Morning arrived with clear skies and renewed energy throughout Clearwater, the town having transformed overnight into festival grounds as thousands of spectators prepared for the tournament's second day. Vendors hawked food and drinks along every major street, merchants sold commemorative tokens, and the atmosphere carried infectious excitement that seemed to touch everyone within the town's boundaries.

Raze stood on his estate's balcony, observing the crowds flowing toward the arena like rivers converging toward the sea. The qualifying rounds had revealed exceptional talent, warriors whose capabilities exceeded what their registrations suggested. Today the bracket stage would begin, single elimination matches that would determine final rankings and identify those worthy of recruitment into the Dragonheart Knights.

"Ready?" Fedora asked, appearing beside him with her usual grace. She wore elegant dress suitable for observing nobility, deep blue fabric complementing her bearing perfectly. Slith coiled around her shoulders in juvenile form, the Alpha Slither having bonded to her completely during the past weeks.

"Always," Raze replied, turning from his observation of the crowds below. "Today should be more interesting than yesterday. The qualifiers eliminated weaker competitors. Everyone fighting now has proven they deserve to be there."

They departed for the arena with Mariabel and Oziel, the group drawing respectful attention as they moved through the streets. Raze's position as Count made him recognizable, but his reputation for actually caring about his domain's prosperity had earned genuine goodwill that went beyond simple rank acknowledgment.

The arena was already filled to capacity when they arrived, three thousand spectators generating noise that created constant background roar. The atmosphere carried anticipation, people eager to witness the bracket stage matches after yesterday's exceptional qualifying displays.

Logan met them at the observation area with his notebook, reviewing details with characteristic thoroughness. "Initiate and Adept divisions concluded their brackets during the early morning sessions. Winners have been determined and will receive their prizes after Master division concludes. Expert division is scheduled next, followed by Master division this afternoon."

"How many competitors remain in Expert division?" Raze asked, settling into his observation seat.

"Sixteen advanced from qualifiers," Logan replied, checking his notes. "Standard single elimination bracket, so we'll see eight matches, then four, then two, then finals. Should take most of the day given the quality of warriors involved."

Oziel stood nearby, his scarred face showing keen interest as he surveyed the assembled competitors. "Several of yesterday's standouts are in this bracket. The red haired martial artist, the white haired woman, the sword specialist with the distinctive katana. Plus others who demonstrated solid capabilities during qualifiers."

The referee moved to the arena center, his voice carrying across the space with cultivation enhanced projection. "Expert division bracket stage begins now. First match: Keyan, Expert Mid, versus Jorin, Expert Low. Fighting space one."

The opening matches proceeded efficiently, warriors demonstrating the capabilities that had earned them advancement through qualifiers. The quality was noticeably higher than yesterday's early rounds, competitors having proven themselves worthy through previous victories. Each match revealed different approaches to cultivation, various weapon specializations, and tactical thinking that separated skilled warriors from merely powerful ones.

Raze observed carefully, cataloging techniques and evaluating which competitors showed potential beyond simple combat capability. Leadership qualities, tactical awareness, ability to adapt when initial approaches failed. These factors mattered as much as raw strength when recruiting for the Dragonheart Knights.

Several matches concluded with decisive victories, the skill gap between competitors becoming apparent quickly despite relatively close rank differences. Other fights went the full distance, warriors evenly matched enough that outcomes hinged on split second decisions and minor execution errors.

Ban's match came during the second round, the red haired martial artist facing an Expert Peak opponent who'd advanced through solid fundamental technique. The fight demonstrated why Ban was exceptional, his Breathflow methodology allowing him to systematically dismantle warrior two sub ranks above him through precise strikes and perfect positioning. The victory took less than three minutes, Ban's breathing pattern remaining absolutely controlled throughout as he compromised his opponent's mobility and forced yield.

