"Ok everyone! The first battle of the tournament is between Sir Black Bull and Sir Cain!!" The commentator's voice boomed, sharp and electric, demanding the attention of the thousands packed into the magnificent Eldoria Arena.

​All eyes moved to the first stage, settling on Cain, the Dragon Prince, who stood calmly opposite a hulking, nine-foot-tall Ogre.

​"The Dragon Prince... Didn't expect my first opponent to be you," Black Bull rumbled, the sound like rocks grinding, as he cracked his massive knuckles in anticipation.

​"Wow! That is Black Bull! He has the Iron Fist Bloodline," an audience member whispered in awe, already terrified by the Ogre's bulk.

​"Yes. I also heard the Iron Fist Bloodline makes his punches impossibly powerful and dangerous. One solid strike, and the Dragon Prince might be out," another agreed, the fear spreading through the common ranks.

​"Shut up, you ignorant people," a man, easily identifiable as a Dragon through his proud posture, scoffed. "Prince Cain has the Flame God Bloodline—a superior lineage! He is also powerful." He smiled, folding his arms.

​"Alright. Let's see how this match ends," the neighbor conceded, focusing on the stage.

_

​"The rules are simple!" the commentator's voice cut in, reinforcing the serious nature of the combat.

​"First rule: No killing! A life for a life—if you kill, you will be executed. Second rule: Anyone who surrenders first loses. And third rule: Fall off the stage, and you lose! Now... Begin!!"

​"AHH!!"

​Black Bull roared, relying purely on the devastating momentum of his Iron Fist Bloodline. He lunged toward Cain, closing the distance in seconds, and sent a powerful, earth-shaking punch straight toward the prince's head.

​"Oh no. He's too close, there's no time to dodge," someone muttered, paralyzed by the sudden speed of the massive Ogre.

​"True... But why isn't Prince Cain moving? At least, he should defend himself!" a woman questioned in confusion, noticing Cain's unnerving stillness.

_

​In the royal box, Ericka mirrored the sentiment. "What is he doing, Jinx? Shouldn't he fight or at least dodge?"

​Jinx, arms crossed, closed her eyes slightly. Her recent, brutal training had refined her patience and combat intuition. "I don't have any obligation to answer your question, but I will say one thing: This match is already over." She found the outcome boringly predictable.

​"How? Who do you think will win?" Ericka demanded, frustrated by the vague arrogance.

​"Prince Cain will win," Ellen answered calmly before Jinx could respond, her voice quiet but carrying undeniable certainty.

"He is calm, not rushing in. He stood still and used that moment to find the optimal way to dodge and counter. Looking at his composed expression, he found a solution."

".....?!"

​Josephine blinked at her daughter, pride and surprise mixing on her face. She turned to Sunny, who wore a small, private smile.

​'She sees the opening before it happens now. Her combat perception is now terrifyingly sharp. And that new skill... The system also never mentioned such a skill on her profile.' Sunny thought.

​"You lose!!" Black Bull bellowed, certain of victory, but to his shock, Cain executed a tiny, almost imperceptible head tilt. The massive, crushing punch sheared past his ear with a roar of displaced air.

​WHOOSH!

​Cain moved into the exposed flank, a practiced assassin's motion, and struck Black Bull's lower abdomen with a focused punch, injecting 100% of his Celestial energy into the vulnerable point.

​"Ugh!!"

​Black Bull vomited a torrent of blood. His Iron Fist, while powerful, was a heavy, slow-to-recover style, and his focus on Strength left his Constitution weak. He dropped heavily to his knees, then fell prone.

​"Your bloodline granted you raw strength, but you lack in balanced defense," Cain said, rubbing his wrist, analyzing his fallen foe with dispassionate clarity. "Besides, you're merely at the first stage of the Heavenly Rank. I am five stages higher than you."

​"The winner of the round is Sir Cain!!! Congratulations! He advanced to the next round!" The commentator screamed, and the audience erupted in a deafening wave of cheers as Cain calmly stepped down.

_

​"That's my brother," Jessica said, beaming with relief and pride.

​"Yes. Cain is strong," Lewis countered, his voice suddenly sharp with cold prediction. "But he will lose the next round."

​"Why would you say that, Brother?" Jessica demanded, her joy instantly soured. Falkor also turned, concern clouding his face.

​"I just checked the updated opponent list," Lewis said, gesturing toward a solitary, serene figure waiting below the stage. It was a beautiful lady in a pristine white dress, her white cape flowing like liquid moonlight on the ground.

"The next opponent Cain is fighting is the Ruler of Light."

​"Ruler of Light?! I have heard that name!" Falkor exclaimed, his eyes widening. He was a veteran, and knew the power of certain ancient bloodlines.

​"The Ruler of Light is from the Three-Eyed Nation. She has been in deep, secretive cultivation for years—why is she out now?" Falkor's surprise bordered on alarm. The Three-Eyed Nation was known for its minerals, but were always lacking in strength, but now... How did they create such a warrior?

​"I heard she came out two weeks ago, and her strength instantly measured at the Peak of the Celestial Rank," Lewis confirmed with a small, pleased smile, enjoying the dramatic reveal:

"She is already whispered to be one of the top fighters here, second only to Lady Eve, I think."

​Lewis continued, his voice laced with ominous respect. "She is called the Ruler of Light because her bloodline is tied to the Light element—a perfect purity. This lady's moves are all absolute, devastating light attacks." He blinked, watching the Ruler of Light glide toward the stage.

​"Oh... It seems she is next. I pity her opponent," Lewis said with a light, cruel laugh, reveling in his brother's coming downfall.

​He leaned in closer to his family. "I want to see the look on Brother's face when he realizes he can't even touch her. This might just be the blow he needs to focus on seeking more power."

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