As the battle between Oliver and Natalia concluded, preparations for the third and final match of the day began. The Athenaeum Games crew meticulously inspected the arena, clearing away debris and replacing crates and balls to ensure a fair fight. Meanwhile, Luna, Akane, and a freshly recovered Jake made their way back to the spectators' area, eager to support the upcoming fight between Carter and Maddie. While both competitors were friends, there was a subtle favoritism towards Carter from his group, given their longer history with him.

The trio settled into their seats, a few spectators in the crowd recognized Jake from his earlier fight. Some offered words of encouragement. "You did great in your fight with Naomi!" a spectator called out, while another added, "I'm supporting you in the loser's bracket, hope to see you back in the final!" Jake, taken aback by the attention, smiled awkwardly, unsure of how to respond. "Thank you, I'll try my best!" he replied politely, feeling a mix of gratitude and the pressure to perform.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have come to our third and final match of the day! Ready for some action?" Pat's voice boomed across the arena, firing up the already excited crowd.

"This next one is definitely going to pack a punch, Pat! Both participants hail from sports that are played on the ice, which means we'll see some fast, intense moves!" Samantha chimed in, adding to the anticipation.

"Ah, but too bad our arena has grassy patches, sandy ground, and concrete. Will that affect their performance?" Pat teased, pointing out the difference in terrain.

"Not at all," Samantha replied confidently. "If they were on an ice rink, it would be unfair to the other participants, plus they'd need skating shoes! Their athleticism will shine no matter the surface, so expect nothing less than high-level competition."

"Well then, let's not keep the spectators waiting any longer, Samantha!" Pat said with excitement. "It's time to introduce our next participants and get this fight started!"

"From Starlight University, age 18, representing the sport of hockey, his fight style reflects his personal traits of brotherhood, justice, and straightforwardness. Please give a warm welcome to Carter Brooks!" Samantha introduced, as Carter walked into the arena, hockey stick in hand, smiling and waving to the crowd, ready to compete.

"At 17, from Northern Maple University, she plays ringette, and you've seen her introduction during the meet-and-greet session. Known for her captivating mix of versatility, naughtiness, and cheeky nature, which she weaves into her style, please welcome Madison Thompson, aka Maddie!" Samantha's voice hyped the crowd as Maddie hopped into the arena, playful as ever, holding her red ringette stick.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f6/Carter_Brooks_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/3/36/Madison_Thompson_Profile.png]

"Go Carter! Go Maddie!" Both Jake and Luna shouted, cheering support for their friends, while Akane, in her usual quiet way, raised her hand up and down, gesturing her support. The arena's LED screen flashed, showcasing the competitors' faces as the match prepared to commence: Carter Brooks versus Madison Thompson. The crowd cheered on for both competitors.

"Do you think this will be a mirror match, Samantha?" Pat asked, wondering if the two competitors would have similar styles since their sports share similarities in scoring and play.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/ff/Hockey_Stick.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5c/Ringette_stick.png]

"Not at all, Pat! Their personalities are quite different, and that will significantly impact their combat styles. Plus, their equipment is not the same." Samantha clarified. "Let me give a formal introduction to their weapons. Carter's hockey stick is crafted from durable carbon fiber, providing both flexibility and strength. It's about 60 inches long, with a slightly curved blade for precision shots and quick strikes." She continued, "Madison's ringette stick, on the other hand, is made from high-quality composite materials, making it lightweight yet incredibly durable. Unlike a hockey stick, the ringette stick doesn't have a blade at the end. This design allows for quick movements and powerful strikes while maintaining resilience during intense combat. It's around 47 inches long, ideal for both close-quarters combat and moderate-distance strikes."

"Thanks for your clear analysis, Samantha! Let's see what these two competitors bring to the match!" Pat announced as the referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the competition.

Before the match even began, Carter Brooks stood at one end of the arena, hockey stick in hand, his spiked blond hair gleaming under the stadium lights. On the opposite side, Maddie Thompson twirled her red ringette stick, her blonde hair bouncing with each playful movement, a smirk already playing on her face. "Hey Carter, no hard feelings, right? If I beat you, I mean. Ready to get schooled?" Maddie teased, spinning her ringette stick with ease.

