[center] [i][color=bc8dbf]There was a place where all mages desired to visit. A place where all wanted to one time capture its view and sight and engrave it deep into the very edge of their memories, but only a few succeeded to. People knew it by a name: [b]The Arcanium[/b] It was a promise of power A glimpse of a new world A passage of knowledge A light shining open the future of mortals But only a few may reach it. Those who dared, and willed to succeed.[/color][/i][/center][hr] [center][h2][color=bc8dbf]Garuda Pacifier[/color][/h2] [h3][color=bc8dbf]"Time to battle!"[/color][/h3][/center][hr] The journey of a thousand miles ended right here. [color=bc8dbf]"The Arcanium..."[/color] The prestigious academy that many desired to attend. [color=bc8dbf]"Indeed it is extraordinary..."[/color] Throughout the orientation, Garuda was taken aback by the sheer size of the school. From the library, to the teacher's hall, to even the specific bathing section. There was absolutely nothing here that could be taken as inconvenient. For the mage to complain of course. But perhaps the most interesting section of the school would be the dueling arena. This would be the place he would be getting along for at least a year here. Of course, along with these conveniences were strict policies regarding the etiquette and usage of these facilities. But Garuda had no problems with it. After a long walk was the interesting part, the duel arena. No, not the duel part. Their fight was too one-sided, and the fight wasn't enough to show the true power of the combatants, specifically, their flexibility of each duelists. Still, their fighting style, power and mind, he would have to remember it. The most important part of the orientation was the challenge etiquette. Yes, the thing that Garuda would definitely have to keep in mind, since he would be going for many others in this academy. But he didn't even need to wait long, as he was immediately approached by one student after orientation was over and Garuda returned to the battle arena. He had chocolate brown hair and deep blue eyes that glowed deeply, reflecting a side of him that the uncompassionate would never be able to see: inner determination. [color=fdc68a]"Hello there. Do you want to spar with me? You look strong..."[/color] [color=bc8dbf]'His manner of speech was not very impressive, but who can say the same if his inner will were the same...'[/color] Garuda thought as he glanced up and down his attire. He was wearing the typical mage clothing seen everywhere: a robe that covered from top to bottom. [color=bc8dbf]"Well, your form is certainly less intimidating. But if you had asked, it would be rude of me not to accept it, right?"[/color] Garuda turned to apply for a dueling session, and when he was finished, he turned back to the boy. [color=bc8dbf]"Now, let us proceed. With utmost sincerity, I accept your request."[/color] The two duelists wasted no time taking their position in the field, in two opposite sides to each other, waiting for their opponent and referee to finish their preparation. As the referee beginning their countdown, Garuda began taking stances, his two hands raised in front of him as if he was holding a ball his hands. A rather aggressive stance, comparing to his opponent's: a more defensive and more 'ready-to-cast-spell' kind of posture. Tensions were also raised, but much less comparing to the earlier battle, since most students were busy with their own business. And then finally... "Begin!" Not a second after the signal was called, Garuda charged forward, his two hands burst into red flames, as he quickly closed the distance with the young boy, his countenance fixed firmly with aggressiveness onto his eyes. The boy was caught off-guard, not expecting how fast Garuda was. And he quickly paid the price, as a punch was sent his way. A fiery uppercut to his abdomen. And the fist landed gracefully on its target. For a brief moment, Garuda thought this might have been a quick and boring fight. But as the boy was sent flying, he quickly regained his balance, planting his feet onto the ground and used frictions to bring the fist's momentum to a stop. After regaining balance, he quickly murmured something, as water began to stimulate around him. It quickly gathered up into a water ball, and was sent to Garuda's way. He certainly had good reactions and a fair common sense, since water countered fire. But such a simple attack would not be enough. Not even close. Garuda simply dodged to the right to avoid the ball, but as his vision of his opponent was still vague, the boy suddenly appeared right in front of him, his fist raised to attack him. A fist that was made of water, shaped like a drill, and hardened by his magical ability. The fist that found his way on its target as well. An ironic tactic, as Garuda just previously used it against him. But unlike the previous case, despite having a hardened water drill, the brown-haired boy's physical ability was considerably weak, as Garuda only flinched a bit from his position, and quickly sent a reply to him. Garuda grabbed his arm, the one that was used to attack him, and raised him all the way up, his head matching Garuda's head level, before finally swinging him away from him. This was a lot more hardcore, and a lot more difficult to regain himself. This was it. It was the perfect moment to end the match. With all his might, Garuda focused a part of his energy into his hand, as the natural air flow around him began to change. And then suddenly, a glowing white ball was materialized, hovering a few inches from his hand. Most of the remaining spectators watched in awe at the display of such bizarre magical ability. The ball was only as large as a tennis ball, but it shone like a thousand shooting stars. And its powers... The Natron particles... Garuda then threw the ball at the boy. And as he expected it, the boy was unable to retreat from the explosive blast, and was at its mercy. The ball made contact with the ground, and immediately exploded, sending the amount of energy around a ton's worth of force onto the boy. He was sent flying again, and this time was for good. The boy landed at the edge of the arena, his face planted on the ground, as he failed to stand. And once a duelist failed to stand up in a duel... [color=bc8dbf]"Victory is mine."[/color] He said, as he straightened his suit, his countenance not breaking from his adversary. He wasn't worried, as the attack, the power of the blast and landing position was all in his calculation. The guy was ok, though he might need a little bit of time before he could stand. Garuda simply waited for him to fix himself, before approaching him. [color=bc8dbf]"Be proud warrior, you fought well."[/color] With all the honesty possible. Speaking of raw strength, he was still incapable of becoming his worthy opponent, not even close. Yet, for all that might, he had a good mind, and a determination fairly proven to be adequate. If he continued on this path, he might someday be worthy enough. Perhaps...Hopefully... With that said, Garuda simply turned away and walked out of the arena. It wasn't exactly a satisfactory fight, but he would make do with it.