After the short break ended, Aestrea returned to the arena once more.
The barrier flared back to life as layers of multi-colored lights locked into place as the space stabilized.
The crowd, which had been loud only moments ago, gradually quieted down. Everyone leaned forward, eyes fixed on the center of the arena.
This time, Aestrea's opponent was already waiting.
She was a short girl with brown hair that fell just past her shoulders and steady brown eyes that showed no fear. Her presence was calm, almost plain at first glance, but the dense flow of divine energy around her told a very different story.
It pressed outward in slow, controlled waves, heavy enough that even some of the spectators shifted uneasily.
The professor raised his hand and announced loudly,
"Now… Aestrea, currently ranked ninety-eighth on the Heaven's List, versus Lina, the twentieth-ranked student!"
