Back at the academy, Flender called the four children into his office.
"I saw your performance today."
Sitting in his chair, Flender adjusted his glasses.
"Four straight wins in the individual matches, two straight wins in the doubles matches. Six victories out of six, without a single loss."
"Of course!"
Ma Hongjun was the first to puff out his chest.
"Who do you think we are?"
"Don't get smug just yet."
Flender poured cold water on his excitement.
"Your opponents today were all Iron Soul Fighters from the very bottom of the Great Soul Arena. Beating them is nothing remarkable. When you face Bronze Soul Fighters and Silver Soul Fighters and can still win, then you'll have real skill."
Ma Hongjun shrank back and did not dare say another word.
"However..."
Flender changed his tone.
"Your performance today was indeed quite good. You coordinated well, adapted methodically, and no one held the others back. Especially in the doubles matches—the Crocodile Treasure Team and the Flying Phoenix Team both fought in their own styles."
"Dad, when can we compete in team battles?"
Oscar suddenly asked.
Flender froze for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. "Team battles? There are only four of you. What team battle could you possibly enter? Team battles at the Great Soul Arena require at least seven people. The four of you do not even meet the minimum number."
Oscar fell silent.
"We'll talk about it once the academy recruits more people."
Flender waved his hand.
"Don't think too much about that for now. Focus on your individual and doubles matches first. Accumulating points and raising your ranks is more important than anything else."
"Got it."
Oscar nodded.
"Alright, training and matches are over for today. You're free to do as you please."
Flender stood up.
"But