Student Statistics

[[God] - Yuki Shiotaro]

Aurora flicked through the records mindlessly, pulling up a list of students. "It appears that he goes after a lot of students, namely Zedd and Isaah for their unique dynamic of a special no-name kid and an electric frag grenade, no offense." She continued, explaining that a lot of students he targeted seemed to have no notable bloodline that granted an elite status. 

Yuki took it into consideration. "I won't really be replicating another student. I've not been around long enough to study their mannerisms." No, instead she'd have a form that made it so she blended in with a background crowd but seemed different enough from the elites that would make her an open target for Damien. Please, did anyone actually think she'd try to impersonate some random student outside her element? She wasn't stupid. She was a shapeshifter, and she had more than enough time and knowledge on how to use that power properly. Honestly.

Aurora looked at Zedd and sighed. "Gotta give the Goddess a bit more credit. She's a smarter shapeshifter than the norm." Only young shapeshifters made the kind of mistake where you turn into something you can't handle. "But... There's also the factor that no one said you had to be in on this. You more or less came in with her on your own, didn't you?" Aurora panned a light screen over showing back when Zedd was trying to catch up with 'Shion'. "Gotta admit, you literally walked into that one."

"While that is true, he doesn't have to be in on this if he doesn't want to. He's free to leave at any time as long as he can keep quiet about this and act as if nothing happened. Besides, there is Isaah to worry about." After... well... you know.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    "I never knew any of this was going to happen! It wasn't like there was this big blaring sign that said "Bad Idea, do not go!" I just thought it was gonna be a neat little adventure with my good friend Shion, not a trip to the principles office with The Literal Goddess of Water." Zedd threw his hands up in an exaggerated shrug. "Dunno what you want from me."
    
    "I dunno! I dislike Damien, but I also feel like getting roped into this is also going to make me some sort of target. I just feel like he will find out, someway. Somehow. He's way too smart to not figure out I at least knew about all this." Zedd slumped and folded his arms over his chest. "Everyone knows all the honors students fight so emphatically to maintain their status, it's the single most important thing for them all so they can attain their dreams or get into their dream jobs. Besides, it's not like the second I step out of this school everyone like him is suddenly just going to disappear. I'm sorry, but I don't think it's worth it." 

    "Reality is often cruel and unforgiving, but that doesn't mean you can't take a stand against it. Taking a stand is how many heroes are made. But, like the goddess stated, you're free to leave if you wish." Came Valiant's calm reply. Zedd seemed to begrudgingly mull it all over. The kid wasn't exactly having the best of days, and it kinda made him feel like he was forming a grudge against everyone in this room. 

    "Whatever, it's not like I'm not going to see how this plays out. Too late anyways. I'll just shut up." 

    "Very well. Now then, Goddess? The floor is yours. Shall we take an in depth look into this plan of yours?" Here you go Yuki, all eyes are now on you. What's the game plan? 

[[God] - Yuki Shiotaro]

Well, Yuki supposed it was a good thing that Zedd didn't necessarily catch onto who she was until she revealed herself. Though with how he was now, he seemed to be having a panic attack. Though, that's fair and surprisingly normal. I mean, she'd probably have done something similar if she was in his shoes. 

Aurora was just smiling. Reactions like this didn't get old for her, they were always so entertaining how surprised people would get. [smear:#00ff66]"Well, I suppose you could take this as a little lesson that someone may not be who they are on the surface."[/smear:#FFE959:0] Most gods didn't hide themselves like this though. Some do stay out and about to be known by all for whatever reason they may have. That's just how it be sometimes. She floated around and leveled herself with him, although she was still sitting on an invisible air chair or something rather than an office chair like him. [smear:#00ff66]"Ya know. If it really bothers you that much, we can plop you back somewhere on campus without anyone noticing and without you remembering."[/smear:#FFE959:0] She wasn't sure if that would help him at this point, but she was more than capable of locking him until a spell to forget despite that being outside her job description. They've said that he didn't have to be in on this if he didn't want to be a fair few times now. And the way he was acting had Aurora concerned he'd spill it somewhere and get himself into further trouble. 

