The next match was being prepared, and it was the most anticipated of the day at Maxwell Coliseum for the Athenaeum Games. The fanboys and girls were already chanting for their idol, their voices echoing through the arena: "Make it loud! Make it clear! Do the Chloe Choi Cheer! C-H-L-O-E! She is the best, she'll beat the rest! Give it a go and cheer for her, don't be shy! Victory is hers, whoever you are!" The enthusiasm was palpable as they performed their fanchant.
"Samantha, can you feel the crowd's electricity?" Pat exclaimed, feeding off the crowd's energy. "Our next participant isn't even out yet, and they're already chanting for her!"
"Yes, Pat, she's an influencer with more than 1 million followers and numerous endorsements. People are definitely paying attention to Chloe Choi as she gets ready to make her entry for the next match," Samantha added, as the background continued to buzz with chants of "Chloe Choi! Chloe Choi!" The fans were eager to see their idol take the stage.
"Alright, Samantha, let's not keep the crowd waiting any longer! It's time to introduce her!" Pat shouted, and the crowd roared in anticipation. "Let's begin Match 2 of Day 2, introducing Choi Soo-Min, age 17, a standout student and influential social media personality from Seoul Elite University. Representing the sport of golf, her fight style is a unique blend of charm, agility, and strategy. Please welcome Chloe Choi to the arena!" Samantha announced, and the crowd erupted once more, their cheers filling the stadium as they continued chanting Chloe's name.
Chloe Choi walked out to the arena, and the crowd went wild. She was dressed in a short white-sleeve polo tee paired with a black golf skirt that accentuated her lean yet busty physique, enhancing her appeal as both an influencer and an athlete. A white golf cap sat atop her head, with her long black ponytail flowing down to her waist, while a white glove on her left hand provided a firm grip on her silver golf club. As she waved to her supporters, the crowd's chants of her name grew even louder, their support overwhelming. The viewership on the livestream and live broadcast skyrocketed as fans tuned in to watch her compete.
Samantha continued with the introduction of Chloe's opponent. "Her opponent, 17 years old, from Universidad de Sol de Mexico, representing the sport of padel. He has an easygoing and carefree personality, enjoys being active and outdoorsy, with a fight style that is both athletic and innovative. Please welcome Javier Morales!"
Javier entered the arena wearing a green short-sleeve jersey T-shirt and red sports shorts, paired with a white sports headband that held back his tousled, slightly spiky black hair. He carried a green padel racket and waved to the crowd with a cheerful smile. However, his reception was met with boos—not because he was disliked, but simply because the support for Chloe Choi was overwhelmingly strong, and her fans were fiercely protective of their idol. Despite the negative reception, Javier remained unfazed, his friendly and easygoing nature allowing him to brush off the reaction as he prepared to face Chloe.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/71/Chloe_Choi_Soo-Min_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/7/75/Javier_Morale_Profile.png]
The LED screen lit up, signaling the start of the much-anticipated battle. Chloe Choi Soo-Min versus Javier Morales. The faces of the two competitors were displayed prominently, causing a wave of excitement to ripple through the arena as Chloe's fans erupted into even louder chants of her name.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/71/Golf_club.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d9/Padel_racket.png]
Samantha then provided a detailed introduction of the competitors' weapons. "Chloe Choi wields a silver golf club, crafted from high-quality titanium alloy, giving it a sleek silver appearance. This material ensures that the club is both lightweight and incredibly strong, capable of withstanding powerful swings and impacts. The club head is designed for both power and accuracy, optimized for delivering strong, precise strikes—whether hitting a golf ball or defending against an opponent. On the other hand, Javier's padel racket is crafted from high-quality carbon fiber, which provides both durability and lightweight performance. The racket's rounded, aerodynamic shape is designed to optimize both power and control, making it a formidable tool in his hands."
"Thanks for those insights, Samantha. Our competitors are ready, and the competition is about to begin!" Pat announced, as Chloe held her golf club in a ready stance, prepared to strike, while Javier positioned himself with his padel racket, equally focused. The referee blew the whistle, and the match began.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/4a/Charming_Strike.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/0b/Racket_Guard.png]
Chloe, eager to prove that she was more than just a pretty face and determined to win the Athenaeum Games, made the first move. Darting forward with her golf club, she closed the distance to Javier and unleashed a Charming Strike, using her charm to momentarily distract him before swiftly striking with her club. However, Javier, not easily swayed, shook off the distraction and employed his Racket Guard, using his padel racket as a shield to deflect her attack with calculated precision, maintaining his defensive stance while preparing for a counterattack.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a2/Spin_Serve.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1b/Stylish_Parry.png]
"Nice try, Bella dama!" Javier laughed, quickly countering with a Spin Serve. He spun his racket rapidly before launching it forward in a spinning thrust, creating a disorienting and powerful strike that mimicked the unpredictable spin of a padel serve. But Chloe, not one to be easily outdone, defended herself with a Stylish Parry, a graceful flourish of her golf club that parried the attack, keeping Javier at bay while maintaining her poised and elegant stance. Chloe's fans erupted in cheers, while Javier faced a chorus of boos.