The crowd's reaction was enthusiastic, spectators now recognizing the distinctive breathing technique and anticipating the exceptional display it heralded. Ban returned to the competitors' section with the same relaxed bearing, his red eyes showing no particular satisfaction despite another impressive victory.

Berth's match followed shortly after, the white haired woman facing an Expert High opponent whose sword work was technically sound. She demonstrated the same Breathflow foundations Ban had shown, controlled breathing synchronized with movement and precise targeting of vulnerable points. Her strikes flowed with practiced grace, footwork carrying her through her opponent's assault before countering with combinations that accumulated damage through surgical precision. The yield came after two and a half minutes, her opponent recognizing continued resistance was pointless.

Shiro's match came later in the bracket progression, the dark haired swordsman facing Expert Peak warrior whose cultivation was clearly backed by Refined stage core. The fight began with the now familiar pattern of Shiro not drawing his katana initially, evading attacks through economical footwork and perfect distance calculation. When he finally drew his blade, the match's nature transformed completely. His sword work was exceptional, cuts and deflections flowing with precision that made combat seem choreographed despite being genuine life or death struggle. The distinctive red and black patterns along his katana's length caught light with each movement, the weapon itself seeming to enhance his already formidable technique. His victory came decisively, opponent yielding after accumulating several superficial cuts that demonstrated Shiro's complete control.

The bracket continued progressing throughout the morning and into early afternoon, matches eliminating competitors until only four remained in the Expert division. The semifinal matchups were announced, drawing immediate attention from spectators who recognized both fights would be exceptional.

"Semifinal matches," the referee announced, his voice cutting through the crowd noise. "First match: Ban, Expert Low, versus Gavon, Expert Peak. Fighting space three. Second match: Shiro, Expert Low, versus Berth, Expert Low. Fighting space two."

The second matchup drew a particularly strong reaction, spectators recognizing both warriors had demonstrated the same breathing technique during previous fights. This would be battle between practitioners of the same fundamental style, technical showcase that would reveal subtle differences in their mastery.

Ban's semifinal proceeded first, the red haired martial artist facing an Expert Peak warrior whose physique showed years of dedicated physical conditioning. The fight was more challenging than Ban's previous matches, his opponent having observed the Breathflow methodology carefully and developed defensive approach that minimized vulnerable point exposure. But Ban's technical superiority ultimately prevailed, his strikes finding openings despite improved defense and systematically compromising mobility until yield became inevitable. The victory took nearly four minutes, longest any opponent had lasted against him, but the outcome was never truly in doubt.

Then came the match everyone was anticipating.

"Shiro, Expert Low, versus Berth, Expert Low. Fighting space two."

Both warriors stepped forward from the competitors' section, their contrasting appearances immediately striking as they moved toward the designated fighting space. Shiro with his dark brown hair and cold red eyes, formal attire and distinctive katana secured at his waist. Berth with her white hair bearing red tips and matching red eyes, martial arts gi and barefoot stance marking her as an unarmed specialist.

The crowd noise increased dramatically, thousands of spectators leaning forward with attention that suggested they understood this match's significance. Both warriors had dominated opponents above their rank through different but equally impressive techniques. This would determine which approach was superior when cultivation ranks were equal.

The referee positioned himself appropriately, verifying both competitors were prepared before signaling the match's beginning.

Neither warrior moved immediately, the opening seconds passing in careful evaluation. Berth settled into her combat stance, hands in loose guard position and body language suggesting relaxed readiness. Her breathing pattern was already active, that controlled rhythm Raze had come to recognize as Breathflow's foundation.

Shiro stood with arms at his sides, hand resting casually on his katana's hilt but not drawing yet. His red eyes tracked Berth's positioning with focused attention, analyzing her stance and movement with calculation that suggested he was already formulating a tactical approach.

Then Berth attacked first.

Her footwork carried her forward with explosive speed, closing distance in a blur of motion that demonstrated why she'd defeated opponents above her rank. Her striking combination targeted multiple vulnerable points in rapid succession, fists aimed at Shiro's wrists, elbows, and shoulders with precision that characterized Breathflow methodology.

