.

Aine nodded at the guard and stood up to walk to the guard. Before leaving the room she gave Riko a quick smile and a quiet 'Thank you' before walking away, with the guard closing the door closing after her.

The guard walked in front of Aine, leading her to be where she needed to at. Eventually, they stopped at a hallway that would lead straight out to the arena area, the guard slightly bowed at Aine before walking away, leaving Aine to be by herself.

"And now here comes the competitors! Please welcome third year, Diana Jones!" Shina said, yelling into the mic as cheerfully as possible. Loud cheering and clapping could be heard moments later when Diana had appeared. The moment that Aine laid her eyes on Diana, her blood began to slowly boil.

Diana was waving her arms in the air and was smiling widely like she was at a concert devoted to her.

Aine took a deep breath, in an attempt to calm herself.

'Don't do anything yet Aine,' the voice in her head said. Aine smiled slightly upon hearing the voice inside her head.

"I won't Talbis, I'll wait until I can," Aine mumbled softly.

"And now please welcome first year, Aine Wisteria!"

Taking another deep breath, she began to walk out of the hallway and into the arena. With a blank face, she calmly walked to stand near Diana, obviously putting distance between herself and Diana. Diana was looking at Aine with a smug look although there was an underline of worry beneath that layer of smugness.