"So far, no one has landed a first hit as both participants have been skillfully exchanging attacks and defenses," Pat commented. "We saw Chloe go on the offensive with her Charming Strike, trying to catch Javier off guard with a blend of charm and power, but he was quick to block it with his Racket Guard. He then countered with a Spin Serve, a spinning thrust designed to disorient, but Chloe matched it with her Stylish Parry, maintaining both her defense and her composure. Four skill exchanges, but still no clear advantage," Samantha added, analyzing the action that had just unfolded.
As the match continued without either competitor gaining a clear advantage, Javier flashed a friendly smile at Chloe, seemingly setting up for a drop shot. Chloe, momentarily taken aback and trying to decipher Javier's intentions, hesitated. Before she could fully process what was happening, a sudden, crippling blow landed on her stomach, catching her completely off guard.
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image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/0e/Javier_performs_Smiling_Drop_Shot%2C_disguising_a_delicate_drop_shot_with_his_signature_friendly_smile%2C_lulling_his_opponent_into_expecting_a_powerful_hit_before_softly_deliver_a_crippling_blow.png]
Javier's smile had been more than just friendly—it was part of his Smiling Drop Shot, a deceptive move where he lured his opponent into expecting a gentle strike, only to deliver a swift, unexpected blow. Chloe, momentarily winded by the attack, clutched her stomach with one hand, realizing that Javier was far from being as easygoing in the arena as his demeanor suggested. The crowd immediately erupted into boos, shouting, "What are you doing to our Chloe! Get your hands off her!" But Javier remained unfazed by the crowd's reaction.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8f/Net_Charge.png]
Without missing a beat, Javier followed up with Net Charge, lunging forward with a swift, powerful motion, his racket aimed directly at Chloe's stomach once again. "Bella, it's over!" he declared confidently, believing this would be the finishing blow.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/4b/Off-Balance_Chip.png]
However, Chloe, sensing the imminent threat, quickly released her grip on her stomach and tightened her hold on her club with both hands. In a split-second decision, she executed Off-Balance Chip—a deceptive flick of her wrist followed by a surprising follow-through. She used her silver club to deliver a swift blow to Javier's ankles just as he lunged forward, disrupting his balance and breaking his momentum.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Chloe's counterattack connected, showing their overwhelming support and favoritism. Javier, caught off guard by the move, stumbled back, his confidence momentarily shaken.
Pat’s voice echoed across the arena. “Neither competitor is giving an inch; they're making each other fight for every advantage!”
“The Smiling Drop Shot was a clever feint that allowed Javier to land a hit on Chloe’s stomach,” Samantha added, leaning forward with keen interest. “But when he followed up with Net Charge, aiming for another strike, Chloe skillfully countered with Off-Balance Chip, knocking Javier off his feet.”
Javier picked himself up, standing still, his eyes locked on Chloe. He didn’t make a move, simply watching her. Chloe, uncertain of Javier's intentions, mirrored his stance, and the two stood there as if in a silent standoff. As the moments stretched into minutes, Chloe began to lose her patience. Finally, she spoke, her voice laced with frustration, "Are you going to just stand there, or are you going to fight?"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2c/Chloe_Choi_performing_Trick_Shot_Takedown%2C_a_precise_and_stylish_disarm.png]
Javier remained motionless, his expression unreadable. Not wanting to waste any more time, Chloe decided to make her move. She initiated Trick Shot Takedown, a precise and stylish maneuver designed to disarm her opponent. With a flick of her wrist, she swung her club, aiming to knock Javier's racket out of his hand.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b4/Javier_performing_Patience_Punisher_understandsing_the_power_of_patience%2C_calmly_wait_for_his_opponent%27s_mistakes%2C_exploiting_any_weaknesses_in_their_game_with_a_well-timed_counterattack.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5d/Javier_performing_Feigned_Forehand%2C_fakes_a_powerful_forehand_swing%2C_momentarily_drawing_his_opponent_towards_him%2C_before_cleverly_switching_to_a_delicate_backhand_drop_shot.png]
As her club moved toward him, Javier’s lips curled into a smile. His patience had paid off. He had been waiting for this moment, employing a tactic he called Patience Punisher—a strategy that relied on calmly waiting for his opponent to make a mistake. When Chloe committed to her disarm attempt, Javier countered with Feigned Forehand. He faked a powerful forehand swing, drawing Chloe in, before switching to a delicate backhand drop shot aimed directly at her stomach. The blow landed perfectly, sending Chloe sprawling across the arena as she clutched her stomach in pain.