Shiro's response was pure evasion, his body shifting backward and to the side with minimal movement that placed him exactly outside her range. His footwork was economical, each step covering precise distance required to avoid attacks without wasting energy on excessive repositioning.

Berth pressed forward, launching another combination as her breathing pattern intensified. Her cultivation aura shifted with each breath cycle, taking on warm quality with slight red tint during strikes. The enhancement was subtle but noticeable, power behind her blows exceeding what Expert Low rank should naturally provide.

Swish! Whoosh!

Her fists cut through air where Shiro had been moments before, his positioning continuing to place him just outside her effective range. He still hadn't drawn his katana, apparently content to evaluate her capabilities through pure defensive movement.

The crowd watched with rapt attention, recognizing this was different from previous matches. Both warriors operated at Expert Low rank, eliminating the cultivation gap that had defined earlier fights. This was pure technical showcase, skill versus skill without rank advantage to compensate for differences.

Berth's frustration was becoming visible as her strikes continued missing by increasingly narrow margins. Shiro's distance calculation was impeccable, his footwork keeping him positioned where her attacks fell short while maintaining close enough proximity that she couldn't disengage to reassess strategy.

She changed approach, attempting to use feints and misdirection to create openings. Her footwork became more complex, steps designed to disguise actual attack vectors. Her breathing pattern remained controlled throughout, that distinctive rhythm maintaining stamina that allowed sustained aggression without visible fatigue.

Shiro adapted immediately, his red eyes tracking her movements with focus that suggested he was analyzing patterns rather than simply reacting. His defensive positioning adjusted to account for her feints, body language showing he'd identified her fundamental approach and was countering it systematically.

Then he drew his katana.

The movement was instantaneous, blade appearing in his hand without visible transition. The steel gleamed with those distinctive red and black patterns, weapon itself seeming to resonate with his cultivation aura as he shifted into a proper combat stance.

And his presence transformed completely.

The cultivation energy surrounding Shiro's body intensified the moment his weapon cleared its scabbard, Master Low equivalent pressure radiating from Expert Low ranked warrior. Not actually advancing in rank, but focusing his power with precision that created an effect similar to facing an opponent above his cultivation level.

Berth recognized the danger immediately, her expression tightening as she reassessed her approach. The casual evasion phase had ended. Now she faced an opponent who was actively engaging rather than simply observing.

Shiro moved first this time, closing distance with footwork that carried him inside her optimal range for unarmed combat. His katana swept toward her leading arm in a cut that would compromise her striking capability if it connected, blade moving with speed that made the steel blur.

Clang!

Berth's forearm deflected the strike, her Breathflow enhanced durability allowing her to block blade with bare flesh without serious injury. But the impact forced her backward, power behind Shiro's cut exceeding what she'd anticipated from someone at her own rank.

She countered immediately, launching a combination targeting his sword arm and exposed ribs. Her strikes were faster now, breathing pattern intensifying to generate maximum enhancement. Each blow carried power that would break bones if it landed cleanly, technique refined through years of training under skilled instruction.

Shiro's katana moved in a tight defensive pattern, blade deflecting her strikes through minimal contact that redirected force rather than opposing it directly. His sword work was exceptional, weapon positioning itself exactly where needed to intercept attacks without requiring excessive movement.

Thwack! Clang! Swish!

The sounds of combat filled the arena, impacts and near misses creating rhythm that kept spectators completely focused. This was technical showcase at highest level, two Expert Low warriors demonstrating capabilities that transcended simple rank comparison.

Berth pressed forward relentlessly, her Breathflow methodology providing stamina that allowed sustained aggression without visible deterioration. Each breath cycle refreshed her, maintaining speed and power that should have declined as exertion accumulated. Her strikes targeted every opening she could identify, hands and feet moving in coordinated assault that would overwhelm less skilled opponent.

