"Participant Aries, lost by knockout!"
A hush fell over the audience as the first student from Runebound Academy collapsed in the arena.
They had lost their first round.
And soon after…
"Participant Brendon, lost by surrender!"
The stands that had once echoed with cheers and waving banners now stood silent.
The energy—the excitement—had drained away.
In its place was shock. Disbelief.
Those who supported Blackthorn Academy, however, were bursting with joy. Their voices shook the coliseum.
"GO! GO! BLACKTHORNS! YOU CAN DO IT, BLACKTHORNS!"
Ariana stared at the battlefield, stunned. Two straight losses? She hadn't expected that.
"It seems you didn't give them enough time to prepare again," one of the rival Headmasters commented with a smirk. The other two chuckled quietly.
Ariana narrowed her eyes. "You're right, I didn't. But have we lost yet? No. So I'd suggest you don't embarrass yourself too early."
