One of the third-years scoffed from a high branch.
"Dodging isn't fighting. That first-year is stalling."
Another replied, more intrigued, "No… look at his eyes. He's reading Kaigaku's flow. That's dangerous."
"Dangerous?" someone laughed. "He's just a first-year with no sword."
And it was true—
Kael stood empty-handed.
No blade.
No backup. No advantage.
Just his fists and raw instinct.
Cecelia couldn't stay still.
Every time Kaigaku's kick grazed Kael, her hand jerked forward. Every time Kael stumbled, her breath caught.
"Stop… stop going so close…" she whispered.
Elysia grabbed her wrist. "Don't. You'll interrupt the duel."
"I don't care!" Cecelia snapped, eyes wet. "He'll die if this continues!"
From a distance, even the third-years noticed her distress.
"Whoa… is that the Rank Fourth from the first year?"
"She's about to run in. She actually cares?"
"That makes this more interesting."
Cecelia bit her lip so hard it bled.
"Kael… please don't fall…"
