Amidst the ongoing battles, Charles sent his opponent flying with a well-placed kick, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he stood on the stage he had been called to.
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers—but none were for him. Every eye was fixed on Max, the man who had just secured yet another effortless victory and now stood basking in the spotlight. Charles let out a sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"First victory... not bad."
He muttered silently under his breath. His first opponent was from another academy—an 8-star student whom he defeated easily.
Suddenly, Charles's eyes met Elena's.
The short, curly-haired woman stood on the stage opposite him, having also bested her opponent and advanced to the next round.
She sneered at him and leapt off her stage, leaving Charles momentarily speechless.
"What's her deal?"
