The arena floor shimmered faintly as the protective wards flared to life. The crowd's hum faded into a tense, expectant silence.
Luthar Vane moved first. His spear swept forward with a motion so smooth it was almost lazy — but the moment the tip cut the air, it transformed into a blur of killing intent.
Stone Fang Spear — First Fang: Piercing Gale!
A sharp gust burst outward, forcing Edran to pivot aside. The spear's shadow grazed the hem of his robe, slicing the fabric clean.
> "Fast," Edran murmured, his eyes narrowing.
He dropped low, qi gathering into his limbs as he launched forward. His right palm struck in a swift arc.
Azure Dragon Breathing Art — Coiling Scales!
A ripple of condensed qi spiraled down his arm, manifesting as faint azure lines across his skin. When his palm met the shaft of the spear, the impact rang like metal on stone, pushing Luthar back half a step.
Luthar's lips curved. "So it's true — you've stepped into mid-stage."
He shifted his grip, spinning the spear in a tight flourish before thrusting again.
Second Fang: Stonebreak Lunge!
The ground cracked beneath the force of his strike. Edran's eyes flashed — he sidestepped, allowing the spear to bite into empty space, then twisted his torso, channeling qi to his fist.
Azure Dragon Breathing Art — Talon Rend!
A claw-shaped burst of energy slashed toward Luthar. The older student deflected it with a quick spin of his spear, though the force drove him back two full steps this time.
---
In the Stands
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
> "He's forcing Luthar to defend?"
"Impossible — Luthar's peak-stage qi should overwhelm him."
"Look at the control on his strikes… he's not wasting anything."
High in the crimson pavilion, the two cloaked figures watched with unblinking eyes.
> "His growth is… unnatural," one murmured.
"The Dragon Vein stirs, even if he hasn't awakened it," the other replied.
---
Luthar Increases Pressure
Snapping the spear upward, Luthar's qi surged, thick and heavy like compacted stone. His aura pressed down on the arena, drawing a visible haze in the air.
Stone Fang Spear — Third Fang: Crushing Mountain Descent!
The spear came down in a brutal overhead swing, the impact meant to end the fight in one blow.
Edran didn't retreat. His breathing deepened — slow, deliberate — and for a heartbeat, the faint echo of a dragon's growl seemed to hum beneath the arena's noise. He shifted his stance, qi condensing tightly around his forearms.
Azure Dragon Breathing Art — Scale Guard!
The spear met his crossed arms with a sound like a bell tolling. Shockwaves rippled out, the arena wards flaring to absorb the excess force. Dust swirled around them.
When the haze cleared, Edran was still standing.
Luthar's eyes narrowed. "You blocked it head-on…"
---
Edran's Counterattack
Without warning, Edran stepped inside the spear's reach, palm snapping up toward Luthar's chin. The older student twisted away, but Edran's follow-up — a low sweeping kick — caught him off balance.
He pressed the advantage, unleashing a flurry of strikes:
Coiling Scales to deflect the counter-thrust.
Talon Rend aimed at Luthar's ribs.
A sudden open-palm push, qi surging outward in a shockwave.
Luthar staggered back, his spear scraping against the stone.
---
[Cultivation Panel — Edran Varros]
Realm: Qi Condensation — Mid Stage
Cultivation Technique: Azure Dragon Breathing Art (Low Earth Grade)
Physique: Dragon Vein (Dormant)
Qi Control: Exceptional
Combat Skills:
Coiling Scales (Deflection)
Talon Rend (Offensive Strike)
Scale Guard (Defensive Barrier)
Notable Traits: Calculated offense, minimal qi waste, precise timing.
---
The Final Exchange
Luthar's expression hardened. "Enough playing around."
His qi surged violently, his aura now heavy enough to make the nearby crowd lean forward unconsciously. He launched into a chain of thrusts, each faster than the last — the spear became a blur, a silver storm that sought to pierce every angle of defense.
Edran's movements became sharper, his footwork deliberate — pivot, slip, redirect, step in. Each deflection sent the spear's tip skimming past him by inches.
Finally, he found the opening.
Azure Dragon Breathing Art — Twin Talons Strike!
Both palms shot forward, qi condensing into dragon-claw projections that slammed into Luthar's chest. The impact blasted the older student backward across the arena, his spear clattering to the ground.
Luthar slid to a stop near the edge of the ring, breathing hard. He looked up at Edran, who stood calm and steady, not a trace of overexertion in his stance.
A slow grin tugged at Luthar's lips. "I see… You're not the same boy from last season."
The referee's voice cut through the fading dust.
> "Winner — Edran Varros!"