At 4:15, the fencing match officially began. The spectators below the stage grew tense, observing the two fencers poised with swords.

As the countdown ended, Kaiden gritted his teeth, resolved, and struck first. “After all these years, my swordsmanship has improved dramatically. I'm not the same as I used to be. I'll win this fencing match even if it costs me everything. Besides, she might have moments of weakness, right?” He knew he could only approach this match with a degree of luck.

Yvette effortlessly stepped aside, perfectly avoiding his strike. Kaiden knew this attack wouldn't harm the top coach of the Mysonna underground. He charged again, his sword thrusting menacingly.

They exchanged blows, Kaiden attacking, Yvette defending. The audience was on edge, confused by her defensive strategy. Online viewers debated fiercely:

“[Wow, why does she keep dodging? Isn't she going to attack?]”

“[I agree; it's baffling. Could she be setting up a big move?]”

“[I think she's dodging because she can't handle it. Kaiden's fencing is powerful; the average person wouldn't stand a chance.]”

“[Based on that, we have no hope. I was hoping for a double victory; what a shame.]”

“[If they lose, it's done; matches have winners and losers. She's shown courage; let's not criticize her.]”

“[What are you talking about? If she keeps dodging, we'll lose respect for her; she deserves criticism.]”

Online opinions were sharply divided—supportive versus critical.

On stage, Kaiden continued his relentless attack, but Yvette remained purely defensive. Initially, Kaiden believed she had a strategy, but his certainty faltered. The score remained 0-0. “Is she hoping for a draw? But that's impossible.”

Ten minutes passed; Kaiden’s attacks slowed, his stamina waning. Yvette remained casually poised, showing no intent to attack. A faint vibration from the stage caused her to raise her eyelids and arch her delicate eyebrows. “I was almost asleep waiting,” she mused, brushing dust from her outfit. The vibration signaled Aurora's safety from Jeremiah. With half-closed eyes, Yvette finally looked at Kaiden.

Kaiden met her gaze, momentarily stunned, then saw her lips move: “It’s over.”

Before he could react, Yvette was before him, then across the stage in a blur. The audience gasped in amazement. The host was equally bewildered: “What just happened? How did she move so quickly… Was that magic?”

Andrew, astounded, turned to Charles: “Holy crap, is your sister-in-law some kind of goddess? Was that magic?”

Charles calmly nodded. “No, that’s Yve’s signature technique—no one else can master it.” Her speed and internal energy allowed near-impossible movements. She had taught it at training camp, but no one could learn it.

Kaiden had never seen this move. His expression grew serious. He had trained with the coach, but the Ybaulla only practiced Tradecraft, unconnected to ancient warrior techniques. He could never blend the two. Kaiden lowered his head, noticing a mark on his chest—he had been hit. The screen showed 1-0.

Before he could react, Yvette struck again, aiming for his leg. He retreated, but she was instantly before him. The flash of her sword dazzled him; in a blink, they passed each other. He panicked, nearly dropping his sword. The crowd gasped; some stood.

“Look, there’s a tear in Kaiden’s fencing outfit.”

“I saw it too. Didn’t they say it was made with space nanotechnology? It shouldn’t be cut!”

“This suit has never been torn! That sword energy must have contained the power of mountains and rivers!”

“You’re exaggerating!”

“No, I'm not. This suit was custom-made by Ybaulla experts. It's incredibly tough.”

Kaiden was oblivious to the discussion. His mind raced; he looked at his chest—torn and bleeding. The score was 2-0.

With three minutes left, everyone knew the outcome. They understood Yvette’s earlier restraint. Clusia’s netizens celebrated online, apologizing for their earlier criticisms.

Kaiden gritted his teeth and charged, desperate. “There’s no time left. If I can’t win, I can’t lose this badly.” He aimed for a desperate point, accepting injury to himself.

Below, Kyle’s expression darkened. “Why did we, Ybaulla, lose both matches to a Clusian woman? In chess and fencing… especially with this score of zero…” Ybaulla lost face and any advantage in the trade contract.