Cherry Doyle's body lay sprawled on the arena floor, battered, his once-proud expression frozen in disbelief.
For a moment… No one spoke.
The arena, which had been roaring with cheers and shouts just seconds earlier, fell into an eerie silence.
Then
A single clap echoed through the arena.
Then another.
And another.
And suddenly, applause spread like wildfire.
Some still couldn't accept it. But most could no longer deny what Derek had just achieved. A wave of noise exploded.
"He won… again!"
"He beat Cherry Doyle!"
"That was the ninth ranker from the last half-yearly ranker's test!"
"He is insane!"
"No, he's awesome." A girl said in awe.
The instructors exchanged looks. Many students stood up from their seats. Even many fourth-years couldn't hide the shock on their faces anymore.
Derek slowly straightened his posture and exhaled. His breathing was steady. His grip on the sword was firm. His daggers were hovering behind him. His gaze swept across the arena.
