The audience went completely silent.
Darius's face flushed with humiliation and anger.
"What did you—"
"If I went all out," Rey stated with absolute certainty, meeting Darius's gaze with gray eyes that carried weight transcending his apparent age and experience, "the fight would have lasted only a few seconds."
The training hall erupted with murmurs as Rey's declaration hung in the air.
"Only a few seconds..."
"Did he really just say that?"
"Against Darius? That's impossible."
The instructor raised his hand, divine light flaring to restore order.
"Enough. Next pairing—Lyria versus Marcus. Take your positions."
The sparring sessions continued, but Rey noticed the atmosphere had shifted.
Students who'd been hostile now regarded him with wary respect. Those who'd been welcoming showed increased interest mixed with curiosity about his true capabilities.
And Sephyr's red eyes tracked his every movement with attention that transcended simple mentorship.
