Chapter 57: Sparks Between Iron and Thunder
The echo of thunder and the roar of steel still lingered in the arena as Cedric and Xylia were tended to by the clan's healers. The entire coliseum continued to vibrate—not just from the physical aftermath (craters, fragments of molten metal, arcs of electricity crackling among the ruins), but from the emotional impact left by the confrontation.
I. The Reunion in the Healers' Hall
Cedric, hands bandaged, collapsed onto a cot next to Xylia, who was trying to calm her wild heartbeat. Both shared an exhausted laugh, needing no words.
"You know," Cedric whispered, gazing at the ceiling, "at some point, I thought the thunder was going to split me in two."
Xylia smiled, rubbing her bruised shoulder.
"And I was sure that metal cage was going to turn me into a statue."
They looked at each other and, for the first time, not as rivals, but as accomplices.
"Rivals or allies in the next round?" Xylia asked.
Cedric extended his hand, and Xylia shook it, sealing a silent truce.
"Whatever fate decides… but don't throw any more of those seals at me, okay?"
"Only if you promise not to call me stubborn thunder in front of the apprentices."
They both laughed—the genuine sound of two hearts that had survived together in the eye of the storm.
II. Reactions from the Clan
In the stands, the duel was the immediate topic of conversation.
"I've never seen Cedric push his formations so far," said an apprentice from the formations branch.
"And Xylia—how could she channel so much power without burning herself up?"
Aylin, Lyra, and Eris, still recovering from their own battles, commented in low voices:
"That wasn't just power," said Lyra. "It was pure strategy—a war of minds as much as bodies."
"I'd love for them to teach me how to think like that in a fight," added Aylin.
Eris, with a half-smile, watched the center of the arena.
"The next time one of them faces me, I won't hold back out of affection."
Violeta, quieter, took mental notes: the way Cedric adapted his formations and Xylia's final thunder were lessons that could save lives in other contexts.
III. Strategies and the Mentors' Council
In the pavilion of pillars, the elders debated the battle.
Elder Marcus struck the table with his fist:
"That was art, not just strength. The clan needs more of those duels: rivalry that teaches, not destroys."
Elder Livia, emerald eyes shining, nodded:
"The future belongs to those who can forge alliances after the storm. Cedric and Xylia are examples."
Elder Torian snorted, sharpening a blade:
"But don't let them get too used to it! A spark between steel can turn into wildfire if there's no discipline."
Elder Sela, like a shadow, only murmured:
"The next storm will come from outside. Better they stand together when it arrives."
In the background, Lilith smiled, a flare of pride in her pupils.
"Today we forged not just warriors, but battle siblings. The clan is stronger."
IV. Inspiration and Rivalry Among the Aspirants
Jian, still sore but smiling, approached the battle apprentices.
"Did you see that? Even among the best, humility after the battle is what defines greatness."
A young man from the top 13, fist clenched, murmured:
"I won't give up. If they can break their limits, so can I."
Saira, from the outsiders' box, watched with calculating eyes.
"Next time, I'd like to test that thunder… or that steel."
Kael and Eris, briefly reunited, understood the silent lesson:
"Maybe we don't just gain strength when we win, but when we learn to trust those who can defeat us."
V. Cedric and Xylia: Plans and Secrets
That night, after the commotion, Cedric and Xylia shared wine in the inner garden, far from the clan's eyes.
"You know?" Xylia asked. "I think, together, we could design a formation capable of protecting the entire citadel from an invasion."
Cedric looked at her, determination renewed.
"Then let's do it. If we face each other tomorrow, we'll go all out. But today, the clan matters more."
They toasted under the lanterns.
A silent bolt crossed the sky, and the metal in Cedric's cup vibrated in harmony.
VI. Epilogue: The Roar After the Storm
The Morningstar Citadel slept knowing something had changed. The apprentices dreamed of shields and lightning, of strategies that surpassed brute force.
Beneath the Star Tree, a metal leaf and a blue spark still burned, reminding everyone that within the clan, true victory was the complicity forged in battle.
And as the moon rose, Samael watched, satisfied.
The system murmured:
[The generation of steel and thunder has sealed their bond.
Prepare yourself, Patriarch: the alliances woven today will decide the fate in the next storm.]
Thus, in the calm after the storm, the Morningstar clan prepared for the next roar.