The semi-final was already at its breaking point.
Silas and Hanae had been trading blows for minutes. The arena floor bore the scars. Cracked stone. Impact craters where their auras had collided. Both fighters bled from shallow cuts. Their breathing heavy but controlled.
Silas moved like a fortress given motion. Every strike carried devastating weight behind disciplined skill. His greatsword cut through the air with precision that belied its massive size.
Hanae matched him step for step. The Oni woman stood nearly as tall as he did. Red-marked arms gleaming with sweat. Twin war axes in her hands. She fought with the refined brutality that marked Oni martial culture. Graceful savagery. Every movement purposeful.
They clashed again. Metal screamed. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the protective barrier. The crowd leaned forward.
Leo watched, but his attention kept drifting. A seat at the academy section now empty. Aria had left.