Carter grinned back, unfazed. "Maddie, same goes for you. No hard feelings when I win. I'm going all out, so give it your best!"

Maddie smiled brightly. "Let's seal it with a friendly handshake. No tricks, just a good clean fight." She extended her hand, covered by her black protective gloves. Carter, not one to back down, offered his own hand, clad in his black hockey gloves. They shook hands firmly, signaling their friendship and mutual respect.

The spectators erupted in cheers, applauding the display of sportsmanship between the two competitors as they prepared to turn their friendship into a fierce, but friendly, battle.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/58/Cheery_Charge.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7c/Athlete%27s_Agility.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9d/Naughty_Nudge.png]

The real fight had officially started, and after their friendly handshake, Maddie was quick to make the first move. She darted forward with her Cheery Charge, using her ringette stick to deliver a powerful upward strike aimed at Carter's midsection. Carter, relying on his Athlete's Agility, swiftly dodged the charge at the last second. Maddie, impressed by his reaction, gave him a playful wink, but she wasn't done yet. Without missing a beat, she followed up with her Naughty Nudge, jabbing the end of her ringette stick toward Carter's ribs. It wasn't a hard hit but more of an annoyance, throwing Carter off balance and causing him to stumble backward.

"Hey, take this seriously, will you?" Carter called out, clearly annoyed by what seemed like Maddie toying with him as he regained his footing. Maddie, however, just laughed. "Hahaha! I am serious!" she said, her voice ringing with amusement. True to her playful nature, Maddie's strategy involved annoying her opponents, keeping them off their rhythm.

Even the crowd started to boo a little, sensing the lack of intense action.

"What's your take on this, Samantha? It looks like they're just playing around out there," Pat observed, noting the lack of aggression between the two competitors. "It might seem like that to most viewers," Samantha began, her analytical mind kicking in. "Maddie's Cheery Charge may look unserious because of her demeanor, but she's definitely aiming with precision. Carter's Athlete's Agility is what saved him there. Her Naughty Nudge might seem lighthearted, but it's designed to keep Carter off balance. While it looks playful, there's a strategy behind it."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9d/Slapshot_Smash.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1a/Playful_Parry.png]

"Okay, Maddie, I'm going on the offensive now! Don't get too comfortable!" Carter warned as he swung his hockey stick in a Slapshot Smash, winding up and delivering a powerful, high-speed strike aimed for her shoulder. Maddie quickly responded with a Playful Parry, her light-hearted taunt barely masking the serious effort behind her defense. The sheer force of Carter's hit sent her skidding back a few feet, her heels digging into the sand.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f8/Spin_and_Sweep.png]

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Whoa, Carter! You really mean business!" Maddie said, taken aback by the strength of his move. If she hadn't reacted quickly enough, the hit would've been devastating. "I thought you wanted me to take this fight seriously?" Carter replied, confused by her words. "Yeah, I did! And now it's my turn!" Maddie smirked as she executed a Spin and Sweep, spinning in place while swinging her ringette stick low, aiming to knock Carter off his feet. The move connected, and Carter's legs were swept out from under him, sending him crashing into the sandy ground as dust flew up around him.

"Finally, some real action!" Pat exclaimed. "I thought they were just playing around with each other, especially with Maddie's cheeky expressions. It was hard to tell if they were serious." "They've been serious the whole time, Pat," Samantha chimed in. "Maddie just landed the first real hit with that Spin and Sweep, catching Carter off guard and taking him down."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/60/Maddie_performs_Naughty_Nudge%2C_uses_the_end_of_her_ringette_stick_to_poke_and_prod_her_opponent%2C_keeping_them_off_balance_and_frustrated.png]

Carter stood up, brushing the sand from his sleeveless grey hoodie and dark green track pants, his hockey stick resting over his shoulder. Just as he picked up his stick, Maddie bounced back into action, a mischievous grin on her face. She used her Naughty Nudge again, the end of her red ringette stick poking and prodding at Carter’s side.

