The grand hall pulsed with energy, the air thick with the mingled scents of polished wood, faint mana, and the nervous sweat of the 100 students seated in the special section along the side.
The tournament's first day had begun, and the massive chamber buzzed with the roars of the crowd, students from every class packed into the stands, their voices a chaotic tide under the glowing orbs strung across the high ceiling.
With one hundred students competing, there were fifty fights to get through in the first round, each one flashing by in a blur of clashing weapons, glowing magic, and strong moves that made Jae's stomach twist with worry.
These fighters are tough, he thought, his fingers tapping nervously on his leg, his heart racing as he realized just how many skilled opponents were in his class, each one a challenge he'd have to face.
