"Are you guys tired?" Pat asked the crowd, both in the venue and those watching the live stream. The audience responded with an enthusiastic "NO!" Pat, in his usual energetic style, asked again, "I can't hear you! Are you guys tired?" The crowd, even louder this time, roared back with a resounding "NO!"

"Good, because we still have six more participants to introduce!" Pat teased, prompting giggles from the audience, as many realized they still had a lot of introductions ahead. "Oh well, if you are tired, the next participant is sure to hype you up!" he hinted at someone well known, and the crowd immediately caught on. "NAOMI! NAOMI! NAOMI!" they chanted, the cheers growing louder in anticipation.

"I guess no introduction is needed! Last year's Athenaeum Games champion—NAOMI WEST!" Pat shouted, causing the audience to go wild. Samantha followed with the formal introduction: "Naomi West, 17 years old, one of the four participants from Starlight University. She is the reigning Athenaeum Games champion, a prodigy in the world of tennis, known for her athletic prowess, strategic mindset, and dedication to health and fitness. She is the pinnacle of excellence and a role model for many!"

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d2/Naomi_wearing_a_formal_gown_prepare_for_the_gaia.png]

Naomi, with her hazel-colored wavy hair and brown skin, walked up the stage confidently, wearing a strapless evening gown adorned with sophisticated patterns and glittering accents. The crowd's cheers for her matched, if not exceeded, the enthusiasm they had shown for Chloe Choi earlier.

Pat, chuckling, said, "Naomi West! It's hard to ask you questions with the crowd being this loud." He playfully added, "I'm also afraid of asking tough questions with so many of your fans here—I wouldn't want to offend them!" The audience laughed along.

"So, let's keep it simple. How's life been for you so far?" Pat asked.

"Everything's good, Pat. I'm excited and fully prepared for this competition. It's great to see both familiar and new faces, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they'll bring to the Games!" Naomi replied with her signature confidence, which only fueled the crowd's cheers even more.

"Do you have any final words for the participants?" Pat asked.

"I'll be giving my 100% in every match, and I hope you all do the same! I'm here to defend my title!" Naomi said, her voice brimming with determination, as the crowd erupted into chants of her name once again.

"I give you Naomi West! We can't wait to see her in action in the tournament! Stay tuned to follow her journey!" Samantha said, closing the interview as they prepared to introduce the next participant.

As Naomi's introduction came to a close, Pat knew he needed to maintain the energy in the room. "Everyone, please stay with us! After all the introductions, we'll have a photo-taking session, and I promise our next five competitors will be just as interesting!" he said, keeping the audience eager with anticipation.

"Our next competitor is Javier Morales from Mexico! Let's give him the same energy you gave Naomi and give him a warm welcome!" The audience clapped, though not with the same fervor as they had for Naomi. Samantha, ever the professional, continued with her introduction, "Javier Morales, age 17, from Universidad de Sol de Mexico. The sport he represents is Padel. Javier is known for being friendly, easygoing, and maintaining a positive outlook on life."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f1/Javier_in_a_white_suit_and_pants.png]

Javier, with his tousled black hair and a white sports headband, walked confidently up to the stage in a sharp white suit. Pat, trying to keep the momentum going, quickly began his line of questioning.

"Javier, what can we expect from you in this tournament?" Pat asked.

Javier, brimming with optimism, replied, "I believe I'll be the dark horse of the tournament—someone people may not expect, but I'll definitely be one to watch out for!"

Pat, picking up on his confidence, followed up, "You sound sure of yourself. Any particular reason for this?"

With a smile, Javier responded, "I have the mentality and physicality needed to succeed. My experience as a Padel player has been fantastic, and I expect to bring the same energy and success to the Athenaeum Games. Watch out for me, everyone!" His positivity shone through in his words.

"We hope your positivity leads you to victory, Javier! Good luck in the tournament!" Samantha added as they wrapped up the interview.

