The arena had gone silent after Bright descended from the observation section.
Not the tense silence before violence. The curious silence of a crowd that didn't know what to expect. Most students had never seen Bright fight. He was just another outpost recruit to them—competent maybe, but unremarkable.
Johnmark studied him with focused intensity as Bright entered the sparring ring, recalculating now that he had a clear view of his challenger.
Instructor Vex stepped forward from his supervisory position. He knew who Bright was. Knew what he was capable of, even if most students didn't. His expression remained professionally neutral, but his attention had sharpened.
"Combatants ready?" He called.
Both nodded.
"Begin."
-----
Neither moved immediately.
Johnmark waited with the patience of someone who understood his own core mechanics perfectly. Let them come to you. Let them hit first. Charge the absorption reserves before counterattacking.
