The name of the next combat echoed through the arena:
— Kaedor versus Valdrik!
Valdrik was one of the most respected draconic warriors among the students. His body was covered in small dark scales, and his energy had an impressive density.
When he entered the arena, several students commented:
— This fight is going to be good.
— Valdrik is not like the others Kaedor has faced.
Kaedor calmly walked to the center of the arena.
Draven watched attentively.
"Let's see how far his strength goes."
A Different Beginning
As soon as the combat began, Valdrik didn't advance immediately.
He opened his arms and his draconic energy began to expand.
The air around him became heavy.
Scales appeared more clearly on his arms and shoulders.
— I know you are strong — said Valdrik.
— Then I won't fight holding back my power.
Kaedor smiled slightly.
— Great.
Real pressure
Valdrik attacked.
But this time it wasn't a simple blow.
He unleashed a wave of draconic energy across the arena floor.
The stone cracked as the energy surged forward.
Kaedor jumped to the side, avoiding the attack.
But Valdrik was already on top of him.
The two exchanged blows.
Fists colliding.
Heavy impacts.
Unlike the other fights, Kaedor wasn't just dodging.
He was being pressured.
Some students were surprised.
— Did he hit Kaedor?
— This is the first time I've seen this.
Draven watched attentively.
"So this is the level of a draconic."
Kaedor begins to fight seriously.
Valdrik tried to grab Kaedor with his brutal strength.
But Kaedor spun his body and escaped.
Then something changed.
The energy around Kaedor began to concentrate.
It wasn't flashy.
But it was dense and controlled.
Draven noticed immediately.
"So he also uses energy… but in a very compact way."
The Turning Point
Kaedor advanced.
This time his speed increased dramatically.
He entered Valdrik's guard before the draconic could react.
One blow.
Valdrik blocked.
Another blow.
Valdrik retreated.
Kaedor continued to press.
Each movement was extremely efficient.
He didn't waste energy.
Each attack had a purpose.
The End of the Fight
Valdrik tried to gather energy for a final attack.
His body began to release an intense draconic aura.
But Kaedor had already foreseen this.
He advanced first.
With a swift movement, he dodged the attack and struck the center of Valdrik's chest.
The impact completely disrupted the concentration of energy.
Valdrik fell to his knees.
Silence.
The instructor raised his hand.
— Combat over!
— Victory for Kaedor!
Reaction
This time the reaction was different.
It wasn't just admiration.
It was respect.
A student said:
— Now I understand.
— Kaedor doesn't win just by strength.
— He wins because he completely reads the fight.
Draven continued looking at the arena.
"He really is dangerous."
Kaedor raised his eyes.
And, as before, met Draven's gaze.
The confrontation between the two seemed increasingly inevitable.