The second stage introduced external rivals—students from noble houses and martial academies.
Their aura was disciplined, polished, and relentless.
Kaelen's disciples faced a tough challenge.
Lian struggled to keep pace with a heavier, stronger opponent. Elara had to match her rival's unpredictable aura bursts, while Rynor's patience was tested by a tactical opponent who constantly shifted strategies.
[STATUS WINDOW ALERT: Rival Encounter – Growth Potential +20%]
Kaelen guided them subtly from the sidelines.
"Use your advantages. Observe patterns. Force them to make mistakes first."
The fights were exhausting and grueling.
None of his disciples won easily. Each match was a struggle—but that struggle was exactly what Kaelen wanted.
[REWARD UNLOCKED: Minor Tactical Insight Scroll x1 – For Lian]
[REWARD UNLOCKED: Minor Tactical Insight Scroll x1 – For Elara]
[REWARD UNLOCKED: Minor Tactical Insight Scroll x1 – For Rynor]
By the end, the three were bruised and exhausted, but their aura control, stamina, and teamwork had improved dramatically.