The sun was already beginning to set on the horizon when the instructor returned to the center of the arena to announce the next battles.
Most of the students had already fought at least once. Some were injured, others tired, but the excitement in the arena remained high.
Draven leaned against one of the stone columns of the stands, silently observing everything.
Then the name he had been waiting to hear was finally announced.
"Next match!"
The instructor looked at the list.
"Number 21 against number 8."
Zayra stood up immediately.
"Looks like it's my turn."
Draven looked at her.
"Good luck."
She smiled slightly.
"I don't need luck."
Zayra walked towards the arena with firm steps.
On the other side, her opponent was already waiting.
A tall elf with long, silver hair, holding a thin, elegant sword.
His name was Elarion. Among the students, he was known for his refined technique and precise control of his energy.
Some students began to comment.
"This fight is going to be good."
"The elves are too fast."
"But Zayra is strong too."
The beginning of the fight
The two stood face to face in the center of the arena.
The instructor raised his hand.
"Combatants ready?"
They both nodded.
The hand fell.
"Begin!"
Elarion moved first.
His body advanced with almost silent lightness. The movement was elegant, typical of the elven fighting style.
The sword cut the air in a swift blow.
Zayra narrowly dodged.
She didn't immediately counter-attack.
First she observed.
Elarion attacked again, this time with a sequence of quick cuts.
Zayra blocked using her energy-reinforced arms. The impact sent dust flying from the arena floor.
The elf took a few steps back.
His eyes analyzed her every move.
"You're stronger than you look," Zayra replied calmly.
"And you talk too much."
The true rhythm of the fight
This time it was Zayra who advanced.
Her fighting style was completely different from Elarion's.
While the elf fought with precision and technique, Zayra fought with controlled strength and aggression.
Her first blow was a straight punch.
Elarion dodged quickly.
But Zayra was already spinning her body.
A powerful kick came right after.
The elf blocked with his sword.
The impact made the metal vibrate.
The arena reacted.
"What strength!"
"She almost broke his sword!"
Elarion realized he needed to change his strategy.
He channeled his energy, and the sword's blade began to emit a faint glow.
Then he advanced again.
This time his speed increased.
Energy slashes began to accompany the sword strikes.
Zayra dodged two.
She blocked a third.
But a cut grazed her shoulder.
A small trickle of blood appeared.
Draven watched intently.
But he didn't seem worried.
He knew Zayra well enough to know that this wasn't her limit.
The Turn
Zayra wiped the blood from her shoulder with her hand.
And smiled.
"Now it's more interesting."
She focused her energy.
The air around her seemed to grow heavier.
Elarion noticed immediately.
"So you were holding back too…"
Zayra advanced.
This time her speed increased dramatically.
Elarion tried to react.
But Zayra was already inside his guard.
A direct blow to the abdomen.
The impact took the breath away from the elf.
He tried to counterattack with his sword.
Zayra grabbed his arm.
She spun his body.
And threw him against the arena floor.
Dust rose with the impact.
Elarion tried to get up.
But Zayra's fist was already pointed at him.
Ready to attack again.
The instructor raised his hand.
— Combat over!
— Victory for Zayra!
The stands reacted with enthusiasm.
Some students clapped.
Others were clearly impressed.
— She's strong…
— Very strong.
After the fight
Zayra left the arena breathing a little heavier.
Draven found her near the stands.
— Not bad.
She gave him a little nudge on the shoulder.
"Not bad?"
"I won."
Draven replied calmly.
"Me too."
She laughed.
"Then it seems we'll keep advancing in the tournament."
Draven looked at the arena.
"Yes."
But at that moment he also felt that gaze again.
From the other side of the arena.
Kaedor.
The lion-man continued watching the two.
Now not just with curiosity.
But with something more.
Interest.