Chapter 32: Lucas vs Eden
Lucas’s Point of View
I naturally stood apart, observing the students and Luxia with indifference. I wouldn’t say I’m barely a first-star due to laziness, nor would I claim the opposite.
But using my affinity makes me extremely uncomfortable. It’s not that I fear criticism; over time, you become immune to it. But I couldn’t ignore that I had the same affinity that killed my uncle and caused my mother’s death. Though my father and older brother didn’t show it, there was always a hint of resentment toward me, which my aunt and her son, Leo, made clear during our rare interactions. And my other aunt, Luxia, whom I barely know but have faint memories of from when I was six or seven, at least doesn’t hate me like my cousin does.
"If only I had the Light affinity like Leonard...," I thought, darkening my expression further.
There were a few combat simulations where Luxia commented, explaining details to improve and each fighter’s weaknesses. She focused more on the first-years, and watching how Drake had tormented his opponent...
I sighed. "I’d rather avoid him in the future if possible."
"Eden Folker and Lucas..." She said, looking at her list of names.
I was obviously surprised; I hadn’t expected her to choose me.
I walked through the seats, climbed into the ring, and bowed to the Saintess and my opponent.
My opponent was the most arrogant person I’d ever seen—or rather, I was jealous of his affinity, which is why I didn’t like him from the start.
He looked down at me, hands in his pockets, relaxed, without even drawing his sword or taking a fighting stance.