"You want to fight me?" Apollo asked, his voice even sounding amused. "Do you understand what you''re asking for?"

    The boy squared his shoulders, trying to appear unfazed. "I want to prove myself. Everyone says you''re the strongest first-year, but I think it''s just talk."

    Apollo tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Very well. But don''t say I didn''t warn you." Stay tuned with empire

    "Alright my name is Nelo Fernandez I am a third-year student and shall oversee this match"

    Apollo and his supposed enemy both nodded as the so-called overseer or referee began explaining the rules of the match.

    "None of you are allowed to use scrolls or any enchanted weapons or even potions. The only thing you can rely on is your own skills and no external help shall be allowed. The match will end once either of you is knocked unconscious or by surrendering"

    He explained, and then he gestured to the two to get ready.

    "My name is Apollo first year I hope we have a good match"

    "Yunwo a third year"

    "Both duelists, please be ready...."

    Then, after giving the final signal, both fighters disappear, and a loud bang reverberates right after. The platform serving as the arena was suddenly attacked by a violent force, causing it to be dented. Dust was kicked off creating a cloud of smoke while a wave of shockwave hit the audience. Not far away from the open arena, a giant tree can be seen smoking as if something hit it with great seed; however, if you go even closer, then you will realize that, indeed, there was someone there. Embedded on the tree''s giant trunk is a boy not much older than Apollo; that young man was none other than Apollo''s opponent, Nelo.

    The first years weren''t really surprised, while the seniors had their mouths wide open.

    "That''s our rank one!"

    "I lost who would have thought it would only last for a second"

    "Come on didn''t I tell you not to put a bet"

    There was a small argument among the freshmen while the seniors were too stunned to speak, they all wanted to say something, but for some reason, their voices were restrained with something powerful.

    The arena continued to erupt in cheers and whispers as Apollo emerged victorious, his opponent lying unconscious on the ground. The duel had been swift, too swift to be exact; however, his performance only made his dominance undeniable.

    Apollo stood, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeves as he turned to the crowd. According to the rules, the victor was now allowed to call someone else to fight.

    "I don''t wanna fight anymore. It is useless, I felt like I was merely toying with them," he thought, so he was about to leave the stage and return to his friends when the referee spoke and urged Apollo to call out a name.

    "Nah, I am good. One match is enough." he then turns to leave, his steps light as he prepares to rejoin his friends. But just as he reached the edge, a familiar sound stopped him in his tracks. It was the unmistakable rhythm of footsteps that belonged to someone who knows very well.

    On the other hand, the tower mages and the Lower class were worried since one mistake, and a new heir to the Lionheart duchy could be announced. However, they also wanted to see how Apollo would handle the situation. Will he let his emotions take control of his decision and end up beating his brother, or will he be a rational person and just beat him in moderation.

    Eros snarled, his pride wounded, but he still tried to remain calm. After all, many people were watching, and he didn''t want to lose his composure. "Don''t use such pathetic words, Apollo!" He charged forward, his blade igniting with flames as he swung it with deadly intent.

    Apollo met the attack head-on, summoning a round of mana and ki around his sword to create a barrier that absorbed the blow. The force of the clash sent a shockwave rippling through the arena, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.

    "Still relying on brute strength, I see," Apollo said, his tone almost bored. "Come on show me some magic, brother."

    Eros growled but kept it within him; his frustration was accelerating fast just by exchanging a few words with his brother. "Just shut up and fight!" He unleashed a torrent of fire, the heat intense enough to make the spectators shield their faces.

    But Apollo was unfazed. With a flick of his sword, he summoned a whirlwind of energy that extinguished the flames effortlessly.

    "I am getting bored. Can we finish this phase already?" Apollo said, his voice turning cold. "You''ve spent your whole life looking down on me, but look where we are now. We are facing each other but not as equals, but you know I am sure I am not the one who is on the weaker side."

    "Alright..... let''s end this .." Eros announced, lifting his sword high as if ready to summon something.

    While the two brothers fight inside the arena, Isabella and Athena are inside the High-class dorm''s greenhouse.

    "Mom see this flower was given to me by my friend" Athena happily said holding a single red rose.

    Isabella happily took the flower and saw that the rose in her hand is not was ordinary.

    "This flower..." She mutters trying to remember what it was and where she had seen it.

    While the two continued their mother-and-daughter bonding, a sudden noise caught their attention.

    Hurried steps rushed to the greenhouse, which immediately attracted the attention of the two.

    "Oh, it''s you, Alvin. What are you doing, and why do you look like that," Athena asked, recognizing the person as one of her classmates.

    "Aty quick you and your mother had to go and check the plaza..."

    "Why?....wait breathe a little your gasping for air now"

    Athena worriedly said, seeing her friend tired and taking so many breaths it becoming alarming.

    "Just where did you come from the end you end up getting tired like this"

    "Aty... listen your two brothers are fighting right now!" He manages to say, causing Athena and Isabella to get nervous.