The first name that appeared on the holographic screens was
[Jaden Smith]
[Opponent: Rane]
Rane was the shield player from before. He had performed well in the first stage, winning cleanly through edge control, so it was not surprising that he was placed into the second stage.
After the two stepped onto the stage, the audience immediately quieted down.
Rane raised his shield, clearly preparing to fight steadily and methodically. His posture was stable, and his feet were firmly planted as if he intended to turn the battle into a long struggle. But Jaden did not give him any chance to set things up slowly.
The moment the host announced the start, Jaden charged straight out.
His sword was fast. And cold. Every slash pressed against the most uncomfortable part of the shield's edge. Rane wanted to use the boundary, but Jaden's continuous pressure left him no time to adjust his position.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The sound of metal collisions rang out repeatedly.
