As the earth mages once again stepped onto the fighting stage, weaving their hands through tight formations to repair the cracks left by Jeska's raw power, the crowd took the moment to breathe byand buzz with speculation.
Whispers moved like wildfire through the stands. Who would win the next bout? Would speed or precision triumph? Would Mira's elegance finally be undone?
Kai leaned forward in his seat, watching closely as the last of the floor tiles slid smoothly into place. Just beside him, Vepice nibbled at a skewer of grilled vegetables she'd gotten from a nearby vendor, still wide-eyed from the previous match.
The familiar boom of the announcer's voice shattered the idle murmurs.
"And now we come to the fifth match of the Octofinals! We're halfway through the day, but don't you dare get tired, because this next one's going to be a blur!"
A pause for effect. A dramatic inhale.
