Lyra's breath caught in her throat, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Rain. Time seemed to stand still as she took in the sight before her. The girl in the arena—fierce, determined, and poised for battle—was the mirror image of her little sister, Oceana. The resemblance was uncanny, down to the deep ocean-colored eyes and the way her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back like the tides.

This couldn't be real. How could Oceana be here, in a place she had no business being, about to engage in a dangerous duel? Lyra's mind raced, trying to grasp the impossible. Could Rain actually be Oceana? But how could her sister have ended up here, hidden among strangers, without anyone knowing?

Panic welled up in Lyra's chest. If anyone discovered the truth—that Rain might really be Princess Oceana of Yruf—everything she did was for nothing. Lyra knew she couldn't let that happen. She had to keep this secret buried, at least until she could unravel who Rain really was.

Kloud's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts, tinged with concern. "Lyra? Is something wrong?" He glanced at her pale face, puzzled by the shock in her eyes.

Lyra forced herself to look away from Rain, her heart pounding. She couldn't let anyone see her fear, couldn't let them suspect anything. "I'm fine," she managed to say, her voice tight. "It's just... she reminds me of someone I once knew."

Kloud frowned, sensing there was more to her words, but he didn't push her.

Lyra turned her gaze back to Rain, her thoughts still in turmoil. She had to stay calm, had to maintain her composure. But as she watched Rain prepare for the duel, all she could think about was how to protect her sister and the secret that now weighed heavily on her.

Just then, a woman stepped out from the shadows, positioning herself between the two duelers. She possessed an ethereal beauty, her presence commanding attention with every step. Her jet-black hair, streaked with iridescent blue highlights, cascaded down her back in sleek waves, adding an air of mystique. She was adorned in ancient Egyptian-inspired jewelry—gold and sapphire pieces around her neck, arms, and waist, each shimmering with light from the blue crystals embedded within them. Her rich, deep brown skin contrasted strikingly with her violet eyes, which glimmered with hints of gold, radiating wisdom and a touch of the divine.

Her attire was both regal and fierce—a white tunic top that draped elegantly over her form, paired with tight white leather shorts that accentuated her lithe, toned figure. A dark navy belt cinched her waist, adorned with more beautiful blue crystals, tying her ensemble together with a sense of timeless power and grace. She embodied the elegance of an ancient goddess and the strength of a warrior.

"Ladies and gentlemen, students and staff, I present to you the third arcane duel of the semester!" The woman's voice rang out, commanding the attention of everyone in the arena. Cheers erupted from the crowd as she continued. "As your headmaster, I come to you today to officially commence this duel. To my right, Monday Weeks, and to my left, Rain Bassnectar. I hereby grant you this duel. Remember the rules, my students—no black magic, no forbidden spells, and most importantly, no intent to kill. This is to be a fair and friendly duel. Do I have your agreement?"

The headmaster's words hung in the air, the weight of her authority unmistakable. The crowd fell into a hush, their collective anticipation palpable. Rain and Monday stood at the ready, their gazes locked in fierce concentration. Both duelers nodded in agreement, the tension between them crackling like static electricity.

"Then let the duel begin!" the headmaster declared, raising her hands high. A brilliant flash of light erupted from her fingertips, creating a shimmering barrier around the arena, sealing the two combatants inside. The air thrummed with arcane energy, the tension almost unbearable as the crowd leaned forward in anticipation.

The duel began with a crackle of energy, the air between Rain and Monday thick with tension. Rain wasted no time, launching herself forward with a burst of water magic, her hands glowing with a deep blue light. The water surged towards Monday in a powerful wave, aimed directly at her opponent's chest.

But Monday simply smiled, an infuriatingly calm and smug expression on their face. With a casual flick of their wrist, a barrier of holy light appeared before them, effortlessly blocking Rain's attack. The water splashed harmlessly against the shield, dissipating into mist.

"Is that all you've got, little girl?" Monday taunted, their voice dripping with condescension. "I expected more from someone who dared to challenge me."

