The main bracket decides who goes to the weaker side and who goes to the stronger side.
And here the opponents are already professional-level players.
Kael's opponent is a player who almost became a finalist last year.
Opponent
Valen Stric
Quiet, sharp-minded, the analytical type.
He doesn't look down on Kael — but he isn't afraid of him either.
"Winning the qualifier means nothing. Now the real tournament begins."
His Peonza
Night Talon
A slim black-purple peonza with a sharp edge.
Ability:
Shadow Path
Night Talon moves on an unpredictable path, with sudden changes in direction.
It does not attack from the front — it strikes from the side or from behind.
It almost looks like it disappears for a moment.
The Course of the Battle
Start
Kael launches strongly, but Night Talon simply isn't where it should be.
Axiom hits empty space several times.
Valen keeps watching, calculating, adapting.
"You think too much in straight lines, Kael."
Kael's Problem
His previous opponents were strong — but predictable.
Valen, however, is a strategic player.
Axiom is a balance-type peonza, but Kael still doesn't use it fully.
Moment of Growth
Kael closes his eyes for a moment.
He does not watch with his eyes anymore — he follows the movement by sound.
The light around Axiom suddenly becomes stronger.
The arena floor seems to tremble for a moment…
And behind Kael a huge shadow appears.
The shape of a creature.
As if Axiom has taken form.
New Technique (Early Version)
Axiom – Counterbalance Circle
Axiom does not chase the opponent.
It stays in the center, stable, and waits.
When Night Talon attacks from the side again
Axiom receives the impact at the perfect angle.
This is the first time Kael does not rush forward, but wins position through tactics.
The Finish
Valen sends Night Talon into one final big attack.
Kael times it.
CLASH.
Night Talon flies out of the arena.
Silence…
Then applause.
Valen gives a faint smile.
Consequence
The display shows:
Kael – Main Bracket, Seeded Side
This is important: stronger opponents will come earlier.
The tournament will not be easy.