Yuki took a glance at Zedd as Aurora made the offer. Her eyes trailed to the edge of the headmaster's desk as she thought into her plan some.[smear:#00fff7] "The honours students duel frequently.... Hm..."[/smear:#0066FF:0] She leaned back and to one side and then to the other as she thought of how to refine the plan to be less hairbrained. [smear:#00fff7]"We set a duel down but it's not going to be just a test of power. It'll be held to an oath. Whomever loses has to keep this oath and if they break it, that will be subject to whatever punishment you deem fit."[/smear:#0066ff:0], she said in a rather firm tone. [smear:#00fff7]"Warriors who know how to hold their own in any situation is one thing, but you know just as much as I do about the Code of Honour, Headmaster Valiant."[/smear:#0066ff:0], she said as her eyes connected on him with a stare that felt much more serious now. [smear:#00fff7]"Those who do not keep their promises are often the ones known to fail the hardest under any test."[/smear:#0066ff:0] 

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Zedd looked towards Aurora and seemed to consider her question for a moment. His absence of memories could give him plausible deniability, but the outcome would still most likely be the same. Damien's rage was inevitable, all the guy really wanted was a punching bag. The boy stared at his hands, wondering if he would be able to take him on in a fight if he actually tried. Zedd's gaze went back to Aurora, his response a silent shake of his head. 

    Meanwhile, the show continued uninterrupted. Valiant watched Yuki as she schemed, lacing his fingers together patiently. When her musings were finished, it appeared as though the headmaster wanted to say something. But instead the man held his tongue.

    "Right. If you're looking for an honor, I believe I know the student for the job." Valiant straightened a bit. The man's hand went for his drawer, before pausing and thinking differently. He was used to grabbing files, but that wasn't truthfully needed in this situation. "Triste Averus. He's an exceptional earth and fire mage, and has taken well to combat training. He personally chases a military career and has shown promising growth. While he's not the highest on the rung, his devotion to honor and duty should be a fine foil."

    "If Damien Baldric is your issue, then Triste should give a... fair fight. He  has powerful defenses, and his combination magic should be enough to counter Damien's metallokinetic abilities. However I worry he might not pack enough of a punch to deal the blows you require. Moreover, Damien's focus in his... studies... has been less akin to Triste's honor-bound military career and more towards brute force, no-holds-barred specialist and mercenary tactics. To put it in more simple terms, Triste is a mighty shield, while Damien is a fearsome hammer. Regardless, if honor is your deciding factor, then he is the perfect fit." 

    The room fell silent after that explanation. With the focus on honor, one would think there'd be no shortage of volunteers, ripe for the task at hand. But for some reason or another, that didn't seem to be the case. Zedd knew exactly why, though he was unsure as to whether or not to speak up. Nervously, the young mage began fidgeting with his gauntlet, hoping Valiant would say something. When the boy looked towards the headmaster however, he  found the man's gaze instead directed towards himself. As though urging him on. Zedd looked away and rubbed the back of his neck.

    "Not many of the Honor's students focus on traditional Honor- ironically. The few that do besides Triste are less combat oriented, more support trained. Hell, you'd probably be hard pressed to get Damien to even agree without some... sort of... weight... hmm..." Zedd shifted his hand, rubbing his chin. Damien was smart, but he was extremely impulsive and egotistical. If we pick the right wording, we could probably get him to agree. "Actually, that might work in our favor."

    The boy looked  towards the two deities. "Instead of honor, pose it as a bet or a challenge. Think like he does. He's completely devoted to himself and his ego, so if you posed a challenge in the right way, he'd have no choice but to take it for fear of damaging his reputation. The problem is finding someone who has just as much to lose as he would in the situation. He sees almost all of the other honors class as rivals, so you just have to pick and choose the one who he would have the most to gain out of beating."

