Pat and Samantha, faced with the steep drop in audience numbers after Chloe Choi's unexpected loss, knew they needed to act fast. The once-crowded Maxwell Coliseum had emptied significantly, leaving only about 5,000 spectators from the original 45,000. Chloe's fanbase had exited en masse, and the viewership on live TV and streaming platforms had plummeted, sending the organizers and sponsors into a panic.

With their headphones connected to the studio's control room, Pat and Samantha listened carefully to the frantic producer. "Yes, producer! Okay, I'll talk to her and see if she agrees," Pat responded, receiving their instructions.

The two commentators quickly made their way through the dwindling crowd, their eyes set on Naomi West, the star athlete and reigning champion, who was seated in the audience, watching the proceedings. She had been quietly observing the matches, but now Pat and Samantha saw her as the beacon to save the day.

"Hi, Naomi!" Pat called out as they approached her.

"Yes?" Naomi responded, a little surprised by the sudden approach. She had only intended to watch the event, not participate.

"We need a favor from you," Pat said, before quickly nudging Samantha to take over the conversation.

Samantha, sensing the urgency, spoke directly. "As you've probably noticed, the stadium is nearly empty after Chloe's loss," she explained. "The viewership has dropped drastically, and we need your help to bring it back up."

Naomi's confusion was evident as she asked, "How can I help? I'm not even competing today."

Pat jumped in. "We need you as a guest commentator. You're one of the most popular competitors here, and if you join us, it would definitely boost the viewership. Please, Naomi, will you do it?" Pat clasped his hands together in a pleading gesture.

"But I don't know how to commentate!" Naomi said, clearly worried about the responsibility.

Samantha gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry! We'll handle most of the talking. If you get stuck or go blank, we've got your back. Please, Naomi!"

Seeing Pat still begging and Samantha looking at her with sincere eyes, Naomi realized she couldn't say no. She nodded, silently agreeing to their request.

"Thank you!" Pat and Samantha exclaimed in unison, both visibly relieved. "We don't have time to lose! Let's get you set up!" They quickly guided Naomi towards the commentary table, preparing her for her unexpected role in the evening's events.

Pat, Samantha, and Naomi sat at the commentary table, with Naomi adjusting her headphones and mic as she joined the broadcast for the first time. Through the earpiece, she heard the producer's voice, filled with relief. "Naomi! You're a lifesaver! Don't worry, Pat and Samantha will guide you through it. Just be yourself! We're starting in 3...2...1... showtime!"

With the producer's countdown, Pat and Samantha immediately took to the stage, aiming to reinvigorate the remaining 5,000 spectators and viewers tuning in online.

"And we're about to begin the third match of the day!" Pat's voice rang out, attempting to hype up the crowd. "But before that, Samantha, we've got something special—care to introduce our guest commentator?"

Samantha smiled, excitement clear in her tone. "Absolutely, Pat! Though I'm not sure she even needs an introduction! She's none other than our star athlete and reigning champion—Naomi West!"

The camera quickly zoomed in on Naomi as her face filled the live broadcast and streams. The producer's tactic worked brilliantly; within minutes, news spread across social media, and viewership numbers surged, as fans tuned in just to see Naomi's guest appearance. Naomi smiled and waved at the camera, still unsure but trying her best. "Hi..." she said, her voice tentative, caught off-guard.

Pat jumped in to help ease her nerves. "Thank you, Naomi! We're thrilled to have you with us. Everyone, stay tuned as Naomi joins us for some exciting commentary ahead!" He smoothly shifted the focus back to the upcoming match. "Samantha, let's get to the next bout. The crowd's ready, and so are we!"

"Absolutely, Pat," Samantha responded, her voice picking up pace. "This next fight promises to be a clash of sophistication and elegance! Both competitors have a refined air about them, and their fighting styles are uniquely similar. First, introducing the final student from Starlight University, age 18—representing the sport of billiards—he combines a strategic approach to conflict, blending the finesse of billiards with martial prowess. Please welcome, Preston Montgomery!"

As Samantha finished, Preston strolled into the arena with an air of polished grace, his movements calculated and precise. His curvy golden hair, styled in voluminous curls, complemented his dark green shirt and golden vest, paired with dark green pants. He wore his signature circle rimless glasses and black finger gloves, his cue stick in hand, signaling his mastery of billiards and his readiness for the match. The crowd, though smaller than before, gave him a respectable round of applause, intrigued to see how he'd perform in the arena.

