On the arena grounds, the tension was palpable.
One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament was about to begin.
Leona stood across from Ryen, her eyes sharp, her stance steady.
Facing her was none other than the top-ranked first-year cadet of Velcrest Academy—the golden boy, the crowd favorite, Ryen himself.
The cheers were deafening, mostly for him.
But Leona didn't flinch.
She was ranked third—not far behind him in terms of power—but when it came to reputation, there was still a noticeable gap.
Ryen had the legacy, the charm, the victories.
Leona… had something else.
Fire.
Determination.
And after her last match, people were finally beginning to notice.
Her duel against a second-year professor had ended in a draw—but that wasn't what left the crowd speechless.
It was the speed.
The precision.
The unshakable composure of a cadet who stood her ground against someone vastly more experienced.
She had forced the academy to pay attention.