The crowd erupted in boos, their support for Chloe turning into anger at seeing their idol knocked down. "What a cheater!" someone yelled, while others began hurling bottles into the arena, aiming for Javier. The organizers quickly intervened, announcing, "AUDIENCE, please behave yourselves! Any unruly behavior will result in removal from the Coliseum!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d6/Spin_Shot.png]
Javier, unfazed by the crowd’s hostility, moved in to end the match. With Chloe still on the ground and struggling with the pain in her stomach, he executed Spin Shot—a powerful spinning strike that added extra force to his attack. The padel racket struck Chloe’s stomach again, this time knocking her out completely, rendering her unable to continue.
"Match over!" the referee declared. The crowd’s response was overwhelmingly negative, with boos and jeers drowning out the announcement. Bottles continued to rain down on the arena, with some spectators shouting, "This is fraud!" and "Chloe wins or we riot!"
As the paramedics rushed in with a stretcher to tend to Chloe, security quickly moved in to shield Javier from the increasingly unruly crowd, ensuring his safe exit from the arena.
As some of the crowd left the arena in dismay over their idol's defeat, and others were removed due to unruly behavior, the Coliseum's attendance dwindled from 45,000 to just 18,000. The dramatic drop in live stream and television viewership highlighted the immense influence Chloe Choi had over her fans. Despite the shift in audience, Pat and Samantha maintained their professionalism, continuing their commentary with unwavering dedication.
"Samantha, what do you make of this turn of events? One of the hot favorites of the competition has been knocked down to the loser's bracket," Pat asked, seeking Samantha's insight on the situation.
"Pat, the result is clear, even if the crowd didn't like it. Javier's tactics were superior to Chloe's, plain and simple," Samantha replied, her analysis met with boos from Chloe's remaining fans. "If you look at Chloe's moves—Charming Strike, Off-Balance Chip, and Trick Shot Takedown—they were effective but relatively straightforward. In contrast, Javier's tactics, such as Patience Punisher, Feigned Forehand, and Smiling Drop Shot, involved exploiting Chloe's weaknesses and setting up powerful follow-up attacks. Chloe seemed particularly vulnerable to these feints and mind games, which Javier capitalized on, ultimately using his Spin Shot to add extra force and power to his strikes, ending the match decisively."
"Nevertheless, fans of Chloe, please don't lose hope! Your idol, Chloe Choi, is still in the loser's bracket, so keep supporting her and the Athenaeum Games!" Pat rallied Chloe's fans, encouraging them not to give up on the competition. However, he couldn't help but feel a sense of concern about what might happen if Chloe loses again and faces elimination.
Samantha stood beside Olivier Leclerc, who had already secured his place in the Day 1 winner's bracket. She held the microphone up to him with a professional smile and asked, "Olivier, what do you think of the fight between Chloe and Javier? Any thoughts?" Her tone was eager for insight.
Olivier smirked slightly, "No comments! I don’t want to be hated," he replied, clearly choosing to avoid any backlash from Chloe's devoted fanbase. Samantha chuckled at his cautious response before moving on. "As you know, Javier is advancing to the next winner's bracket round as well. Are you concerned about potentially facing him?"
Olivier shrugged slightly, maintaining his composed demeanor. "Not sure if I’ll get the chance to face him. Isn’t the winner's round drawn randomly after all the matches are finished?" His tone was factual, leaving little room for speculation.
Samantha’s smile faltered for a split second before she quickly recovered, realizing Olivier had pointed out a straightforward truth that didn’t leave much room for further commentary. "Well, that’s true," she replied, maintaining her professionalism. "We’ll just have to wait and see how the draw goes!"
She turned back to the camera, her voice lively and upbeat. "Back to you, Pat, as we gear up for Day 2, Round 3 of the matches. Don’t go anywhere—more excitement is on the way!"