"And now, we're ready for the next participant!" Pat said, as Javier walked off the stage with a confident smile.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, our next participant, a Russian beauty who brings a perfect blend of grace, discipline, and agility! Please welcome Natalia Ivanova!" Pat's voice boomed with excitement, hyping up the audience. "At just 17 years old, Natalia is already a standout in rhythmic gymnastics, representing Sankt-Peterburgskiy Institut Fizicheskoy Kultury. Known for her elegance, Natalia brings precision, grace, femininity, and gentleness to the Athenaeum Games—quite different from the other participants we've introduced, whose sports rely on physical power." Samantha added, giving depth to Natalia's introduction. "Natalia will definitely showcase a different kind of skill set when she competes, so let's give her a warm welcome."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/93/Natalia_wearing_an_elegant_gown_dress%2C_capturing_her_grace_and_sophistication.png]

Natalia, in a sleeveless maroon dress, gracefully walked onto the stage. Her hair was styled in an elegant high bun, and her delicate triangular face, fair skin, and striking green eyes drew the audience's attention.

Pat began with his question. "Natalia, as Samantha mentioned, most of the other sports rely on physical strength, while your discipline focuses more on grace and finesse. Aren't you worried about being at a disadvantage, or possibly getting hurt?"

With a soft smile and a hint of her Russian accent, Natalia replied, "I have confidence in myself. I believe in using softness against hardness, grace against power. It will bring artistry to this tournament."

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Impressed by her confidence, Pat continued, "I love your confidence! Any sneak preview of what we can expect from your style?"

Natalia simply smiled again, "You'll see when the matches begin."

"Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the Russian beauty, Natalia Ivanova! We're excited to see how she integrates rhythmic gymnastics into her fighting style!" Samantha concluded, preparing the stage for the next competitor.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/bb/Olivier_wearing_a_gentleman%27s_suit%2C_showcasing_his_sophisticated_and_confident_demeanor.png]

"Our next participant hails from France, and he's the only contestant in the tournament trained in combat sports. Please put your hands together to welcome Olivier Leclerc!" Pat announced enthusiastically, trying to hype the crowd for the next participant. "Olivier Leclerc, 17, a dedicated student from the prestigious Université de Lumière in France, is a master fencer. As the only combat sports competitor in the Athenaeum Games, Olivier sees this as an opportunity to showcase his superiority," Samantha wrapped up the introduction, cueing Pat to begin the interview. Olivier then walked up to the stage with his brown hair styled in a short ponytail, loose strands framing his face, brown eyes, and a sharp jawline. He was dressed in a black gentleman’s suit with a tie.

Pat, eager to engage Olivier, welcomed him with a grin, "Olivier, as the only participant trained in combat sports, do you think you’ve got the upper hand in this competition?" He leaned in, trying to gauge Olivier's reaction.

Olivier gave a small, confident smile as he adjusted his tie. "Pat, it’s tempting to think so, but I believe every competitor here brings something unique to the table. Combat sports give me an edge, but the others have their own strengths," he replied with a calm and composed tone, his French accent adding an air of sophistication.

Pat, attempting to dig deeper, followed up, "You seem humble about your chances to win. Why is that?"

Olivier replied calmly, "I've seen the competitors, and they're all great. There's no reason to compare."

Pat, a little frustrated by Olivier's modest responses that lacked the flair to keep the crowd buzzing, wrapped up, "Thank you, Olivier, we appreciate your humility and wish you the best! Now, our next participant coming to the stage will be the final female competitor!" Samantha smoothly shifted the attention to keep the crowd excited as the next participant was prepared to take the stage.

"You got it right, Samantha! This is our last female competitor, representing the U.S. as well! Please give a warm welcome to Taylor Hudson!" Pat energized the crowd, aiming to build excitement after the quieter interview with Olivier. "Taylor Hudson, 18, from Empire State University, New York, represents lacrosse. She's known for her toughness, energy, and strategic thinking, making her a formidable and inspiring figure," Samantha added with her formal introduction.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/75/Taylor_in_a_orange_gown.png]

Taylor, dressed in a vibrant orange gown, walked up the stage with her usual energy. Her light brown hair was tied at the top, leaving the sides free, and her striking greenish-blue eyes shone with confidence.

"So, Taylor, being the last female participant interviewed today, how do you feel about that?" Pat asked.

"It feels very long!" Taylor quipped, causing the crowd to burst into laughter at her candidness.

