The sky was clear, the sun high—perfect for a fight.
The time for the fifth duel came.
The air shimmered with tension as Alistar's voice echoed across the training grounds.
"First-year student Elaria Moonshade Lareth'Thalas versus second-year Cedric Ashford."
A hush fell.
From the elven crowd, proud cheers rang out for Elaria.
Cedric received no applause—only disapproving whispers and outright scoffs.
Because of his face, which the elves deemed even beneath that of the humans.
"Beastkin? How crude."
"Letting that mongrel fight Lady Elaria?"
Cedric, standing tall and relaxed at the opposite end of the platform, simply smirked. His black hair ruffled in the breeze, yellow eyes gleaming.
The greatsword on his back glinted in the light.
"Begin!"
With a flick of her fingers, Elaria nocked an arrow infused with nature mana.
"Return to the earth from whence you came," she intoned, loosing the arrow.
It spiraled forward, growing thorns mid-air.
Cedric snorted.
