The hall heated up with the blazing purple chains surrounding Saruto, countered by the deadly chill of Lucien's ice spear.
The audience was silent; no one dared speak. Even the members of the Seven Families were beginning to realize that this "commoner" was anything but ordinary.
---
✦ The Beginning of Domination
Saruto flicked his wrist, and the chains shot forth like snakes of darkness, swinging with lightning speed, striking the ground and leaving deep craters.
Lucien gritted his teeth and surrounded himself with an icy shield, trying to deflect the blows.
The clanking of iron against ice filled the hall:
> Clang! Crash!
Each attack from Saruto's swords nearly shattered Lucien's defense, and each icy strike from Lucien froze a section of the arena, making Saruto's movements even more sluggish.
---
✦ The Fighting Intensifies
Sweat pours from Lucien, his breath ragged, but his pride prevents him from backing down.
> "I won't lose to Ami! I won't lose!!"
Meanwhile, Saruto, despite his apparent coolness, seems to be gradually getting used to his new weapons. His steps become more precise, his strikes more measured.
A faint smile appears on his face, as if he's experiencing a new game and finding it exciting.
---
✦ The Final Blow
After a series of counter-attacks, both men retreat simultaneously.
Everyone holds their breath.
Lucien raises his ice spear, concentrating all his energy into a deadly, glowing blue blade.
In response, Saruto wraps his chains around his arms, channeling the power of his luen into his swords until they are bathed in a deep purple, chilling energy. He conceals its flow so as not to give himself away.
The atmosphere in the arena is about to explode with anticipation of the clash. ✦ Intervention
Before the two could charge forward…
BOOM!
A massive aura of energy exploded, freezing them in place.
Everyone turned in surprise to find the Academy Director standing between them, his hands outstretched to prevent a collision.
He said firmly,
> "That's enough. This fight is over."
Everyone began to protest, but the Director's eyes were stern; his aura of authority crushed any dissent.
---
✦ The Hidden Truth
As the students retreated, the Director remained silent for a moment, staring at Saruto's back as he turned to leave.
Then he said to himself, his voice heavy with emotion,
> "If I hadn't stopped the fight at that moment… the heir of Navarra would have died right here. So… this is the true power of the Luin heir."
Then he turned to the assembled crowd and officially announced:
> "The result: a draw."
Everyone erupted in argument, but the decision was final.
As for Saruto, he left the arena smiling calmly, as if nothing had happened…