Just then, Instructor Brax suddenly burst out laughing. It started off small but quickly grew into loud, booming laughter that echoed through the hall like someone had set off a small explosion.
After a few moments, he calmed down, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye as he looked at Kyoji.
"That was absolutely correct," he said, his voice full of surprise. "Didn't expect one of you kids to actually get it."
Gasps filled the room.
Several students looked stunned—especially Elaine. Her eyebrows tightened in disbelief.
"That's nonsense," she said. "It's power that matters. If you're strong enough, you win. That's all there is to it."
Brax raised an eyebrow.
"Is that so?" he asked calmly.
Elaine nodded, fire in her eyes. "Yes."
Instructor Brax smiled—a slow, dangerous grin.
"Then prove it," he said. "I'll lower my strength to match yours. Come at me. Let's see if you can even land a single hit."
Elaine's eyes widened, clearly offended.
