Everyone moved from the classroom to the vast training hall, its walls covered in protective talismans and its transparent ceiling reflecting the bright sunlight.
The students lined up around the arena, chants rising:
"Crush this commoner!"
"Show him the glory of the Navarra family!"
Meanwhile, the Ice Heir—Lucian Navarra—stood tall, surrounded by a cold aura that froze the ground beneath his feet.
He raised his hand in salute to the crowd, like a victorious hero before the battle even began.
Saruto, on the other hand, stood silent, his violet eyes fixed uneasily on his opponent.
He knew that any mistake in using Luin's power would reveal his identity… so he chose to start by dodging.
---
✦ The Battle Begins
At the master's signal, Lucian charged first.
From his hand, icy shards shot toward Saruto, exploding on the ground and gradually freezing the arena.
The crowd cheered his name; every move only fueled his arrogance.
Saruto dodged with agility, moving with calculated steps, as if dancing in the midst of a storm.
He didn't return the blow… he simply dodged.
"How long are you going to keep dodging, you coward?!" Lucien roared angrily.
He reached up, and with an icy roar, a massive spear of pure ice formed, its brilliance reflecting in the light like a frozen sun.
He charged at Saruto with a barrage of attacks, each strike shaking the ground and leaving frozen icy cracks.
---
✦ The Moment of the Fall
With a sudden trick, Lucien appeared behind Saruto. A sideways blow sent him sprawling to the ground.
The students roared:
"It's over!"
"A commoner like him doesn't stand a chance!"
Lucien stood over him, raising his icy spear, smiling proudly as he turned to face the crowd.
"Did you see? This is the end for anyone who dares to challenge the Navarra family!"
---
✦ The Explosion
But before the victorious professor could declare victory… a dark wave of murderous intent swept through the arena, causing most of the students to collapse to their knees from the pressure.
Everyone fell to the ground, drenched in sweat, unable to breathe… except for the children of the nine families, who barely managed to stay afloat.
Everyone turned in terror toward its source.
There, amidst the icy fog, Saruto slowly rose.
His eyes glowed like purple embers, and his voice came out with chilling coldness:
"We haven't even begun yet…"
---
✦ The Weapon is Born
He calmly extended his hand toward his opponent. Remembering every move he had made, he said:
"Thank you, Lucien… thanks to you, I learned my weapon."
He closed his eyes and plunged into the depths of the Luin energy within him.
A heavy silence followed… then the clang of metal.
Suddenly, two enormous swords, each connected by a glowing black chain, sprouted from his hands, swinging wildly around him.
The entire hall trembled from the sheer force of his power.
A cold smile spread across Saruto's face as he raised his head toward Lucien:
"Shall we begin now?"