A Loophole.

As the dust finally settled, the crowd could clearly see the aftermath of the intense battle at the center of the stage.

On one side stood Soren, his chest and hands soaked in blood, part of the red scales protecting him had been blasted apart, leaving him visibly weakened as blood continued to drip from his injuries.

On the other side was Brandon, who had his greatsword stabbed into the ground to steady him, his upper body was completely bare, revealing his chiselled physique, a testament to years of rigorous weapon training and cultivation.

His torn uniform lay in shreds, and blood streaked his torso.

Behind Brandon was the Treant Golem that had been summoned, its wooden fingers were imbued with healing energy as they pressed into Brandon’s back.

Though the healing process was slow, but the crowd could already see some of his wounds beginning to improve slightly.

Soren, clinging desperately to hope, watched with mounting frustration as Brandon showed signs of recovery.