Final semi‑final match tested limit. Empire's elite academy, Sunlight Temple School, radiated holy light. Their attacks shimmered beams hotter than fire, sharper than lightning.
Match began in explosion of light. Shrek staggered instantly blind under rays. Even Tang San faltered, vines withered under brilliance.
Leng Xue staggered pale. Then drew breath deeper than ever before. Three rings blazed, merging into roaring avalanche. Glacial Barrier erupted triple‑layer, covering not just team but half arena. Light beams struck roar of shards, fracturing entire walls but scattering reflection across mist rather than piercing.
Crowds erupted seeing mountain of ice shining under holy blasts.
But casters adjusted, focusing all beams one wedge. Cracks spider‑spread. Leng Xue vomited blood but clenched fists—"Not yet!" He extended frost beyond limit, channeling life into wall. Tang San, noticing instantly, spread vines entwining cracks, using body as conduit too, sweat pouring, but synergy unbroken.
Mubai, Hongjun, Oscar, Rongrong all capitalized behind. They charged, blasted, supported. Momentum from frost‑vine alliance blossomed miracle. In final thunderous roar, Shrek monsters shattered Sunlight's formation, knocking champions down.
Arena fell stunned silent. Shrek—underdog mockery—stood atop empire's pride.
But Leng Xue collapsed unconscious instantly, collapsing wall with him. Tang San caught his body fearfully, whispering, "Stay…"
Healers scrambled, heart faint beat only. Tome shimmer silently inside his soul: Critical threshold reached. Cycle nearing closure. Prepare next rebirth.