“Contestant number five, Nareen, versus contestant number six, Varn!”

“Nareen can pull truths from people’s bodies,” said Xiara.

“Creepy,” muttered Noen, shivering at the thought of his own secrets being exposed so easily.

The referee raised his hand. “Get ready!”

“Release the seal rings!”

The seals unlocked. Powers activated.

“Begin!”

Nareen pulled a thread from her hand, aiming it at Varn. Varn shrank—perhaps to the size of a cat—and dashed forward.

Nareen formed a defensive circle. Varn leapt upward, returning to normal size.

Nareen touched her own abdomen and pulled a thread.

“‘You’re afraid your body will return to what it once was,’” Nareen whispered.

Varn faltered, landed poorly, and fell.

The referee raised his hand. “Contestant down! Winner: Nareen!”

“She can make people lose focus with just one sentence?” asked Noen.

“Truth shakes courage, and fear shakes the body,” Xiara replied.

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 Fourth Match – Selphi vs Kaeren

“Contestant number seven, Selphi, versus contestant number eight, Kaeren!”

“Kaeren’s mute, right?” asked Noen.

“Yeah. But his power is sound,” Xiara answered.

Raven watched Noen struggle to keep chatting with Xiara, but said nothing.

The referee raised his hand. “Get ready!”

“Release the seal rings!”

The seals unlocked. Powers activated.

“Begin!”

Selphi touched the arena floor. Small cracks appeared. It seemed large objects weren’t so easy for her to break—perhaps due to the limitations of her story-tier power.

Kaeren remained silent.

Selphi approached, trying to touch Kaeren’s armor.

Kaeren opened his mouth.

No sound was heard, but the air vibrated.

Selphi staggered, dizzy. Kaeren stepped forward and unleashed a second ultrasonic wave.

Selphi collapsed from the intense headache.

The referee raised his hand. “Contestant down! Winner: Kaeren!”

“His voice isn’t audible, but it causes dizziness. Luckily, it didn’t reach the audience,” said Noen.

“That’s what ultrasonic sound means,” Xiara replied.

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