The arena erupted in applause and cheers, the students' voices filling the air after the instructor's fall. No one could believe what had just happened.
"They really did win!"
"They stopped the instructor they couldn't defeat before...!"
One by one, the heirs of the families began to step forward, their expressions a mixture of recognition and envy. Some shook hands with Saruto, others congratulated Lucien, but in all their eyes hung a single question:
What power did these two possess?
Saruto stood, panting heavily, beads of sweat dripping from his brow. Lucien rose slowly, leaning on his icy sword. They exchanged glances, glances devoid of thanks or gratitude... but of an unquenchable fire.
Saruto raised his swords, bound by chains, and said with a cold smile,
"The alliance is over, you loser."
Lucien laughed, his shoulders icy, his voice dripping with defiance:
"Yes… from this moment on, we're back to being enemies."
As the students screamed in shock, the two charged forward with all their remaining strength. Their auras collided, the ground shook beneath them, and just as their weapons were about to clash,
Suddenly… before the blows could make contact, their steps froze. Their bodies could bear no more energy.
They collapsed mid-stride, falling to the ground together.
Silence fell over the hall… then the dust began to settle, revealing the scene: Saroto and Lucien lay on the floor facing each other, fast asleep, smiles of contentment on their faces.
The students gasped, some putting their hands to their heads in disbelief, others exchanging stunned glances.
"Impossible… are they really asleep?!"
"After all that fighting… smiling on the ground?!" As for the heirs of the six families, some crossed their arms coldly, while others couldn't hide a small smile, but in everyone's hearts, the truth was clear:
This duo… when they team up, they become a danger to the entire academy.