The conflict with Victor began during a practical magic class.
Students were asked to demonstrate their elemental affinities.
Victor stepped forward confidently.
A small flame appeared above his palm.
Several students applauded.
"Impressive," someone said.
Victor smiled.
His eyes moved toward Adrian.
"What about you, Valen?"
Adrian looked up from his notes.
"What about me?"
"Do you have any talent?"
"A little."
"Show us."
Adrian raised his hand.
A weak spark appeared.
"That's all?"
A few students joined him.
Adrian lowered his hand.
"I suppose so."
Victor stepped closer.
"You should stop wasting your time in the academy. People like us are born with talent."
Adrian closed his notebook.
"Perhaps."
Victor frowned.
He clearly expected an argument.
Instead, Adrian walked away.
But Victor wasn't finished.
Later that afternoon, he challenged Adrian to a combat assessment.
The rules were simple. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
Students would fight under an instructor's supervision.
Victory would be determined by disarming an opponent or forcing them to surrender.
Adrian accepted.
He had already observed Victor's fighting style.
Victor relied heavily on fire magic.
He used flames to pressure opponents and force them into defensive positions.
His swordsmanship was average.
Adrian's was still developing.
But he possessed enhanced hearing and had spent weeks training with Garrick.
He had a chance.
The assessment was scheduled for the following morning.
That evening, Adrian reviewed his strategy.
He didn't need to overpower Victor.
He only needed to win.
And he intended to do exactly that.