The rankings!

Erica's eyes darted around, looking for options. Finding none, she slumped in defeat. "I yield."

The buzzer sounded, and the arena erupted in chaos. Students from 1B were jumping and screaming, while 1C looked on in stunned silence.

Noah stepped back, offering Erica a hand up which she reluctantly accepted. "Good fight," he said.

"How did you..." she began, then shook her head. "Never mind. I'll figure it out next time,"

Noah smiled but said nothing as medical staff approached to treat their injuries. His HP gauge showed 296/600—painful, but a clear victory.

In the stands, Sophie was beaming with pride, already making her way toward the arena exit to meet him. Around her, students were buzzing with questions and theories.

"Did you see how fast he moved?"

"That can't be just chi, can it?"

"The zombie boy's got more than just survival instincts!"