The air was thick with anticipation, tension clinging to the watching students like a second skin.
Whispers erupted across the arena, spreading like wildfire.
"Those two are already monsters…"
"Are we supposed to compete with them?"
"As expected of someone who received an award from the Empress."
"That's the Sword Duke's grandson for you…"
Even instructor Halreth, who had been silently watching from beside Seraphina, let out a low whistle. "Those two are monsters."
Seraphina's eyes were locked on the battle. "They've both reached the Meridian Saturation stage… But Luca's aura—it feels chaotic."
Halreth gave a quiet nod. "True. But he's controlling it well. And his battle instincts… they're razor sharp. That boy has fought before in a life and death situation."
In the spectator line, Kyle's hands were clenched into fists. He exhaled with a tired smile tugging at his lips. "Looks like I've got some serious catching up to do…"
But on the stage, all of that became irrelevant.
