The arena's air still buzzed with tension as the system message slammed into Zane's vision like thunder:
Abilities halved for 48 hours
Punishment increased due to incompetence
But it wasn't the punishment that shook him most. It was the way Kaela defeated him — with such ease, such cold precision — that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't even land a hit.
Nyx's usually confident presence was unsteady, her violet eyes wide with something like disbelief.
"This... this isn't possible," she breathed. "She moved faster than anything I've ever sensed. Your Void Gaze... it showed only question marks. She's beyond your system's comprehension."
Zane spun to face her, frustration boiling over. "You're supposed to know everything, Nyx! Why didn't you warn me? Why didn't you say anything?"
Nyx's shadows flickered, her voice tense. "I didn't see it coming either. She hides her true strength perfectly. Even I can't predict her full power."
Zane gritted his teeth, his mind racing. "If she's stronger than you thought... what does that mean for me? For my growth?"
Nyx's tone was grave. "It means this is just the beginning. You're facing forces beyond the academy's usual limits. And you're not ready yet."
Zane clenched his fists, biting back his anger as he started walking away from the arena, every step heavy with questions.
"I don't care if I'm not ready. I'll become stronger. I have to."
Nyx's voice followed quietly, almost a warning: "Be careful, Zane. Some battles teach more than just defeat. They reveal the shadows you never knew existed."
As the arena disappeared behind him, Zane's mind churned — haunted by the invisible edge that had cut him down and determined to find a way past it.