The silence after Rogan's defeat did not last long.
It couldn't.
Because this wasn't a single fight.
It was a sequence.
A test.
A statement.
And both sides understood that clearly.
Rogan stepped back into formation, his expression dark but controlled. He didn't look at anyone—not Kael, not Mira.
Not Zarek.
Because he already knew.
He had lost.
The neutral elder's voice cut through the tension.
"Second bout."
Mira exhaled softly, then stepped forward before anyone else could move.
"…My turn."
Her tone was lighter than the situation allowed—but her eyes weren't.
They were sharp.
Focused.
Kael didn't stop her.
"…Be careful."
Mira smirked faintly. "When am I not?"
From the opposing side, a new figure stepped forward.
Slim.
Quiet.
Almost unnoticeable—
Until you focused on him.
"…Selven," he said.
Mira tilted her head slightly. "…You don't look dangerous."
Selven didn't respond.
The barrier activated again.
This time—
Mira moved first.
Fast.
Unpredictable.
Her movements were fluid, constantly shifting angles, forcing her opponent to react instead of plan.
Selven adapted quickly.
But not instantly.
That—
Was the difference.
Mira pressed the advantage, her attacks landing in rapid succession—not powerful individually, but overwhelming in combination.
Zarek watched closely.
"…She's controlling the pace," he thought.
Selven tried to stabilize—
But Mira didn't allow it.
She closed the distance again.
Then again.
Then again.
Each movement forced him further back.
The rhythm broke.
And once it broke—
Mira didn't give it back.
Her final strike came without warning.
A precise impact—
Selven staggered.
Then fell.
The barrier dimmed.
Silence—
Then a ripple through the crowd.
"…She won."
Mira stepped back, brushing her sleeve lightly as if nothing had happened.
"…That was easier than I thought."
But her eyes flickered briefly.
Because she knew—
It hadn't been.
The opposing leader's smile didn't fade.
"…One each."
Balanced.
For now.
"Third bout."
This time—
Kael stepped forward.
No hesitation.
No words.
From the other side, another figure emerged.
A woman.
Calm.
Composed.
"…Lynara."
Kael nodded once. "…Kael."
No more was needed.
The fight began differently.
No immediate clash.
No rushing.
They circled.
Measured.
Waiting.
Zarek narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…This one is different."
"They both are," the voice inside him replied quietly.
The first move came slowly.
Then—
Everything accelerated.
Kael struck with precision.
Lynara responded with equal control.
Every movement had purpose.
Every exchange—
Calculated.
This wasn't a fight of force.
It was a fight of understanding.
Time passed.
Longer than the others.
Neither side giving ground.
Until—
A single mistake.
Small.
Almost invisible.
But real.
Kael saw it.
And acted.
A clean strike broke through her defense—
Followed by another.
Lynara staggered.
Then dropped to one knee.
The barrier dimmed.
Victory.
"Two to one."
This time—
It was their side leading.
But the tension didn't ease.
Because everyone understood—
This wasn't over.
The opposing leader stepped forward again.
"…Next."
A heavier presence entered the arena.
This one—
Felt different.
Denser.
Stronger.
Rogan tensed slightly.
"…He's mine."
Kael shook his head. "…You've already fought."
"…Then send someone who can win."
Silence.
Then—
Another Inner Court disciple stepped forward.
Not from Unit Nine.
Stronger than the outer court—
But not at Kael's level.
The match began.
And ended—
Brutally.
This time—
They lost.
Badly.
The difference in strength was clear.
The disciple fell hard.
Didn't rise.
The barrier dropped.
"Two to two."
Equal again.
Perfect balance.
But the atmosphere—
Was no longer calm.
Because now—
Everything came down to one final match.
The opposing leader stepped forward slowly.
"…Final bout."
A pause.
Then—
His gaze locked onto Zarek.
"…You."
Silence fell.
Absolute.
Every eye turned.
Every breath stilled.
Zarek stepped forward.
Calm.
Unhurried.
Kael spoke quietly as he passed.
"…This isn't the forest."
Zarek didn't stop.
"…I know."
Mira added softly, "…Try not to terrify everyone this time."
Zarek's lips moved slightly.
"…No promises."
Rogan didn't speak.
But his eyes followed him.
Careful.
Watching.
As Zarek stepped into the arena—
The barrier rose once more.
Sealing them in.
Across from him—
The opposing leader finally moved forward.
The one who had been watching all along.
"…I was hoping it would come to this," he said.
Zarek met his gaze.
"…Then don't waste it."
The man smiled faintly.
"…Good."
The air between them tightened.
Because now—
This wasn't just a match.
It was the reason everything started.
And this time—
Zarek wouldn't be ignored.