Rain's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in frustration. "You underestimate me, Monday. I'll wipe that smirk off your face before this is over." She quickly gathered her energy, summoning a whirlpool beneath Monday's feet, trying to catch them off guard.

Monday hovered just above the whirlpool, their wings flaring out as they ascended higher, untouched by Rain's assault. "You're predictable, Rain. So hasty, so eager to prove yourself. But you're nothing more than a child playing with forces you don't understand." Their voice was filled with mockery as they gracefully evaded the whirlpool, their form shimmering with the holy blue hue.

Rain growled in frustration, the insult cutting deep. "Don't talk down to me like that!" She summoned another wave, this time sending it crashing down from above in a torrent of water. "I'm not a child, and I'll show you exactly what I'm capable of!"

Monday laughed, the sound echoing through the arena. "Oh, I'm quaking in my boots. Let's see what you're really made of." With a snap of their fingers, Monday unleashed a barrage of light spears that shot through the air, aimed directly at Rain. The spears moved with blinding speed, slicing through the water as if it were nothing.

Rain barely managed to dodge, the spears grazing her as she rolled to the side. She winced, feeling the sting of the holy magic. "You won't beat me so easily!" she yelled, summoning a protective shield of water around her as she planned her next move.

Monday's eyes glinted with amusement as they watched Rain struggle. "You're just delaying the inevitable. Your magic is weak, Rain. You're not ready for this level of power." They hovered higher, looking down at Rain with a superior air, their wings casting long shadows over the arena. 

But Rain wasn't deterred. "You think just because you're an archangel, you're unbeatable? You're wrong, Monday. I've trained for this. I won't back down, not to you, not to anyone!" She launched herself forward again, this time with a surge of water that twisted into a powerful whirlpool, aimed directly at Monday.

Monday, however, only raised an eyebrow, still smiling that same infuriating smile. "Training? You call that training? You're barely scratching the surface of what real power is." With a lazy wave of their hand, they conjured a massive holy shield, the whirlpool crashing against it and dispersing with a loud splash.

Rain staggered back, breathing heavily, her frustration mounting with each failed attempt. "Stop mocking me!" she shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "Fight me seriously, or I'll make you regret it!"

Monday chuckled softly, descending slowly until they were just above the ground, their wings folding behind them as they stepped forward. "Regret? The only one who'll regret this, Rain, is you. But fine, if you want me to take you seriously, then I will." They raised their hand, and the air around them began to crackle with energy, the light growing more intense.

Rain braced herself, feeling the power emanating from Monday. She knew she was outmatched, but she wouldn't let Monday intimidate her. She had to prove herself, to show everyone that she was strong enough.

As Monday prepared their next attack, their smile faded slightly, their expression becoming more focused. "Let's end this, shall we?" They said, their voice cold and commanding.

Rain's heart pounded in her chest as she faced Monday, determination blazing in her eyes. She wasn't going to back down—not now, not ever. "I'm ready," she whispered to herself, summoning all the strength she had left.

The arena was silent, the tension so thick it was almost palpable. The crowd watched with bated breath as the two combatants faced off, waiting to see who would make the next move.

"We have to do something, Kloud!" Lyra's voice trembled with panic as she grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with fear. "That angel is going to kill Oce—" She froze, realizing her mistake, and quickly corrected herself. "I mean, Rain."

Kloud raised an eyebrow, his expression calm as ever, even a bit amused. "Lyra," he said, his tone as steady as a rock, "Monday would never do something like that. Those two might not get along, but Monday is an archangel. They'd never actually harm a child, let alone kill one."

Lyra's heart pounded in her chest as she looked away, her face flushing with embarrassment. Kloud's nonchalance only made her feel more frantic, like she was spiraling out of control while he remained so composed. 

"Are you sure you're okay?" Kloud asked, his voice softening slightly as he studied her with narrowed eyes. "You're acting... weird."

Before he could get an answer, Lyra had already bolted, making her way onto the arena stage.