Today was the long-awaited semi-final of the martial arts weekly duel, and the air in the training hall was thick with anticipation. The martial arts students had gathered early, filling every corner of the spacious training room. Excitement and tension mingled in the atmosphere as the five remaining competitors stood tall in the ring, each radiating an aura of focus and potential.
Mr. Richard, the martial arts teacher and organizer of the duels, stood at the edge of the ring with his arms folded. His sharp eyes scanned the competitors with pride—and a tinge of anxiety. He couldn't lie to himself; the competition this time was far more intense than any of the previous tournaments. Every single one of the remaining students had evolved dramatically since the start, and even he, with all his years of experience, could feel the heat of their ambition.