But Shiro's defense remained impenetrable, his katana intercepting attacks with precision that suggested he was predicting her movements rather than simply reacting. His red eyes tracked her positioning with cold calculation, analyzing her technique for weaknesses while his blade work prevented her from landing clean hits.

The pattern was becoming clear to Raze as he observed from the observation area. Berth's Breathflow technique was exceptional, her enhancement allowing her to generate power and maintain stamina beyond normal Expert Low capabilities. But Shiro's sword work operated on a different level entirely, his weapon mastery compensating for any technical advantage her breathing methodology provided.

She was skilled. He was more talented.

Berth attempted to change tactics again, using her superior agility to circle around Shiro's position and attack from angles where his sword would have difficulty defending. Her footwork was excellent, movements flowing with grace that came from extensive training in unarmed combat mobility.

Shiro adapted without apparent effort, his own footwork repositioning him to maintain optimal defensive angles. His katana moved in a flowing pattern, blade never stopping but constantly adjusting position to intercept attacks from whatever direction they came. The economy of his movement was remarkable, each shift covering minimum distance necessary while maintaining perfect defensive coverage.

Then he countered.

Shiro's katana swept toward Berth's exposed shoulder in a cut that forced her to disengage desperately, speed of the strike catching her mid combination when her defenses were committed elsewhere. The blade's edge kissed her skin, drawing a thin line of blood without cutting deep enough to cause serious injury.

First blood.

The message was clear. Shiro could have pressed harder, could have compromised her shoulder significantly if he'd chosen to. He was controlling the engagement's pace, allowing her to demonstrate her full capabilities while maintaining complete defensive superiority.

Berth pulled back, reassessing as she registered that her opponent had been operating with restraint throughout the match. Her breathing pattern intensified further, cultivation aura taking on deeper red tint as she pushed her Breathflow enhancement to maximum output.

She attacked again with renewed aggression, her strikes coming faster and harder as she committed fully to overwhelming his defense through sheer relentless pressure. Her combinations flowed one into another without pause, hands and feet targeting every vulnerable point she could reach while her enhanced stamina prevented fatigue from compromising execution.

Swish! Thwack! Clang! Whoosh!

The assault was spectacular, demonstration of Breathflow methodology at near mastery level. Her power output was approaching what Expert Peak warrior might generate, breath cycles enhancing each strike beyond what her rank suggested possible.

But Shiro's defense held.

His katana moved with precision that seemed to transcend conscious thought, blade intercepting strikes through perfect timing and positioning. His footwork kept him positioned where her attacks had minimal effectiveness, body angling to minimize vulnerable point exposure while his weapon covered everything she could reach.

And then he shifted from defense to offense seamlessly.

Shiro's counter combination came so rapidly the individual strikes were difficult to distinguish, katana moving in flowing sequence that targeted Berth's arms, legs, and torso in swift succession. Each cut was controlled, blade drawing blood without causing serious injury but demonstrating complete offensive dominance.

Berth managed to evade two strikes through desperate footwork, her Breathflow enhanced reaction speed allowing her to reposition before the blade connected fully. But the third and fourth cuts landed cleanly, adding lines of red across her forearms that weren't deep but carried an undeniable message.

She was outmatched.

The crowd had gone nearly silent, thousands of spectators watching with attention that bordered on reverence. This was witnessing mastery, technical display that revealed subtle differences between exceptional skill and true genius.

Berth attempted one final assault, committing everything she had to breaking through Shiro's defense. Her breathing pattern reached maximum intensity, cultivation aura blazing with red enhancement as she launched combination that utilized every technique she'd mastered. Her strikes came from multiple angles simultaneously, footwork carrying her through positions so rapidly her movements seemed to blur.

Shiro met the assault with calm that bordered on casual, his katana moving in a pattern too complex to follow consciously. The blade intercepted every strike, deflected every blow, positioned itself exactly where needed to maintain his defensive superiority. His red eyes showed focused intensity but no strain, expression suggesting he was operating within his capabilities rather than pushing limits.

