The final echoes of combat slowly faded inside the Lemurian Hunter Academy arena.
The qualification battles had lasted nearly the entire day.
Match after match had unfolded under the blazing afternoon sun, filling the stadium with cheers, groans, and endless discussions about who was strong and who had simply been lucky.
By the time the final match concluded, the massive display screens above the arena flickered one last time.
The results were finalized.
Only a fraction of the original participants remained.
The rest had been eliminated.
Instructor Glenn stepped onto the arena platform once again, his presence immediately drawing the attention of the crowd.
Students gradually quieted.
Glenn's calm voice spread across the stadium.
"The qualification round has now ended."
A ripple of murmurs passed through the stands.
For many students, this was the end of their tournament journey.
Some left the arena disappointed.
Others walked out quietly, already discussing how they would train harder next year.
But those who remained...
Had taken the first step.
Glenn continued speaking.
"All participants who have won their matches will advance to the Elimination Round."
He gestured toward the display screens.
"Tomorrow morning, the bracket will be announced."
Excited whispers spread through the remaining students.
The elimination round meant the competition would become far more intense.
From now on, every match would be between people who had already proven themselves.
Glenn's gaze swept across the arena one last time.
"Prepare yourselves."
Then he turned and left the platform.
With that simple announcement, the arena slowly began to empty.
Students stood up, stretched their sore bodies, and began heading back toward the academy dormitories.
Some were excited.
Some were exhausted.
Some were already analyzing potential opponents for the next round.
Near the lower spectator section, Rei walked beside Aaron with an exaggerated swagger.
"...Brother Aaron."
Aaron glanced at him, "Yes?"
Rei puffed out his chest proudly, "We survived the first round."
Aaron nodded, "That's one way to describe it."
Rei raised a finger dramatically, "No." He corrected himself, "We dominated the first round."
Aaron looked at him, "You tripped a guy."
Rei frowned, "That was a highly advanced tactical maneuver."
Aaron chuckled quietly. The two of them walked through the crowded arena exit along with the rest of the students. The evening sky above Lemuria City glowed orange as the sun slowly sank toward the horizon. The tournament had lasted almost the entire day, and even Aaron could feel a faint tiredness settling into his muscles.
Beside him, Rei suddenly lowered his voice, "...Brother Aaron."
Aaron looked at him, "Yes?"
Rei leaned closer, "Let's talk about something serious."
Aaron waited. Rei whispered dramatically, "Do you think Kang Yue noticed my victory?"
Aaron stopped walking. Then he slowly turned his head, "You're still thinking about that?"
Rei sighed, "...A man's heart is complicated."
Aaron shook his head, "You should focus on surviving the next round."
Rei waved his hand, "That is secondary."
Aaron stared at him, "...Secondary?"
Rei nodded solemnly, "Romance is the true battlefield."
Aaron resumed walking, "You're hopeless."
They soon reached the dormitory district. Compared to the noisy arena, the academy housing area felt far quieter. A cool evening breeze drifted between the tall buildings as students returned to their rooms; some were laughing loudly about their victories, while others walked silently, clearly disappointed by their losses. As Aaron and Rei approached their building entrance, they suddenly saw a familiar figure standing nearby. Her hair reflected the fading sunlight. It was Luna.
She stood calmly near the stone pathway with her Frostblade resting against the wall beside her. Rei immediately stopped walking, "...Brother Aaron."
Aaron raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Rei whispered, "I suddenly remembered something important."
Aaron already knew what was coming, "What?"
Rei coughed, "I should... leave you two alone."
Before Aaron could reply, Rei quickly turned and hurried toward the opposite dorm building. Aaron watched him disappear, "...Coward."
Luna approached slowly, "I saw your match."
Aaron leaned casually against the dormitory wall, "What did you think?"
Luna's gaze was calm, "You almost impressed me."
Aaron smiled faintly, "That sounds like a compliment."
For a moment, the two of them simply stood in silence. The evening breeze rustled the nearby trees as the shadows stretched long across the pavement. Finally, Luna picked up her Frostblade, "The elimination round will be different."
Aaron nodded, "Of course."
She looked at him one last time, "If we meet in the arena..."
Aaron finished the sentence calmly, "You won't hold back."
Luna nodded once. Then she turned and walked away toward the dormitory. Aaron watched her disappear down the pathway. After a few seconds, he entered his own building. The dorm hallway was quiet. Most students were either resting or discussing the tournament with their roommates. Aaron opened the door to his room.
The familiar space greeted him.
A simple bed.
A desk.
A window overlooking the academy grounds.
He sat down on the edge of the bed and stretched his arms slightly.
Today had been... interesting.
The rumors about him would probably spread even further after his match.
But that didn't matter.
The real competition hadn't even started yet.
Aaron lay back on the bed and looked at the ceiling.
In the coming days—
The elimination round would begin.
And from that point onward...
Only the strongest students would remain.