Meanwhile, word of the duel had already reached the first-year training ground.
The younger students dropped their drills and rushed to the edges of Ground Zero, whispering in shock as they pieced together what was happening.
"Kael's fighting Darius? The rank third of a second-year?"
"He'll die out there!"
"Why would he even agree to something so stupid?"
Among them, Cecelia's eyes widened with alarm. Without thinking, she took a step forward. "I have to go—Kael needs help!"
But before she could move, a hand gripped her wrist firmly.
"Don't," Elysia said flatly.
Cecelia turned, startled. "But he's hurt—can't you see? He'll be killed!"
Elysia's gaze remained fixed on the distance where Kael fought.
"If you go now, you'll only humiliate him further. Do you think he'd want you to interfere? Let him fight his own battle. Let him suffer if he must."
Cecelia hesitated, her chest tightening. She wanted to argue, but the quiet weight of Elysia's words froze her in place.
