Reincarnated With a Cheat System

Chapter 19 – Phyro vs Lucian

The atmosphere in the Magic Academy's grand arena was electric—both literally and figuratively. Hundreds of students filled the stands, eager to witness the duel between Phyro, the youngest prodigy, and Lucian Alderric, one of the strongest noble students in the Academy.

Word had spread fast. Some believed Phyro's rapid rise was overhyped, while others thought he'd demolish Lucian in an instant. Either way, everyone wanted to see the battle firsthand.

Klein leaned against the arena wall, watching as Phyro entered. "Well, you've got a full house," he muttered.

Phyro smirked. "Good. Wouldn't want my victory to go unnoticed."

Across from him, Lucian Alderric stood tall, his presence radiating both arrogance and confidence. He was no ordinary noble—he was a direct descendant of one of the most prestigious warrior bloodlines in the kingdom.

Dressed in a finely tailored combat coat with golden embroidery, Lucian looked every bit the elite noble swordsman. His rapier, forged from enchanted mythril, crackled with lightning, sending tiny sparks into the air.

"You've got a lot of attention, Phyro," Lucian said, rolling his shoulders. "Let's see if you can live up to it."

Phyro grinned. "Don't worry. I always do."

The referee raised his hand. "This is an official duel. Victory is achieved when one opponent is unable to continue or surrenders. No lethal strikes. Weapons and magic are permitted."

Lucian took his stance—light on his feet, sword aimed forward, an aura of electricity forming around him.

Phyro stood still, arms crossed, as if completely unbothered.

The referee's hand dropped.

"Begin!"

Lucian's Speed – A True Challenge

BOOM!

Lucian vanished.

A burst of lightning erupted from where he stood, leaving behind only scorch marks.

Phyro's eyes widened slightly—not many people could match his speed.

He's fast.

A sharp gust of wind sliced through the air as Lucian reappeared behind him, his rapier aiming for Phyro's spine.

He's trying to end it immediately.

CLANG!

Phyro twisted, catching the strike with his flame-coated forearm. Sparks and embers scattered across the arena floor as fire clashed against lightning.

Lucian smirked. "Your reflexes are sharp."

Phyro smirked back. "Your attacks are predictable."

Lucian's eyes flickered with amusement. "Then let's change that."

In an instant, Lucian unleashed a flurry of rapid thrusts, each coated in crackling lightning.

Shit—!

Phyro barely had time to dodge as the arena was filled with blinding blue streaks of electricity. The air vibrated with the sheer force of each attack, each strike coming within inches of his body.

For the first time in a while, Phyro was on the defensive.

"Lightning Blade – Storm Piercer!"

Lucian's rapier blurred, striking so fast that multiple afterimages appeared.

Phyro couldn't dodge everything. A sharp sting ran across his shoulder as a lightning-infused thrust grazed him, sending an electric shock through his nerves.

"Tch."

Lucian didn't stop—he pressed forward, continuously attacking, forcing Phyro to give ground.

The crowd gasped.

"He's keeping up with Phyro!"

"Lucian's insane! No one has ever pushed Phyro back before!"

Even Klein raised an eyebrow. This guy's not bad…

Phyro Fights Back – The Arena Burns

Phyro grinned, despite the small burn on his shoulder. "Alright. You're fast."

Lucian twirled his rapier. "And you're overhyped."

Phyro's smirk widened. "Let's see if you still think that after this."

He took a deep breath.

The temperature in the arena skyrocketed.

The air shimmered, and suddenly, everything around Phyro ignited. A fiery aura engulfed his body, and the stone floor beneath him began to melt.

Lucian's eyes narrowed. "Tch…!"

"Blazing Combat Mode – Ignition Overdrive."

The next instant, Phyro disappeared.

"Wha—?"

BOOM!

Lucian barely had time to react as a flaming fist slammed into his rapier, sending him skidding backward.

The crowd roared.

"Holy crap! He just turned the entire arena into an oven!"

Lucian dug his heels into the ground, trying to stop his momentum. Sparks and embers scattered around him as he gritted his teeth.

"I see…" Lucian exhaled, his rapier sparking with more violent electricity.

"You're a monster."

Phyro chuckled. "Now you're catching on."

Lucian's lightning aura surged, and suddenly the arena was split into two forces—fire and thunder, battling for dominance.

The Final Clash – Fire vs. Lightning

Both fighters stared at each other, muscles tensed.

Lucian's sword crackled with pure lightning energy, condensing into a single thunderous blade.

Phyro's fist burned like a miniature sun, flames swirling wildly in the air.

The audience held their breath.

Lucian dashed forward. "Thunderstorm Domain—Final Arc!"

Phyro countered at the same time. "Ultimate Fireball!"

Their attacks met in a colossal explosion of fire and lightning.

The entire arena shook. The blastwave sent students reeling in the stands, some covering their faces from the sheer heat.

As the smoke settled…

Only one fighter was still standing.

Phyro.

Lucian lay on the ground, panting, his rapier shattered beside him. His coat was burned, his body trembling from exhaustion.

The referee stepped forward.

"Lucian Alderric is unable to continue. The winner is Phyro!"

The arena erupted in cheers.

Aftermath – A New Rivalry

Lucian groaned, forcing himself up on one knee. Despite his loss, his eyes weren't filled with anger—just determination.

"…I hate to admit it," Lucian muttered, "but you're stronger than me."

Phyro crossed his arms. "Obviously."

Lucian scowled, then smirked. "But next time… I won't lose."

Phyro chuckled, extending a hand. "We'll see."

Lucian hesitated, then shook it.

The duel was over, but their rivalry had just begun.

Meanwhile, in the stands, students whispered among themselves.

"This kid… he's terrifying."

"He's not just a Prodigy—he's a damn monster."

Somewhere in the crowd, a powerful instructor watched with sharp eyes.

"That boy… he may be the greatest talent this Academy has seen in decades."

Klein approached Phyro, shaking his head. "You just love making a scene, don't you?"

Phyro smirked. "Hey, I can't help it if I'm awesome."

As the sun set over the Academy, one thing was clear—Phyro wasn't just a noble anymore.

He was a rising legend.

End of Chapter 19