Whispers of Worlds Beyond: A Series - Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Training Chapter 49: Training The duel was set for the weekend, and anticipation buzzed through the academy like wildfire.

Ivara’s challenge had been the talk of every hall and corner, and even students not usually invested in such matters found themselves intrigued.

After all, Ivara’s precision affinity in combat was well-known even before due to her family being one of the greatest elves in Soleil.

From time to time, Aiden could see some of the older years even betting between Ivara and hom.

It wasn’t common the first years would be leading the duels, after all.

Aiden was determined.

Keeping his 10th place meant more than just a number on the academy’s ranks- it was a symbol of how far he had come since arriving here.

Losing wasn’t an option.

Every moment outside of class became an opportunity to prepare.

Between lessons, during breaks, and late into the evenings, Aiden trained relentlessly.

“Ivara’s precise,” Sevan said during one of their late-night sparring sessions in the training hall.

The faint glow of Aiden’s fire illuminated the dark stone walls as he practiced throwing fireballs with unerring accuracy.

“She won’t waste a single move.

If you leave an opening, even for a second, she’ll take it.” “I know,” Aiden replied, sweat dripping down his brow.

He adjusted his stance and hurled another fireball, hitting the center of a target they had set up earlier.

“That’s why I’m trying to make sure there aren’t any openings.” “You’ve improved, but don’t get cocky.

Precision beats raw power every time.

Trust me- I’ve been dodging Sevan’s small water blasts during classes long enough to know.” Sevan rolled his eyes before summoning a twisting arc of water that Aiden had to dodge.

“Keep moving, Aiden.

Ivara won’t give you time to stand still.” The three of them sparred for hours, Aiden focusing on refining his technique and learning to anticipate attacks.

While his fire magic had always been a force of nature, he knew he couldn’t rely on brute strength alone.

Against someone like Ivara, every move had to be calculated.

“You’re almost getting there, A,” Sevan admitted, nodding in approval.

“But precision isn’t just about hitting your target.

It’s about timing, about knowing when to strike and when to hold back.” Adrian, lounging on the grass nearby, smirked.

“And knowing how to avoid getting an arrow to the face.

That’s important, too.” Aiden’s drive didn’t go unnoticed during Physical Education either.

From the moment Sir Bernard blew his whistle, Aiden threw himself into the exercises with relentless energy.

The obstacle course-a grueling combination of climbing walls, rope swings, and balance beams-became his personal battleground.

He vaulted over walls with ease, scaled ropes faster than most of his classmates, and sprinted through the maze-like course with unwavering focus.

“Aiden!” Sir Bernard’s booming voice echoed across the field as Aiden crossed the finish line well ahead of Shiloh.

“What’s gotten into you?

You’re moving like your life depends on it!” Aiden wiped the sweat from his brow and straightened, his breathing steady.

“Just trying to stay sharp, sir.” Sir Bernard studied him with a critical eye before nodding.

“Well, keep it up.

That kind of effort will take you far.” Adrian and Sevan, who finished shortly after, exchanged amused glances.

“You’re making us look bad,” Adrian said, clapping Aiden on the back.

“Speak for yourself,” Sevan muttered, though even he looked winded.

“Still, you might want to pace yourself.

Burning out before the duel won’t help.” —————————– The night before the duel, the boys were in their dorm room, a quiet tension hanging in the air.

Aiden focused on a piece of parchment, sketching strategies for his duel with Ivara, while Adrian flipped lazily through his prank book, occasionally offering sarcastic commentary.

Sevan, on the other hand, was muttering about how Aiden shouldn’t exhaust himself before the big day.

Just then, a knock on the door startled all three.

Adrian caught the shadow ball mid-air and sat up, frowning.

“Who’s knocking this late?” Sevan stood and opened the door to reveal Amihan and Morrigan, each holding baskets of food, with Hanako peeking out shyly from behind them.

“Evening, gentlemen!” Morrigan chirped, stepping into the room without waiting for an invitation.

“We heard you’ve been working yourself to the bone, Aiden, so we thought you might need some sustenance.” Amihan smiled timidly, her pale hands clutching her basket.

“We just wanted to wish you luck.

You’ve been training really hard.” Hanako, however, held a carefully wrapped box and approached Aiden directly.

“These are for you.

A little something from home- some Japanese snacks that my sister bought.

Thought you’d like something different,” she said, extending it to him.

Aiden hesitated, then took the box with a quiet “Thank you.” The faint scent of sweet rice wafted through the wrapping, instantly making Aiden’s stomach growl in hunger.

Adrian leaned against the bedpost, his trademark grin in place.

“Wow, Hanako, going all out for Aiden?

Should I be jealous?” Hanako shot him a look that was more amused than annoyed.

“Not everything’s about you, Caleena.” Sevan chuckled under his breath while Aiden cleared his throat and set the box aside.

“Thanks again,” he said, his tone subdued but sincere.

Morrigan plopped her basket onto the desk, beaming.

“We’ve got sandwiches, fruit, and these amazing chocolate-covered nuts they always give out for desserts during breakfast.

Don’t ask how I got them-they’re technically limited stock.” Adrian smirked, leaning back against the bedframe.

“Are we all just ignoring the fact that you broke some unwritten snack law for this?” “Exactly,” Morrigan said proudly.

“Anything for the cause!” Amihan set her basket down more quietly.

“We… we believe in you, Aiden.

Ivara’s strong, but so are you.” Sevan, standing by the desk, raised an eyebrow.

“You realise you’re basically feeding the competition, right?” “We’re feeding everyone equally!

Plus, this isn’t about picking sides.

It’s about making sure you guys don’t keel over from starvation before the duel,” Morrigan grinned.

As the girls made their way out, Hanako turned at the door, her smile widening.

“Good luck tomorrow, Aiden.

We’re all looking forward to seeing how it goes.” When the door clicked shut behind them, Adrian immediately broke the silence.

“Did she just single you out, or am I imagining things?” Sevan rolled his eyes.

“Focus, Adrian.

Aiden has a duel to win.” Aiden sighed, ignoring their teasing as he returned to his parchment.