The sun was already beginning to dip when Professor Kaelen returned to the arena floor, the golden light bathing the ring in warmth that did little to ease the tension now settling over the remaining contestants.
All eleven stood before him—victors of the first round, each one changed by the crucible of combat. Some bore bruises and bandages, while others, like Alice and Vaen, looked as composed as when they'd first stepped into the ring.
Kaelen's voice carried effortlessly. "Congratulations to the eleven of you. You are now considered the top tier of this year's first-year class. From here, the duels will only intensify."
He gestured to a hovering crystal orb that floated beside him, softly glowing.
"Now, we draw lots for the second round. As before, matches will be determined by fate... and perhaps by challenge."
One by one, names were pulled and paired. The orb pulsed each time, casting names into the air like threads of light:
Match 1: Eryon Solaris vs. Selar
Match 2: Alice Dawnmere vs. Kaen Voss
Match 3: Miren Vale vs. Vaen Solarius
A murmur swept through the crowd. No one had expected Vaen to fight so early—and against someone as flamboyantly powerful as Miren.
Kaelen's eyes narrowed. "Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, the second round begins. Only three will remain standing. The fourth will be determined by evaluation."
Back in the preparation hall, Eryon sat alone for a moment, digesting his match.
Selar. The twin with incredible timing, fluid motion, and near-perfect defense.
Ryn approached first. "He's quick. You'll have to disrupt his rhythm early."
Kael added, "If he sets the pace, he wins. You need to control the tempo."
Eryon nodded, mentally replaying every moment of Selar's earlier match. "Then I'll move faster than him. Even if it costs me."
They returned to their quarters, where Kael laid out diagrams in the dirt and Ryn drilled footwork exercises with Eryon well into the evening. They reviewed Selar's patterns, practiced breaks in rhythm, and visualized responses.
By nightfall, the plan was clear.
Eryon lay in bed staring at the ceiling, his body exhausted but his mind sharp.
He would need precision, nerve, and perfect timing.
As dawn broke, the tournament grounds came alive once more.
The crowds poured in. The stands filled.
And the remaining warriors of the second round began to gather beneath the rising sun.