The city arena had never been this crowded. Spectators filled every tier, the hum of aura thick enough to make the air shimmer.
Kaelen's disciples lined up for the next round. Their bodies tensed with anticipation.
"This round," Kaelen said, his voice calm yet firm, "is not just combat. Observe the environment, learn to adapt, and watch your opponents carefully. Overconfidence is dangerous."
[STATUS WINDOW ALERT: Arena Challenge – Difficulty: High – Growth Multiplier +35%]
Lian's opponent was taller and stronger, his aura disciplined but heavy, like a hammer waiting to strike.
Lian shifted slightly, realizing brute strength would not win this fight.
[REWARD UNLOCKED: Minor Combat Insight x1 – For Lian]
Elara faced a girl whose aura burned fiercely, unpredictable and volatile.
Flames met flames as they clashed, but Elara's strikes were sharper, guided by careful observation.
Kaelen shouted softly: "Control your bursts! Predict her flow, not just react!"
[REWARD UNLOCKED: Minor Aura Stabilization Scroll x1 – For Elara]
Her aura wavered under the pressure, and she nearly lost focus.
But with Kaelen's guidance, she regained control, striking decisively. The victory felt earned—not given.
Rynor's match lasted the longest. His opponent moved fluidly, a mixture of speed and unpredictability.
Rynor faltered, nearly overextending, aura flickering dangerously.
Kaelen stepped closer, but only to whisper tactical advice: "Adapt, conserve your energy, and let the opponent make mistakes first."
The subtle guidance worked.
Rynor blocked, countered, and finally forced a yield—but the fight had tested him fully.
[REWARD UNLOCKED: Minor Sword Technique x1 – For Rynor]
Kaelen's chest swelled quietly.
They were growing—not by raw power, but by learning strategy, patience, and adaptation.