It was Day 1 of the Athenaeum Games, and the Maxwell Colosseum was packed to its full capacity, with 50,000 spectators buzzing with excitement. The crowd was electric, ready to witness not just one, but three thrilling matches. Among the audience were Akane and Luna, invited by Jake and Carter to watch the event live. For both girls, it was their first time at the Games. Luna, taking a break from her quest to find the seven swords, enjoyed the freedom of cheering for her friends, while Akane came along as a quiet but steady supporter.
At the announcer's table, Pat Samson and Samantha White were ready to call the action, preparing for the first match of the day—a blockbuster showdown between Jake Harada and Naomi West. The battleground, a 94-foot circular arena, was an eclectic mix of grassy patches, sandy ground, and concrete areas. Scattered throughout were various sports balls, crates, and obstacles, offering opportunities for creative strategies.
Backstage, Carter tightened his black hockey gloves while Jake laced up his sneakers, preparing for the match ahead. "Good luck, bro. I know Naomi is tough, but you've got this," Carter encouraged, giving Jake a reassuring pat on the back. Jake smiled, nodded, and picked up his trusty baseball bat, ready to face the challenge.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Athenaeum Games! Get ready to rumble!" Pat's voice boomed through the colosseum, hyping up the eager crowd. "I'm thrilled, Pat. We've got a full house of 50,000 spectators, and it's only Day 1!" Samantha added. "And we're starting things off with a bang—everyone's here to see Naomi, the reigning champion, in action!" Pat chimed in, his voice filled with excitement. "But let's not overlook her opponent, Jake Harada. He's been getting a lot of buzz lately, and this matchup between schoolmates from Starlight University is sure to be intense," Samantha analyzed.
"Without keeping the spectators waiting, let's get the first battle started!" Pat's voice boomed with excitement, fueling the already charged atmosphere in the arena. "Introducing our first competitor, from Starlight University—18 years old and representing the sport of baseball, wielding his trusted baseball bat. His fighting style is a balance of strategy, agility, and strength!" Samantha followed with her usual sharp analysis, as Jake stepped onto the arena.
Waving to the crowd with his baseball bat in hand, Jake received a warm cheer from the spectators, his energy syncing with the electric atmosphere. In the stands, Luna and Akane were visibly excited to see their friend compete. "Go Jake!" Luna shouted, her voice clear above the din of the crowd. Akane, more reserved, smiled softly and clapped gently, her quiet support just as meaningful.
Jake began doing some stretches, mentally and physically preparing for the tough battle ahead, as the crowd awaited Naomi West's grand entrance.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to introduce our reigning champion!" Samantha's voice brimmed with excitement, showing a clear hint of favoritism compared to her introduction for Jake. "At just 17 years old, representing Starlight University, she's a rising star in the world of tennis. Known for her athleticism, strategic mind, and innovative battle style, she's the fan favorite—NAOMI WEST!!!"
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The crowd's energy surged as Naomi walked out into the arena with laser focus and unshakable confidence. Dressed in her signature sports outfit—a purple ribbed tank top that accentuated her athletic frame, paired with a white tennis skirt and a blue visor—she looked every bit the champion. Her hazel hair, pulled back in a sleek ponytail, bounced slightly as she strode forward, holding her black tennis racket in hand. The crowd erupted, chanting, "NAOMI! NAOMI! NAOMI!" The roar was deafening, but Naomi's concentration remained sharp as she locked eyes with Jake, who simply smiled back, undeterred by the show of favoritism.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/eb/Jake_Harada%2C_Athenaeum_Games_profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Versus.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/22/Naomi_West_Profile.png]
The LED screen above the arena flashed the competitors' faces—Jake Harada vs. Naomi West—building anticipation as the match was about to begin. "Samantha, care to explain the rules of the battle for the crowd?" Pat asked, adding to the build-up.
"Not a problem, Pat!" Samantha responded smoothly. "The match ends only in one of three ways—knockout, a competitor giving up, or when a participant is unable to pick up their weapon anymore. It's all about endurance, skill, and strategy." Samantha's explanation set the stage for the impending battle.
"So, Samantha, what do you think of both participants' weapons?" Pat asked, cueing his co-host for her analysis.
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Samantha started with Naomi's weapon. "Naomi's tennis racket is a highly functional weapon, made from carbon fiber, with an oversized head and a tight string pattern to maximize power. It allows her to deliver powerful strikes while maintaining lightweight maneuverability. The aerodynamic frame ensures quick movement, making it perfect for her fast-paced, strategic play."
