Vito raised his brow, looking at Haidan with a thoughtful expression he couldn't hide. "Isn't he still six years old?" he asked.He didn't stop there, his gaze stayed on the small child in front of him. "You've even been hiding him from the public all this time, right? You said it was for safety, so why change now?"Matthew gave a faint smile, not bothered at all by the series of questions. "That's right, I've been hiding him," he answered calmly. "But do you think I've just stayed quiet and done nothing?"His hand lifted and gently patted Haidan's head with full confidence. "I've never let him grow without direction. What you see now is the result of something I've prepared for a long time."Vito narrowed his eyes, clearly starting to catch the meaning behind those words. "What do you really mean?" he asked. "What have you been doing to him all this time?""I've been training him," Matthew replied, his voice low but firm. "In secret, far from anyone's attention, even from those close

The scene shifted at once as an officer's voice rang out from the front gate, breaking the din of the crowd still held outside. The guards opened the main path while raising their hands with firm signals."All participants move to the core selection area now, don't stop at the entrance path, move!" one officer shouted.The flow of people began to move like a wave that couldn't be stopped. Footsteps sounded in unison, creating a pressure felt in the chest."Don't push, everyone will get in!" another officer called out, trying to keep order."Hold me, don't get separated," a mother said with a worried voice."I'm here, it's okay," her child replied, even though the tone didn't sound fully sure.As soon as they passed through the gate and entered the core area, the atmosphere changed immediately. The place was much wider, more crowded, and felt far more oppressive than the front section.Giant stands surrounded the main field, filled with fighter families from many backgrounds, each with

That name spread like a wave across the entire arena. Reactions appeared almost instantly from all directions."Sullivan?""The hidden grandson, right?" another voice added. "The one they say is still very young?"In the VIP area, Matthew raised his chin, maintaining a calm expression. Vito smirked, his eyes shining with interest."This is the moment we've been waiting for," Vito muttered. "Watch closely."Haidan stepped forward at a steady pace, neither rushing nor hesitating. He looked very sure, even though his body was smaller than the others'."Look at his size," someone whispered. "He's not even old enough for this.""This is going to be embarrassing," another voice said with confidence. "He won't produce anything."Haidan didn't turn at all, as if those voices didn't exist. He stopped right in front of the crystal pillar and looked at it for a moment."Focus. Like practice," he muttered to himself.He raised his hand and placed his palm on the surface of the crystal. His moveme

Callen stepped forward, eyes sharp, staring through the crowd. "If you say Lily cheated, it's the same as accusing Vanguard Academy of being dishonest," he said in a clear, firm voice.Every eye turned toward him, and silence immediately fell over the arena.An old man from a warrior family stared at Callen with his mouth open, then flinched. "Uh… ehm… you mean…?" he muttered, clearly shocked.Callen didn't look away, his gaze fixed on the family. "Yes. Every move Lily made was recorded. All the professional judges are here. If you doubt my child, you doubt the academy's honesty. Do you want to do that?" His voice was cold, challenging.Several warrior families who had previously underestimated her fell silent, swallowing nervously as whispers stopped completely. They realized that their accusation of cheating was now an insult to an institution respected by everyone.Ivy looked at Lily with shining eyes. "Lily… you're amazing. Mom is so happy and proud," she praised softly.Lily glan

The arena fell silent for a moment before Tristan moved, looking at Lily with a thin but confident smile."You're just a kid," he said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "This is a serious fight. Don't waste my time!"Lily looked back at him, her lips forming a small smile. "If you want it over quickly, I can make you regret saying that," she replied innocently, but somehow the tone annoyed Tristan.Tristan frowned, his brows drawing together. "What? This little kid dares to mock me?""I'm not mocking," Lily said, leaning forward slightly, her hands still relaxed. "I'm just telling you not to be too confident. If you win, I lose. If I win, you're embarrassed."Tristan gritted his teeth, breathing fast. "A kid like you…"But the official had already blown the whistle, signaling the duel to begin. Tristan attacked first. His strikes were fast, each punch radiating immense energy, his technique refined and stable. Every blow made the air around the arena vibrate.The spectators