Jae stood in the middle of arena. His shoulder was now cold and numb from where Byun's shadow tendril had touched him a few moments ago.
That single hit had done more than just hurt him. It had spread a chilling, freezing pain through his whole arm, making it harder to move.
He could feel it even now, slowing him down. Gritting his teeth, Jae stepped back quickly, his boots scraping against the wooden floor. He needed space.
His thoughts raced. He had to think fast, had to come up with a new plan. His Mana Blade still glowed in his hand, its steady hum a small comfort, but it didn't change the truth, Byun's control of shadows was powerful.
Too powerful. Jae knew he was fighting someone who might just be the best mage in the entire school.
The crowd, squeezed tight into every corner of the stands, sat on the edge of their seats. They couldn't believe what they were watching. The commoner, the boy with no noble name was still standing, still fighting, still pushing forward.
