The semifinals had arrived. Only four aspirants remained standing.
Thousands had entered, but only four remained.
The atmosphere inside the arena felt different now, much heavier.
Every spectator understood they were witnessing the future elite of the continent.
Every academy principal watched closely.
Every instructor took notes.
The candidates who had already been eliminated remained seated in the stands.
Nobody wanted to miss what came next.
The referee stepped into the center of the battlefield.
His voice echoed across the arena. "First semifinal."
He pointed. "Thane."
The crowd immediately erupted. The giant slowly rose from his seat.
His entire body protested. Every wound from Donovan remained. Every muscle ached.
The ointments had helped. Rest and food had helped.
But none of that could completely erase the punishment he had received.
Yet despite the pain, the giant smiled.
Because he was still here, standing and fighting.
