The Scum Emperor's Redemption System

Chapter 145 Fire vs Lightning

The training grounds were still heavy with the scent of scorched grass and lingering embers from earlier spells. Golden light mingled with soft wisps of smoke, and the faint hum of dissipating magic resonated in the air. Across the field, two figures stood at opposite ends, their auras crackling with barely contained energy. One shimmered like sunlight breaking through clouds, her golden locks catching the light, while the other seemed a living flame, her fiery hair glowing with intensity to match the sparks dancing at her fingertips.

Sitting off to the side, Argider stretched lazily, her expression amused as her eyes flicked between the two women. Next to her, a visibly bored Esmeralda examined her nails, muttering something about wasted time. Argider couldn't help but grin at the absurdity of it all.

"You feel that tension?" she teased, gesturing vaguely. "It's like a storm's about to break. A very dramatic, very petty storm."

Esmeralda snorted. "More like a competition between toddlers fighting over the last cookie."

The two challengers weren't paying attention. The air between them pulsed, a quiet challenge exchanged without words. Faeralys woman straightened, brushing ash from her sleeve, though the gesture betrayed her annoyance. "This isn't about anyone else," she muttered, almost too quietly to hear. "This is just... a practical exercise."

"Sure it is," Fialova replied, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile. She tilted her head as if daring the other to contradict her. "And if someone happens to notice your 'practical exercise,' all the better, right?"

A flash of red across her opponent's face said more than words ever could.

Argider's grin widened. "Oh, this is delicious. Esmeralda, should we take bets? My money's on whoever causes the first explosion."

Esmeralda waved a hand dismissively. "I don't bet on melodrama."

The fiery combatant shot a glare their way, her temper flaring almost visibly. "If you're going to talk, at least say something useful!"

"Oh, don't mind us," Argider replied with mock innocence, resting her chin in her hand. "We're just the humble audience here. Carry on."

The two opponents squared off properly, their playful bickering giving way to a focused determination. Hands raised, they began their duel.

The first spell came swiftly: a beam of golden light that arced through the air like a comet. It struck the earth between them, leaving a glowing sigil that pulsed with warmth and precision.

It was answered almost immediately. Words laced with power left her opponent's lips, and flames burst forth in a wild, spiraling display.@@@@

They collided with the glowing sigil, breaking it apart into scattered sparks.

"No," Argider replied, shaking her head with mock solemnity. "This is clearly a critical moment of self-discovery."

Eventually, Faeralys managed to regain control, though not without leaving a scorch mark on her own sleeve. She straightened, brushing off the ash with a forced nonchalance. "See? Told you I had it under control."

Her opponent clapped slowly, her expression one of exaggerated approval. "Very impressive. Truly, a masterclass in grace."

"Do you want to get burned?"

"Do you want to actually hit a target for once?"

The bickering escalated, and soon they were casting spells almost as much to annoy each other as to practice. Argider could barely keep up with the banter, tears of laughter streaming down her face. Even Esmeralda cracked a smile, though she quickly disguised it behind her hand.

Finally, after what felt like hours of chaos, both combatants stood panting in the middle of the scorched field. Their magic reserves were clearly drained, and the training grounds looked like they had been hit by a small hurricane.

"Are you done?" Argider called out, her voice still tinged with laughter.

Fialova brushed a strand of hair from her face, her usual poise slightly shaken. "For now."

Her fiery counterpart crossed her arms, refusing to meet anyone's gaze. "It's not like I care if you were impressed or anything," she muttered, the faintest hint of pink on her cheeks. "This was just practice."

Argider rose from her seat, walking toward them with a grin. "Oh, I'm impressed, all right. Impressed you didn't level the entire palace."

The two women exchanged a glance, and for the first time, there was a flicker of mutual understanding.

"Next time," the fire-wielder said, her tone almost soft, "I'll win."

Her opponent smiled, not unkindly. "We'll see."

Argider clapped a hand on each of their shoulders, grinning. "You two are exhausting. But honestly? Not bad. Not bad at all."