The referee’s hand dropped.

“Begin!”

Lightning cracked across the ring.

Rina shot forward, sparks bursting under every step. Her speed drew cheers from the stands—each movement a streak of blue. She swung her arm, releasing a bolt that twisted like a living serpent.

Jiwon met it head-on.

Her sword flashed once—the lightning split cleanly in half, scattering into harmless light.

Rina skidded back, boots scraping the floor. “You just cut lightning?”

Jiwon leveled ...