The first match ended in a draw.
Next was the second match: Fen Addison vs. Kent Dixon.
Kent, who had teamed up with Jin during the first round of the trial exam, walked confidently into the arena. Fen, also from the first batch, was nowhere to be seen.
They waited five minutes.
Fen never showed up.
Professor Ava announced, "Kent Dixon wins by default."
Kent left the stage with a smug grin, his steps full of swagger.
Then came the third match: Yin Farrock vs. Royce Newfield.
Yin, the Academy's Saint Alchemist, ranked first in the trial. Royce, who ranked second, was his closest rival. This was the match everyone had been waiting for.
Both fighters entered the arena, each carrying a sword.
Professor Ava repeated the rules. The two bowed respectfully.
The signal rang. Yin charged forward like a storm.
A bluish aura flared around him, glowing with raw power. He had reached the Second Core Aura, and it showed.
CLANG!
His sword came down fast, wild, rough, and powerful.
