The arena was thick with tension as Seth Zephyr stepped onto the stage, his signature calm yet imposing aura radiating from him.
Across from him stood Malik Zelik, a prodigy of Nirvana Gate Academy, his sharp eyes filled with confidence. The murmurs in the crowd grew louder as whispers of Malik's lineage spread—his older brother was the strongest in their academy, a figure of legend. And while Malik was not yet at that level, his talent and strength were undeniable.
Ash watched from the sidelines, his arms crossed as he studied both fighters.
A bead of sweat trickled down his face, not from the heat of the battle but from the pressure of what was to come.
"This is going to be interesting..." he muttered under his breath.
Beatrice stepped forward, raising her hand.
"Semi-finals match: Seth Zephyr of the Akashic Magus Academy versus Malik Zelik of the Nirvana Gate Academy. Begin!"