    When the room fell silent again, Zedd glanced around. The student hoped he'd find some sort of solace in the headmaster. Some sort of tell that could show him whether what he had said was right or wrong, but Valiant was completely neutral. 

[[God] - Yuki Shiotaro]

"Honour is one thing but... I feel more strongly that the victims deserve the right rather than have someone represent them. How else are they going to show strength to those that antagonise them?", Yuki asked.[smear:#00fff7] "If they don't show themselves personal strength against the ones that perceive them as weak, they won't be able to grow."[/smear:#0066FF:0] It was true that more notable students that could better hold their own were picked on less. Did that make them intimidating or respected? Perhaps both, in a way. 

Aurora looked up from her panel to stare at Zedd. He was giving this particular god ideas, and while ideas aren't a bad thing, Yuki was known quite well for being a bit mischievous. The gears were turning. Although, Aurora couldn't say she was particularly worried, especially with what the goddess was pushing for. 

[smear:#00fff7] "A bet then.."[/smear:#0066FF:0] , she sighed. [smear:#00fff7] "I still feel as though you or Isaah should take on Damien with a spar. Form it into a bet. Should you win, he leaves you alone. If he wins, then I supposed that subjects you to whatever it is he does until you fight him again and win."[/smear:#0066FF:0] She didn't seem too thrilled with that idea though. It wasn't like there was really any other grand option that would work in her favour right now without tampering with the school too much.

Aurora chimed in. [smear:#00ff66]"With a God or Champion overseeing the match, it does become something more closely bound to a contract. Breaking it in the presence of someone of that status usually has a serious penalty."[/smear:#ffe959:0], she said, resting a cheek on her palm while she looked like she was back on her hologram light panels and relatively relaxed. She didn't know Damien well enough to gander what type of person he was. Was he the kind to promise fingers crossed? Likely. But that's with her current bias with a skim on his record. She'd be pleasantly surprised if he stopped. 

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    "Exactly." Zedd looked back towards Aurora. "Again, with Damien, status is everything. So, win or loose, if he's seen as breaking his word when someone of higher status was watching, then it would shun him from the main student body. Especially seeing as a few of the honors students themselves are devout followers of Yuki. It would be akin to taking his reputation out back and putting a bolt in the back of it's head. Damien's not a great person, but he's far from an idiot." 

    Hence his status as an honor's student.

    "As far as... fighting goes. It'd probably be better to find someone else to represent me. Simply put, I'm not on the same level as him. Don't get me wrong! I'm still trying to hone my magic, but the fact that I'm still trying is what puts me at the disadvantage. Damien doesn't have to try." Zedd scratched the back of his head. He felt embarrassed not being able to hold his own, but that was pretty much the whole reason as to why he was targeted in the first place. "As far as Isaah goes, he doesn't have a stake in this game. Putting it lightly, Damien is utterly terrified of Isaah ever since Isaah crushed Damien in a match and took his spot as number one. Damien has more to gain from it than Isaah does which could make good bait, sure. But the only thing Isaah would have to gain out of it would be... I dunno... impressing the god he worships? That's not exactly a whole lot of incentive for him, given who he is though." 

    Zedd continued to scratch and the back of his head, getting up and pacing around. The young man muttered under his breath, dissecting the situation with a critical eye. There was a glimmer of amusement in the head master's own gaze, though he kept it professional and didn't let it reach his features. The wild-haired student continued to mutter, weighing different options and moving his hands to point at nothing. A greater picture that only he could see. A puzzle missing a key piece.

    But where was it?

    We have to think of our advantage. Someone who can properly challenge Damien and who can knock him down a peg. There's definitely a lot of people, especially in the honor's class who don't like him, so it's just coming down to... who? Zedd began to point in the air again, wiggling his hand at some points, and then acting as though he were moving things left or right. Like he was swiping past different options. 

