As the morning sun rose, the second day of the Athenaeum Games began, with three rounds featuring six fresh competitors ready to compete in the winners' bracket. Pat, focused on getting reactions from the crowd, glanced over his script while Samantha, with her sharp analytical mind, studied the detailed profiles of the participants set to compete today.
The Maxwell Stadium was packed again with 45,000 spectators, down slightly from the first day's 50,000 but still an impressive turnout. A large portion of the audience was made up of Chloe Choi Soo-Min's dedicated fanbase, waving banners and chanting, eagerly awaiting their influencer idol's performance. Among the attendees were previous day's winners, Naomi West, Olivier Leclerc, and Natalia Ivanova. Jake, Carter, and Maddie, on the other hand, chose to watch the competition from the comfort of their homes or hotel rooms, taking a well-deserved break after their intense matches.
As the director cued the broadcast, the pyrotechnics lit up, signaling the start of Day 2. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Day 2 of the Athenaeum Games! We've got three exciting matches ahead featuring six new participants!" Pat's voice boomed, igniting excitement. "Samantha, are you looking forward to today's action?"
"Absolutely, Pat. Today's lineup promises to be action-packed, and all eyes will be on Chloe Choi." As soon as Samantha mentioned Chloe's name, the influencer's fan club erupted in loud cheers and chants.
"Whoa, I hear you, folks!" Pat chuckled. "I know you're excited, but let Samantha finish her sentence!"
"Thanks, Pat!" Samantha smiled. "With Chloe competing today, there's a lot of focus on whether she's just a pretty face here to grab attention or if she's genuinely in it to win."
"That's a great point, Samantha, but what about the other competitors? Anyone we should keep an eye on?"
"Absolutely! Aside from Chloe, we have Lin Xiaoyun, China's sole representative, carrying the weight of an entire continent's expectations. The Hart sisters, Veronica and Eliza, will both be in action today, and we also have Javier Morales, who's proven to be a force in his sport. Finally, Preston Montgomery, the last of the Starlight University students, will be competing as well. It's going to be a day packed with excitement, so stay tuned!" Samantha finished, building the anticipation as the crowd roared, ready for the next round of competition.
"Okay, Samantha, let's get day 2 rolling! Please do the honors of introducing the competitors of match 1 so we can begin!" Pat asked, signaling Samantha to begin the introductions.
"Thank you, Pat! Let's kick off Day 2 with our first competitor!" Samantha began. "At just 17 years old, hailing from China and a standout student at the prestigious Imperial Dragon Sports Academy, she represents badminton with a fight style that blends athleticism, strategy, and a belief in the power of unity. Please give a warm welcome to Lin Xiaoyun!"
As Lin Xiaoyun entered the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers. Her long, dark brown hair was tied up in a playful messy bun, and her athletic build reflected years of dedication to her sport. Her hazel eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and warmth as she waved to the audience, her bright yellow sleeveless sports top and pink badminton skirt highlighting her vibrant personality. Xiaoyun looked ready to face her opponent with a pink racket in hand, determination etched on her face. some of Chloe's fans, initially focused on their idol, couldn't help but notice how cute and energetic Xiaoyun looked. They also began to cheer for her, their excitement spreading through the crowd. It was clear that Xiaoyun's warm personality and bright appearance had won over some new supporters, adding to the already electric atmosphere in the stadium.
"And her opponent! Also 17 years old, she is one half of the Hart sisters. With her confident demeanor, dramatic flair, and commanding presence, she stands out as a student at Oxfordshire University. Representing the sport of croquet, her fight style combines calculated strikes with disruptive maneuvers to control the flow of battle, always seeking to outmaneuver and overpower her opponents. Please welcome, Veronica Hart!" Samantha introduced, as the crowd began to cheer.
Veronica walked out slowly, her long blonde hair neatly braided and tied with a red ribbon. Her light-colored blue eyes scanned the crowd with confidence, while she wore a red blazer buttoned up over a white blouse, paired with a black plaid skirt and thigh-high socks. In one hand, she held her croquet mallet, and with her other, she pretended to cover a yawn, exuding a haughty, dramatic flair. Once she reached her spot, she pointed her croquet mallet at Xiaoyun. "This will be an easy match!" she declared.
Xiaoyun, however, just smiled, swinging her badminton racket, seemingly unfazed and lost in the moment, getting ready for the fight.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/bd/Lin_Xiaoyun_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/9/91/Veronica_Hart_Profile.png]
The LED screen above the arena lit up again, flashing the competitors' faces: Lin Xiaoyun versus Veronica Hart. It signaled to the crowd that a brave battle was about to unfold.
