The arena lights shifted again as Lucian stepped forward.
The massive circular battlefield reflected the overhead illumination in muted silver tones. Faint scoring marks from earlier matches traced across the reinforced floor, reminders of how quickly momentum could shift in Phase Two.
The barrier emitters hummed softly, energy building as the combat field prepared for the next engagement.
Lucian walked calmly into position.
No rush.
No wasted movement.
His posture remained composed, shoulders relaxed, gaze steady as he studied the opponent stepping into the ring across from him.
Orin Feld.
The difference in size was immediately noticeable.
Orin stood broader, heavier, his stance naturally grounded. As he entered the arena light, reinforced gauntlets formed along his forearms, metallic plates sliding into place with mechanical precision. Energy lines flickered faintly along the gauntlets as they activated fully.
Orin rolled his shoulders once.
Then settled into stance.
Lucian studied him quietly.
Close-range fighter.
Power-based.
Likely aggressive.
Above, Gamma Squad leaned forward.
June tilted his head slightly.
"...Yeah. That guy hits hard."
Nyra nodded quietly.
"And he knows it."
David watched silently, studying the positioning.
Castiel crossed his arms.
"Lucian won't rush this."
Mira remained quiet, her eyes tracking Orin's stance.
The barrier shimmered fully into place.
Commander Vance stepped forward.
"Begin."
Orin moved first.
He stepped forward with sudden speed, his right gauntlet swinging in a heavy arc aimed toward Lucian's shoulder. The air cracked faintly as the strike cut through space.
Lucian stepped sideways.
The strike passed inches from his chest.
Orin pivoted immediately.
Second strike.
Faster.
Lucian stepped again.
Measured.
Calm.
Orin pressed forward.
He swung again, this time aiming lower.
Lucian retreated one step, boots sliding lightly across the polished floor.
Above, June leaned forward.
"...He's testing range."
Nyra nodded.
"Lucian's reading him."
Below, Orin stepped forward again.
This time he lunged.
Lucian pivoted sideways.
Orin followed immediately.
The gauntlet slammed downward.
Lucian stepped back.
The strike impacted the floor, sending a faint vibration through the arena.
Orin didn't slow.
He pressed forward again.
Faster now.
Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly.
Then—
Lucian moved forward.
Closing distance.
Orin swung again.
Lucian ducked beneath the strike.
A crimson blade formed in his hand.
The weapon materialized with a faint glow, energy tracing along its edge as Lucian stepped inside Orin's guard.
He struck.
Orin blocked with his gauntlet.
The impact sent a faint shockwave across the arena floor.
Lucian shifted his stance.
Second strike.
Orin stepped back.
Lucian followed.
Controlled.
Precise.
Orin growled softly.
Then surged forward again.
Both gauntlets swung in rapid succession.
Lucian stepped sideways.
The first strike passed.
The second came faster.
Lucian twisted.
Barely avoided.
Orin pressed forward.
Lucian stepped inside again.
His blade flashed.
A crimson arc sliced toward Orin's side.
Orin went to block—
Too slow.
The blade stopped inches from his torso.
Silence filled the arena.
Orin froze.
Lucian held position.
Calm.
Controlled.
Orin exhaled slowly.
"...I yield."
Barrier flashed.
Commander Vance spoke clearly.
"Winner — Lucian Bloodthrone."
The crowd reacted.
Above, June shook his head slightly.
"...That looked easy."
Nyra smiled faintly.
"He controlled the entire fight."
Castiel nodded.
"Lucian doesn't waste motion."
David remained silent.
Lucian stepped back toward Gamma Squad.
June smirked.
"You didn't even break a sweat."
Lucian gave a faint nod.
"Efficiency."
The screen flickered again.
More names formed.
Phase Two continued.
And Gamma Squad—
Was still advancing.