The next pair entered before the last traces of black-ashen flame had disappeared.
Lucavion and Valeria cleared the lane from opposite sides while the formation dimmed beneath their feet. Students shifted to make room, several still arguing over whether the final movement had been a feint, a reversal or something that should not have remained possible after Lucavion committed his weight.
The instructor restored order by calling two more names.
Weapons were checked, restraint seals climbed around the next pair and steel crossed again. Lucavion rejoined the waiting students near Varen and Rowen. Valeria remained closer to the boundary, answering a question about the unfinished continuation that had earned her first contact.
Jesse faced the new match.