Pat, seizing the opportunity to engage Naomi further, asked, "Naomi, Preston is also from Starlight University. What do you think of his chances in this match?"

Naomi, slightly unsure and not particularly familiar with Preston, gave a polite smile and offered a generic response, "I think he'll do great!" Her response, though simple, was enough to keep the flow going. Pat, always ready to pick up the energy, immediately added, "Of course, he will! Out of the four from Starlight University, two have already made it to the next winner's bracket—I believe Preston will follow suit."

Naomi simply nodded in agreement, grateful for Pat's smooth recovery. Samantha, maintaining her professionalism, transitioned seamlessly into introducing the next competitor.

"His opponent, the other half of the Hart sisters, who already has one sibling advancing to the winner's bracket—at age 17, from Oxfordshire University, Eliza Hart! Unlike her sister, Eliza is known for her calm, sophisticated, and composed demeanor. She represents equestrian sports, specifically polo. Her combat style incorporates both offensive and defensive techniques, paired with her collected nature. Please give a warm welcome to Eliza Hart!"

Eliza stepped into the arena with quiet confidence, dressed in a navy blue fitted riding jacket with gold buttons over a white high-collared shirt. Her white breeches contrasted elegantly with her overall attire. Round black-framed glasses adorned her face, adding an intellectual air to her presence, while the red drop earrings and a matching red ribbon in her braid added a touch of flair. Preston, standing at the opposite end, maintained his poised stance, awaiting the showdown between two figures known for their elegance and sophistication.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7b/Preston_Montgomery_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/7/74/Eliza_Hart_Profile.png]

As the LED screen above the arena lit up, showing both competitors' faces—Preston Montgomery vs. Eliza Hart—the crowd, though smaller than before, cheered in anticipation.

Samantha continued with the introduction of their weapons, bringing more context to the fight.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/05/Cue_stick.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/be/Polo_mallet.png]

"Preston's weapon, the cue stick, is crafted from high-quality wood reinforced with carbon fiber. This gives it durability while maintaining its lightweight feel, allowing Preston to move swiftly while still striking with force. At 58 inches, the cue stick provides Preston with excellent reach, whether for his precise billiard shots or his calculated strikes in battle." She then moved on to Eliza. "Eliza's weapon, the croquet mallet, is crafted from high-quality hardwood, ensuring durability and force. At approximately 36 inches long, it strikes a balance between reach and control, allowing Eliza to execute precise and powerful attacks while maintaining full command over her weapon."

With the crowd buzzing, the competitors ready, and the anticipation building, the stage was set for an elegant but intense showdown.

Pat's voice boomed with excitement from the sidelines. "This is going to be an elegant match, folks! Preston's strategic precision versus Eliza's graceful control—who will outthink the other? Naomi, would you do the honors of announcing the start?"

Naomi, following the cue, spoke clearly, "Match start." The referee immediately blew the whistle, signaling the beginning of the battle.

Preston confidently adjusted his grip on his cue stick, flashing a self-assured smirk. "You know this match will end with me winning, right? Are you sure you want to go through with this?" His arrogance seeped through his words, clearly underestimating Eliza.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/95/Eliza_performs_Calming_Canter%2C_circling_her_opponent_with_a_measured_pace%2C_using_her_calming_presence_to_disrupt_their_focus_and_lull_them_into_a_false_sense_of_security.png]

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Eliza, however, remained silent, already in action. She initiated her Calming Canter, a fluid movement mimicking the controlled pace of a horse. She circled around Preston, her calculated steps designed to unsettle him, lulling him into a false sense of security with her calm and composed presence.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f5/Eliza_performing_Elegant_Strike%2C_delivering_a_powerful_yet_graceful_swing_with_her_polo_mallet%2C_targeting_her_opponent_with_precision.png]

Seizing the right moment, Eliza swung her mallet in an Elegant Strike, a perfect blend of force and finesse, targeting Preston with a graceful but powerful blow.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/72/Preston_performing_the_Bank_Shot_Block%2C_ability_to_strategically_use_his_cue_stick_to_deflect_attacks.png]

Preston, despite his earlier bravado, remained alert. He quickly deflected the strike with a Bank Shot Block, drawing on his billiard skills to redirect the force. He angled his cue stick with precision, causing Eliza's strike to rebound away, much like a pool ball bouncing off a table's cushion. The match was off to an intense start, both competitors showcasing their skill in this battle of strategy and finesse.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f2/Preston_performing_the_Cushion_Escape%2C_using_his_cue_stick_to_swiftly_change_position_or_escape_encirclement.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/ac/Preston_preparing_to_perfrom_the_Final_Rack.png]

