Soon, a violent gust of wind swept across the martial platform, and the roaring punch force tore through the air like a blade. In that instant, Zion Blackstar's fist seemed to enlarge infinitely in Alaric Von Seraph's pupils, carrying an oppressive power that made one's scalp numb. The pressure was so heavy that even the spectators could feel their hearts tighten.

Alaric Von Seraph's breathing paused.

His body instinctively tried to shift, but the timing was already too late. His footsteps had just landed, his center of gravity had not fully stabilized, and the fist was already upon him. At that moment, he understood clearly. This match had reached its end.

Yet, just as the terrifying fist was about to smash down, it stopped.

It halted right in front of Alaric Von Seraph's forehead, less than an inch away. The violent punch wind still struck his face, blowing his hair and robes backward. The chill of danger was so close that Alaric Von Seraph could even feel the faint sting against his skin.

The entire arena seemed to freeze.

Zion Blackstar's eyes were calm, his expression as steady as ever, and his voice rang out without emotion, clear enough for everyone to hear.

"The battle is over."

He slowly withdrew his fist, the overwhelming aura around him gradually settling. There was no triumph on his face, no arrogance, only the composure of someone who had already expected the outcome.

For Zion Blackstar, defeating Alaric Von Seraph was not a glory worth celebrating. The gap between them was too great. If not for the Academy exchange forcing them into opposition, he would never have wasted his time fighting someone who could not truly challenge him.

Alaric Von Seraph exhaled quietly.

His face was as cold and indifferent as always, but deep down, he clearly understood Zion Blackstar's pride. He was not angry, nor did he feel humiliated. Instead, his heart was strangely calm.

Because Zion Blackstar had proven something to him.

If you want your opponent to treat you seriously, you must first possess the strength to stand in front of them without being crushed.

This defeat would not break him.

It would become the blade sharpening his will.

The referee quickly stepped forward and announced loudly, his voice echoing through the royal court.

"Thunderclap Academy, Zion Blackstar wins!"

*******

Instantly, the entire grandstand erupted into cheers.

The nobles and Spirit Warriors of the Lion Dynasty shouted with excitement, pride blazing in their eyes. Zion Blackstar was their crown prince, their symbol, their undefeated glory. Watching him win so cleanly made them feel as if they themselves had triumphed.

Alaric Von Seraph did not linger. He turned and walked back toward Imperial Academy's side with steady steps. There was no shame in his posture, no frustration in his back. Even after defeat, his spine remained straight.

Meanwhile, Zion Blackstar stayed where he was, standing calmly atop the martial platform.

Because the next match was still his.

As Alaric Von Seraph returned, Marcus immediately strode forward and slapped his chest hard, his eyes shining with admiration.

"Good!"

To Marcus, surviving under Zion Blackstar's pressure for that long was already impressive. He knew in his heart that if he had been the one standing there, he might not have lasted even half as long.

Reesa, Baldwin, and the others also smiled. Their expressions carried relief rather than disappointment. They had seen Alaric Von Seraph fight with everything he had, and that alone was enough to earn respect.

Alaric Von Seraph's gaze shifted to Zora. His eyes were colder than usual, but within them was a clear seriousness, and a rare trace of concern.

"Zion Blackstar is very strong," he said slowly. "Even when I used everything I had, he still wasn't serious. You must be careful."

His words were blunt, but they carried sincerity.

He understood Zora was different from him. She still had hope, still had a chance to fight back. The gap between her and Zion Blackstar was smaller than the gap between him and Zion Blackstar, and that meant her battle would be far more dangerous.

Because Zion Blackstar might actually take her seriously.

Zora nodded lightly. Her expression was composed, but her eyes had turned solemn.

"I understand."

Her heart was steady, but she did not underestimate the situation. Zion Blackstar's cultivation, his background, his techniques, and his hidden cards were all terrifying. She had no idea how many trump cards he still held.

Yet she would not retreat.

Even if the final result was uncertain, she would not allow Zion Blackstar to win easily.

Because compared to Thunderclap Academy, Imperial Academy needed this victory more.

On the high platform, Cindral's face was full of satisfaction. His earlier gloom from the alchemy contest had been completely swept away. He smiled openly, his voice filled with pride as he spoke to those beside him.

"Zion Blackstar is the best student our Thunderclap Academy has produced in recent years. Truly outstanding."

To him, everything that happened before no longer mattered. Whether Imperial Academy had surprised people in the first two rounds, whether the alchemy contest had embarrassed Thunderclap Academy, none of it could compare to the Spirit Warrior final.

Because in the end, the Spirit Warrior competition was what truly represented an Academy's strength.

And the final winner would still belong to Thunderclap Academy.

Above them all, Emperor Valerius Blackstar watched with a faint smile. His gaze carried satisfaction, and even a trace of pride.

Zion Blackstar was the prince he valued most.

Not only because of strength, but because Zion Blackstar's actions were always measured. He fought with control, defeated with restraint, and carried himself with dignity. Such a performance was not only a victory but also a display of character.

To Valerius Blackstar, this was far more important than a simple win.

Because it meant that the crown prince of the Lion Dynasty was worthy of the throne.

"The third match, Thunderclap Academy's Zion Blackstar versus Imperial Academy's Zora!" 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

The moment the referee's voice echoed through the royal arena, the atmosphere instantly changed. A quiet murmur rose like a tide, then spread through the audience in waves. Countless gazes gathered onto one figure, as if the sunlight itself had been drawn toward her.

Zora.

This woman had already attracted attention the moment she stepped into the imperial court.

Not only because of her breathtaking beauty, but also because of her reputation, her achievements, and the endless rumors swirling around her name. A Spirit Warrior, an alchemist, an inscription master.