Days before tournament's start, academies performed demonstrations to whet appetite of crowds. Shrek was ridiculed still by nobles until Flender gleamed with sly confidence. "We'll show them why monsters need only fangs, not gold."
In arena smaller than main, Shrek's team faced random academy challengers. Opponents marched pompous, rings blazing, spectators cheering. They began flashy barrage—flames exploding sky, whips cracking thunder.
Amid noise, Shrek nearly staggered. Rongrong shield faltered, Hongjun almost collapsed under heat.
Leng Xue stepped calm. Third ring erupted: Glacial Barrier expanded massive across front line. Flames obliterated against wall, thunder dances grounding harmless. Crowd gasped aloud—ice wall from boy who looked ordinary?
Tang San roared command, vines twining behind ice. With barrier buying stability, Shrek countered ruthlessly—Mubai lunging tiger force, Hongjun blasting contained bursts. Within minutes, noble academy lay scattered, groans cut music of disbelief.
Stands erupted uproar. Merchants cried admiration, spectators shouted chants. "Who is frost boy?!" Noble arrogance melted instant.
Flender's hawk eyes gleamed satisfied. Exactly as he hoped—quiet power displayed when matter most. Shrek's ragged students gripping awe.
Leng Xue only bowed politely. "Frost should shield, not bask." Yet inside, heart hammered. For first time, frost heritage seen not only by clan, not only by Shrek—but thousand voices. Tome in soul sang bright: Public Recognition Secured. Frost Doctrine etched onto Continental Stage.