    "So, in theory, Isaah could... certainly work if you give him the right incentive." Zedd began, breaking his silence. "Triste too is a good contender, he's been sick of Damien since they first met, but there's a chance that their strength differentials are still too far apart. There is another student, Cyrus Lenze. I haven't interacted with him a whole lot personally, but he's routinely been at the top of the physical course. His talent lays more in the physical War aspect though, so slamming his fists up against steel could cause him more harm than good." 

    "Cyrus is an interesting student." Valiant noted, just allowing Zedd to continue on his tangent. He seemed fairly amused by all this. Zedd continued.

    "There's another honor's student, Kimi Larris. She's a powerful wind mage and recently took the third place spot. It could be easy to give her incentive to fight Damien, try to snipe that second rank spot. I don't know how easy it would be to get her on our side though. She, uh... she is... she is terrifying to a whole different level. So. I... I uh... I dunno. That's probably the best options, though. Take em as you want."

"I will be honest." Valiant quipped, his voice showing tiny hints of his growing amusement. "I never expected myself to be scheming against a student of mine."

[[God] - Yuki Shiotaro]

[smear:#00ff66]"So super chieftan, what's your plan? Sticking to the high school girl cliche or?"[/smear:#ffe959:0], Aurora asked looking over at Yuki.[smear:#00fff7] A bet, huh... [/smear:#0066FF:0]Aurora looked at her panel, pulling up a record with a list of names that seemed to repeat themselves. To anyone it was just an infinite list of names just relisting in random order but it was more simply a track record of the students Damien harassed. [smear:#00ff66]"It's not necessarily for just you, nor is it for everyone on this list. But more his main victim."[/smear:#ffe959:0] Main victim? Surely it was Zedd right? I mean, Zedd got picked on a lot for being an unstable nuke of electricity.

Yuki seemed to be thinking on something but snapped up a little when Zedd mentioned his trying versus not trying. [smear:#00fff7]"Shouldn't let Nike hear that. Trying is everything. The fact that you're still trying shows you have what it takes to keep one upping your enemies, even if you're already confident in your skills."[/smear:#0066FF:0], the goddess said while gently tapping the arm of her chair.

Having Damien go against Yuki herself would send a lot of people into shock. But it would also take away the honour in students fighting for themselves. She let out a sigh, Isaah definitely had guts but... The way Zedd seemed to be analyzing things... Well... There were options but there weren't any good options.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Zedd didn't seem to be paying attention to whatever Aurora and Yuki were talking about, increasingly growing frustrated at the situation. Until finally, shoulder's slumped, he fell back into his chair with a sigh. "Those are all the main contender's I can think of." Zedd rubbed his temples and calmly rested his gauntleted hands into his lap. 

    "I don't know what plan you might have in mind, but there's my suggestions. Take them or leave them." With a shrug, Zedd took a back seat to the conversation. Valiant looked between the trio, then cleared his throat, hoping to attract the attention back towards him. It took a bit more prompting for Zedd to be pulled from his thoughts, but whenever Aurora and Yuki were done with their discussion, the man spoke up.

    "I potentially have the incentive we're looking for. At least for the challenger." The mechanical hand combed through his hair. The man still couldn't believe he was scheming against one of his own students, and Zedd could tell that he felt some form of discomfort. Not because of what he had to do, but because it was against a child, and in a sense, it felt malicious. "Permanent residence as the number one in the ranking. Unable to be challenged or removed. I trust Mr. Kastan's analysis of the students, so Mr. Baldric would find that deal completely enticing, as would Mr. Gideon, who it seems this conversation is slowly beginning to revolve around. For Mr. baldric, it'd secure his dominance and inflate his ego. For Mr. Gideon, it would be one less thing to worry about."

