The one hour break for the participants to recover themselves came to an end, and they returned to the centre of the arena.
During the break, the ten smaller stages in the arena had been fused to form a single, larger stage.
"Step forward and choose your tokens," Vale instructed, hovering in the air.
All ten participants approached the transparent crystal bowl placed atop a stone pillar near the stage in the arena and picked up their tokens.
The tokens were made of wood and were initially blank when the participants picked them up. The students looked at them in confusion. Vale waved his hand, and the tokens sparkled with light, revealing engraved numbers.
The students examined their tokens, then glanced around at the others to determine their opponents. Simultaneously, the same information was displayed on the projections hovering above the arena.
Tim and Trevon drew number one.
Lucas and Kevin got number two.
Luna and Lomaro received number three.
Iris and Ronan drew number four.
Alicia and Leo got number five.
"The battle order will follow the token numbers," declared Vale as he announced the first battle. "Tim vs. Trevon."
The first battle, as expected, lacked any suspense. Tim, relying on his overwhelming lightning element, effortlessly crushed Trevon. Though Trevon knew defeating Tim was nearly impossible, he had hoped to at least put up a decent fight and impress the instructors. However, Tim was brutal in his approach.
The Clove heir left Trevon heavily injured. The audience, especially the commoners who identified and felt connected with Trevon, wore expressions of disgust and anger at Tim's excessive aggression.
Tim, however was indifferent to their reactions and arrogantly walked off the stage.
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"Lucas vs. Kevin," announced Vale. The second match.
Kevin jumped onto the stage while Lucas calmly climbed up, standing opposite him.
Kevin bowed slightly. "Please enlighten me."
Lucas frowned slightly at the unusual gesture. It was rare to see a descendant of a high tier family show humility before a commoner.
Lucas did not return the bow. He simply nodded. "Please proceed."
Kevin had a well-built physique- broad shoulders and heavy muscles for his age.
He gave a nod and a golden mace appeared in his hand. It was a D-Rank weapon, and though it seemed heavy, Kevin wielded the mace effortlessly.
He raised the mace above his head with both hands and moved forward, his body erupting with spiritual energy. His speed was much faster than during the magical forest trial, making the audience realize that Kevin had not been using his full strength until now. Facing someone like Lucas, who had yet to use any spiritual energy, Kevin gave it his all.
In a flash, he was in front of Lucas, swinging the mace downward toward his head.
But to Lucas, Kevin seemed as slow as a snail. Inches before the mace struck, he casually sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the blow. The momentum of the attack carried the mace forward, smashing into the stage and sending a shockwave in all directions.
Unfazed by the miss, Kevin spun around and swung again. Lucas stepped back, easily avoiding the strike once more.
Since both of them were using weapons, Kevin expected close combat. But Lucas had other plans. Instead of pressing in, he leaped backward, increasing the distance between them.
Sensing danger, Kevin rushed forward to close the gap. But Lucas gave him no chance. He pointed his sword ahead and made a casual slash.
A beam of spiritual energy surged from his blade.
Kevin, seeing no alternative, stopped in his tracks and swung his mace horizontally, employing a battle technique. A semi-circular spiritual energy shield formed around him.
Lucas' attack struck the shield, creating cracks. Though the shield held for a few moments, it ultimately shattered. Fortunately for Kevin, Lucas' slash also dissipated in the process.
It was an even exchange.
Kevin looked ahead, ready to resume the assault- but Lucas was no longer in front of him. Before he could look around to search for Lucas, he felt the cold edge of a blade against his neck.
He tilted his head to find Lucas standing beside him, sword resting on his throat.
"You lose," Lucas said with a smile.
Kevin stood frozen, "How?"
Lucas simply smiled without replying. He withdrew his sword and walked off the stage, leaving Kevin in a daze.
The entire audience was equally stunned. All they had seen was a flash of light, and suddenly, Lucas was behind Kevin. Only cultivators of high level had been able to perceive the movement technique Lucas used. Even then, they were in awe of his talent and had become even more convinced that Lucas was still holding back.
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In the VIP room occupied by Felix and Fexon:
"Big brother, this kid is really impressive," said Felix, with his eyes glinting. "He seems like someone who could take on that bastard."
It was clear that the bastard he was referring to was none other than Amden.
"Yes," Fexon nodded. "After the competition, find him and recruit him at any cost."
"He must become a follower of Tim at the academy. With Tim and this boy together, we can crush Amden within the academy itself," he added with a thoughtful look.