The tournament continued throughout the afternoon.
Several intense battles unfolded in the arena.
Powerful techniques filled the air with explosions of Aether.
One by one, the strongest Inner Disciples proved their strength.
But everyone in the stadium was waiting for one particular fighter.
Eventually, the announcer's voice rang out again.
"Next match!"
"Darius Valen versus Markus Drex!"
A ripple of anticipation passed through the audience.
Darius slowly stepped into the arena.
His dark crimson robes moved slightly as he walked.
His aura alone made several nearby disciples uneasy.
Across from him stood Markus Drex, ranked 10th among the Inner Disciples.
Markus was known for his powerful fire based techniques.
But even he looked slightly tense.
"You look confident," Markus said.
Darius smiled calmly.
"I am."
The referee gave the signal.
"Begin!"
Markus immediately unleashed his technique.
"Flame Cyclone!"
A spiral of fire erupted around him, swirling outward like a burning storm.
But Darius didn't move.
He simply raised one hand.
Dark red Aether gathered around his palm.
Then he spoke one word.
"Crush."
The air suddenly grew heavy.
A terrifying pressure slammed down across the arena.
Markus' fire cyclone collapsed instantly.
"What…..?!"
Before he could react further
Darius stepped forward once.
The ground cracked beneath his foot.
His fist moved.
"Valen Break."
BOOOOOOM!
The impact blasted Markus backward like a cannon shot.
He crashed into the barrier and collapsed unconscious.
The entire arena fell silent.
It had taken one attack.
The referee hesitated before raising his hand.
"Winner…"
"Darius Valen!"
Murmurs spread through the audience.
"That pressure…"
"It felt suffocating."
High above the arena, the elders exchanged serious glances.
Elder Taron spoke quietly.
"Darius has grown stronger."
But his gaze shifted toward Kael again.
"And Kael… is still growing."
Back on the arena floor, Darius slowly turned his head.
His cold eyes locked directly onto Kael.
Then he smiled.
A dangerous smile.
"Soon."