Time passed. Bodies littered the arena floor, unconscious contestants scattered like fallen leaves after a storm. Spells had faded, dust settled, and heavy breathing echoed through the battlefield.
Only ten participants remained standing.
The atmosphere had changed. The remaining ten stood apart from one another, each radiating a sharp, authoritative presence. They were not weaklings. They were monsters in their own right.
Eight of them had ranked within the top ten of the previous Half-Yearly Ranker's Test. The other two were Emma and Fredrick. Both of them were absent for specific reasons.
This was Cecilia's first time participating as well, but she was in a league of her own.
And that alone made this moment heavier.
Around the arena, the gallery was buzzing with murmurs and cheers.
"If he clears all five trials… He'll be the top-ranked student. No debate."
"Even fourth-years won't be able to deny it."
