As Sarn was still processing Ema’s fight, the match between Liam and Varek quickly escated. Liam stepped onto the field as his name was called. I may not be in the same situation as Sarn, but losing this match would make all my progress useless. The one in front of me doesn’t seem like an easy opponent. He tried to steady himself, forcing his thoughts elsewhere—he needed to remember someone in a worse situation to reassure himself before the match.

  Varek wasn’t the most skilled, but his unpredictability made him dangerous. He raised his hand and smmed it into the ground, sending a wave of jagged, sharp soil toward Liam.

  Liam’s eyes narrowed. He felt the air shift. Varek’s attack was fast and heavy, but Liam wasn’t worried about the brute force—it was about timing. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if this was the right time to attack. Finally, he called forth a gust of wind, diverting the soil away. But he knew defense alone wouldn’t win. He needed to outmaneuver Varek.

  Varek rushed forward again, pounding the ground with his fists to send more soil flying. This time, Liam didn’t block—he dodged, watching closely to measure the intensity of the attack.

  He’s relying too much on the same move, Liam realized. It’s strong, but it leaves openings. Every time he strikes, there’s a moment before he can regain control of the soil.

  But Liam also saw the danger—one direct hit, and it was over. The attack he dodged shattered the ground behind him. His breath caught. Shit. If I get hit, I’m done for.

  Varek smirked. "That was a tough one, right?"That’s when Liam saw his chance. He adjusted his stance. He’s overextending.

  This time, Liam didn’t just deflect—he moved with the soil’s force. With a sharp sweep of his sword, he sent a burst of wind forward, redirecting Varek’s own attack back at him.

  The jagged soil struck Varek’s shoulder. He coughed, stumbling from the impact.

  Liam didn’t hesitate. The moment Varek was distracted, he sent another surge of wind to destabilize him. For a moment, Varek was caught in the swirling gusts.

  Varek’s frustration grew. He tried to use the soil more aggressively, but Liam could tell—he was getting tired.

  "He’s slowing down," Liam calcuted. "This is my chance."

  From the sidelines, Sarn watched. He’s getting it. I should be happy that he’s close to winning... but for some reason, it just reminds me of my failures.

  Varek roared, smming his fists into the ground one more time. Liam braced himself. This is it.

  He positioned himself just as Varek unched another attack. Hidden in the dust cloud, Liam timed his movement precisely—using Varek’s own force, he sent a controlled burst of wind that combined with the shifting soil.

  The ground beneath Varek trembled. His stance wavered.

  Liam moved the second he saw it.

  Varek hit the ground with a heavy thud, unable to recover.

  The match was over.

  Liam barely reacted—he had expected to win. Meanwhile, Sarn simply watched. So… he won.