The arena now pulsed with new energy.
After weeks in the accelerated realm, Ryuu, Hana, and Tetsu had grown faster, sharper, and more refined—but today would test whether that growth meant anything. Seraphine, Magnus, and Kairo stood on the opposite side of the arena. The air was silent.
Kaede's words echoed in all three of their minds:"You're being trained by the top three Wielders in the world… If you can land even a single solid hit, consider it a victory."
Round One: Ryuu vs. Zhen KairoThe match started with a whisper. Literally.
Kairo vanished from view, his presence flickering like wind passing through trees. Ryuu ignited his storm-flame aura, his sword glowing bright. He spun, slashing in rapid arcs—trying to catch Kairo's essence.
But Kairo didn't fight with brute force—he fought with balance, timing, misdirection.
Ryuu gritted his teeth. "If I can't see you… then I'll feel you!" He closed his eyes. Listened. A shift in air. A faint breeze.
CLANG!
Sparks flew as Ryuu blocked an incoming strike with his blade, shocking even Kairo slightly.But in the end, Kairo stood behind him, finger pointed to Ryuu's neck. "Dead."
Ryuu dropped to one knee, frustrated—but smiling."That was… the coolest fight I've ever had."
Round Two: Hana vs. Seraphine Vale
Seraphine floated gracefully, summoning radiant spears of light around her.
Hana, her eyes locked on her teacher, gritted her teeth and whispered, "Let's dance."
In a blink, Hana dashed forward, weaving through the maze of spears. She used her Will-threaded agility, dodging not just physically but by intuition. One false step and she would've been pierced.
Seraphine sent a barrage. Hana flipped, dove, vanished in a flicker of ribbon and aura. She nearly touched Seraphine's arm—only for her to be blasted back by a soft explosion of holy light.
"You've gotten faster," Seraphine said, smiling gently. "But not faster than light."
Bruised but fired up, Hana stood. "Then I'll become the light."
Round Three: Tetsu vs. Magnus Kreel
This wasn't a spar—it was a war.
Tetsu charged in, fists blazing with fiery energy. Magnus didn't dodge. He tanked the punch, smirking as it barely dented his shoulder.
Tetsu: "Ow…"
Magnus: "Heh. You hit like a mosquito. Try again."
With a roar, Tetsu launched a flurry of punches, each one exploding on impact. The arena trembled—but Magnus barely budged. Then he countered with a single blow to the chest that sent Tetsu flying into a wall.
Bruised and coughing, Tetsu laughed. "You punch like a truck. My turn again."
After hours of duels, the three students sat in the center of the arena, exhausted, beaten, but grinning.
They hadn't won a single match—but each had landed a hit.
Seraphine smiled. "They're ready."
Kairo nodded. "They're becoming warriors."
Magnus cracked his knuckles. "Next time, we won't go easy."
The trio looked at each other and nodded silently.
They'd come far. But they weren't done yet.