Because nearly everyone's attention was locked on the match between Finn and Roy, they almost failed to notice that another incredible battle was about to unfold. Slowly, heads began to turn toward the first arena where Ashe stood face-to-face with a tall and imposing young man—Ezekias Sieve.
The crowd stirred with excitement.
"Ashe versus Ezekias? The third and second strongest core members going head-to-head? I can't wait to see this!"
"A duel between the Earth Sieve Family and the Vermillion Bird Family! Two gifted members from Noble Clans!"
"The Earth Sieve Family is renowned for their unmatched physical toughness, while the Vermillion Bird Family specializes in high-damage skills. This will be one intense fight between two prodigies of the Cloud Soaring Sect."
"Back then, Ashe was far weaker than Ezekias—and understandably so. She's three years younger than him. But now, both of them are 4th Level Scarlet Gold Rank. This match could go either way!"
"I'm betting on Ashe!"
"I doubt she can take the second rank title from Ezekias. He has more experience, and he's been at 4th Level longer than she has."
As more and more spectators turned their attention to Ashe and Ezekias, only a handful remained focused on Finn and Roy. It wasn't that people disliked Finn, but a battle between the second and third strongest was a rare spectacle. No one wanted to miss it.
Meanwhile, the four combatants strode toward their respective arenas.
The arenas were each fifteen meters wide and twenty-eight meters long—designed specifically to allow core members to fight freely and to their fullest potential.
On the first platform stood Ezekias, the Earth Sieve Family's pride. His tall, muscular build and bronze skin, combined with his black hair and eyes, made him appear stoic and battle-hardened. Facing him with a cold expression was Ashe.
Though the Earth Sieve Family was deemed the weakest among the noble clans, they boasted the toughest bodies. Yet even they paled in comparison to the Sacred Dragon Family when it came to sheer physical resilience.
Ezekias offered a courteous nod. "It's a pleasure to face you, Miss Ashe. Your talent is truly astounding. I can hardly compare."
"Thanks, but can we get this over with? I didn't come here to chit-chat," Ashe replied flatly.
Ezekias winced. Though he was used to Ashe's brashness, he still found it irritating. As the older of the two and the current second strongest in the sect, he expected at least a little respect. Even the Elders watching shook their heads.
'She's exactly like her mother,' Noah thought, sighing.
Suppressing his annoyance, Ezekias forced a smile. "Very well. I'll take the first move."
He launched forward like a bullet, enveloped by an invisible aura of powerful soulforce that surged around his body. The pressure was palpable.
"He's been stuck at 4th Level Scarlet Gold Rank for a year," one girl in the crowd whispered. "No wonder his soulforce is so rich and dense. Ashe can't compare when it comes to that."
As Ezekias closed the gap, Ashe's body suddenly lit up with her own soulforce. Though still 4th Level, the disparity in pressure was noticeable—hers lighter and more refined.
Their fists met in a thunderous clash.
BANG!
A shockwave blasted across the arena. The collision echoed like a crack of thunder.
"Unbelievable… They're evenly matched!" a stunned core member blurted out.
"But Ezekias has more soulforce! How is this happening?"
"Ashe is more talented overall. If she can close the gap in power, this result makes sense," someone else commented thoughtfully. Most of the audience nodded in agreement.
As their flurry of punches and skills continued, the second arena remained quiet. Finn, uninterested in Roy, had his eyes trained on Ashe and Ezekias.
"Hmph. Are you just going to watch them?" Roy sneered.
Finn slowly turned toward him, expression calm and unreadable, which only made Roy angrier.
"If that's what you want, I'll make this quick. Then you can go back to being a spectator."
Lightning sparked around Roy's body as he bolted forward.
Lightning Charge!
His fist, wrapped in electric energy, lunged straight for Finn's gut—but Finn casually leaned back, avoiding it completely.
Roy blinked, shocked that his strike had been evaded so easily. That had been one of his fastest moves.
"You've got some skill… but let's see you dodge this!"
He leapt forward again, both fists now sheathed in glowing spheres of electricity.
Lightning Gloves!
He unleashed a storm of punches aimed at every part of Finn's body. But Finn's body moved like wind—light, fluid, impossible to catch. Each attack narrowly missed.
Eventually, Roy stopped, panting in frustration.
"Is dodging all you can do?!"
Finn smiled. "What did you expect? That I'd just stand here and take it? Have you lost your mind?"
He tilted his head mockingly. "Weren't you supposed to be one of the fastest core members in the sect? So why can't you hit a lowly 9th Level Gold Rank like me?"
Roy's face darkened with rage. He was indeed one of the fastest in the sect—but Finn evaded him without even using visible soulforce.
Could it be… was Finn actually faster than him?
--
Meanwhile, the Cloud Soaring Sect's upper echelon watched the duel intently.
"Elders," Noah said seriously, "do you see it? That boy's movements aren't normal for a Gold Rank."
They all nodded in silent agreement. For all their years of expertise, none could explain what they were witnessing.
"Is he hiding his true rank again? Like he did at the Sacred Dragon Institute?" one female Elder asked.
"If that's the case, he might be using some unusual armament," an older male Elder added.
"I'll question him personally after the match," one of them offered.
Noah shook his head. "No. Everyone has their secrets. If he chooses to reveal his strength, he will. Until then, we watch."
The Elders fell silent.
--
"Finn Doria! I've had enough of you!" Roy roared. "Don't think you've won just because you've dodged everything! I'm ending this now!"
His shout finally drew the crowd's attention.
"What?! I was too busy watching Ashe and Ezekias—Finn's match isn't over yet?!"
"Wait, did I hear that right? Finn's dodging Roy's attacks? How's that even possible?"
"He's just dodging—he hasn't even landed a single blow."
"Maybe he's fast but doesn't have the power to fight back?"
"Could be…"
--
Back on the arena, Finn found himself at the edge. One more step and he'd fall off. Roy was grinning, though his heavy breathing revealed his fatigue.
"Finn Doria!" he bellowed again.
He summoned the last of his strength.
Lightning Chain!
A chain of electricity shot toward Finn and wrapped around him, binding him tightly.
"Hmph. Once Lightning Chain wraps around you, your body will slowly paralyze. Let's see you dodge now."
He charged in for the final blow.
But Finn merely smiled.
As Roy came within striking range, Finn flexed slightly—just enough for the lightning chains to disintegrate into sparks.
"What—?!"
Roy's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't react in time.
THUD!
A light kick struck his backside, sending him stumbling forward off the platform.
Roy had been defeated.
By a single, casual kick.