The crowd outside the stadium was a chaotic blend of excitement and tension. Vendors lined the streets, hawking everything from food and drinks to cheap trinkets bearing the tournament’s insignia. The hum of conversation filled the air, punctuated by occasional cheers and bursts of laughter.
Kei and Mia moved through the throng, their masks ensuring anonymity. While the atmosphere was festive, the air carried a faint edge of unease. Competitors were scattered throughout the crowd, their faces hardened with determination as they prepared for the battles ahead.
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REGISTRATION AND RULES
The entrance to the arena was a towering archway adorned with glowing Essence inscriptions. A row of officials stood behind a long table, processing the endless line of participants.
Kei leaned closer to Mia, his voice low. “How many people do you think signed up for this?”
“Thousands, probably,” Mia replied, her tone calm. “But not all of them will make it past the first round.”
Kei tilted his head. “You sound confident.”
“I am,” Mia said simply.
When their turn came, they handed over their identification tokens, small objects provided by the System during their trials. The official scanned the tokens, their eyes widening slightly as a faint hum emanated from the devices.
“Kei Moriyama and Mia Tavae,” the official said, their tone careful. “You’re both... unique entrants.”
Kei cocked an eyebrow under his mask. “That good or bad?”
The official hesitated. “It’s... notable. You’ll find out soon enough. Please proceed.”
Mia exchanged a glance with Kei before they moved past the table and into the arena’s inner halls.
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THE ARENA INTERIOR
The arena’s interior was a sprawling labyrinth of preparation rooms, training spaces, and observation decks. The hum of Essence energy was palpable, infusing the walls and floors with a faint glow.
Competitors were scattered throughout, some practicing their techniques while others meditated or sharpened their weapons. Kei and Mia moved to a quieter corner, taking in the sight of their opponents.
“Look at them,” Kei said, gesturing subtly. “Some of these guys look like they’ve been doing this for decades.”
Mia’s eyes scanned the room, her gaze sharp. “Appearances can be deceiving. Let’s focus on ourselves.”
Kei nodded, leaning against a wall. “Good plan. I mean, they don’t know what they’re up against.”
Mia’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Neither do we.”
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THE OPENING CEREMONY
The arena floor was a massive expanse of stone, glowing Essence lines forming intricate patterns across its surface. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, their cheers creating a deafening roar that reverberated through the air.
Stolen story; please report.
Kei and Mia stood among the other competitors, their masks drawing a few curious glances but no comments. A figure stepped onto a raised platform in the center of the arena—a tall, imposing woman with silver hair and an aura of authority.
“Welcome,” she said, her voice amplified by Essence. “To the First Global Martial Arts Tournament. You stand here today as the world’s pioneers, the first generation to step into a new era.”
The crowd roared, and the woman raised a hand for silence. “This tournament is not just about skill or strength. It is a test of resolve, ingenuity, and the will to adapt. Remember: the rules are simple. No equipment. No Essence. No Laws. Only your fists, your body, and your mind.”
Kei glanced at Mia, a grin evident in his voice. “Finally, a fair fight.”
Mia shook her head. “Let’s see how long you last before complaining.”
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FIRST MATCH ASSIGNMENTS
After the ceremony, the competitors were directed to a massive board displaying the match-ups for the first round. Kei and Mia scanned the list, their eyes narrowing as they found their names.
Match 34: Kei Moriyama vs. Davin Carter.
Match 47: Mia Tavae vs. Lin Wei.
Kei tilted his head. “Davin Carter? Sounds like a boxer.”
Mia’s eyes lingered on her opponent’s name. “Lin Wei. Likely a practitioner of martial arts. This should be interesting.”
“Or boring,” Kei quipped. “Guess we’ll find out.”
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PRE-FIGHT PREPARATIONS
In the waiting area, Kei stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders as he prepared for his match. The room was quiet, the sound of distant cheers filtering in from the arena floor. Despite his usual nonchalance, there was a spark of excitement in his eyes.
Mia sat nearby, her posture relaxed but her focus razor-sharp. “Don’t underestimate him.”
“I never underestimate anyone,” Kei replied, grinning. “I just overestimate myself.”
Mia sighed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”
Kei chuckled, adjusting his mask. “That’s why you keep me around.”
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STEPPING INTO THE RING
When Kei’s match was called, he strode onto the arena floor, his steps unhurried. The crowd’s murmurs grew louder as they took in his masked appearance, but Kei paid them no mind. His opponent, Davin Carter, was already waiting—a broad-shouldered man with a confident stance.
“Masked guy, huh?” Davin said, smirking. “Guess you’re here to put on a show.”
Kei tilted his head. “Something like that.”
The referee stepped forward, raising a hand. “Begin!”
Davin charged immediately, his fists flying in a blur of powerful strikes. Kei dodged with ease, his movements smooth and fluid. Each of Davin’s punches missed by inches, and Kei’s counters were precise, targeting weak points in his stance.
The fight didn’t last long. With a final sweep of his leg, Kei sent Davin sprawling to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee declared Kei the winner.
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MIA’S TURN
Mia’s match came shortly after. Lin Wei was a wiry man with sharp eyes and a practiced stance. He bowed respectfully before the fight began, and Mia returned the gesture.
Lin Wei’s strikes were fast and controlled, but Mia’s movements were effortless, each step a perfect counter to his attacks. She flowed like water, her Tai Chi principles guiding her every motion.
The fight ended with Lin Wei on the ground, breathless but uninjured. Mia extended a hand to help him up, earning a respectful nod from her opponent.
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THE EVENING REFLECT
Later that evening, Kei and Mia sat in their quarters, recounting the day’s events.
“Well,” Kei said, leaning back. “We made it through the first round. Not bad for a couple of island kids.”
Mia smirked. “Let’s see if we can keep it up.”
Kei chuckled, adjusting his mask. “Oh, we’ll keep it up. Let’s just hope the next round’s opponents are as fun as these.”
With that, they settled in for the night, ready for whatever the next day would bring.