He hadn’t even landed when Kira raised both hands. Three spinning fireballs formed above her palms.
"Go to sleep."
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The fireballs slammed into him mid air and blasted him straight out of the arena. He crashed into the wall of the spectator area where his fellow classmates are and slid down, unconscious and smoking.
"THE WINNER: KIRA LEWIS"
Rose smiled faintly from where she was watching. Her training had paid off.
Kira headed back to her seat and saw Emily there. She took the one in front unoccupied.
"Nice fight," Emily said, genuine.
"Yeah, you too," Kira replied, sitting down. Her hands were still trembling slightly from adrenaline.
Lynx didn’t look up. He was focused on his phone, scrolling through comments of his fight.
The fights were soon over. He, Kira, Emily, and one other guy advanced to the next round.
"Be here by this time next tomorrow," Rose’s voice echoed as she used her artifact and opened a portal.
Kira, Emily, and Lynx headed back to their dorms.
"When are the Year 3 and 4 students fighting?" Lynx asked Emily.
Emily, who was always updated on what was happening on Instalite, instantly replied. "Yeah, it will be after Year 1 and Year 2 fights are over."
"Sounds great. I guess I’ll see you later," he winked at Emily, whose heart almost burst from excitement. But it died down as Lynx suddenly pulled Kira close and kissed her softly on the lips.
"And I’ll see you tomorrow," he said, then left. Leaving Kira’s cheeks flushed red and her heart racing.
In an awkward silence. Kira and Emily started walking toward the girls building.
"I thought you guys were related," Emily asked quietly.
"Yeah, we are. But that doesn’t mean anything. But we’re not dating yet, though."
"Yet?"
"Yes. I know you like him too. I mean, who wouldn’t? I’ve seen the way you look at him with those eyes... I don’t mind that. But don’t you ever trouble him. He already has a lot going on."
"I won’t cause him trouble," Emily said softly. "See you later. Nice talking with you."
"Hm."
...
Step. Step. Step.
Rose had called for a meeting with the Year 2 teachers in the academy. She was one of the most influential in the Academy, so yes, she could do that.
She opened the door. The teachers were already there, seated and waiting for her patiently.
"Thank you all for coming," Rose said, and took her seat.