The false tropical jungle glowed and disappeared, the hololandscape collapsing back into emptiness. The students walked onto the platform one at a time, single file, as the arena walls closed in over them, returning them to Tianxia Academy's huge tournament hall.
The roar was deafening above, the stands packed with teachers, students, and dignitaries. The floating crystal scoreboard glistened, illuminating each qualifier's name in bright letters.
At the center of the stage stood Instructor Mei, her black hair tied neatly behind her back, her usual calm expression unreadable. At her side was Instructor Liang, arms folded, eyes sharp like a hawk.
Mei raised her voice, her tone commanding but steady. "The preliminary qualifiers are over. Sixteen students remain."
She extended a hand, and the scoreboard flared to life, displaying each name in order of qualification:
Gao Ming (3rd Year)
Huo Tian (3rd Year)
Bai Xuan (2nd Year)
Lin Shu (2nd Year)
Wei Zhang (3rd Year)
Yan Luo (3rd Year)
Fang Qiren (2nd Year)
Du Kang (2nd Year)
Liu Han (3rd Year)
Zhao Mingyu (2nd Year)
Wu Jian (3rd Year)
Qin Yue (2nd Year)
Jin Rui (1st Year, Class 1-C)
Lian Feng (1st Year, Class 1-C)
Xia Yun (1st Year, Class 1-C)
Shen Qiu (1st Year, Class 1-C)
A whisper went around the bleachers. Four names of Class 1-C stood out among the class list—an incredible feat for freshmen.
But within the group of Class 1-C students, emotions weren't so readily subdued.
"Unbelievable… Rui, Xia, and Lian I understand, but Shen Qiu?" a student complained bitterly.
"Yeah, he didn't even defend himself. He let us be shields and attacked at the end," another snapped back, scowling at Shen in the back.
Shen Qiu winced but stood up immediately, wearing a smug little smile as if nothing could reach him. "Tch. Survival is paramount. And guess what—I survived."
This only made some of his classmates complain even more.
Chen Hao, though, crossed his arms, his brow furrowed as he looked at Lian. "You barely made it, huh? Fourteenth place…" His tone wasn't cruel, but laced with disappointment.
Lian massaged the back of his neck and formed a weak smile. "Yeah. not exactly heroic. But I made it."
Xia walked over, her eyes firing over at their classmates. "Does it matter how? What does matter is four of us are in the top sixteen. Instead of complaining, perhaps next year put in some extra work." Her words cut sharp, and there was silence later, though some still scowled at Shen.
Rui lingered on the fringes, as distant as ever, his face shut. Even his fellow students he didn't glance at. The distance between him and them was a chasm.
Then the hall was silent with a statuesque figure in fashionable white and gold robes rising on the stage. His silver hair fell to a stern but knowing face, and merely his presence quiet the arena.
Headmaster Zhao Ren.
His voice carried well, deep but commanding. "Students, every one of you has fought well and bravely. From first-years to seniors, you have shown the heart to rise. But this was only the beginning."
He held up his hand, and the crystal screen shifted, now displaying a tournament bracket. Sixteen names rolled into place. The crowd leaned forward as the matches were displayed:
Round of 16 Matches:
Gao Ming (3rd Year) vs. Qin Yue (2nd Year)
Huo Tian (3rd Year) vs. Wu Jian (3rd Year)
Bai Xuan (2nd Year) vs. Zhao Mingyu (2nd Year)
Lin Shu (2nd Year) vs. Du Kang (2nd Year)
Jin Rui (1st Year) vs. Xia Yun (1st Year)
Lian Feng (1st Year) vs. Shen Qiu (1st Year)
Yan Luo (3rd Year) vs. Fang Qiren (2nd Year)
Liu Han (3rd Year) vs. Wei Zhang (3rd Year)
The lines across the bracket extended, making it clear:
If Rui and Xia's battle is settled, the winner will duel the winner of Lian vs. Shen Qiu.
Which meant that throughout the Quarterfinals, Rui and Lian's fate-like clash was a done deal.
When the names synced, there were rumors coming from the 1-C students.
Chen leaned against Lian, his face strained. "You'll have to beat Shen first… but if you beat him, you'll be going up against Rui."
Xia's eyes blazed, her jaw set tight as she glared at Rui from across the stage. "Good. I'll knock him down before Lian even gets the chance."
Rui finally smirked, the first sign of emotion since arriving. "You? You're just a warm-up."
Lightning flashed fitfully along and down Xia's shoulders as she advanced, but she was stayed by Lian with a touch on the arm. "Xia, wait. An hour… then you may go in full force."
She scowled but did not argue.
Meanwhile, Shen Qiu laughed under his breath, turning toward Lian with a mocking grin. "Looks like I'm your first obstacle. Don't think I'll just roll over. I've come this far—I'm not going down without showing my worth."
Lian's eyes screwed up, his nerves coiled tight in his stomach. Shen's words were not the threat; it was what was behind him that weighed. Rui. The one who nearly broke him in the jungle.
Headmaster Zhao marched forward again, silencing the murmurs. "The second round will begin an hour from now. Contestants, use this time to rest, condition, and harden your resolve. The real fights now begin.".
The audience applauded, their cries echoing in the vast stadium.
Lian's fists were white-knuckled, a bead of sweat appearing on his forehead even though it was cold. Xia leaned beside him like a storm waiting to break. Rui walked off without a word, his figure radiating unwavering confidence. And Shen Qiu grinned, as if it were all a jest.
The hour would fly too quickly. Too quickly.
And when it's all over… there'll be no running, no bargains. Only muscle against muscle.