“Hey Maddie, come on! Can you stop playing around?” Carter groaned, clearly frustrated. He was still recovering from their intense exchange, but Maddie kept nudging him, throwing off his focus. “You could’ve won just now if you’d hit me hard while I was down!”

Maddie’s smile widened, her dark brown eyes sparkling with playful mischief. “I know!” she chimed. “I just find this more fun!”

Carter’s face twisted in confusion, his frustration bubbling up. "Ah! Then don’t blame me for what happens next!" His voice hardened as he readied his stance, gripping his hockey stick tightly. "Alright, time to break through," he muttered, his deep brown eyes narrowing in determination.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/dd/Carter_performs_Power_Check%2C_Inspired_by_hockey_body_checks%2C_Carter_uses_his_physical_strength_to_push_or_slam_opponents..png]

With a surge of energy, Carter launched himself forward with his Power Check, slamming into Maddie with the full force of a hockey player charging for a body check. The impact sent her flying back into a stack of crates, the sound of her body crashing into them echoing across the arena.

Maddie groaned as she pulled herself to her feet, her playful grin replaced with a look of sheer determination. “Ouch... Okay, big guy, I felt that.” She dusted herself off, rolling her shoulders as she picked up her ringette stick. The teasing spark in her eyes was gone, replaced by something much more focused. “You make me do this!” she muttered, locking eyes with Carter.

Carter stood his ground, gripping his hockey stick tightly but making no move to follow up. He could’ve charged forward and taken advantage of Maddie’s momentary weakness, but something made him pause. Maddie could’ve done the same earlier, but she chose to toy with him instead. Now, they were at a standstill, each waiting to see who would make the next big move.

Pat’s eyes widened in excitement as he leaned forward. “Whoa! What a big hit! Carter showing his strength!”

Samantha, ever observant, nodded with approval. “That’s Carter’s Power Check. It’s a move inspired by hockey body checks, and we can see him using his physical strength to push or slam opponents like he would on the ice. Maddie took a serious hit, but now... now she’s serious. We’re about to see some great action from both competitors!”

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/ad/Ringette_Riptide.png]

Jake, Luna, and Akane couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and worry as they watched the intensity of the fight grow. They understood that despite their friendship, this was still a competition, and the match would only end when one competitor was down. Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Carter and Maddie were locked in their own fierce contest. Carter launched into a Hockey Stick Sweep, a wide, sweeping motion with his hockey stick, while Maddie responded with her own move, Ringette Riptide, mimicking a similar sweeping strike with her ringette stick. The clash of their weapons produced a loud "Thang" that echoed through the arena, a sound that thrilled the spectators as carbon fiber met composite material in a moment of spectacle.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/ca/Maddie_performs_Lively_Lunge%2C_lunging_forward_with_her_ringette_stick%2C_delivering_a_powerful_thrust_aimed_at_her_opponent%E2%80%99s_midsection.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d1/Carter_performs_Athlete%27s_Agility%2C_with_exceptional_agility_and_reflexes%2C_allowing_him_to_swiftly_dodge_attacks_and_maneuver_around_the_battlefield.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5f/Rink_Runner%E2%80%99s_Rush.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/54/Maddie_performs_Ringette_Rally%2C_a_series_of_rapid%2C_alternating_strikes_with_her_ringette_stick%2C_resembling_a_fast-paced_rally_in_ringette.png]

Unfazed by the collision, Maddie quickly followed up with a serious move, Lively Lunge, thrusting her ringette stick toward Carter’s midsection. But Carter, relying on his Athlete's Agility, swiftly dodged her attack, using his speed to maneuver around her strike before closing the gap with Rink Runner’s Rush. Sensing she was in danger, Maddie unleashed her Ringette Rally, a rapid series of alternating strikes with her stick, hoping to overwhelm Carter with her speed and precision.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/11/Final_Buzzer_Blitz.png]

Carter, however, went all-in, executing his ultimate move, Final Buzzer Blitz. His hockey stick became a blur as he unleashed a barrage of strikes, each one faster and more powerful than the last. Maddie’s defense couldn’t hold up under the pressure, and Carter successfully disarmed her, knocking the ringette stick from her grasp and sending her tumbling onto the grass patch.