    "Now, I believe we can all piece together other reasons as to why these boys would take up that challenge, but  should that offer not suffice, we could play a more risky hand. Early graduation, perhaps. A scholarship? Or, should you fine deities deign yourselves bold enough, we could really play with fire. Of course, these are honors students we're talking about, their aspirations are always lofty. So, we could go all in and give them the offer of a lifetime." Valiant once again laced his fingers together "A chance to become a god's champion?"

    "You've been on this world far longer than I. So I leave the final debate up to you. I'm certain one of those plans will work, it's just a matter of how much we want to bet on this gamble." Silence. Zedd thought he'd heard it all. Seen it all. But that last offer was akin to betting the moon to solve a playground spat. Sure, the ego's at play were titanic, but that last one was a bit too crazy. But after shaking off the shock, the boy realized what the headmaster was playing at. It was obvious which plan he preferred more, he just wanted to tip the scales more in it's favor, so he spit balled worse and worse to that effect. The question was whether or not his gamble would pay off. 

[[God] - Yuki Shiotaro]

This was starting to become fruitless, but Yuki decided to step this far in. She took a moment to think while Aurora was aimlessly scrolling through various student profiles. Isaah wouldn't have enough reward to make it all that worth while. And just because a goddess 'said to do it' was so out of this era. She supposed the best option was probably the worst one. After a few minutes of silence that stretched onto what felt like forever, Yuki got up with a sigh. 

[smear:#00fff7]"Then I suppose our best option is to have Zedd spar with Damien."[/smear:#0066FF:0]

Aurora stopped scrolling and actually seemed interested. Perhaps a bit shocked, even. Was this a good idea? Probably not. She didn't have much of assessment of any of these students outside of what was spoken of in this room and Aurora's statistics. Zedd had potential, that was the only reason he was seemingly here. The only drawback was his explosive lack of control.

But he excelled with cold reading. And if he figured out the right method to use the explosive power of his electricity, he might actually be able to do something notable. Even if he lost, he might still have proved himself in some way.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

   Silence. Valiant looked between the two, then to Zedd... who looked as though his soul had left his body. The boy looked utterly terrified. He was anxiously fidgeting with his gauntlets, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Zedd looked around the room, to see if this was some kind of joke. Unfortunately... everyone was serious. "M-me...? Take on Damien?"

    "I suppose, with all other options exhausted, that really is the only one we have." Valiant mused. Zedd's breath hitched. No... no I can't. There's no way I could ever beat him. Valiant was already moving on, opening his mouth to ask a further question, but was interrupted by Zedd shooting up to his feet. The young man's hair was standing on end with bits of static electricity dancing off of him. 
    
    "Th-there's no way I can beat him! I-I can't!" He looked around the room. "I-I can barely control my own magic, let along take on an honors student. H-He'll wipe the floor with me!" 

    
    Zedd didn't know why he was the target here. He'd offered some insight and Valiant seemed to have some good idea's and points. Why go with a low-class mage like himself? The headmaster simply looked at him, stating. "Do you have any better ideas?" 

    The boy's shoulder's slackened.

    He fell heavily back into the seat, holding his head in his hands. There had to be some other way, some plan they hadn't touched. Why were the others rejected? What could he do to get out of this? The young man tried desperately to think of something that hadn't already been suggested but everything fell through in comparison to the plans they'd made before, which Zedd had believed to be viable. Anything less than those was just wishful thinking. 

    "...What happens if I lose...?" 

    "That will likely be for the victor to decide."

[[God] - Yuki Shiotaro]

[smear:#00fff7]"It's not the best idea.. But it's also the best idea."[/smear:#0066FF:0], Yuki said. [smear:#00fff7]"This school is one of many that prides themselves on mages with great potential to be extraordinarily powerful mages. You were allowed to attend for one reason or another. This may be your opportunity to prove yourself why you are here."[/smear:#0066FF:0] There was also a reason he was continuing his education here. He's not given up, why else would he have been here longer than a day? She slid the chair she was sitting in back to the desk.

