By the time classes ended after that spar, a talk of the sparring match had already swept through the whole Combat Division.

The corridors buzzed with half-heard gossip.

"Did you see it? Kang Jisoo lost!"

"To an E-rank, no less—how?"

"Instructor Baek was actually watching. That's serious."

Jiwoo heard the whispers as he left the hall. Students passing by gave him quick glances—some curious, some impressed, others just wary—but he paid them little mind.

Minjae jogged to catch up beside ...