The moment our fists connected, I felt the distinct shock of impact travel up my arm. It wasn''t painful—more like a gentle reminder of contact.


    Ralph''s expression shifted from confidence to confusion, then to horror in the span of a heartbeat.


    I hadn''t used any Inner Strength techniques. No special formations orplicated maneuvers. Just pure, physical force—amplified by the power of my inner core.


    "Impossible," Ralph whispered, his eyes widening as he realized what was happening.


    The impactunched him backward like a cannonball. His body flew clear across the training field, sailing over the heads of stunned spectators before crashing into the stands. Hended with a sickening thud, directly at the feet of Elder Ignazio Bellweather.


    Silence fell over the arena, thick and heavy. Every eye moved between me, still standing with my fist extended, and Ralph''s crumpled form.


    Stewart''s mouth hung open in shock. "What... what just happened?"


    Commander Wood''s expression transformed from concern to jubtion. He pumped his fist in the air, unable to contain his excitement.


    "That''s what happened when you underestimate Eldoria!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the silent arena.


    I slowly lowered my arm and turned my gaze toward where Ralph hadnded. Ignazio Bellweather was looking down at the unconscious coach with mild interest, then raised his eyes to meet mine.


    Our gazes locked across the distance. His expression revealed nothing, but I felt a distinct pressure emanating from him—a silent acknowledgment of power recognizing power.


    I offered a respectful bow, then turned away.


    "Winner: Liam Knight of Eldoria!" the referee announced, his voice betraying his astonishment.


    As I descended from the tform, our team surged forward to meet me, their faces alive with excitement and disbelief.


    "One punch!" Zane eximed, practically bouncing. "You defeated a Grandmaster with one punch!"


    I epted my outer robe from him, slipping it back on. "He was overconfident. That''s always a fatal w."


    "But you didn''t even use Inner Strength," another fighter observed. "How is that possible?"


    I smiled slightly. "There''s more than one way to cultivate power."


    Commander Wood pushed through the group, his eyes shining with pride and amazement. "In thirty years ofpetitions, I''ve never seen anything like that." He sped my shoulder firmly. "You''ve done Eldoria proud today, Knight."


    The judges conferred briefly before announcing their decision. "After reviewing both matches, Eldoria Battle Zone receives a total score of 99 points, qualifying for direct advancement to the finals!"


    Cheers erupted from our section as the implications sank in. We had just bypassed several grueling qualification rounds, cing us directly into the championship brackets—a feat Eldoria hadn''t aplished in decades.


    "This calls for celebration!" Commander Wood dered.


    I shook my head. "The team should rest. We still have major challenges ahead."


    "And you?" he asked, studying my calm demeanor.


    "I have personal matters to attend to," I replied, already thinking of my next destination. My heart quickened at the thought.


    "Very well," Commander Wood conceded. "But be back by tomorrow afternoon for strategy discussions."


    I nodded, then turned to Eamon Greene who had been watching from the sidelines.


    "Ready for a trip across town?" I asked him.


    His eyes lit with understanding. "To the Ashworth estate?"


    "Yes."


    As we left the arena, I could feel the stares following us—some filled with admiration, others with suspicion and jealousy. Word would spread quickly about what had happened today. I had revealed more of my strength than intended, but the oue was worth it.


    Eamon and I took a carriage through the bustling streets of Veridia City. Unlike the rtively modest architecture of Havenwood, Veridia showcased wealth and power at every turn. Towering mansions and gleaming administrative buildings lined wide, immacte streets. Even themoners here dressed in what would be considered finery in smaller cities.


    "Have you ever visited the Ashworth estate before?" Eamon asked, breaking thefortable silence between us.


    "No," I replied, gazing out at the passing scenery. "But I''ve heard stories."


    "They say it''s like a small city unto itself," he offered. "Over three hundred acres of privatend within the capital."


    I nodded absently, my mind already racing ahead. It had been months since I''dst seen Isabelle. Every letter we''d exchanged had intensified my longing to be with her again.


    The carriage turned onto a tree-lined avenue, and suddenly there it was—a massive stone wall extending as far as the eye could see in both directions. Behind it rose the unmistakable peaks of ptial rooftops.


    "We''ve arrived," the driver announced unnecessarily.


    We stepped down from the carriage before a set of imposing iron gates. Four armed guards stood at attention, their uniforms bearing the Ashworth family crest—a falcon clutching a sword.


    "State your business," the lead guardmanded as we approached.


    "I''m here to see Miss Isabelle Ashworth," I replied calmly. This content is hosted at *.</abbr>


    The guard''s expression remained impassive. "Does Miss Ashworth expect you?"


    "No," I admitted, "but I believe she''ll want to see me. My name is Liam Knight."


    Something flickered in the guard''s eyes—recognition, perhaps? He studied me more carefully.


    "Wait here," he instructed before walking to a small side building and disappearing inside.


    Eamon shifted nervously beside me. "They seem rather serious about security."


    "The Ashworth family is one of the most powerful in the country," I replied. "With poweres enemies."


    I tried to appear calm, but inside, my heart was racing. After all this time, I would finally see her again—the woman whose memory had sustained me through countless challenges and dark moments.


    The guard returned a few minutester. "Wait here while I pass on your message."


    I felt a surge of anticipation. Would she rush to meet me? Had she missed me as desperately as I''d missed her? The thought of seeing her face again made it difficult to maintain myposed exterior.


    "Certainly," I replied, struggling to keep the excitement from my voice. "I''ll wait."


    The guard nodded and disappeared through the massive gates, leaving me standing at the threshold of the Ashworth domain, my future hanging on his return message.