[smear:#00fff7]"You might be underestimating yourself. Entering any fight with doubts is how you lose. Either the match, your career, or your life."[/smear:#0066FF:0] The goddess stared Zedd right into eyes. [smear:#00fff7]"If you're entering with doubts, you've already lost."[/smear:#0066FF:0] And that was a lesson several people have taught her.

Aurora seemed to have only two panels open. From a glance, they were student profiles. One had Damien's face, the other with Zedd's. She seemed to be thinking too much to really give any input, but it was obvious that she was attempting to determine how this would go off statistics alone. Still, she seemed to be on the fence with just stats alone, and wanted to be surprised by Zedd. She was hopeful Zedd could prove those stats wrong. 

[Sparky]

[Refs]

   That was easy for her to say. She hadn't seen them fight before. She hadn't had to deal with her powers nearly blowing her up on occasion. His lightning magic was erratic and unpredictable, and, sure, his gauntlets helped harness that raw power. But, they could only do so much against a powerhouse like Damien. Zedd sucked in a breath and tried to think this over more critically. 

    Damien was a metal mage, which meant that Zedd could track him easier that way. But Zedd's peer also had light magic stowed into his back pocket as well. Maybe this could be a bit more of a fair fight? As long as Zedd could properly track Damien at range with his lightning magic, and keep Damien from getting in close, perhaps the young mage could keep his peer at bay. But that was leaving a lot of if's and maybe's up in the air. 

    A lot of this could come down to pure chance.

    A lot of this was riding on Damien just laying down and letting Zedd do what he wanted.

    That was going to be a hard sell. 

    Zedd sucked in a shaky breath, thinking hard. Damien had no doubt had his fair share of contests against his status, where as Zedd's experience was limited to spell practice. Any weakness the boy could see, his bully probably had already come to know dearly. All of it was theoretical. But really, this was a stupid idea in the first place anyways. Unfortunately there was no going back now. It was this, or nothing at all. 

    "Alright..." He muttered. The discussions were over. The only way to see how it turned out was to go through with it. And hey, maybe all the good will they were showing in Zedd would be good for something. Maybe he could pull this off? Zedd sighed. "...I'll do it."

[[God] - Yuki Shiotaro]

Yuki watched Zedd. She knew he was more than likely arguing with himself as well as analysing his situation. Once he made his decision though, she clasped her hands together and looked at Aurora. [smear:#00fff7]"Go ahead and set up the Arcane Field. Memory serves that one uses arcane magic to alter the playing field."[/smear:#0066FF:0]

Aurora's eyes lit up and a smile broke onto her face. [smear:#00ff66]"You got it chief!"[/smear:#ffe959:0] And just like that she was gone in a shower of aqua-green sparkles. Yuki's shoulder's dropped a little as she let out a breath. She closed her eyes and form changed back to Shion. [smear:#00fff7]"Headmaster Valiant, I presume you'll be busy watching the spar from a distance?"[/smear:#0066FF:0] What else was he going to do? Paperwork?

---

Aurora teleported herself to the Arcane Field. A beautiful piece of work, really. A massive slab of various magic-infused crystals forcibly mashed together in a seamless multicolour floor. It was practically a giant slab of magic opal. The field itself was gorgeous in design, arcane circles and runes shining in a brilliant gold with intermittent shades of white and black on either sides. Multiple colours spanned over the whites and blacks, turning pastel on white and glittering a vibrant hue over black. The field itself seemed to react to magic as well, Aurora's presence forcing the room to naturally darken and make specks of light floating upwards.

But, she wasn't here to make a planetarium. She was here to make things interesting. Her base notes on the mages said Lightning, Light, and Metal were at play. The avatar stood at the middle of the arena, opening several panels with random layouts that would either serve as a challenge by helping neither, benefiting both, or rigging towards one side. Immediately, she dismissed the latter. This fight needed to be fair. 

