Ryan walked up to David. Smiling at him, they both waited for Han. Finally, David saw him. Han approached with a shy smile, his gaze fixed on David. They stopped two meters apart, face to face.
David noticed Han's cheeks turning red and asked:
"Are you alright?"
"Of course, of course!" Han answered cheerfully.
David didn't think much of it, but Ryan, watching Han closely, felt slightly uneasy. Still, he kept it to himself. Taking the microphone, Ryan spoke:
"Today we'll witness a duel between David, second year, and Han, also second year! Today our genius, the prodigy, the one who earned the title of Lord of Darkness and tied for first place, enters the arena! His opponent—Han, ranked fifteenth among the freshmen, a representative of the Asamite clan, known for controlling the very essence of blood. Who will prevail in this battle? Many students have already placed their bets!"
Vincent frowned as he heard this.
"That bastard… Gambling is forbidden in the academy, and he announces it like it's nothing…"
The crowd roared, most cheering for David, though there were plenty shouting Han's name too.
With a grin, Ryan declared:
"The duel begins!"
At those words, the fight started. Neither David nor Han moved. They simply stared at each other. David was on guard, watching every twitch of his opponent. Han, on the other hand, looked at him with a soft smile, still slightly flustered.
Unable to wait any longer, David suddenly dashed forward. His first strike aimed for Han's head, but Han raised his arm in time to block.
The stands erupted in cheers — the battle was on! David unleashed a flurry of attacks from every angle, leaving Han no time to breathe. Yet Han blocked and dodged with ease.
David grew frustrated. Why weren't his blows connecting? He couldn't even feel resistance when Han blocked. The truth was simple: Han wasn't just defending — he was redirecting David's strikes with such precision that they lost all impact.
At first, David thought Han was reflecting his attacks, but then he realized. Flipping backward, he landed gracefully and began rethinking his strategy.
Han smirked when he saw this.
"Dear David, why did you step back? Don't tell me you've figured it out?"
"Yes," David nodded. "I understand now. You're redirecting my attacks, which is why I can't touch you. At first, I didn't notice."
"Haha! Brilliant! You're right! I've been honing this technique since childhood!"
Ryan narrowed his eyes.
"Could it be… this isn't Han, but Sai? Would he really go this far for love? How cute…" he thought with a smile.
Meanwhile, in the stands, a third-year named Kai shouted:
"That's it? Hah! I expected more from the so-called Lord of Darkness! Pathetic!"
Joseph just sighed — he no longer had the energy to argue with Kai.
Lucas, however, kept his eyes fixed on the duel. He was impressed by David's speed, but even more by Han's technique. It wasn't just good — it was nearly flawless. He was glad he came to watch.
Back on the arena floor, David launched another assault. Han steadied himself, ready. David swung with his right hand, concealing the left.
The first strike went straight for Han's face — blocked. But then came a sudden, hidden punch to the stomach! The impact was so strong that Han was sent flying back, tumbling across the ground before forcing himself to stand, teeth clenched.
"How?!" Han gasped.
"I realized you need to see my hands in order to redirect my attacks," David explained. "If you can't see them, you can't parry. You know how I figured it out?"
"And how?" Han asked, bewildered.
"When I swung, your eyes always betrayed the direction of my strike. So I thought — what if I hide my hand and attack where you're not looking?"
Han was stunned.
"Incredible… To understand so quickly… That's brilliant! God, I'm so glad! So glad!"
Hearing David's explanation, Leo remarked:
"David did well. He managed to figure out the essence of Han's technique."
Emma frowned.
"I've never heard of the Asamite clan using techniques like this. Their specialty is blood techniques, not defense. Something's off."
Leo glanced at her.
"You mean… he has
n't even shown half of his true strength yet?"
"Yes," Emma replied.