Light split the arena. For a heartbeat, no one could see.

A thunderclap followed, shaking dust loose from the stands. When the brightness faded, both fighters were still standing.

Rina’s lightning snaked across the floor, leaving charred trails in twisting arcs. Her blade hummed faintly with residual mana. Across from her, Yoo Daehan crouched low, sword raised, uniform sleeve torn, a burn etched across his shoulder.

The crowd gasped—he’d barely blocked in time.

Daehan smirked ...