She flipped through several designs, snagging fragments and patching them together. She eventually stopped with what seemed to be a grand terrarium-esque place. A dense forest in the high mountains with partly cloudy conditions and simulated sunlight in the shape of an arcane circle. The barren rock was rich with raw iron ore. There was a cave that snaked through the whole place, the arcane field opening a pocket layer beneath the floor to make a more natural complex. Inside the cave were randomised crystals infused with magic as well as a drop filled with mineralised water. There were no creatures, that would just be a distraction.

Of course, to make things fair, she added in a spell that showed up as a star map rune, spreading to the edge of the arena and giving a final glow to set the spell's perimeter in place. That should prevent external cheating. Now it was more a matter of the conditions and having the two enter. Obviously, this was going to draw a crowd. She had another spell to cast, but that was for when the event would start, broadcasting sneakily of the two contestants.

[Naya]

[Refs]

Under a calm facade, Damian was bristling. Who did that little punk think he was, getting people involved to put his reputation of all things on the line? It wasn't even like Zedd had a bloody reputation to wager! No, of course it was set up so that Damian would be the one to lose. If the kid couldn't handle some light bullying then he shouldn't be in such a prestigious academy.

The young mage took a deep breath and reached up, fixing his tie and slicking his hair back, the air in front of him refracting into a mirror so that he could see himself and make sure that he looked prim and proper... Which of course he did. He fixed a stray hair on his eyebrow and then shook out his cuffs. The rote tasks of making sure he looked his usual dashing self helped to alleviate some of the anger that he was feeling.

It was just like the little fool to try something like this, too weak to bother with his own two hands. Well if he wanted to play it like that, then Damian would stoop to his level and beat his experience with grace, tactics and raw power. The idea caused him to smirk as he walked up and knocked on the headmaster's door, giving ample time to be admitted before he entered, keeping his hands behind him, nose slightly upturned. 

He turned and smiled immediately to Shion and Valiant, giving them a formal bow. He was an accomplished Mage and he could sense the energy coming off Shion, he knew her to be powerful and by her appearance she was an Elite, so he immediately went straight to formalities with her.

"Ah, Headmaster and Lady Mage! It is certainly a pleasure! I hope that you have been treated well during your time here, My Lady, all of us are honoured to have you here." 

His voice was silk as he spoke, his mannerisms calm and smooth as he spoke to Shion. He pointedly ignored Zedd and turned towards the Headmaster.

"I was given a formal challenge and knew that as the highest member of the leadership here amongst the school that I should bring my response to you, Headmaster. I accept, of course. It would be beneath someone like me to reject such a well mannered and written challenge. I trust it will be... Quite the show."

His eyes turned predatory as did his smile when he said that, tilting his head slightly to stare directly at Zedd. 

"I would simply like to ask that we gather a good audience for it! It's been quite a while since we've had a formal challenge and I'm sure the more legitimate combat would be a great learning opportunity."

What he left unsaid was that it would be a great way to show everyone his superiority after he drove Zedd into the dirt and made him grovel. 

With his response given, Damian gave another bow to the Headmaster and Shion.

"I will see myself towards the Arena and ready myself. I do hope that you will be in attendance, Lady Mage, having your radiant beauty in sight and blessing upon the fight would surely do us all a great service."

He smiled and waited to see what they'd say. If nothing was said he'd turn and leave. Being in close proximity to that little rat was excruciating though but he kept his smile firm. After all, Zedd would get his comeuppance... Of course he would... He was Damian Baldric, a superior Mage and a man of impeccable quality and of the highest moral calibre. He was far, far better.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

   Once Aurora had left, it was down to business. Zedd's challenge submitted, and under the watchful gaze of the Headmaster and the Goddess, he waited for the moment he'd be called to the arena. Of course, Valiant didn't even have to say anything in response to Yuki's question, of course the Headmaster would watch with complete interest. Valiant typed up the settings for the skirmish, sending them to Aurora. Standard Combat settings.

