Rather than chasing Helena around the arena, Kael did exactly what I'd taught him - control the environment to make her advantages irrelevant. Ice spread across the arena floor in expanding waves, creating treacherous frozen patches that compromised mobility.

Helena's wind-enhanced speed meant nothing if the ground was too slippery to run on effectively.

She tried to counter by using wind currents to stay airborne briefly, but that made her predictable and vulnerable. Kael launched ice projectiles that were much easier to aim when the target couldn't maneuver properly.

Several ice constructs connected, drawing blood and forcing Helena into increasingly defensive positioning. She attempted various wind techniques to clear the ice or create stable footing, but Kael's elemental control was simply stronger.

The fight lasted approximately eight minutes before Kael created a massive ice construct - a crystalline spear similar to what he'd used in previous matches but larger and more refined.

The ice spear broke through Helena's wind barrier and struck her solidly, the impact sending her crashing down onto the frozen arena floor. She tried to rise but slipped on the ice, and Kael immediately capitalized by encasing her legs in frozen bindings.

Unable to move and with Kael's follow-up ice strike approaching, Helena made the smart decision.

"I yield!"

"Winner: Kael Frost!"

The crowd applauded with genuine appreciation. Kael had demonstrated clear tactical thinking and strong elemental control, dominating an opponent who'd been successful in previous rounds.

He returned to our section looking pleased but not overconfident.

"Well fought," I said. "The environmental control strategy worked perfectly."

"Learned from the best," Kael replied with slight smile. "Control the battlefield, control the fight."

***

The fourth quarterfinal match proceeded with two Elite students I didn't know well - a brutal exchange between Sarah Jones, an earth mage with defensive specialization, and another fighter. Sarah won through patient, grinding combat that wore down her opponent's stamina and offensive capabilities.

With all quarterfinal matches concluded, the semi-final bracket was posted on the display boards:

Semifinal 1: Kyle Reinhardt vs Sarah Jones

Semifinal 2: Adrian Blackwood vs Kael Frost

A frown formed on my face as I examined the pairings. Luck had finally run out. After navigating through the preliminary rounds and quarterfinals without facing each other, Kael and I were now matched in the semifinals.

I looked at Kael, who met my gaze with understanding already clear in his expression.

"I'll forfeit," he said immediately, keeping his voice low so only our group could hear. "I'm incredibly pleased with my performance. Making semifinals as a late-entry student is beyond what I expected."

I looked at him with a grim expression, appreciating the pragmatic offer but frustrated by the situation. If Kael had been matched against Sarah Jones instead, he would've won without a doubt - his ice manipulation would hard-counter her earth-based defensive style. Then we could've both reached the finals and competed for first and second place respectively.

But since he was matched against me, the outcome was predetermined. For my plans and the reputation I needed to establish, he had to either forfeit or lose convincingly.

Forfeiting was better. If we actually fought, Kael would need to use his full power just to compete properly, and even then he'd lose decisively. It wasn't worth revealing all his capabilities publicly when we could spar at full intensity at home any time without an audience analyzing every technique.

I patted him on the shoulder in acknowledgment. "You've already proven yourself by reaching semifinals. No point taking unnecessary damage in a match where the outcome won't change."

"Exactly," Kael agreed. "Save energy and information for fights that matter."

Elen nodded supportively. "Making semifinals puts you on guild scouts' radar anyway.."

As we discussed the situation, I felt a distinct sensation of being watched. I turned to find Kyle staring directly at me from across the competitor section, his expression carrying clear message: Wait for me. I'm coming.

His semifinal opponent was significantly weaker than him, meaning his advancement to finals was essentially guaranteed. He wanted to face me in the championship match, wanted the opportunity to prove his superiority publicly after everything that had happened.

I ignored his stare, turning my attention back to more important matters.

Like checking today's daily reward.

The familiar notification pulsed through my consciousness, and I accessed it discreetly while the others continued discussing tournament logistics.

[Daily Login Available!]

[Would you like to claim your daily reward?]

[Yes | No]

I selected yes.

[Congratulations! You have received: Transcendent Rank Warrior Card]

[Rank: Transcendent]

[Details: Summons a loyal Transcendent-rank warrior bound to your service. The warrior possesses complete combat capabilities, independent tactical thinking, and unwavering loyalty. Can be maintained in card form for storage or manifested for combat and assistance. The warrior can die.]

Again? I thought with pleasant surprise.

I'd received an identical card weeks ago - the one I'd used to summon Kojiro the swordsman when he'd been Elite rank. Then I'd helped him advance to Transcendent through the soul power I'd provided during a forest hunting expeditions.

Getting another Transcendent warrior card wasn't simple or trivial - it was genuinely excellent. These summons provided loyal, capable fighters who could operate independently while following my strategic direction. Having multiple Transcendent-rank subordinates created force multiplication that few students my age could match.

Especially with Kojiro already established in my roster. Usually I kept him manifested at the mansion where he could provide security and assistance with daily matters. But today I was planning another forest expedition after the tournament concluded, so I'd keep him in card form until deployment.

Now I'd have a second Transcendent warrior to summon and develop.

I examined the card more carefully in my mind's eye, noting its properties. Unlike Kojiro who'd been swordsman specializing in blade work and stealth, this new card felt... different. The energy signature suggested different combat specialization, though I wouldn't know specifics until performing the summoning ritual.

"Adrian?" Elen's voice pulled me from internal analysis. "You okay? You zoned out for a moment."

"Fine. Just thinking about tonight's plans."

Not entirely a lie - I was already considering when and where to perform the summoning ritual for the new warrior.

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