Isaac watched as Blade pointed toward another team. For a moment, irritation flickered inside him — he'd thought it would finally be his turn. But when he saw who was chosen, he relaxed.
"It's too bad I can't fight now," he thought quietly, "but I want to see how that bulky guy handles this."
The team stepped forward.
Arnold leaned over and whispered, "That's Darius. He's really strong."
Isaac gave a small nod, his eyes fixed on the scene.
Darius moved into the circle, his broad frame drawing attention. His teammates spread out, forming a loose formation to pressure Blade.
Blade cracked his knuckles and said, "Ready? Let's go."
Darius charged first, swinging heavy punches. Isaac noticed the power behind each strike — slow but forceful.
Two teammates tried to flank Blade while the girl kept shifting, looking for an opening.
Blade moved with ease, dodging most attacks. When Darius threw a strong punch, Blade sidestepped and swept his legs, forcing him to jump back.
Isaac murmured to Arnold, "Darius hits hard, but his speed's lacking. Blade's waiting for the right moment."
One boy rushed Blade, throwing a punch. Blade caught his wrist, twisted it, and pushed him back without breaking a sweat.
The girl aimed a kick at Blade's head. Blade ducked, grabbed her ankle, and spun her away. She landed lightly but without any sign of surprise.
Isaac noted, "Blade's defense is solid. No wasted movement."
Darius attacked with a quick combo. Blade caught his wrist and threw him to the ground. Darius rolled back up, unfazed.
The three teammates attacked from different sides, trying to overwhelm Blade.
Isaac's eyes narrowed. "Coordination isn't tight enough. They're not forcing him to choose — yet."
The crowd murmured in quiet surprise.
Blade then struck one boy, pushing him out of the circle — careful to avoid injury.
He swept the girl's legs, causing her to roll outside the circle.
Darius made a final charge. Blade caught his punch and guided him out of the circle.
The match ended.
Blade raised his hands and nodded, "Good fight. You've got potential."
The team caught their breath, exchanging glances.
Isaac turned back to Arnold, his tone dry, "Not bad. But they lacked focus."
Arnold shrugged, "Still, they lasted longer than most."
Isaac's lips curled into a faint smirk. "That's all I needed to see."
He looked ahead calmly, waiting for his turn.