After Arin's smooth victory, the matches continued rapidly.
Dozens of duels were fought — bursts of energy, clashing fists, and hurried victories.
Some fights ended in spectacular displays; others in awkward fumbles.
The whole courtyard was buzzing with excitement.
In the middle of it all, Arin leaned against a stone pillar, watching calmly.
Soon enough, Sera's name was called.
She stepped onto the stage, moving with quiet confidence.
Her opponent barely lasted a minute.
A few swift movements, a clean strike, and the instructor announced:
"Winner — Sera, Class A!"
Arin smiled slightly.
He hadn't doubted her for a moment.
But then came a match he had been waiting for.
"Next match: Derrin (Class A) vs. Nalen (Class B)!"
Derrin stumbled forward from the participant area, looking both excited and slightly terrified.
Nalen, his opponent, was a slim boy from Class B, known for his quick footwork and sharp reflexes.
The instructor signaled, and the match began.
Nalen dashed forward with a quick, precise strike aimed at Derrin's side.
Derrin yelped and hopped backward, almost tripping over his own robe.
The crowd chuckled.
"Come on, big guy!" someone called.
Derrin grinned sheepishly, dodging another attack — and somehow twisting his stumble into a rolling move that accidentally brought him right next to Nalen.
"Oops!" Derrin shouted — and in that "oops," he threw his full weight sideways, crashing into Nalen like a runaway boulder.
Nalen's eyes widened a split second before he was flattened.
The impact knocked the wind out of him and sent him sprawling across the arena floor.
The instructor blinked once, twice, then raised his hand:
"Match over! Winner — Derrin, Class A!"
The arena erupted in laughter and cheers.
Even some of the instructors cracked small smiles.
Derrin got up, dusting himself off with a huge grin.
"Hey, a win's a win!" he shouted proudly, flexing his arms exaggeratedly.
Arin chuckled quietly, shaking his head.
Typical Derrin — a mixture of chaos and surprising cleverness.
It wasn't pure strength, nor was it dumb luck — it was using what he had in the most unexpected way possible.
As Derrin waddled back proudly to the waiting area, Arin caught his eye and gave him a small thumbs-up.
Derrin winked dramatically in return.
Today wasn't just about showing off.
It was about proving that every step forward, no matter how strange, mattered.
And somehow, Derrin had taken one giant, hilarious step forward.