The rescheduled Stellar Youth Tournament resumed exactly one week after the shocking incident, under an atmosphere of heightened tension and unprecedented security that transformed the Grand Arena into something closer to a fortified military installation than a celebration of young talent.
The orbital structure's energy barriers had been triple-reinforced with precursor-grade shielding capable of absorbing Stellar Circuit Peak strikes without even a flicker.
Additional judge platforms hovered at every corner of the central ring, manned by senior instructors from neutral academies and impartial galactic officials equipped with instant intervention tools.
Armed enforcers in full combat augs patrolled the edges of each platform, their weapons set to non-lethal stun but loaded with override codes for lethal force if necessary.
Scouts and observers were screened more thoroughly than ever before, with hidden sect representatives required to reveal basic affiliations and submit to Qi-suppression scans at entry points.
The crowd returned in even greater numbers, drawn by the drama and the promise of seeing how the remaining competitors would perform under the new, stricter rules.
No lethal strikes allowed.
Immediate disqualification for any post-yield attack.
Automatic intervention fields that would activate at the first sign of killing intent.
The announcer's voice carried a more serious, measured tone as the restarted tournament began, broadcast across the galaxy in multiple languages.
"Welcome back to the continuation of the Stellar Youth Tournament. With updated safety measures in place to ensure fair and secure competition, we proceed to the remaining individual and team brackets."
The nine academies took their platforms again, banners snapping in the artificial wind.
Stellar Martial Academy's team was noticeably smaller without their two most dominant fighters, but the remaining students carried themselves with determined focus and a quiet resolve to prove their academy's strength.
Kai stepped up first in the restarted individual rounds, his blue aura steady and controlled as he faced a Celestial Harmony Elyssan known for intricate illusion Qi and graceful, flowing movement.
The fight was close and tactical, with Kai's direct energy bursts repeatedly breaking through layers of deceptive images until he landed a clean strike that forced a yield.
Gorak followed in the next match, his massive frame shaking the ring as he met a Thunderforge rival in a brutal clash of pure physical power and storm Qi.
Red sparks flew against red sparks in a display that lit up the arena, and Gorak's root strength held firm against thunder waves until he won by forcing a yield with a ground-shaking tackle that cracked the stone beneath them.
Lirael competed in a precision duel against a Void Edge Vorani, her silver Qi forming elegant barriers and strikes that countered shadow steps perfectly, advancing with calculated grace and earning appreciative murmurs from the scouts.
Blitz took his turn against a Mechari Ascendancy fighter seeking revenge for their fallen seed.
His speed shone brilliantly, claws flashing in white trails as he dismantled plasma defenses and secured a quick win that drew loud cheers from the Stellar section.
The team events brought new challenges and showcased coordination under pressure.
Stellar's group faced Iron Void's gravity squad in a multi-ring battle where the weight increased dramatically, making every movement feel like wading through water.
Gorak anchored the center with immovable strength, Kai provided burst support to break gravity holds, Lirael shielded the team with precise barriers, and Blitz flanked with lightning-fast strikes.
They adapted quickly and won by narrow margin, earning respect from even rival delegations.
Other academies pushed hard to capitalize on Stellar's reduced numbers.
Mechari Ascendancy fought with visible anger, their machines more aggressive than before, plasma weapons overcharged in every match.
Solaris burned brighter, their fire Qi users leaving scorch marks on rings.
Thunderforge thundered louder, their storm techniques shaking platforms.
But Stellar held steady.
Winning streak continued.
Not dominant like before.
But consistent.
Hard earned.
Instructors watched proud.
Principal Vaeloria observed calm from platform center.
Focus on team now.
Prove strength beyond individuals.
Crowd noticed change.
Commentators discussed.
"Stellar still strong."
"Deep bench."
"Without the duo."
Scouts adjusted notes fast.
Offers prepared for remaining stars.
Kai potential burst type.
Gorak tank role.
Lirael control specialist.
Blitz speed assassin.
The search outside arena continued.
Investigators worked.
Bounties active.
No trace.
But inside.
Tournament endured.
Matches fierce.
Wins hard.
Stellar rose.
Respected.
The competition continued.
Under shadow.
But bright.