THE ALMIGHTY DOMINATING AURA

CHAPTER 10 - The Duel of Rising Flames

The academy’s training grounds were alive with the clang of steel and the thud of fists striking practice dummies. Yet the usual sounds felt distant to Kael. His focus was fixed on the growing weight of eyes pressing against him, whispers following wherever he walked.

“Did you hear? That’s the boy with the aura…”

“They say he cracked stone with a glance!”

"He’s dangerous. Best to stay away.”

Kael ignored them. Fear was useful, but gossip was worthless. What mattered was mastery—of himself, of his power, and of the destiny clawing its way toward him.

But destiny never waited quietly.

By noon, the academy bell rang, calling students to the combat arena for the weekly sparring trials. Kael rarely attended—until now. Today, something in his chest demanded release, a proving ground for the aura that pulsed hungrily within him.

The arena was vast, encircled by towering stone walls etched with runes of protection. Students filled the stands, buzzing with excitement. Even instructors gathered, drawn by the growing tales of Kael’s awakening.

When Kael stepped onto the field, silence fell like a heavy cloak. His golden eyes gleamed beneath the sunlight, aura faintly shimmering around him.

“Kael Ardent,” the announcer called, voice echoing. “You are entered into the trials. Do you accept the challenge?”

Kael’s voice rang clear, steady, and cold. “I accept.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Who would dare face him?

The answer came with slow, deliberate footsteps.

From the opposite side, a tall figure entered the arena. Broad-shouldered, with crimson eyes and dark hair tied in a warrior’s knot, Dorian Veylan strode forward, his presence radiating dominance. A known prodigy, favored by the Elders, and rumored to be groomed as the academy’s future champion.

Whispers erupted.

“Dorian? He’s undefeated…”

“He uses flame essence—Kael’s in trouble.”

“This will be… bloody.”

Kael’s gaze sharpened. Finally, an opponent worth his time.

The referee raised his hand. “No killing strikes. First to yield, or incapacitation, decides the match.”

Both combatants nodded.

“Begin!”

At once, Dorian surged forward, flames igniting around his fists. His aura was crimson, blazing, fierce as a wildfire. He launched a punch that roared with fire, aimed straight for Kael’s chest.

Kael did not retreat. His golden aura flared outward, colliding with the flames in a burst of heat and pressure that sent ripples across the arena floor. The crowd gasped as cracks formed in the protective runes.

Dorian’s eyes widened, but he smirked. “So the rumors were true. Good. I was beginning to get bored.”

He launched a flurry of attacks, flames spiraling like serpents, heat distorting the air. Kael met each strike with his aura, his fists glowing golden as they clashed, the sound of thunder echoing with every impact.

For the first time, Kael felt the rush of true combat—not training, not testing, but a fight where strength and will collided. His aura pushed back against the flames, growing hungrier with each clash, as if it craved to dominate.

The crowd roared.

“Impossible! He’s holding back Dorian!”

“No, look—the flames are bending!”

“His aura… it’s devouring them!”

And they were right. With every strike, Kael’s Dominating Aura adapted, coiling tighter, pressing harder, forcing the flames to recoil. The golden light shimmered brighter, swallowing the crimson fire inch by inch.

Dorian growled, sweat beading on his brow. “You think you can overcome me? I am chosen by the Elders! My fire will consume you!”

Kael’s eyes blazed. “Then burn. Let’s see whose will is stronger.”

He unleashed his aura fully, a wave of golden dominance flooding the arena. The ground cracked, dust rising as invisible pressure slammed into Dorian, forcing him back several paces. The flames around him sputtered, struggling against the sheer force pressing them down.

Dorian roared, pouring all his essence into one final strike. His body ignited, a blazing inferno swirling into a spear of fire aimed at Kael’s heart.

Kael did not flinch. He stepped forward, fist clenched, golden aura condensing around it like a solid force. The two attacks met with a deafening explosion, light and flame colliding in a storm that shook the arena to its foundations.

When the dust cleared, Dorian lay on one knee, his flames extinguished, chest heaving. Kael stood tall, aura shimmering with calm, not even a bead of sweat on his brow.

The referee hesitated, then raised his hand. “Winner—Kael Ardent!”

The arena erupted in chaos. Cheers, gasps, shouts of disbelief.

“He defeated Dorian?!”

“He’s unstoppable!”

“No… he’s dangerous. Too dangerous.”

Kael turned, golden eyes sweeping the crowd. Among the faces, he caught sight of cloaked figures watching silently, their gazes sharp and calculating. Not students, not instructors—outsiders.

Selene’s warning echoed in his mind: They’re watching.

He clenched his fist, feeling the aura pulse in triumph and hunger. Today, he had proven himself. But victory carried a price. Now, the shadows circling him would move closer.

As he left the arena, the whispers followed. Some in awe, some in fear, some in envy. Kael walked with steady steps, his resolve hardening.

This was only the first duel. The true battles were yet to come.