The Scum Emperor's Redemption System

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.

But instead of stopping there, the flames curled upward, twisting into the shape of a phoenix that screeched as it soared toward its target.

Argider let out an impressed whistle, leaning forward. "Now that's dramatic. Bonus points for style."

A flick of a overwhelming lightning dissipated the flaming phoenix, scattering it into harmless embers. "Style is meaningless if there's no substance," came the calm retort.

The fire-wielder's jaw tightened. "Substance? Fine. Let's talk substance."

What followed was less of a duel and more of a chaotic dance of elemental power. Golden light clashed with searing flames, creating dazzling explosions that illuminated the training grounds like a festival of chaos. The ground beneath their feet cracked and smoldered, smoke and light tangling in the air like ribbons.

Through it all, Argider couldn't contain her laughter. "Are they sparring or trying to remodel the training grounds?"

The fire-wielder narrowly avoided a beam of light, her movements quick and graceful despite the chaos around her. "At least I'm not breaking a sweat," she muttered, though her flushed cheeks said otherwise.

"Oh, please." Her opponent sidestepped a whip of lightning with ease, her purple aura glowing steadily. "You've been sweating since your first spell."

"Say that again when you're not hiding behind your flashy little shield!"

"Flashy? At least I don't—"

A misstep. The fire-wielder's spell slipped out of control, the flames curling back toward her like a wild snake.

She yelped, hopping back as she struggled to rein it in. Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire

Across the field, her opponent faltered, too busy laughing to properly capitalize on the opening.

"I'm fine!" she snapped, batting at the flames with a hand. "Completely fine! Nothing to see here!"

"Should we help?" Esmeralda asked dryly, though her smirk suggested she wasn't serious.

"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."