The atmosphere across the training grounds gradually changed the moment Barrack announced the next match.
The casual amusement that had accompanied the previous games slowly faded away, replaced instead by a strange anticipation that spread amongst the gathered students. Conversations lowered. Attention sharpened. Even those who had been chatting amongst themselves moments earlier now found their eyes drifting toward the field.
Because this match felt different.
Not because of the game itself.
But because of the people standing at its center.
Meanwhile—
Damon calmly stepped onto the field.
His white-and-gold academy uniform fluttered lightly beneath the morning breeze while his golden eyes remained fixed ahead.
Across from him—
Lucian Aetherwind stood equally calm.
The young man possessed the same composed expression he always carried, his neatly arranged sky-blue hair swaying gently in the wind while his clear blue eyes reflected neither hostility nor excitement.
