Two days were just enough for Tang San's burned back to heal.
The cracks at the tips of the Eight Spider Lances slowly closed under the nourishment of Soul Power. As an External Soul Bone, they healed along with their owner, though the process was hardly comfortable. Every night, Tang San felt an itch across his back, as if countless fine needles were crawling along the seams of his bones.
On the day of the match against Godwind Academy, he rose early.
At first light, Tang San went alone outside the camp to practice with his hammer. The small black hammer bore no Soul Rings, yet it still weighed astonishingly heavy in his hand. After practicing a dozen or so swings, he put it away. When he turned, he found Bai Jin crouched in a tree, watching him. He had been there for quite a while.
The wind from the hammer had shaken the morning dew loose, leaving a clear ring of dents in the grass.
"When did you get here?"
"Just before your first swing nearly hit your foot."
Tang San looked down at his foot and decided not to explain.
Bai Jin jumped down from the tree. "Worried someone will recognize it?"
Tang San was silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Then don't use it," Bai Jin said.
Tang San looked up at him.
"If it comes down to using it or losing, ask yourself then." Bai Jin smiled casually. "Did you step into the arena to win, or to keep someone else's secret? Just be clear about that."
With that, he walked off, carrying two bottles of milk he had swiped from the cafeteria.
That afternoon, Godwind Academy and Shrek entered the arena together.
Feng Xiaotian stood at the front of his team, his long teal hair