The arena didn't slow down after June's victory.
If anything, the energy inside the massive structure continued to build. The crowd shifted constantly, voices rising and falling as matches continued one after another. Some fights ended quickly. Others dragged on, forcing cadets to adapt mid-battle.
June leaned against the railing beside David, still catching his breath.
"...Okay," he muttered, shaking out his wrist slightly. "That spear thing? Not fun."
Nyra glanced sideways at him.
"You handled it well."
June nodded.
"I just kept thinking… close distance, don't get stabbed, and try not to embarrass myself."
Castiel smirked faintly.
"You talked the entire time."
June looked at him.
"That's how I stay calm."
Lucian crossed his arms.
"You used pressure effectively."
June nodded.
"Yeah… once I got inside, it got easier."
Mira tilted her head slightly.
"You adapted quickly."
June exhaled.
"I learned from watching earlier fights."
David glanced toward him.
"You stayed patient."
June nodded.
"...Yeah."
The screen above flickered again.
The next names formed.
Nyra Valecrest — Gamma Squad
Helena Crestfall — Delta Squad
Nyra exhaled quietly.
"My turn."
June straightened slightly.
"Alright… let's see this."
Lucian nodded.
"Helena uses ranged constructs."
Nyra nodded.
"I remember."
Castiel glanced toward her.
"Don't let her control distance."
Nyra gave a small nod.
"I won't."
She stepped toward the tunnel.
The arena doors opened.
Light spilled across the floor as she entered.
Across the ring, Helena Crestfall stepped forward.
She raised her hand.
Energy formed around her fingers.
Crystal-like constructs appeared, hovering faintly in the air.
Nyra narrowed her eyes slightly.
"...Ranged."
The barrier shimmered.
Commander Vance spoke.
"Begin."
Helena attacked immediately.
Three crystal projectiles shot forward.
Nyra moved instantly.
She stepped sideways, dodging the first projectile. The second passed inches from her shoulder. The third struck the arena floor behind her, shattering into glowing fragments.
Nyra moved forward.
Helena raised her hand again.
More constructs formed.
Nyra accelerated.
She closed distance quickly.
Helena fired again.
Nyra twisted sideways.
One projectile grazed her sleeve.
She kept moving.
Closer.
Helena stepped back.
Nyra rushed forward.
Her weapon formed in her hand — twin blades sliding outward from a compact dual-hilt grip. The edges shimmered faintly as energy stabilized along the blade surface.
She moved fast.
Helena fired again.
Nyra dodged.
Closed distance.
One step.
Two.
Helena stepped back again—
Too slow.
Nyra's blade stopped inches from her shoulder.
Silence.
Helena exhaled.
"...I yield."
Barrier flashed.
Commander Vance spoke.
"Winner — Nyra Valecrest."
Above, June smiled.
"That was fast."
Lucian nodded.
"Clean execution."
Castiel crossed his arms.
"She didn't hesitate."
David watched quietly.
Nyra returned to Gamma Squad.
June nodded.
"Nice."
Nyra gave a faint smile.
"She relied too much on distance."
Mira nodded.
"You closed quickly."
The screen flickered again.
More names formed.
Lucian Bloodthrone — Gamma Squad
Orin Feld — Delta Squad
June leaned forward.
"...This should be interesting."
Lucian stepped forward calmly.
He walked toward the arena.
The barrier shimmered.
The next fight—
Was about to begin.
And Gamma Squad—
Continued advancing.