The heavy silence that had blanketed the Sparkforge Enclave was finally broken by the sound of Chase stepping back from the center of the stage. His knuckles were raw, streaked with Hampton's blood, but his face remained impassive, betraying no regret. His chest rose and fell steadily as if he had simply concluded a rigorous training session.
Hampton, battered beyond recognition, was sprawled in a corner of the stage. The crimson stains on the stone floor bore testimony to the sheer brutality of the fight. Chase didn't glance at him again, his focus now elsewhere. If Hampton thought the beating would haunt Chase, he was wrong. To Chase, the man had gotten exactly what he deserved.
It was Elder Stormray who finally broke the tension. The elder climbed onto the stage, his boots clicking sharply against the stone. His expression was unreadable, his piercing gaze sweeping over the students who remained frozen in shock.
