The storm brewed ominously above the academy as Noah and Professor Jacob faced each other in silence.
Jacob's eyes, once intelligent and calm, were now void of sanity, darkened to an unnatural purple with his pupils blazing like miniature suns of corruption.
His entire body emanated a thick, malevolent energy, which coiled around him like a living aura.
The professor's stance was firm, a perfect blend of power and technique that spoke of countless hours of training.
His muscles were taut, coiled for explosive movements.
Noah knew he was in deep.
Jacob had been an academy professor, but more importantly, he was a renowned combatant who mastered techniques through the divine favor of the god of technique itself.
The magic Jacob now wielded amplified his skill.
Blending martial prowess with raw arcane power that made every movement not just precise but lethal.
"Sigh..."
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"...You got this, you've done this countless times...just behind a screen and pressing buttons..."
Noah muttered.
With barely a whisper of movement, Jacob was upon him, his fist moving like a blur as it shot toward Noah's head.
Noah barely managed to twist to the side, feeling the compressed air whistle past his ear.
He didn't have time to recover before Jacob's leg followed in a lightning-fast kick, the style reminiscent of Muay Thai.
Jacob's foot connected with Noah's shoulder, the sheer force of the blow sending him skidding back across the rain-slicked stone floor.
Noah grunted, feeling the sharp stab of pain shoot down his arm.
He countered quickly, summoning a spear of ice that crackled to life in his hands.
But as he thrust it toward Jacob, the professor's hand flashed upward, a familiar pattern forming as his fist connected with the spear's shaft, splintering it into icy shards.
Jacob's movements were a masterclass in Wing Chun, his strikes aimed at Noah's centerline, exploiting any weakness in his defense.
"Is that all, Ashbourne?"
Jacob sneered, his voice thick with derision and darkness.
"For someone who was once a demonic disciple, you're weak."
Noah gritted his teeth, feeling the rain wash over his skin as he quickly summoned another weapon.
He could feel his magic reserves dwindling, but he was far from finished.
With a sharp motion, he created two short swords of ice, aiming to overwhelm Jacob with quick, precise strikes.
Jacob met each one head-on, his hands moving in fluid patterns as he parried Noah's attacks with flawless blocks, switching between techniques as though each were second nature.
Noah recognized elements of Aikido as Jacob diverted the force of Noah's strikes, redirecting his momentum until Noah staggered forward, off-balance.
Jacob's next move was immediate.
He used Noah's own movement against him, grabbing his wrist and twisting him in a classic judo throw, sending him crashing to the ground.
Noah scrambled to his feet, his chest heaving as the corrupted professor advanced, each step measured.
The professor moved in again, his attacks faster, more desperate, and Noah struggled to parry each blow.
Desperate, Noah mustered the last of his strength, channeling his mana to create one final ice spear.
He hurled it at Jacob with everything he had, watching as the spear shot forward like a comet.
But Jacob twisted his body, catching the spear mid-flight with his bare hands.
The ice shattering instantly as he clenched his fists.
The shards fell like glimmering rain around them, but Noah had been waiting for this moment.
As the small ice fragments glowed, he willed them to condense and explode in a burst of energy.
Jacob's form was engulfed, the ice piercing his corrupted skin in dozens of places, leaving him exposed and vulnerable.
Noah's right hand surged with a powerful purple lightning as he took his chance, plunging his hand forward and piercing through Jacob's chest, his fingers sinking into flesh.
He could feel the pulsing organ beneath his fingers, cold and corrupted.
His vision blurred again.
They were back on the beach, and Jacob was smiling softly as he held the woman close.
He leaned down, his eyes gentle as he whispered something in her ear, making her blush.
She leaned up to kiss him, her arms wrapping around his neck, their love a palpable force that radiated warmth.
The water lapped around them, the golden light casting long shadows on the sand.
They were a world apart, untouched by the sorrow and violence of the academy.
He had found peace here, in her arms, free from the darkness that now tainted his soul.
The vision faded, leaving Noah back in the storm as Jacob staggered, blood trickling from his lips.
The corruption in his eyes began to fade, leaving only a glimmer of his former self.
Noah watched, his chest heavy, as Jacob's legs buckled, and he crumpled to the ground, his breathing shallow.
Noah knelt beside him, gently closing his eyes.
"Rest in peace, Professor..."
He murmured softly, his voice carrying a sorrowful finality.
"I hope you find her again."
A single tear escaped Jacob's closed eyes before his breathing ceased entirely.
The rain continued to pour down, but as Jacob's corrupted energy lifted, the sky began to clear.
The red hue fading into a transparent, cleansing rain that washed over Noah, rinsing away the blood and the remnants of the battle.
As he sat there in the rain, Noah felt a strange sense of peace settle over him.
The storm had passed, and in its wake, the academy grounds lay silent, the blood-streaked rain now only a memory.
"Huff....hufff"
Noah whizzed, his breaths heavy as he slumped to the ground on his knees.
He looked up to the sky rain tainting his face as he closed his eyes.