The Grand Stadium's atmosphere had crystallized into something heavier than before. The preliminary rounds had eliminated the weaker competitors. The Quarterfinals had demonstrated who possessed legitimate capability. The Semifinals would reveal who meant to be great in this world.
Millions watched through scrying mirrors across the seven kingdoms and numerous trading posts.
The announcer's voice emerged from the ley-line amplifiers, carrying the particular cadence of someone introducing contests of genuine magnitude.
"Eight champions remain. Four will advance to the Finals. The Semifinals commence."
He paused, allowing the weight to settle.
"Match One: Seed #1, Rhys, faces Seed #13, Soren Anake. Match Two: Seed #2, Sylvia Asher, faces Seed #7, Anya Castian. Match Three: Seed #11, Bastian Fireheart, faces Seed #9, Cedric Castian. Match Four: Seed #5, Miriame Malakor, faces Seed #14, Cyrus Ouroboros. The Semifinals begin."
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