Switching to Jake's weapon, Samantha continued, "On the other hand, Jake's baseball bat is about 32 inches long, giving him an excellent balance between reach and control. It's made of sturdy wood, excelling in delivering powerful blunt-force strikes. It also serves as a reliable defensive tool, allowing him to block attacks with its solid frame."
As the whistle blew to signal the start of the fight, both Jake and Naomi took their ready stances—Jake with his baseball bat, Naomi with her tennis racket—the crowd brimming with excitement, waiting to see which of these Starlight University athletes would emerge victorious.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8e/Jake_Harada_performing_Slide_dodge%2C_uses_a_sliding_motion_to_dodge_attacks_and_reposition_himself_strategically.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/76/Cross-Court_Dash.png]
"And here we go!" Pat shouted excitedly as the battle began. Both fighters wasted no time, lunging toward each other. Jake, aiming to catch Naomi off guard, quickly executed a Slide Dodge, sliding low to sweep his bat at her feet. But Naomi’s reflexes were too sharp—she pivoted with a Cross-Court Dash, using her athletic speed to dart across the battlefield and reposition herself for the next move.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2a/Smash_Strike.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1a/Jake_Harada_performing_Bunt_Block%2C_using_the_bat_like_a_shield%2C_Jake_can_deflect_incoming_attacks_with_a_quick%2C_precise_bunt.png]
Naomi retaliated with a Smash Strike, her racket arcing overhead in a powerful swing, mimicking a tennis smash. It aimed straight for Jake’s shoulder. At the last second, Jake managed to block with a Bunt Block, using his bat as a shield. The force of Naomi’s blow reverberated through Jake’s arms, leaving him momentarily stunned.
"Whoa, you're not holding back!" Jake gasped, shaking his hands to rid them of the numbness caused by the impact. Naomi, however, remained silent and focused, showing no reaction to his words.
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"What quick reflexes from Jake Harada, managing to block Naomi’s heavy strike!" Pat commented, his voice brimming with excitement. Samantha chimed in with her usual analytical tone, "Naomi’s Smash Strike is known for its sheer force, and while Jake managed to block it, it’s clear the impact has already taken a toll. You can see him trying to shake it off."
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/25/Backhand_Blow.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/95/Batter%27s_Intuition.png]
Naomi, fierce in her relentless assault, immediately followed up her previous attack with a Backhand Blow, delivering a swift and powerful strike with her racket, using the full momentum of her body. But Jake's Batter’s Intuition kicked in just in time, his keen eye reading Naomi’s movements. He dodged the blow, though it caused him to stumble backward into a stack of crates.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/62/Power_Serve_Shot.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/e7/Power_Serve_Shot_Projectile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/01/Fielder%27s_Choice.png]
Not missing a beat, Naomi seized the opportunity, quickly grabbing a tennis ball from the ground. With a calculated move, she launched her Power Serve Shot, sending the ball hurtling toward Jake at breakneck speed. The tennis ball, now a high-velocity projectile, demanded an immediate reaction. Jake, thinking fast, activated his Fielder’s Choice, a split-second decision to counter the incoming attack.
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Jake swung his bat with his signature Home Run Swing, meeting the tennis ball with pinpoint accuracy and sending it rocketing back toward Naomi. Startled by the counterattack, Naomi barely managed to dodge, using her Cross-Court Dash to swiftly reposition herself. The ball whizzed past her, nearly hitting its original sender.
Adjusting her blue visor and pushing back a loose strand of her wavy hair, Naomi finally spoke, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and respect. "I didn’t expect you to be this tough," she admitted, acknowledging Jake's prowess for the first time.
"What a move by Jake Harada!" Pat exclaimed, clearly impressed with Jake's performance. "Naomi's projectile move, Power Serve Shot, is notoriously hard to counter due to its incredible speed and precision. We never expected Jake to hit it back with such precision using his Home Run Swing," Samantha added, her usual analysis favoring Jake this time. The crowd began chanting, "This is awesome! This is awesome!" acknowledging the intensity and skill of the match. Carter, Luna, and Akane watched with bated breath, hoping Jake could cause a major upset by knocking Naomi, the reigning champion, into the loser's bracket.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/61/Jake_Harada_performs_Curveball_Confound_as_he_throws_an_object_that_curves_unpredictably%2C_disorienting_his_opponent..png]
Jake, sensing his moment, picked up a baseball from the ground. "It's my turn for a projectile move too!" he declared, throwing the ball in a Curveball Confound. The ball curved unpredictably through the air, aiming to disorient Naomi. And it worked—the ball hit her, catching her off guard. Naomi, unable to dodge in time, took the first blow. Unlike Jake, she had no means of reflecting the attack.
