Chapter 283: Quarter Finals [4] Surprisingly, Liam appeared to be American rather than of Japanese heritage, standing out among the predominantly Asian competitors in this traditional martial arts tournament. Despite his cultural background differing from most participants, Liam had demonstrated swordsmanship skills that Noah estimated at around level 8—genuinely impressive technique that explained his advancement to the semifinals. His fighting style had clearly caught his opponent off guard. Liam’s advancement meant the semifinals would feature diverse fighting and cultural approaches to swordsmanship. With two quarterfinal matches remaining, Noah recognized that his own fight was approaching rapidly, along with the possibility of facing either Ichigo or the final unknown competitor in what promised to be increasingly challenging combat.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The third fight announcement came with clear bracket revelations that settled the remaining quarterfinal matchups. Stepping on the stage, the head referee coughed to clear his theoat before grabbing the attention of everyone present. "Ladies and gentlemen, the remaining quarterfinal matches are as follows: Noah Carter versus Hikari Yami, and Kenzo Nakamura versus Ichigo Tanaka." "Phew, man I thought we were going to face each other." Ichigo wiped invisible sweat beads from his forehead. Noah shook his head at Ichigo’s antics before walking to the stage with measured steps and a composed expression. After hearing his name being called Hikari walked to the stage with a stern expression. He looked very serious, as if this was a life and death battle for him. Hikari’s posture suggested he wasn’t underestimating Noah despite their lack of previous encounters. As both competitors took their positions, the panel of judges observed with obvious interest. "This should be entertaining," one judge remarked to his colleagues. "I’m curious how Tanaka’s student will perform under increased pressure. Hikari isn’t a weak contestant, he was considered to be one of the competitors that might win the tournament." "Indeed, this will be an interesting match, although I must say It would be really disappointing if he loses now," another judge replied thoughtfully. "The boy seems to be following his master’s footsteps quite naturally." "Notice how calm Tanaka’s student appears," the third judge observed with narrowing eyes. "He doesn’t strike me as the arrogant type either. That level of composure suggests he is really confident in his abilities." Among the spectators, whispered conversations spread with anticipation for the mysterious competitor who had drawn such attention. "That’s the one who appeared from nowhere," a wealthy patron murmured to his companion. "Master Tanaka had never brought a student to the tournament, yet this young man seems to have earned his personal instruction." "His physical power in the elimination rounds was remarkable," replied a retired swordsman. "He looked as if he was even holding back his strength, he wasn’t even breathing heaviky at the end of thay battle." "The question is whether he can maintain that level against someone like Hikari," added another observer. "I heard Hikari has been training since childhood, whereas I’ve never heard of this Noah Carter. He should be a new swordsman." On the spectator stand, Kenzo stood watching as Noah prepared to face his opponent. "Sigh...it’s a pity, I wanted to fight him during this stage. Well, let’s hope he survives till then." Kenzo whispered to himself, a wide grin on his face. The referee raised his hand signaling the phase of starting the match. "Fighters, take your positions!" Noah and Hikari moved to opposite ends of the competition area, both drawing their swords. The crowd fell silent as tension built between the two competitors. As the leaf touched the ground Hikari took charge. Whoosh! Hikari immediately launched forward with explosive speed, his blade cutting through the air in a diagonal strike aimed at Noah’s shoulder. Clang! Noah’s sword intercepted the strike with seemingly without too much effort, the impact sending vibrations through both weapons. But while Hikari felt the jarring shock travel up his arms, Noah remained perfectly steady, as if the collision had barely registered. Swish! Thwack! Hikari followed up with a rapid combination of attacks—horizontal slash, vertical cut, diagonal sweep—each strike delivered with textbook form and considerable power. The crowd murmured appreciatively at the technical display. "This competitor is indeed this tournament’s dark horse. Never heard of him before yet he is able to stand on equal grounds with Hikari." One of the spectators said, whilst watching with amazement. Clang! Clang! Clang! Noah parried each attack from Hikari, his defenses appearing like an impenetrable fortress despite facing someone of Hikari’s caliber. Noah’s footwork remained controlled, never giving ground despite the relentless assault. "Impressive defense from Carter," one judge observed quietly. "But let’s see his offense." Whoosh! Crack! Hikari attempted a feint followed by a thrust toward Noah’s midsection, but Noah read the deception instantly and sidestepped. Hikari’s thurst missed its target, but that wasn’t the end as Noah launched his own counterattack. Swish! Noah’s blade moved in a beautiful arc that forced Hikari to retreat several steps. The strike carried power that surprised the experienced fighter, though Noah deliberately held back from his full capabilities. Thud! Thud! Hikari’s feet hit the ground heavily as he regained his balance, his breathing already showing signs of exertion from the intense exchanges. Meanwhile, Noah’s breathing remained steady and controlled. Whoosh! Clang! Swish! The pattern continued as Hikari pressed his attacks without growing desperate. It was clear that unlike some of the other contestants, Hikari was experienced and did not lose composure despite his inability to do any real damage. Each strike met Noah’s blade with bone-jarring force, yet Noah absorbed the impacts without flinching while Hikari felt every collision reverberate through his enhanced grip. Something’s not right, Hikari thought with growing concern. My strikes should be affecting him more than this. Crack! Thwack! Noah began demonstrating more aggressive techniques, his blade work flowing between defensive parries and controlled offensive sequences. Swish! Clang! Whoosh! The crowd watched with growing fascination as the mysterious student began matching and then exceeding Hikari’s technical displays. His form was flawless, his timing perfect, yet he seemed to be holding something back. "Look at his stance," a spectator whispered in awe. "He’s not even fully committed to those attacks." Gg