    Any attire and gear choice were allowed, as approved by the school. This could apply to arcane weaponry, support items, or armor.  An aura tracked each students status and protected them, with a strength equal to their own endurance, adjusted to suit any armor they might have on. It broke when the student suffered what would be lethal damage without it, and the fight ended when the aura broke, a student surrendered, or they were  incapacitated. Simple. Nothing fancy was needed.

    The only real decision to be made was what to do for the victors. Of course, it was assumed in the challenge that should Damien fall, he would leave Zedd and other students alone. But the fate of Zedd himself would be at the mercy of the honors student. A troubling idea, but they held no other key to wager with. Well, they were adults, Valiant trusted they would be appropriate with it, at the very least. 

    Zedd couldn't be as sure.

    The young man prepared himself, standing and pacing, getting himself into the proper mindset. He had to fight as hard as he could, harder than he ever had. No doubt with Aurora in the arena, the word was already spreading. Which only added another layer of tension to Zedd's  shoulders. 

    Then came a knock. 

    And the smug bastard waltzed right in. Zedd had so far tried to play peaceful with Damien. He didn't offer any fights, and he never said anything that could cause distaste. And yet, Zedd could feel the venom dripping off Damien's every word. He could see the daggers burning straight in. The lightning mage almost cowered. Almost. But something clicked, some... switch in the back of his head. The overwhelming vitriol and spite hurled at him was more than anyone could handle without breaking in some form. And Zedd knew it was on purpose. He could tell from the body language. 

    Damien wanted to display his dominance, his gusto in front of Valiant and his guest. The headmaster nodded, unphased by the scene before him. The man had long been deadened to pettiness. "I look forward to seeing the match, Damien. I'm certain it will be unlike any we've seen since your bout with Isaah. I'm already notifying the student body of the public bout, so you won't have to worry about a sizable crowd. It's rare we see anyone challenge an honor's student so brazenly anymore." 

    Valiant of course was playing it up, not showing his hand to anyone in the room. He had no trouble, it seemed, simply playing up the fact that this was... simply a random ocurance. A student looking to repair his reputation. Zedd could practically read Damien's mind. Not like the blond was doing much to hide them from the lightning mage. The boy knew the pompous ass thought Zedd was nothing more than scum. And on any other given day, maybe he'd let it slide. Zedd clenched his fists.

    Not today.

    The boy made a point of audibly gagging at how he tried to butter up Yu- Shion. Zedd was tired of all the pointed stares, and he decided it was time to fully make it known. The young mage flicked his goggles down as Damien turned, taking a step forwards and staring at him. His gauntlets crackled with electricity, dancing between the metal finger tips. Valiant watched Zedd out of the corner of his eye, then turned his gaze back to Damien to see how the honors student would react. 

    "I hope you won't be too humiliated." He began, sparks drawing around his arms. "When I beat you, that is." 

    Zedd wasn't much for smack talk. He cut right to the point. Could he win? That was uncertain. But there was no use cowering about it. He had been chosen for this, and it was going to happen. He might as well make a show out of it, and do his best to put Damien down. 

    "I'll see you down in the arena." Zedd turned from Damien now, making a show of purposefully ignoring him. He went over the rules of Standard Combat bouts in his head. He didn't know what gear Damien would bring. And everyone knew what Zedd had quite obviously. A sharp huff escaped out Zedd's nose. None of it mattered. The lightning mage's goal didn't change. He was going to wipe that smug grin off Damien's stupid, brown nosing face.

    The young man scowled, fists clenched. It was nothing short of torture having to listen to that freckled-fuck's irritating voice. Having needles sunk into his eyes and ears would be far more enjoyable than to being in the same room as him for any extended period of time. Nice as Zedd tried to play, he hated Damien with every fiber of his being. But Damien would get his comeuppance. As superior as the  spoiled blond played himself up as, Zedd knew he wasn't invincible. 

    And hey, it wasn't even like he was the best anymore.