Chapter 23: Alchemy
They lost.
Kaya tried her best, showing off water and wind spells she hadn’t used yesterday in her duel with Caius. But without anyone to distract the Professor, there was very little chance for real success, so time just ran out without her getting into the inner ring.
"A commendable attempt. But an enemy will always aim to divide and conquer. A task like this is difficult to win if you act alone. The moment your partner was too weak to continue, the drill was over," Professor Kragsten explained with an encouraging smile mostly to Kaya who was gritting her teeth in frustration while breathing hard due to exertion.
"You did great," Caius told the two ladies when they got back to their seats.
Kaya was pouting but Eloise just looked glad it was over.
"Thank you," Eloise said with a grin and her palms pressed together.
"We lost," Kaya pointed out.
"Trust me, you did great," Caius told her and she sighed.
"Thanks, I guess," she let out in a low voice.
Caius shook his head. Because of his and Aurelius’ success, Kaya must have thought the drill was meant to be won. It wasn’t. And that became clear as the class continued and pairs of students descended into the arena to give the drill a try.
Everyone lost.