Floating Island - Triple S Talent

"We did not come here to cause trouble," Rakar's voice echoed through the grand hall, reverberating off the majestic stone walls.

His gaze burned with an unextinguished fire since his previous defeat. "I only wish to reclaim my honor that was tarnished! The Iron Fist Sect will not leave without a rematch!"

He stepped forward, his body tense, revealing the taut muscles beneath his robes. "I challenge anyone in this academy to prove that your methods are not superior to ours!"

On the other side of the room, Vice Headmaster Periaki let out a long sigh, as if he had anticipated facing a situation like this. His demeanor remained calm, though his eyes hinted at a trace of impatience. "The duel you seek serves no purpose, Rakar," he said steadily. "This academy is not a place for personal rivalries or for satisfying someone's ego. Your previous defeat was a fair outcome."

"Fair?" Rakar clenched his fists, the muscles in his arms tightening. His jaw tensed, holding back the rage that threatened to explode. "To me, this is not just a duel! I will not allow my name to be trampled in front of the students of this academy! I demand my right to a rematch!"

On the other side, Master Garron—the senior figure from the Iron Fist Sect—finally spoke. His voice was deep and commanding, carrying a weight that filled the room. "Periaki, you speak as if this academy is beyond the laws of nature," he said, his sharp eyes gleaming. "In the world of cultivation, the strong determine everything. If Celestial Academy refuses this challenge, then you are proving only one thing—that your methods are weak, and you fear the truth."

The truth? Lei Yun, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. He did not respond immediately but instead fixed Master Garron with an icy gaze. When he spoke, his voice was calm, yet there was a sharpness to it that made the air in the room grow heavier.

"The truth you speak of is nothing more than an excuse to gain greater influence within this academy," he said, his voice clear and piercing. "We have no need for your methods that rely solely on brute strength. We teach discipline, wisdom, and true power."

For a moment, silence enveloped the hall. The senior instructors exchanged glances, while the students gathered outside began whispering among themselves, realizing that this was no ordinary debate. The air grew dense, like a storm on the verge of erupting.

Master Garron smirked. His smile was thin, yet there was an unmistakable arrogance behind it. "Then make your choice," he said, his tone almost coercive. "If this academy truly has confidence in itself, then let us test your teachings. If we win, the Iron Fist Sect will be granted greater access to teach our methods here."

The deans and senior instructors exchanged wary glances. The stakes were too great to be ignored, yet too risky to accept outright.

"And if we win?" Periaki asked, his voice now as cold as ice.

"Then we will leave," Master Garron replied casually. His tone was light, but there was a hidden arrogance within it, as if victory was already within his grasp. "And Rakar will acknowledge his defeat unconditionally."

Vice Headmaster Periaki fell silent. His gaze swept across the room, assessing the expressions of everyone present. The tension hung thick in the air, and he knew that whatever decision he made would have a significant impact on Celestial Academy. However, before he could speak, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall.

As his eyes caught sight of the two figures entering the room, his body tensed. He blinked several times, ensuring his vision was not deceiving him. One of the arrivals was Elen, the Headmaster of Celestial Academy—someone who rarely intervened in matters like this. But what truly made his breath hitch was the woman beside her.

Queen of the Earth Kingdom—Nita.

Periaki felt his instincts take over. He quickly stepped forward, almost half-running, to approach them. Upon reaching the two esteemed figures, he immediately bowed deeply.

"Greetings to the Headmaster. Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen," his voice was respectful, nearly unwavering, despite the rapid beating of his heart.

Silence enveloped the hall. As if suddenly realizing the gravity of the moment, the students, deans, and academy elders hurriedly followed Periaki's lead. Chairs scraped against the floor, rushed footsteps echoed, and in a synchronized motion, they all bowed.

"Greetings to the Headmaster. Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen."

Elen and Nita stopped at the center of the hall, their eyes scanning the room. Their presence exuded an aura of leadership so powerful that it made everyone hold their breath.

Elen stepped forward, her gaze cold as she looked at Periaki. "Tell me, what is happening here?"

Periaki swallowed hard, then quickly recounted everything from beginning to end. Nothing was exaggerated, nothing was omitted. He knew that someone like Elen despised deceit, and Nita… Nita was far sharper than she appeared.

When he finished his explanation, the hall fell silent once more. Elen's eyes now locked onto one person—Rakar.

The young man, who had been so confident before, now appeared slightly hesitant. His face stiffened, but a faint fear flickered in his eyes. He quickly stood up, bowing deeply before speaking.

"Greetings to the Headmaster. Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen."

Elen did not respond. Only her piercing gaze bore into Rakar, pressing down on him until he swallowed hard. Yet, he mustered the courage to speak, his voice firmer than before.

"Headmaster…" Rakar took a deep breath, then pointed toward Lei Yun, his opponent. "I beg for justice. This man has—"

His words poured out quickly, filled with self-justification. He began narrating his version of the events, carefully choosing words that painted Lei Yun as the villain while portraying himself as the victim. Every sentence was laced with emotion, as if he truly believed he had been treated unfairly.
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However, in the middle of his narrative, a firm voice cut him off.

"Enough."