Andine's gaze shifted, now filled with awe. "Gara… would you teach me too?"
Gara rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "I wouldn't mind… but I don't really understand mermaid bloodlines or your specific Talent."
Andine's shoulders dropped, her expression dimming. "You're right…"
Before the mood could sink further, Orman clapped his hands. "Alright! Let's move on to the next match!"
"We'll go next," Madha said, glancing at Andine. "You ready?"
The mermaid girl straightened her posture, pushing her feelings aside, and nodded firmly.
Just like before, the two fighters created five meters of distance between them. The others —Gara, Yuvika, Fian, and Orman— stepped back to watch.
"Begin!" Orman called out.
The moment the signal dropped, Andine dashed forward— fast and fierce. Her hands, now covered in razor-sharp scales, slashed toward Madha.
At the same time, Madha's arm hardened— transforming into solid iron. He thrust it forward to meet her strike.
BOOM!
