The crowd was still buzzing with Evelyn's name when the screens flickered again. Athena stepped forward, her boots silent over the fractured stone.
"Next match. Silas vs Reia."
Another murmur rippled through the stands.
"They're fighting again?"
"This is to decide who goes to the quarterfinals… right?"
"Yeah… Reia was crazy fast last time. But Silas is a monster."
Silas rose slowly from where he sat, rolling his massive shoulders as if testing them after the fight with Evelyn. A few veins still pulsed with residual mana glow under his skin. Reia stood too, her motions calm and minimal as always. She adjusted her wrist brace, tightening the straps, her eyes distant and quiet behind her bangs.
They both stepped onto the stage.
Silas grinned wide at her, his teeth white against his tanned skin. "Let's go, little sis. This time, I'm winning properly."
Reia didn't answer. She raised her gaze, golden circuits flickering faintly across her temples.
Athena raised her hand.