"Samantha, what do you think of our competitors? This is our first all-female fight!" Pat commented, noting that the previous matches had all been intergender.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/bd/Badminton_racket.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7e/Croquet_mallet.png]
"You're right! I'm really excited for this one! Girl power all the way!" Samantha responded enthusiastically. She then shifted her focus to a more detailed analysis. "In terms of their weapons, Xiaoyun wields a 26-inch racket made of high-quality carbon fiber, ensuring it's both lightweight and durable. This allows her to maintain speed and precision, crucial for both offense and defense. The racket's aerodynamic frame helps her generate quick, powerful shots, while the tightly strung strings increase tension, adding more force behind every strike." She continued, "Veronica, on the other hand, wields a croquet mallet crafted from high-quality hardwood, ensuring durability and sturdiness. The mallet is about 36 inches long, offering a balance between reach and control, which is essential for delivering precise and powerful strikes. Its construction allows Veronica to exert significant force while maintaining control, even during intense clashes."
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9a/Feathered_Finesse.png]
"Beeeeeep!" The whistle blew, signaling the start of the match. Xiaoyun immediately sprang into action, flicking her pink badminton racket in a move she called Feathered Finesse, sending a rapid series of shuttlecocks flying toward Veronica with pinpoint accuracy from a safe distance. Veronica found herself under immediate pressure, taking multiple hits as she struggled to defend against the precise onslaught. Without any defensive moves in her skill set to counter this, she gritted her teeth, feeling the sting of the chipping damage.
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From the announcer table, Pat leaned in eagerly. "What a quick start! The action is already heating up within mere seconds of the match!" Samantha nodded, her eyes glued to the arena. "Xiaoyun is smartly exploiting Veronica's strengths and weaknesses, keeping her at bay with Feathered Finesse and staying out of the mallet's reach!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b2/Croquet_Charge.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1c/Agile_Ascendancy.png]
Realizing she needed to close the distance to have any chance of landing a hit, Veronica pushed forward, enduring the barrage of shuttlecocks. She charged with her Croquet Charge, swinging her mallet like a battering ram aimed directly at Xiaoyun, hoping to deliver a forceful, full-body blow. But Xiaoyun, with her signature athleticism, darted to the side, executing a swift Agile Ascendancy that took her out of Veronica's path with a graceful leap, maintaining her strategy of keeping a safe distance.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a7/Blossoming_Barrage.png]
"You bitch! Stop running!" Veronica spat out, her voice dripping with frustration, her blunt and abrasive manner shining through as she struggled to land an attack on Xiaoyun. Despite the harsh words, Xiaoyun remained unfazed, not understanding English and staying focused on her strategy. She unleashed her next move, Blossoming Barrage, her racket moving so swiftly that it seemed to bloom with every strike. The shuttlecocks filled the air like blossoming flowers, overwhelming Veronica with both beauty and force, each hit landing with precision as she failed to dodge the onslaught.
"What a beautiful move! It's like the arena is blooming right before our eyes!" Pat exclaimed, astonished by the spectacle. "You're right, Pat! Xiaoyun is maintaining her strategy of keeping a safe distance. Unlike Feathered Finesse, Blossoming Barrage is not just about precision but about creating a stunning yet powerful flurry of attacks that can easily overwhelm or distract her opponent," Samantha added, analyzing Xiaoyun's tactical approach.
Veronica, furious from being pelted by Xiaoyun's relentless shuttlecock barrage, knew that her only chance to level the playing field was to close the distance and land just one solid hit. Scanning the arena, she quickly formulated a plan, her eyes locking onto a crate sitting on the sandy patch. With determination, she sprinted towards it, her mind set on turning the tide.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8a/Strategic_Sacrifice.png]
Veronica smashed the crate with her mallet, unleashing a move she called Strategic Sacrifice, creating a cloud of debris that temporarily concealed her whereabouts and disoriented Xiaoyun. The tactic worked perfectly; Xiaoyun, unable to see through the dust cloud, stopped her attacks and anxiously searched for her opponent.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b2/Croquet_Charge.png]
From Xiaoyun's blind spot, Veronica suddenly emerged, executing another powerful Croquet Charge after missing the first time. This time, it connected, delivering a full-body blow that sent Xiaoyun tumbling to the ground, momentarily dazed. "痛," Xiaoyun mumbled, wincing in pain. "Now we're talking, Miss Tweety Bird!" Veronica sneered, relishing her successful strike as she prepared to continue the close-quarters combat.
