SSS-Class Profession: The Path to Mastery

I brushed the sweat off my forehead as I exited the pit, the sounds of the audience's applause still resonating in my ears. My body felt agile—untouched, powerful. The excitement of triumph vibrated beneath my skin. I had successfully passed the first round, and even better, I managed to do so with minimal damage.

Sienna was the first to come to me, almost throwing herself into my embrace.

"You did it!" she said, her voice breathless with relief. "And you barely got hit!"

Camille, standing just behind her, smirked. "Not bad! Though I expected a little more flair. Maybe a backflip?" Despite her teasing, the tension in her shoulders had eased, and I knew she had been just as worried.

Alexis, arms crossed, gave me an approving nod. "Good! This was efficient. I expected no less."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I wasn't going for a spectacle. Just survival."

The weight of their relief settled over me like a warm cloak. They had been worried, despite everything I had shown them. Despite knowing what I could do. And I had won. That counted for something.

"I've still got my ace in the hole, too," I said, my voice dropping slightly. "Didn't even need to use Copy."

Camille arched a brow. "Saving it for later?"

"If I have to."

The celebration was short-lived, though. The next match was already being announced. The quarterfinals.