In the next second, the Clusia host saw a fencer emerge from the arena's right side. He could only discern if it was male or female from the figure's silhouette. His jaw dropped as he glanced at the list in his hand. "Wait a minute, this clearly says Jeremiah, male, Clusia major general. How did he become a woman in less than half an hour?"

Not only were the Clusian hosts surprised, but the spectators were equally taken aback. "How could a woman compete?" Most knew Jeremiah was supposed to compete. "What on earth is going on? This is clearly a last-minute switch!" Those who connected the dots recalled Clifford's serious demeanor earlier and realized something significant must have happened; otherwise, Jeremiah wouldn't have left midway. The atmosphere immediately grew tense.

The confused host quickly looked toward the staff below the stage, surprised to see Clifford standing aside. Clifford nodded reassuringly, then took the conversation headset. "Continue."

The host, understanding, professionally resumed explaining the competition rules.

Clifford watched the figure on stage, rubbing his temples, fatigue and worry etched in his eyes. He hadn't expected Jeremiah to let Yvette compete in his place. "I wonder if this is the right decision?" However, considering Yvette's Interpol connection, Clifford felt his future daughter-in-law might surprise him.

On the main stage, Jase subtly observed the central figure, his gaze deepening. It would be untrue to say he wasn't surprised; he was utterly bewildered by this competitor's capabilities. He questioned the completeness of his information. "I hope this kid can give the Clusian people another surprise," he thought eagerly.

Kyle, beside Jase, keenly watched his movements. "How could Clusia send a woman? That's impossible! Even without their major general, they could easily field army men. What kind of strategy is this? It seems they truly have no one left. Ybaulla is bound to win; they need to regain their lost dignity."

Unnoticed, Kaiden was dumbfounded. On stage, he stared blankly at the figure approaching leisurely, panic and fear barely concealed in his eyes. Though his face remained impassive, he couldn't forget those eyes—cold and indifferent, devoid of warmth—as if nothing mattered to her.

Kaiden's hand holding his sword trembled slightly. He hadn't expected that after meticulously preventing Jeremiah's participation, he'd face his coach instead. "Is God playing tricks on me? Why is the coach competing? What went wrong? I must have missed something crucial…" Kaiden's mind was in chaos, nearly paralyzing his thought processes.

The fencing match, broadcast live, clearly captured Kaiden's dazed state. Online viewers buzzed with discussion.

[I mean, does anyone else think Kaiden looks really weird? He seems to know our competitor somehow.] [Same here. He looks scared. Is his left hand shaking?] [But the real shock is Clusia's competitor is a woman again! The goddess's performance yesterday was fierce! Who's prettier, this girl or the goddess?] [I'm super excited, but it's a pity we can't see the girl's face.] [Do you think it's the goddess herself?] [No way! The goddess can't compete twice.] [If the goddess is this good at fencing, there's hope for us!] [Exactly… A second win in a row would be amazing.]

At the venue, Charles focused on the stage. He recognized the familiar figure. "Something must have happened for the coach to compete. This has to be Kaiden's doing. He'll do anything for victory, but how did he get Jeremiah removed?

Charles sighed, feeling sorry for Kaiden. "This fool must not have realized the coach's relationship with Jeremiah, or he wouldn't have dared target him. Fate's a cruel mistress—now the coach is handling him." To Charles, the outcome was certain. "I wonder how the coach will deal with Kaiden. Today's his worst nightmare. Given the coach's protective nature, if Kaiden truly targeted Jeremiah, his life might be in danger."

Andrew's eyes widened. "Charles, is that Yvette?"

On stage, Yvette faced Kaiden, her gaze piercing and cold, a brief glance before looking away.

That indifference fueled Kaiden's anger. "Why hasn't the coach seen my growth and effort? I'm the Steel Serpents' heir, yet she views me as worthless. Do I not deserve her acknowledgment?"

Kaiden lowered his head, his trembling right hand clutching his sword. He knew he'd lost before the match began; he lacked the strength to resist Yvette. "I've known since training camp how skilled the coach is. Is there even a point?" Kaiden realized he had no escape; retreat meant certain doom.

Yvette stood casually, sword in hand, unconcerned. Her stance betrayed a lack of seriousness, contrasting sharply with Kaiden's tense demeanor.

The disparity was evident. The audience stared in disbelief. "Where did this powerhouse come from? Why does this match seem so easy?"