The quarterfinals began on the third day of the National Junior Tournament.
By now, only eight competitors remained in the Hunter Division.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was noticeably different.
The crowd no longer viewed Krishak as a curious child prodigy.
He was now recognized as a legitimate championship contender.
Even the commentators spoke his name with respect.
The giant display screen revealed Krishak's next opponent:
Dev Malhotra - Northern Titan Academy
Age: 10
Cultivation Realm: Peak Grandmaster
Combat Power: Early King Realm
Specialty: Earth-element body reinforcement
Dev was larger than most competitors, with a powerful frame and a calm expression.
Unlike some of the more flamboyant participants, he carried himself with quiet confidence.
When he entered the arena, he bowed respectfully.
"Your technique is extraordinary."
Krishak returned the bow.
"And your foundation is very stable.
The referee signaled.
"Begin!"
Dev's fighting style contrasted sharply with Krishak's previous opponents.
He did not rush.
He advanced steadily, reinforcing his body with dense earth-attributed spiritual energy.
Each step felt solid and immovable.
When he struck, the air seemed to vibrate.
Krishak parried the first blow.
The force traveling through the wooden weapon was substantial.
This opponent possessed genuine strength.
For several minutes, the two exchanged blows.
Krishak focused on precision and movement.
Dev relied on durability and controlled power.
Neither competitor gained a clear advantage.
The crowd watched in rapt silence.
"This is the best match of the tournament so far," one commentator declared.
Krishak gradually analyzed Dev's rhythm.
His defense was excellent, but his movement became slightly less fluid when transitioning from offense to defense.
The opening was subtle.
Most competitors would never notice it.
Krishak did.
Dev launched a heavy overhead attack.
Krishak pivoted to the side.
Instead of meeting force with force, he redirected the descending strike and used Dev's own momentum against him.
A sharp tap to the wrist loosened Dev's grip.
His weapon fell.
Before he could recover, Krishak's practice sword rested against his chest.
The referee raised his hand.
"Winner: Krishak Jena!"
Dev exhaled and smiled.
"So that's what it feels like."
Krishak lowered his sword.
"You are very strong."
Dev nodded.
"And you are terrifyingly efficient."
The two bowed to one another.
With the quarterfinals concluded, the semifinal matchups were announced.
Krishak Jena VS.
Serena Roy
A murmur spread through the stadium.
Although Serena was a Magician, the later rounds of the tournament combined divisions to determine the overall under-ten champion.
Serena was famous for her lightning affinity and explosive attack power.
This would be Krishak's first official match against a top-tier ranged specialist.
After the quarterfinals, more observers took notice.
Military recruiters.
Government officials.
Representatives of influential clans.
Several had already begun requesting information about Krishak's background.
The son of two respected but relatively modest A-Class Awakeners.
No major family backing.
No known secret inheritance.
And yet his ability far exceeded all expectations.
That mystery only increased their interest.
Instructor Rajan approached him after the match.
"Tomorrow will be different."
Krishak nodded.
"Because she fights at range."
Rajan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You already know."
Krishak smiled.
"I've been studying."
Rajan grunted approvingly.
In his room, Krishak meditated while reviewing Serena Roy's previous matches.
Her speed and offensive output were impressive.
Against ordinary opponents, she overwhelmed them before they could close the distance.
Krishak considered the challenge.
His body was his greatest weapon.
To win, he would need to bridge the gap efficiently.
He opened his eyes and looked out at the city lights.
The semifinal awaited.
And with each battle, Earth was revealing more of its potential.