"Sorry to make you wait—alphabetical order, you know," Pat explained, smiling.

"I thought I was the showstopper, that's why I'm last," Taylor joked, bringing even more laughter and applause from the crowd. Pat, clearly pleased with the audience's response, continued.

"Final question for you, Taylor: Is there anything you hope to get out of the Athenaeum Games?"

Taylor, brimming with enthusiasm, replied, "I want to show the world how amazing lacrosse is! And of course, I'm here to win it for all the lacrosse players out there!"

"Give it up for our last female contestant!" Pat and Samantha encouraged the crowd, as they clapped and cheered for Taylor before moving on to introduce the final participant.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far. I know it's been a long wait, and I appreciate your patience. Now, I'm excited to present our final participant for the meet and greet session! Please put your hands together to welcome Preston Montgomery!" Pat, an experienced host, knew that viewership might drop at this point, but he maintained his professionalism to keep the audience engaged.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Preston_in_his_original_outfit_with_a_black_tie_on.png]

"Thanks, Pat, it's been quite the introduction. We finally reach this moment—the last of our participants, the final four from Starlight University, 18 years old, representing the sport of billiards. He introduces himself with a calculated sophistication and elegance, much like his sport," Samantha concluded her introduction. Preston then walked up to the stage, his curly golden hair and sharp facial features complemented by royal blue eyes and transparent rimless glasses. His dark green shirt, paired with a golden vest and dark green pants, tied together with a black tie, showcased a polished and distinctive look that reflected both his personal style and his esteemed social standing.

"Preston, you are our final participant tonight. How do you feel?" Pat asked.

"It's an honor to be the final participant, which I believe is well-deserved, as I will be the last man standing in this competition," Preston replied, his tone polite yet tinged with arrogance.

Pat, slightly taken aback by Preston's directness and confidence, quickly followed up. "As one of the four from Starlight University, do you have any words for your three schoolmates?"

"I only have one thing to say. Naomi West, if you manage to make it to the finals, know that I will be the one standing in your way to stop you from becoming the reigning champion," Preston declared, glancing down at Naomi with a hint of challenge in his eyes.

"What is this guy talking about, calling us jokers?" Carter grumbled from below the stage.

"Just ignore him; he's always like this. We'll show him in the arena," Jake added, dismissing Preston's comments.

Meanwhile, Naomi met Preston's gaze from below the stage, her look intense and unspoken, signaling a brewing rivalry.

As the introduction of all participants concluded, Pat and Samantha eagerly prepared to reveal the matchups for the first round. Pat, in his usual energetic style, shouted, "Are you all excited for the competition?" The crowd roared back with a resounding "Yes!" The anticipation was palpable as the large screen began to flicker, ready to display the pairings. The participants, just as eager as the audience, watched closely, knowing that these matchups could make or break their journey in the tournament. The matches were randomized, leaving everything up to fate.

"Drum roll, please!" Pat hyped up the crowd even further, and then, with a flourish, the screen displayed the winner's bracket for Round 1:

Winners Round 1 – First 8 Matches:

Jake Harada versus Naomi West

Olivier Leclerc versus Natalia Ivanova

Madison Thompson versus Carter Brooks

Lin Xiaoyun versus Veronica Hart

Chloe Choi Soo-Min versus Javier Morales

Preston Montgomery versus Eliza Hart

Arjun Patel versus Taylor Hudson

Lukas Müller versus Erik Andersson

"What a blockbuster first round, Samantha!" Pat exclaimed, stunned by the matchups. Samantha nodded, equally surprised. "Pat, I completely agree! These matchups are already electrifying, with some that could easily be finals-worthy. The next 16 days at Maxwell Coliseum are going to be incredible!" The crowd’s cheers grew louder as excitement coursed through the arena.

Meanwhile, Jake and Naomi exchanged a glance, both understanding the gravity of their upcoming fight. It was going to be a tough battle between schoolmates. Carter and Maddie, who had just formed a friendship, now realized they would be opponents in the arena, causing a mix of emotions to wash over them.

With the matchups revealed, all the participants began mentally preparing for what lay ahead. The tournament was shaping up to be an unforgettable event, with every competitor ready to face their destiny in what was sure to be the match of the century.