Slowly, a new figure stepped onto the opposing platform: taller, broader in the shoulders, and carrying a heavier dual-blade style.
His name was Rylan Crowe, a late 3rd-year known for endurance and crushing pressure rather than pure speed.
The moment he appeared, the tone in the stands shifted.
"They're sending Rylan already?"
"He's one of their stamina monsters. He can grind people down over long exchanges."
"Seraph just finished a full match. This is going to be rough for her."
Seraph exhaled once, then stepped back onto the platform without hesitation.
Golden light began to gather along her sword again, though the initial flare was a fraction less dense than it had been at the start of the first fight.
She settled into her stance, feet light, blade angled forward.
The referee's staff came down.
"Begin!"
Rylan moved like a rolling wave.
Fwoop!
He advanced with heavy steps, with both blades sweeping in wide, overlapping arcs that forced Seraph to give ground early.
