Meanwhile, outside the suffocating silence of the resting room, the world was screaming.
The stadium vibrated with the collective roar of thousands of spectators. The sun had begun its descent, casting long, dramatic shadows across the battlefield, but the crowd's energy was brighter than ever. High above the center of the arena, massive projected screens flickered to life, displaying the updated tournament tree.
THE ELITE EIGHT
The names were divided into four distinct brackets.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" The Host's voice thundered, "We have arrived at the precipice of greatness! The final eight students remain, but only FOUR can ascend to the semi-finals!"
He gestured grandly to the screen.
"The rules for this stage are brutal but simple! The winners of these four distinct brackets will immediately secure their place in the Top 4! But for the losers... fate is not yet sealed!"
The Host pointed to his own wrist.
"Check your watches, contestants! If you fall in this round, your final standing Rank 5 through 10 will be decided by the Cumulative Performance Points you have earned throughout this entire tournament! Every hit, every dodge, every strategic decision has been tallied. Even in defeat, your past glory may save your rank! So fight with everything you have!"
The crowd roared in approval.
"LET THE QUARTERFINALS BEGIN!"
Amidst the chaotic sea of cheering fans and shifting bodies in the VIP contestant stands, Phoebe was on the hunt. She moved with purposeful strides, her eyes scanning the rows until they locked onto a familiar figure sitting in isolation.
Without a sound, Phoebe approached from behind. She didn't call out. Instead, she wrapped her arm around the neck of the black-haired girl sitting in front of her, pulling her into a tight, aggressive chokehold.
"The fuck-who?!" Lily sputtered, her hands flying up to claw at the arm.
She craned her neck back, saw the platinum hair and the smug grin, and her tension instantly evaporated, replaced by annoyance.
"Oh," Lily deadpanned, her voice flat. "It's just you."
Phoebe released her grip, hopping over the seat back to land beside her. The two girls offered a striking visual contrast. They were of similar height, but their builds told different stories of combat. Phoebe was built like a valkyrie, compact muscles defined her arms and shoulders, a physique honed for direct impact and endurance. Lily, on the other hand, was built like a whip, slim, wiry, and flexible, with a deceptive strength hidden in her lean frame.
"What are you doing here all alone?" Phoebe asked immediately, leaning back and manspreading slightly in the cramped seat. "Are you hiding? Too embarrassed to face the public after your loss?"
Phoebe giggled, a sharp, teasing sound.
Lily's eyes narrowed. Smoke seemed to curl from her ears, and she looked ready to fume, her mouth opening to deliver a scathing retort. But then, she stopped. She took a breath, smoothed her black hair, and gave Phoebe a bored look.
"I am not falling for the bait, Phoebe," Lily said coolly. She turned her gaze back to the arena. "Besides, didn't you lose to Solace? I don't think you have much room to talk about embarrassment."
Phoebe waved her hand dismissively, scoffing. "Eh. I let him win. He looked like he needed the confidence boost."
Lily turned her head slowly, fixing Phoebe with a knowing, predatory stare. Her lips curled into a smirk.
"Is that so?" Lily drawled. "Or maybe Solace just did a number on your heart, so you couldn't bring yourself to freeze him?"
Phoebe physically recoiled. Her composure cracked, and she looked away, feigning sudden interest in a vendor selling popcorn three rows down.
"So!" Phoebe said loudly, changing the subject with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. "I guess it's all merry between you and Vivi now? I saw you two talking after the match."
The smirk faded from Lily's face. She didn't answer immediately. She looked down at her hands, tracing the lines on her palms.
"No," she said calmly, her voice losing its edge. "It's not merry. We aren't suddenly best sisters holding hands and braiding hair."
She paused,
"I just... I understand her a bit more now. And she understands me. That's all."
Phoebe looked at Lily.
"I guess losers band together, huh?" Phoebe murmured, bumping her shoulder against Lily's.
Lily didn't smile immediately. She let the words hang in the air, listening to the announcer hype up the First match. Then, a slow, small smile crept onto her face.
"I guess they do," Lily replied quietly.