The commentators and the crowd were stunned, their jaws dropping at the unexpected turn of events. "What a twist!" Pat shouted in disbelief. "Naomi, the reigning champion, has taken the first hit! Jake’s Curveball Confound was too unpredictable for her to react in time." Samantha, equally surprised, echoed the sentiment, "We have to give it to Jake! That move was brilliantly executed, and now the reigning champion is on the back foot."
The crowd roared in excitement, realizing that this match was far from over and that Jake was proving to be a serious contender.
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Naomi, unfazed by the crowd's reaction or Jake's earlier hit, tightened her grip on her tennis racket, her focus sharpening with determination. She began to execute Cross-Court Dash, darting around the arena with agility, continuously repositioning herself. Jake, unsure of her strategy but unwilling to lose ground, kept up with her momentum by using Stealing Bases, moving quickly and stealthily, his eyes never leaving her.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/db/Court_Control.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2b/Drop_Shot_Feint.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/62/Bunt_Block.png]
However, Jake was unknowingly playing right into Naomi's plan. Her constant repositioning was part of her strategy to gain Court Control, a technique that allowed her to manipulate Jake into a vulnerable position, much like she would control the court during a tennis match. With Jake backed into a corner, Naomi seized the opportunity. She initiated a Drop Shot Feint, starting with a high, powerful swing aimed at Jake. Instinctively, Jake raised his bat for another Bunt Block, expecting to deflect the strike. But Naomi's attack was a feint—she swiftly transitioned into a low, unexpected strike, catching Jake off guard and sweeping him off his feet with the sudden shift in attack height.
"Jake was knocked down! What a turn of events!" Pat exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "This is the Naomi we were expecting!" Samantha added, offering her analysis. "Naomi’s Court Control maneuvered Jake into a corner, limiting his options to dodge. Her Drop Shot Feint was executed perfectly—while Jake blocked the initial feint, the restricted space prevented him from avoiding the follow-up strike."
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/08/Volley_Combo.png]
Jake quickly picked himself up, but Naomi gave him no time to recover. She launched into Volley Combo, a series of rapid strikes with her racket, coming at him from all angles. Jake did his best to block, his bat moving frantically to deflect the incoming blows, but each hit chipped away at his defenses, forcing him further into the corner.
The tension in the arena was undeniable, and the crowd watched with bated breath as Jake struggled against Naomi's relentless assault. "Jake! Don't give up!" Luna called out, her voice filled with concern, fully aware that the odds were stacked against him. Akane, sitting beside her, silently prayed for Jake, hoping for a miracle.
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Jake knew that his only chance was to reposition himself, perhaps using his Slide Dodge to escape the corner. But Naomi had anticipated this and was not giving him any opportunity to execute the move. Sensing the match was coming to a close, Naomi prepared for her ultimate move—Ace Finisher. Channeling all her strength and focus into one decisive strike, she aimed at Jake's head with her racket. The blow was swift and powerful, knocking Jake out cold. His bat fell from his hand, signaling the match's end.
"Match over! Beeeep!" The referee's whistle sounded, and the LED screen above the arena flashed Naomi's image with the word "Winner" beneath it. The crowd erupted into cheers, chanting Naomi's name, "Naomi! Naomi! Naomi!" Meanwhile, Carter, Luna, and Akane sat in stunned silence, their hearts heavy. Though saddened, they weren’t disappointed in Jake—he had fought bravely against the reigning champion. The paramedics quickly rushed to Jake's aid, placing him on a stretcher to assess his condition while Naomi waved to her supporters, leaving the arena in victory.
Pat whistled in amazement. "That... was brutal, just what we'd expect from our reigning champion." Samantha followed up with her analysis, "The corner proved fatal for Jake—once Naomi had him there, it was hard for him to recover. And that Ace Finisher lived up to its name, delivering the knockout blow."
"But you know, Samantha," Pat chimed in, "this isn’t the end for Jake Harada! He's been knocked into the loser's bracket, but he still has a chance to climb back and make it to the finals!"
"Absolutely," Samantha agreed. "We'll be watching closely to see how Jake bounces back. His journey is far from over."
"Let's take a quick break before our next winner's match," Pat concluded, as the arena buzzed with excitement for the next battle.