"Match over! Beeeep!" the referee signaled, bringing the match to a close. The crowd erupted into applause, cheering for both competitors after witnessing such an intense and exciting fight. Jake, Luna, and Akane stood up, joining the rest of the audience in giving their friends the ovation they deserved.

"What do you think, Samantha? That finale when both got serious was something to watch," Pat commented, clearly impressed by what he’d just seen. "I totally agree," Samantha responded. "That moment when Hockey Stick Sweep met Ringette Riptide was fantastic, producing a sound that echoed throughout the stadium. And the final exchange—Maddie with her Ringette Rally, and Carter with his Final Buzzer Blitz—was a clash of rapid strikes. Carter’s ultimate move, being more aggressive and well-executed, gave him the upper hand. It was a well-thought-out plan, and I have to give it to him!" Samantha and Pat stood up alongside the crowd, clapping for both competitors.

"Geez, you really went all out!" Maddie said with a smile as Carter helped her up. "You too, Maddie! I’m sorry this time I won," Carter replied. "I wouldn’t forgive you if you didn’t go all out! That was a fun fight!" Maddie grinned, showing no hard feelings about her loss. Carter raised Maddie’s hand in a show of respect, pointing at her as the crowd showered both of them with love and applause. Maddie, true to her playful nature, performed a silly dance, enjoying the moment as they basked in the crowd's appreciation.

As Day 1 of the Athenaeum Games came to a close, Pat and Samantha wrapped up with a summary of the action. "Day 1 ended with a blast! And as always, there's winners and losers. But for now, no one will be going home just yet as there's still the loser's round!" Pat reminded the audience. "Yes, Pat, today was already full of blockbusters, and I'm excited for Day 2! For the winners, we have Naomi West, Olivier Leclerc, and Carter Brooks advancing to the next round," Samantha shared the results. "And for the loser's bracket, we have Jake Harada, Natalia Ivanova, and Madison Thompson. If any of them lose again, they'll be exiting the Athenaeum Games. They'll need to give it their all to stay in the competition," Samantha added with a note of empathy for those fighting for survival. "I'm sure they will, Samantha. Some of them haven't had the chance to show their full potential yet, and this will be their final opportunity. I wish them all the best!" Pat chimed in with encouraging words for the participants in the loser's bracket.

Before ending the broadcast, Pat asked Samantha to give a preview of Day 2. "

Day 2 will feature three more exciting matches:

Lin Xiaoyun versus Veronica Hart

Chloe Choi Soo-Min versus Javier Morales

Preston Montgomery versus Eliza Hart.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/dc/Pat_Samson_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/39/Samantha_White_Profile.png]

So stay tuned and keep supporting the participants!" Samantha announced. "Thanks, everyone! I'm Pat Samson, and this is Samantha White, signing off from Day 1 of the Athenaeum Games!" With that, Pat and Samantha concluded the broadcast as the crowd began to leave Maxwell Coliseum.

Outside the arena, Jake, Luna, and Akane waited for Carter and Maddie. Once they gathered, Jake congratulated his friend. "Carter and Maddie, you both did great today. And congrats, Carter, on making it to the winner's bracket!" The group exchanged high fives and handshakes, celebrating Carter's victory. "Thanks, Jake. You and Maddie are in the loser's bracket, but I believe you'll both go far," Carter responded, offering words of encouragement. "Jake, are you feeling better?" Maddie asked, still concerned after his earlier knockout. "Thanks, Maddie. I'm feeling much better, and you were awesome out there too!" Jake smiled. "Thanks, Jake! I hope we don't meet in the loser's bracket. I really don't want to send each other home," Maddie said in a rare serious tone, expressing her desire not to have to eliminate her friend. "Me neither, Maddie! Let's just try our best, and I'm sure we'll both go far," Jake responded with his usual optimism.

Suddenly, a loud growl echoed from Carter's stomach. "Guys, it's been a long day. I'm starving—let's go grab something to eat!" Carter said, making everyone laugh. With that, the group of friends left Maxwell Coliseum, ready to enjoy a meal and unwind after a long but fruitful day of competition.