Then he ended the match.

Shiro's final sequence was devastating in its precision and restraint. Three cuts delivered in rapid succession, targeting Berth's wrists and leading knee with strikes that compromised her ability to continue fighting without causing permanent injury. Each impact was controlled perfectly, blade cutting just deep enough to force yield without risking serious damage.

Berth's stance wavered as her mobility was compromised, her breathing pattern faltering for the first time as accumulated injuries made maintaining Breathflow enhancement difficult. She attempted one more strike but her body didn't respond properly, wounds to joints preventing execution of technique that required perfect physical coordination.

She yielded.

"Yield," Berth said clearly, voice carrying frustration mixed with genuine respect. Her white hair with red tips was disheveled from exertion, her martial arts gi marked with blood from multiple superficial cuts. But her expression showed no shame, only recognition that she'd faced a superior opponent and lost decisively.

Shiro stepped back immediately, katana returning to its scabbard with movement as smooth as the draw had been. His cultivation aura returned to barely detectable presence, that intense focus disappearing the moment his blade was sheathed. He offered a formal bow to his opponent, gesture showing respect for her skill despite the decisive victory.

The referee declared Shiro the winner, directing Berth toward healers for treatment of her wounds. She departed with visible disappointment but maintained her dignity, accepting defeat with grace that spoke well of her character and training.

The crowd erupted in noise that shook the arena structure, spectators recognizing they'd witnessed something extraordinary. Expert Low warriors demonstrating capabilities that exceeded normal expectations, technical showcase that revealed subtle differences between exceptional skill and true mastery.

Shiro returned to the competitors' section with his measured steps, weapon secured at his side and hands relaxed. His red eyes showed no particular satisfaction at the victory, expression remaining neutral as if this outcome had been expected rather than earned through superior technique.

In the observation area, Raze leaned back with thoughtful expression. The match had confirmed what he'd suspected after watching their previous fights. Berth was exceptionally skilled, her Breathflow training providing capabilities that exceeded her rank significantly. But Shiro operated on a different level, his sword mastery and tactical awareness marking him as genuinely gifted rather than simply well trained.

"That swordsman is exceptional," Oziel said quietly, his scarred face showing clear approval. "His technique transcends what training alone provides. That level of sword mastery at Expert Low rank suggests genuine talent rather than just dedication."

"The woman fought well though," Fedora observed. "Her breathing technique and enhancement capabilities were remarkable even in defeat. She would be a valuable recruit despite losing."

"Both of them are worth recruiting," Raze confirmed. "But the swordsman is the priority. Someone with that level of talent will become truly formidable once his cultivation advances to match his skill."

Mariabel's golden eyes remained fixed on where Shiro had disappeared into the competitors' section. "He made it look easy. Like he was operating within his capabilities rather than pushing limits. How much more skilled could he actually be?"

"We'll find out in the finals," Logan said, checking his notebook. "He faces the red haired martial artist next. That should be an interesting match given both use different but equally impressive techniques."

The afternoon was progressing toward evening as preparations began for the Expert division finals. The match between Shiro and Ban would determine the division's champion, showcasing the pinnacle of Expert Low rank capabilities through warriors who'd dominated everyone they'd faced.

But that would come later. For now, as healers treated Berth's wounds and the crowd's excitement built for the upcoming finale, Raze reflected on what the tournament had revealed so far.

Exceptional talent existed throughout his domain, warriors whose capabilities exceeded what rank suggested through dedication, training, and in some cases genuine genius. The Dragonheart Knights would be strengthened significantly by recruiting from this pool, building a force that combined skill with loyalty to his house.

The question remained what these exceptional warriors sought beyond employment and gold, what had drawn them to his tournament specifically rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Those answers would come in time. For now, the Expert division finals awaited, promising to showcase combat at levels that would cement this tournament's reputation as a genuine display of extraordinary talent.

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