Nova went to change into a simple black training outfit.
Her tight, practical clothes, with no unnecessary decorations, revealed her lean, powerful body, sculpted by years of survival and solitary training.
Meanwhile, Aaron Dark kept humiliating her in front of everyone, sneering and throwing vulgar taunts at his friends.
— You'll see… this Zero will be crawling at my feet by the end. She won't even have time to cry, he said, triggering his friends' crude laughter.
Suddenly, an announcement echoed throughout the building, drowning out their voices:
"All participants and spectators, please proceed to Vendal High Arena. The battle between the Zero and hunter Aaron Dark is about to begin."
The crowd left the training hall, a dense flow of students, masters, and elites eager to witness what they believed would be an execution.
Vendal High Arena…
A gigantic place, reinforced by enchantments, reserved for supernatural battles. The black stands rose so high that their end could not be seen. Bright white spotlights illuminated the central stage with a blinding intensity.
Nova entered silently. Her steps echoed on the cold metallic floor. Every gaze was fixed on her. Whispers began to spread from all directions:
— Is that her?
— She doesn't stand a chance…
— Why is she still alive?
Aaron Dark.
He was already waiting, standing at the center of the arena, an arrogant smile on his lips. His black hair, tied in a low ponytail, gleamed under the spotlights. His metallic grey eyes were filled with contempt and impatience.
— So, Zero… are you ready to die today? he sneered.
Nova stared at him without flinching, her dark eyes calm and unreadable.
I won't die today. Not before I destroy this rotten world.
The Vendal High Arena was massive, a perfect circle with white stone stands rising towards the sky.
Red and silver flags fluttered in the breeze as the roar of spectators echoed against the enchanted walls, creating a deep, vibrating hum.
At the center stood Nova, her long black hair tied in a high ponytail. Her gaze remained cold and determined despite the deafening noise around her.
"Look at that Zero – she's already doomed!" shouted a spectator.
"She should quit before she humiliates herself!" yelled another.
In front of her, Aaron Dark smirked arrogantly. His grey eyes gleamed with a cruel light as he spun his sword lazily.
"So, little Zero…" he said, his voice echoing in the arena,
"Did you really think you could stand against me?"
He attacked first. Nova dodged quickly to the side, but Aaron was fast. He struck again, his sword slicing through the air. Nova felt the blade graze her sleeve, sending a cold shiver down her arm.
I can't lose… not now, she thought.
But Aaron was overwhelming. His attacks came relentlessly, each blow forcing Nova backwards until she stumbled and fell to her knees on the cold arena floor.
The crowd erupted with laughter.
"Pathetic! She can't even stand up!"
Aaron raised his sword, certain of his victory.
"Poor fool. You never should've accepted this fight."
He stepped forward to finish her. But suddenly, Nova closed her eyes. She focused on her breathing, her mind, her center.
She placed one hand on the ground and, in a smooth motion, rose while spinning her body. Her legs knocked his sword away before continuing their arc into a rising circular kick that slammed into his chin with unexpected force.
Aaron staggered back, eyes wide with shock as a metallic taste filled his mouth.
What was that?! he thought.
The spectators fell silent, stunned.
Enraged, Aaron tightened his grip on his sword and summoned a green glow in his hands.
"You worthless Zero… I'll show you your place!"
He charged at Nova, his hands blazing with energy. The spectators held their breath; some turned away, certain she was about to die.
But just as the attack was about to hit her, a figure appeared in front of her.
Caden had stepped in without hesitation, calmly raising one hand before him.
Aaron's magical attack struck him directly, a blinding green light flashing across the arena.
A gasp of shock rippled through the crowd.
"It's… Caden…!"
Nova stood frozen, eyes wide with horror, breath caught in her throat.
Aaron slowly lowered his trembling hands, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
And in the heavy silence of the arena, everyone realized that someone feared by all had stepped in to protect a mere Zero.