The scorched plains of the dungeon slowly melted away as the last of the students were pulled out through the recall spell. The warm air of the surface greeted them, and though most were tired and bruised, there was a quiet satisfaction among the ranks.
The announcement came swiftly.
"All students, gather at the central courtyard."
Zane joined the others near the ceremonial platform, still catching his breath. Sera stood beside him, wiping a smudge of dirt off her cheek. Her eyes were sharp and focused, already anticipating what might come next.
A tall instructor from Lumina Academy stepped forward, his voice clear and commanding.
"The final event of the Inter-Academy Exchange has arrived. A 1v1 Elimination Tournament. One representative from each academy will face off in single combat. The academy with the last fighter standing... wins it all."
Gasps and murmurs swept through the crowd. This was it—the decisive trial. The dungeon hunt had only narrowed the field. Now, the top contenders would fight not just for pride, but for the grand reward: ancient relics, rare resources, and preferential mentorship under the continent's most powerful mages.
"Only one student from each academy may enter," the instructor continued. "Choose wisely. Healing and rest time will be provided between each match, but the strain will be immense. Victory will require more than strength."
Zane's heart dropped a little. His body still ached from the fight with Lysara. His mind was recovering from the illusions. And now... this?
Sera turned to him immediately. "I'll do it."
Zane's head snapped toward her. "What?"
"You've done enough. You were targeted, manipulated, nearly killed." She exhaled and placed a hand on his chest. "Let me carry this one."
"I can handle it," Zane said quietly.
"I know you can," she replied with a small smile, "but we fight as a team. Let me take this round."
He hesitated, searching her eyes. There was fire in them—determination, but also compassion. She wanted to win... for him, for their academy, for herself.
"Alright," he said at last. "But be careful. Don't underestimate anyone."
She nodded. "I won't."
The instructors began calling names for the brackets. Sera's name was announced as Oakhaven Academy's representative. She stepped forward, her cloak billowing in the wind, her wind magic flaring subtly beneath her boots.
As Zane watched her take her place, a strange unease settled in his chest.
He didn't know it yet, but this tournament would test more than just strength.
It would test everything.