Chapter 19: Duels
The academy grounds were buzzing.
Students and spectators gathered in swarms across the floating platforms and marble steps that surrounded the Grand Combat Arena—a stadium carved into the very mountain, forged with ancient mana and the sweat of champions past. Magic screens hovered in the air, displaying rankings, footage from earlier trials, and, of course, my unbelievably attractive face from multiple flattering angles.
I adjusted my coat collar, walking slowly toward the center arena like I had all the time in the world.
"Pixia, is it just me or is that girl on the left trying to faint in slow motion?"
(She’s not the only one. I’ve counted at least twenty-six near-faints and eleven magical swoons. Honestly, Host, your narcissism has a gravitational pull.)
’It’s not narcissism if they’re right.’
(You are—gods help me—insufferable.)
A noble girl in the crowd squealed as I passed, clutching a handkerchief like she was witnessing the birth of a star.
’...Did she just throw a rose at me?’
(The thorns are enchanted with admiration. Careful. Might prick your ego.)
’I should write that on my next album.’