Serene’s POV

I wished them good luck and took my seat with Arlo. Both teams entered the Dome, which was going to be their battleground. It was going to be interesting to see what their contest would be.

Shumal Sensei’s voice echoed throughout the ground: "Welcome to our yearly ’Inter-Realm Contest’ this allows our students to showcase their skills and abilities and polish them further to stand the test of time. Without further ado, let’s start with our two Folkel Teams. The task is simple, both teams will be given a treasure chest, which they have to guard. Teams will try to steal the treasure chest of the other team. Whoever will be successful in achieving this feat will be deemed the winner. Remember, killing the opponent is forbidden, other than that you can use any other method to subdue your opponent. So let’s give a warm welcome to our two teams."

The crowd cheered in excitement after the announcement as both teams entered the Battlefield. Zeph’s team was wearing black body armour and all of them were carrying a variety of weapons and ropes. Zeph had his sword and was wearing his bracelet as well.

Sarim Sensei handed both teams golden treasure boxes. Boxes were the size of a book so they could be carried easily. Zeph received the chest as he was Team Captain and placed it in his backpack. It would be interesting to see how they would strategize to defend it.

They huddled together, finalizing their strategies as the whistle blew to indicate the start of their battle. The captain of Wanison High was also a black-haired boy with the same height as Zeph and piercing green eyes. He had this aura about him that screamed smart and intelligent.

"What’s the name of Wanison High’s Team Captain," I asked Arlo.

"Drumias Calharn,"

"He looks strong," I turned to look at Arlo as I spoke.

"Zeph is stronger and he is a crystal bearer as well. I don’t think he is much of a threat to Zeph." Arlo replied calmly, indicating he knew I had given Zeph a crystal too.

"You noticed?" I eyed him queerly.

"I notice everything." There was a hint of a smile on his handsome face.

"Of course, you do." I turned my attention back to the battlefield, my hands were shaking from nervousness.

"Zeph will be fine, he knows how to handle himself," Arlo reassured me. I knew they didn’t get along because of me but they believed in each other as teammates.

The battle had commenced and both teams had decided to do one-on-one combats to decide who will take home both chests.

Xin Li was on first and his opponent was a petit girl with a spear. She was agile and her skills with the spear were top-notch. But Xin Li carried a sword and shield to block her attacks and he was an excellent swordsman. They had an eventful fight that lasted half an hour. Xin Li mostly dodged her attacks and once she was tired he started his onslaught. He finally made her yield and captured her. Wanison High were one down and I heaved a sigh of relief.

The crowd cheered loudly for Xin Li, who took a bow. Zeph patted him on the shoulder while Ralph gave him a big hug. Their smiles showed they were proud of him.

The next match was between Bentley and the second girl from their team. While Bentley carried a Katana, the girl yielded a whip and shield. Her long-range attacks proved lethal for Bentley. Her whip was laced with a neurotoxin. Although Bentley was using a healing potion, her toxin was strong. She attacked again, targeting his legs. He tried to dodge by jumping up but her whip caught his foot. She dragged him towards her but he used his katana to cut her whip off. He scampered to his feet but she took out another whip and this time aimed for his neck since that was the part, not covered by the body armour. Bentley got caught, unable to breathe as she had him in the chokehold of her whip. He yielded and the girl snickered at him. Her team hugged her and cheered. Now the score was even.

My heart was beating so fast as disappointment washed over me. The crowd had gone quiet too, seeing the loss. Zeph, Ralph and Xin Li quickly retrieved Bentley who was struggling to breathe and his body was turning blue. Mariela Sensei and Sarim Sensei took him away from them and carried him to the infirmary. They needed an antidote for the poison she used and clearly, Bentley’s healing potion didn’t work.

"Serene...calm down. He will be alright, he is in good hands with Mariela Sensei." Arlo spoke softly to me, clearly seeing how tense I was.

"He was turning blue, I hope he is alright." My spirit was dampened.

"Don’t worry, I promise he will be alright." I nodded and turned my attention to the battlefield.

Ralph was next and my palms were getting sweaty. ’Be safe Ralph,’ I muttered to myself.

Ralph had trained with Alvene a lot and just like her, he had become exceptional with batons. He carried two grey batons with him as he moved towards his opponent, twirling them in his hands. His opponent was a brown-haired boy who wielded a giant sword and a shield. He had been drinking potion after potion before facing Ralph. He was very muscular and was at least 6’5 in height. I feared for Ralph.

Alvene was standing right at the edge of the dome and she looked stressed from the looks of it. I got up and made my way to her. Placing my hand on her shoulder I turned her around.

"Hey! Serene," she smiled at me.

"He is going to win," I assured her and she nodded. We both stood there with each other to see our boys battle it out against their opponents.

The burly boy came forward and swung his sword right at Ralph’s head...