The sun had dipped slightly, casting a golden hue over the dueling stage. The last battle of the day was about to begin.
The crowd had been waiting for this one.
Match 5 of 5.
For many students, the fifth match was a formality—just another stepping stone toward their assigned class. But for a few... it was everything.
Two names were called, and the air tensed.
"Kaidën Valtorin... versus... Meng Ji of the Flowing Moon Sect."
The audience roared with excitement, laughter, and pity.
"It's over for that blind kid. He got lucky so far." "No way he's pulling another win out of this." "Meng Ji's already four-for-four. If she wins this, she's straight into A-Class!"
Meng Ji stepped onto the stage, her blade already humming with refined energy. She wore a determined look. The earlier battles had already taken a toll on her mana reserves, but she couldn't afford to falter—not now. Not with the honor of her family, her sect, and her grandfather's name resting on her back.
"I must win."
