Chapter 54 : Flames and Revenge
"Next—Raven Cross and Sophia Storm," the loudspeaker announces.
The arena erupts. Cheers explode from all corners.
"Whoa! Another one from the Storm family?"
"This is gonna be crazy!"
"Let's gooo!"
Students lean over the railings, some climbing onto their seats to get a better look. The hype is electric, the air pulsing with excitement.
Raven walks toward the center of the stage, calm and composed. His black blazer flutters lightly with each step. His black eyes scan the crowd before focusing ahead.
From the opposite side, a girl steps up. Her long blue hair flows down her back, her black eyes sharp with pride. She's tall, stunning—her body curved and athletic, her confidence blazing like fire. She wears the same academy uniform, but even that can't hide her magnetic presence.
She stops a few steps from Raven. They face each other.
"3… 2… 1—Begin!" the mic blares.
Sophia doesn't move. She stands tall, hands behind her back, a calm smile on her lips. Her mana pulses gently around her.
Raven tilts his head. "So you're a mage… I can sense mana from you."
Sophia smirks. "And I suppose you're not? Come on, take out your weapon."
Raven chuckles, voice low. "I think my hands are enough."
"After you lose, don't complain it was unfair," she laughs, flicking her wrist.
Raven narrows his eyes, his voice dropping to a quiet thought. I've been waiting for this… a Storm family member. Didn't expect the opportunity to come this fast. Time to repay the favor—for Seraphine.
The crowd roars again.
"Let's go!"
"Storm family never disappoints!"
Raven glances at his screen.
___
STATS
RAVEN CROSS
LEVEL – 260
STRENGTH – 90
SPEED – 80
ENDURANCE – 100
IQ – 89
ABILITIES – Instant Healing (SSS), Time's Eye (S)
___
He smirks. "Looks like I won't need to go all out."
Sophia frowns. "Why are you smiling?"
Behind her, a dozen blazing fire bullets form in the air, spinning rapidly.
She lifts her hand and bullets shoot in every direction—like a storm of flames.
Raven's eyes flash.
Let's see what Time's Eye can do in a real fight.
He activates it.
Time slows around him—his vision sharpens. He sees every bullet's path before they're even halfway.
Effortlessly, he weaves between the incoming shots. His body shifts like wind, dodging with such precision it looks rehearsed.
Students gasp in amazement.
"What the hell!?"
"Is he reading her mind?!"
Sophia's brows furrow. She steps back, eyes wide. None of them landed… and he's already this close?
Raven dashes forward.
Sophia grits her teeth. "You're done."
A wicked grin spreads across her face.
"My real magic… is this!"
She slams her fist forward—aiming straight for his stomach.
Raven sees it. He could dodge easily.
But he doesn't.
Let's see what you've got, he thinks.
The punch connects—hard. A shockwave ripples out. Raven's body jolts as the impact echoes through the arena.
___
Fist Magic, Sophia Storm's hidden trump card, concentrates devastating force into every strike. It isn't yet at full potential—but already, it's enough to shatter bones, tear through rankers, or obliterate normal humans entirely. At its peak, it could level a mountain.
___
Raven clenches his teeth. Shit… that hurt.
He plants his feet, knees bent. His core locks up, absorbing the blow. Pain flares through him—organs shattering and tearing inside.
He doesn't fall.
His ability—Instant Healing—activates immediately. The damage repairs itself in seconds. His breathing steadies.
Sophia blinks, stunned.
He's still standing?
Without a word, Raven grabs her wrist mid-swing.
"My turn."
He pulls back a fist, launching it forward with full strength.
Sophia freezes.
Impossible…
She closes her eyes, bracing for the blow. The wind from his fist rushes over her skin.
This is it.
Tick.
She feels… small flick in her forehead.
Her eyes flutter open.
Raven's finger rests gently against her forehead.
"I lost," he says, smiling.
Sophia stares at him in confusion.
"But… I hit you with everything. That punch should've killed anyone easily but it didn't still even damage you."
Raven shrugs casually. "If I were normal, maybe. But I'm not. And trust me—if my punch had landed, your head would've been gone."
He lowers his hand and walks off the stage.
The mic announces, "Winner: Sophia Storm."
Gasps fill the air.
But Raven doesn't care. He smirks as he walks away.
Up in the stands, Lyra leans on the railing, her long white hair swaying in the breeze. She watches him with a proud grin.
"That's my brother."
Sophia stands frozen on stage, her hand still outstretched. She turns slowly, watching Raven leave.
He could have ended it… why didn't he?
Raven walks toward the edge of the field.
His gaze locks onto Lucas Storm across the arena.
Lucas smirks.
Raven smirks back.
In that moment, nothing is said.
But everything is understood.
Raven's flick to Sophia's forehead mirrors what Lucas did to Seraphine.
This… was payback.
Lucas leans back in his seat, arms folded.
He chuckles under his breath.
"This is going to be fun," he whispers, locking eyes with Raven again.
They stare at each other for a second longer before turning away.
___
From above the stadium railing, Lyra stands with her arms folded, eyes narrowed.
"Look at that girl," she mutters, watching Sophia walk off the stage. "Already falling for Raven, huh?"
Her black eyes gleam with mischief as her white hair dances with the breeze. A sly smirk curls on her lips.
"Oh, girl… what should I do with you? I can't let you come between Seraphine and my brother."
She lets out a soft laugh.
"Looks like I've seen all I need to see here."
Turning on her heel, she walks away from the railing.
"I have to complete my mission… and that girl looks useful," she whispers. "Let's befriend her."
____
After some time, the matches come to an end.
The mic buzzes to life again.
"Students," the announcement echoes through the campus, "you may take a break and explore the academy grounds. The class results will be posted shortly."
The crowd begins to disperse. Excitement and nervous chatter fill the air.
____
Raven walks through the quiet hallway and enters the infirmary.
Inside, Seraphine rests on the bed provided by the academy. Her blue shirt is buttoned up neatly, but her crimson hair lies messy against the pillow. She looks tired, but peaceful.
"You're resting comfortably here," Raven says, stepping closer and sitting on the edge of the bed.
Seraphine sits up slowly. "Ah… yes. I've rested enough."
She blinks, her golden eyes studying his face. "So? How did you do? I'm guessing you won easily."
Raven smiles. "Nope. I lost."
Her eyes widen in disbelief. "What? But you're strong. How could you—?"
"The students here are stronger than they look," he replies calmly.
"But still… you're Raven," she says, confusion still on her face.
"It's alright, Seraphine. I didn't plan on winning."
She opens her mouth, then stops. "But… if you don't make it to Class A—"
"It doesn't matter," he cuts in. "They're judging us based on performance, not just wins. And I believe all three of us will make it to Class A."
Seraphine is silent for a moment.
Then, quietly, she leans forward and wraps her arms around him.
Her face rests against his chest. His arms fold around her—one hand gently patting her head, the other resting on her back.
They sit like that for a while, holding each other in a long, quiet embrace.