Both had taken heavy hits.
Yuen's armor was on the verge of shattering, and Hex's stone body was riddled with cracks. If the fight dragged on any longer, it could leave lasting damage for both of them. The intense heat of the lava was rapidly draining their mana.
This was no longer a battle of strength — it had become a test of endurance.
With each strike, Yuen noticed Hex's stone form breaking down further.
It was the opening he needed.
He launched a series of relentless blows… until Hex's vision darkened.
Drained of mana, Hex staggered and collapsed to the ground.
The match was over. Yuen had won.
The unconscious Hex was quickly carried off to the side. Everyone held their breath, waiting.
Minutes later, Hex's eyes slowly opened. In a daze, he shot up and instinctively activated Stone Form again. He still thought the match was ongoing.
But as he looked around, he realized he wasn't on the battlefield — he was inside his own tent.
His knees buckled, and he dropped to the ground.
Breathing heavily, exhausted and confused, he looked up as the teacher approached.
"The match is over. Yuen won," the teacher said gently.
Only then did Hex relax.
Up next: Mia versus Isac.
Tension was rising once again...