After a fifteen-minute break, the second round of the competition began.
Just like the first round, the battles were arranged between contestants drawn in pairs. This time, however, the stakes felt higher, the tension in the air more palpable.
The massive arena buzzed with murmurs from the audience, including students, teachers, and, most notably, the envoys from prestigious academies, who had their sharp gazes locked on the stage. Each battle seemed to promise surprises, but one matchup had drawn particular attention.
"Arella of Class One versus Steven of Class Two!"
The announcement echoed across the arena, silencing the crowd instantly. All eyes turned toward the petite, confident figure of Arella stepping onto the stage, her every movement radiating poise and power. Behind her, a shadow loomed, a beast of immense presence and strength—a Level 6 Silver-grade Symbiote.
The arena erupted into whispers.
