Damon's eyes widened as he leaned forward. "Are you telling me… this guy had that much mana all along?! Was he holding back?"
Kaelius crossed his arms, his gaze sharp. "If that's true… then this is the revelation of Arthur's true strength."
Edlias frowned. "Maybe. But can he last? He looks like he's running on fumes."
Nathaniel didn't say anything at first. He just stared down at the arena, brows tight. "All we can do now… is watch. No matter what happens."
Worry filled everyone's eyes.
—
Back in the arena, Arthur was breathing heavily, sweat dripping down his chin.
"You were holding back… weren't you?" he said between breaths. "You hid your true power…"
Kaelith's lips curled into a cold smile. "You should be happy. Congratulations—you've become worthy of witnessing it. That's a feat in itself."
Arthur gritted his teeth. "I'm not here for praise… I'm here to win."
Kaelith's smile widened as he gripped his blade properly, releasing the stone glove that weighed him down. "With that tiny bit of mana left? I doubt it'll be that easy."
Fwoosh.
A sudden gust of wind passed through Arthur.
Slash!
Blood flew from his hand.
Kaelith stood behind him, calm and deadly.
Arthur's eyes trembled. "He's fast… I didn't even see him move. What was that?!"
—
Up in the stands, Nathaniel's expression changed.
"No… that can't be."
Seraphina clenched her fists. "He was too fast! What was that technique?!"
"Mr. Nathaniel?" Lyra asked, confused. "What did he do?"
Everyone turned to Nathaniel.
He closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, but… I don't think Arthur can win this match."
The group gasped.
"What are you talking about?!" Seraphina demanded.
"Yeah!" Riven added. "So what if he's got mana left?! Arthur can still—"
"You don't get it," Nathaniel said. "That technique… the reason Kaelith's so fast…"
He looked down.
"…It's called Flash Step."
The name hit like a thunderclap.
"Flash Step?!" Riven shouted. "We've never even heard of that!"
Callista frowned. "You never taught us that!"
Nathaniel nodded. "Exactly. It's an elite movement technique. You only learn it after being assigned to a squad. It's… not meant for students."
Riven's voice cracked. "So… that's why you said Arthur can't win."
He smiled faintly. "But… this is Arthur we're talking about. He always finds a way."
Seraphina nodded. "He'll figure something out. I believe in him."
Leo crossed his arms. "Me too. He's my rival. And my rival doesn't lose this easily."
Nathaniel watched them, silently. They don't understand. This isn't about belief… this is life and death.
—
Julius smiled from the balcony.
"He's made Kaelith fight seriously. That alone is impressive. But with this much mana left… he's done." He paused, staring at Arthur. "Unless…"
Eldric raised a brow. "Unless what?"
"An awakening," Julius whispered. "Push someone to the brink… and in that moment, their true power bursts out. Let's see who breaks first."
Eldric shivered. Whose side are you on…?
—
Kaelith wiped his blade clean of blood.
"This is your last chance. Once my armor's off, I don't hold back. I might kill you."
Arthur stood, bloodied but smirking. "Then don't hold back. I promise I won't die… I'll win."
Kaelith's grin turned savage. "That's more like it."
Arthur dashed forward—
Slash!
Blood again. Kaelith moved before he could blink.
Arthur stumbled, using his blade to keep upright.
"He's too fast…!"
Arthur! Think!
Hyorinmaru's voice echoed in his mind. You need something to keep up with his speed. Try the Ice Slide.
Arthur's eyes lit up. "Right! Thanks!"
He stomped down.
"Ice Slide!"
Frost formed beneath his feet. He leaned forward and blasted ahead like a bullet.
Slash!
More blood. Again.
He tried circling Kaelith, but the warrior was faster—punching him hard and sending him flying.
Arthur groaned, coughing up blood. Still not fast enough…
He stood, trembling.
Think… speed… pressure…
"Ice Slide… Compression!"
The frost beneath his feet condensed like a coiled spring—
BOOM!
He shot forward at insane speed. Kaelith moved—
But Arthur flipped over him.
"Water Magic… Hydro Prison!"
A massive water sphere surrounded Kaelith, trapping him inside.
Arthur stumbled back, panting. "Surrender now… or drown."
—
Julius smirked. "Brilliant. He used the pressure of his own ice to accelerate… then struck with a trap."
Ronan jumped up. "He did it!"
Callista and Seraphina hugged in joy—then quickly pulled away, flustered.
Leo grinned. "Now's your chance, Arthur. Finish him!"
Arthur roared, blade raised—charging in for the final blow—
CRACK!
The arena floor split.
A massive beast burst forth—its horn stabbing through Arthur's side.
Everyone gasped.
Arthur's body dangled on the horn. Blood sprayed.
He dropped his blade.
Kaelith stood, freed, and watched Arthur hit the ground like a rag doll.
"You really thought this was some school activity?" he said coldly. "Wake up. This is a death match."
—
Seraphina froze. "W-What is that creature…?!"
Callista's eyes filled with tears. "Arthur's… badly hurt…"
Riven scowled. "That thing came out of nowhere!"
Nathaniel's voice shook. "No… it can't be…"
He clenched his fists.
"…He used Summoning Magic."
Everyone turned to him, stunned.
"Summoning… magic?!" they shouted in unison.
Damon blinked. "You mean… that thing was summoned?"
"Yes," Nathaniel said. "And it's something none of you have learned yet."
Seraphina activated her Shingan.
He's alive… but his mana… it's almost gone…
—
Garrick's voice was low. "First Flash Step… now summoning magic… Who is this guy?"
Alaric stared down. Arthur… what's your next move? Or… is this the end?
—
Julius chuckled darkly. "He's enjoying himself now… more than anyone. Kaelith's finally found someone worth going all out on."
He leaned forward.
"Arthur… stay alive just a little longer. This battle's reaching its climax. Will it be a new plan? A hidden technique? Or…"
His eyes narrowed with a grin.
"…An awakening."
—
Eldric looked at Julius, finally understanding. "That's why you picked Arthur… isn't it? You trained Kaelith yourself. You're using this match to test him."
Julius didn't deny it. "Of course I care if Arthur dies. I need him alive…"
He grinned.
"Because I want to see it. I want to see what he becomes."
He stood slowly, eyes blazing with excitement.
"Get up, Arthur. Dance more. Show me your true strength."