A wave of gasps rippled from the trainees as they stared at Zephyrion in shock and disbelief.
"What!?"
"So fast—!"
"Did… did he just send Kaiden out of the arena?"
"You…!"
Kaiden slowly rose to his feet, staring at Zephyrion with a burning glare.
"Fine… fine… you want to fight, right? Then fight me."
Metal condensed around his arm, forming a massive, dense broadsword.
"Oh! They're about to fight!"
"The young lord and the top trainee!"
The trainees held their breaths.
Kaiden was about to move when an oppressive force descended upon them, freezing them in place.
"That's enough."
All eyes turned toward Garrick, who now stood in the arena.
"But instructor—!"
"There will be no unsanctioned duels. I decide who fights."
Kaiden gritted his teeth.
"Then… I challenge him."
"Denied."
"…Why?"
Garrick fixed him with a narrowed gaze.
"I don't owe you an explanation, brat."
Kaiden shrank slightly under his heavy stare.