"Smart move! I love how Veronica planned that out!" Pat exclaimed, clearly impressed by Veronica's strategic thinking. "Absolutely, Pat! Veronica's move set is heavily influenced by chess strategies, and her Strategic Sacrifice was brilliant. She used the crate to create a smokescreen, halting Xiaoyun's ranged attacks and allowing her to close the distance. Now that her Croquet Charge has connected, we're about to see some intense close-combat action," Samantha analyzed, as the crowd buzzed with excitement, eager to see how the fight would unfold from here.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b3/Wicket_Wallop.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/67/Courageous_Comeback.png]
Veronica capitalized on her advantage, immediately following up to prevent Xiaoyun from recovering. She went for Wicket Wallop, delivering a powerful overhead smash with her mallet, aiming to knock Xiaoyun off balance. Refusing to be defeated, Xiaoyun executed a Courageous Comeback—at a moment of disadvantage, she harnessed her resilience and determination, rolling away from the strike and standing up again, her fierce gaze locking onto Veronica.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a2/Balance_Disruptor.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/36/Harmony_Spin.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/af/Gambit_Gamble.png]
"What are you staring at?" Veronica snapped, displeased by Xiaoyun's fierce gaze. She swiftly executed Balance Disruptor, aiming to throw Xiaoyun off balance with a precise strike, hoping to create an opening for a more powerful attack. However, Xiaoyun countered with Harmony Spin, using a graceful spin of her badminton racket to deflect Veronica's attack and turn her momentum against her. Stunned but undeterred, Veronica quickly transitioned into Gambit Gamble, feigning a powerful swing and then delivering a swift kick to Xiaoyun's shins, forcing her to kneel down.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f3/Veronica_performs_Queen%27s_Gambit%2C_charging_mallet_held_high%2C_Just_before_impact%2C_she_executes_a_dazzling_maneuver%2C_disarming_her_opponent_and_leaving_them_open_for_a_swift%2C_strategic_strike.png]
"It's over—Checkmate!" Veronica declared, raising her mallet high for the finishing blow. She unleashed her ultimate move—Queen's Gambit. In a swift motion, she disarmed Xiaoyun with a powerful strike, sending the badminton racket flying from her hand. Before Xiaoyun could react, Veronica swung her mallet in a final, decisive arc, stopping just short of her opponent.
"Beeep! Match over!" The referee signaled as Veronica lowered her mallet, walking away from Xiaoyun with pride, not offering her a hand to get up. Her haughty attitude was clear as she waved to the crowd, basking in the applause and cheers.
"What a back-and-forth battle, but in the end, it was Veronica who stood tall!" Pat exclaimed, clapping loudly. Samantha smiled and nodded in agreement. "It was move after move—Veronica's Balance Disruptor was meant to create an opening, but Xiaoyun countered brilliantly with Harmony Spin, reversing Veronica's momentum. Yet, Veronica's quick thinking with Gambit Gamble—faking a powerful swing and delivering a swift kick to Xiaoyun's shin—gave her the advantage she needed." Samantha provided her play-by-play analysis. "That opening allowed her to execute Queen's Gambit, disarming Xiaoyun and securing the victory!"
"Nevertheless, I hope the crowd will give a loud applause to Xiaoyun too! She's still in the loser's bracket, so for her fans, please don't be discouraged!" Pat urged the audience, encouraging them to cheer for Xiaoyun despite her loss. Xiaoyun, picking up her racket, waved back to the crowd, her expression one of gratitude for their support. The loss didn't dampen her spirit; she displayed remarkable resilience and determination, ready to try even harder in the next round.
At that moment, Samantha stood beside one of the Day 1 loser bracket round finalists, Natalia Ivanova, for a scheduled interview segment. "Natalia, it's nice to see you again!" Samantha greeted warmly. Natalia smiled and returned the greeting. "What did you think about the match between Veronica and Xiaoyun?" Samantha asked, seeking Natalia's opinion on the just-concluded match.
"Both girls were great! It was unfortunate for Xiaoyun when her strategy to keep a distance fell apart. I was rooting for her," Natalia commented, expressing her support for Xiaoyun. Samantha followed up with another question, "Now that we know who the other three are in the loser’s bracket, is there anyone you’re particularly watching?"
Natalia responded with elegance and poise, "There’s no particular person, but Xiaoyun and Madison—these two ladies—it would be nice to face them. Win or lose, I feel it would be fun to compete against them."
"Thank you, Natalia. Pat, back to you as we prepare for Match 2 of Day 2!" Samantha wrapped up the interview, signaling the crew to prepare for the next fight.