The hall felt different when Zane stepped in. He was lean, almost unassuming, with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor that screamed confidence. His Circle of Pillars glowed faintly on his palm, seven pillars shining, S-rank, a level Nova couldn't even fathom yet.
His own circle had three pillars: D-rank, earned through relentless training. The itch in his palm flared, sharp and insistent, but Nova pushed it down, gripping his daggers tighter.
Marcus stepped to the side, his voice quieter now, "Five minutes. No lethal strikes. Zane, go easy on him, and you, Nova, survive."
Zane smirked, his stance relaxed. "Let's see what you've got, newbie."
Nova didn't wait. He lunged, daggers slashing in a tight arc aimed at Zane's chest. A faint echo of footsteps sounded to Nova's left, but Zane was still in front of him. Echo Step. The distraction nearly cost him.
