The second day of the tournament progressed rapidly, and all eyes were now on Draven. His presence was intense; every movement conveyed control and power, immediately drawing attention.
The next match was announced:
— Draven versus Lyras!
Lyras was an agile elf, a master of quick and precise attacks with long blades, combining physical technique and manipulation of his own energy. He entered the arena confidently, but his eyes showed caution as he analyzed Draven.
Draven calmly walked to the center, aware that this fight would be an opportunity to demonstrate more of the Nocteerom and test his own evolution.
The beginning of the battle
As soon as the combat began, Lyras advanced with a rapid sequence of blows, each blade emitting flashes of concentrated energy. Draven reacted with his shadowy hands, which moved almost autonomously to intercept and deflect each attack.
The audience fell silent, impressed. Draven's shadows not only protected him, but acted strategically, blocking attacks before the elf could even adjust the speed or trajectory of his blades.
Draven attentively observed Lyras's patterns, analyzing each step and each movement of energy.
Counterattack with Nocteerom
Taking advantage of an opening in Lyras's attacks, Draven concentrated the Nocteerom in his hands. The shadows began to condense into sharp, small but fast, almost living blades. He mentally controlled each blade, directing them with precision, as if they were extensions of his own body.
The shadow blades advanced at high speed, forcing Lyras to retreat and dodge with agile movements, avoiding being hit. Each blow seemed to anticipate his movements, forcing him to think quickly so as not to be surprised.
"What…?" Lyras murmured, surprised. "He… is controlling the shadows!"
Draven remained calm, moving fluidly. At the same time, his body partially enveloped in shadows, making him intangible for brief moments, allowing physical and energy attacks to pass through without causing damage.
Observation from the stands
The other students began to notice something unique about Draven. It wasn't just physical strength or skill with energy; it was the way he controlled Nocteerom and integrated it into his physical movements with strategic perfection.
"I've never seen anything like it…" murmured one student.
"He really is… different."
"And Kaedor is watching…"
Zayra crossed her arms, impressed:
"He's evolving too fast…"
The Great Sage calmly observed, evaluating each technique and the integration of shadows with Draven's movements:
His manipulation of Nocteerom has evolved considerably.
His combinations of Nocteerom, physical movements, and combat strategies have also increased considerably.
The integration of shadows and direct attacks demonstrates an advanced level of mastery.
Decisive Moment
Lyras attempted a final attack, concentrating all his energy into a long, sharp blade. Draven, anticipating the pattern, enveloped himself in dense shadows while his shadowy hands intercepted the blow, deflecting the blade with precision.
With a swift movement, he advanced, firing new Nocteerom blades that forced Lyras to retreat again. Finally, a combined blow of shadow and physical strength brought down the elf, ending the fight.
Conclusion
The instructor raised his hand:
— Combat over! Draven wins!
The audience reacted with applause and murmurs of admiration. Draven maintained his calm posture, but noticed Kaedor's attentive gaze. The rivalry between them was becoming more evident than ever.
As Draven retreated from the arena, shrouded in subtle shadows, he reflected:
"Each fight forces me to evolve. Each opponent teaches me something new. And Kaedor… he will be the true test of my Nocteerom."