Preston, after facing Eliza's initial attack, realized that talking wouldn’t win this match. Refocusing, he executed Cushion Escape, using his cue stick to swiftly change positions by leveraging surfaces, freeing himself from Eliza's encirclement. He followed up with Precision Strike, targeting specific points on Eliza's body with his cue stick, aiming to incapacitate her with minimal force.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a0/Eliza_performs_Maneuver_of_Mirrors%2C_using_her_keen_observation_skills_to_anticipate_her_opponent%27s_attack%2C_she_then_gracefully_sidesteps_at_the_last_moment.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/57/Reining_Reversal.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b4/Gallant_Spin.png]

Eliza, maintaining her composed elegance, responded with Maneuver of Mirrors, her sharp observation skills allowing her to anticipate Preston's attack. She gracefully sidestepped at the last moment, leaving him off-balance and vulnerable. She followed up with Reining Reversal, pulling Preston toward her with a quick tug on her mallet, and then transitioned into Gallant Spin, spinning swiftly with her mallet extended, aiming to strike Preston in a fluid motion.

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

Preston, though briefly off-balance, regained his composure and used Cue Vault, vaulting over the spinning mallet attack with his cue stick, landing a few feet away as he stood still to reassess his strategy. The crowd erupted in cheers, fully engaged by the intense battle that had yet to see a decisive hit.

"What a match! It's so engaging! What do you think, Naomi?" Pat asked, brimming with excitement. "Yes, it's exciting," Naomi responded, though keeping her answer brief and general.

Samantha jumped in with a detailed analysis. "Both competitors are incredibly strategic. We saw Eliza's Elegant Strike and Preston's Precision Strike, both strong offensive maneuvers. However, they’ve been defending each other just as well—Preston's Bank Shot Block deflected the force of Eliza's attack, and Eliza's Maneuver of Mirrors allowed her to sidestep Preston's strike. The Reining Reversal was key, tugging Preston toward her for the Gallant Spin, but Preston managed to evade with Cue Vault. No real damage has been dealt yet, but this match is incredibly tactical!"

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/84/Spin_Control.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2b/Break_Shot_Rush.png]

"You are really good with your defensive skills, I must say," Preston remarked, clearly impressed by Eliza's ability to block his attacks, likening her to an impenetrable wall. Determined to turn the tide, he launched into Spin Control, twirling his cue stick in a series of confusing movements designed to throw her off balance. Spotting what he thought was an opening, Preston closed the gap with Break Shot Rush, rapidly swinging his cue stick in a barrage of strikes aimed at overwhelming Eliza.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/58/Stable_Stance.png]

However, Eliza, remaining calm and composed, responded with Stable Stance, planting her feet firmly in a wide posture reminiscent of a horse's strong footing. She expertly deflected each of Preston's blows, absorbing the strikes with impeccable timing, proving once again to be a difficult opponent.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/22/Preston_performing_the_Double_Hit_executing_two_rapid%2C_successive_strikes_with_his_cue_stick%2C_where_the_second_strike_capitalizes_on_the_rebound_energy_from_the_first.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/63/Distancing_Drive.png]

Undeterred, Preston pressed forward with Double Hit, executing two quick successive strikes that utilized the rebound energy from the first, much like a billiard trick shot. But Eliza had an answer yet again—she countered with Distancing Drive, leaping back while swinging her mallet, deflecting both of Preston's strikes in one fluid motion.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/78/Equestrian_Charge.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1f/Symphony_of_Steed_and_Steel.png]

Preston, now visibly exhausted and with his composure faltering, realized he was in trouble. Eliza, having patiently waited for the right moment, saw her opportunity to go on the offensive. With graceful speed, she charged forward with Equestrian Charge, bringing her mallet down in a powerful overhead strike. Preston, too tired to defend, was struck hard, stumbling backward. Sensing her victory, Eliza unleashed her finishing move—Symphony of Steed and Steel—a flurry of precise, elegant strikes that mimicked the rhythm of a rearing horse. Each hit connected with devastating accuracy, leaving Preston stunned and defeated, his cue stick knocked out of reach as he collapsed on the floor.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the end of the match. "Match over!" The crowd of 5,000 erupted in cheers, thoroughly impressed by the match's unexpected intensity and skill. Eliza, ever graceful, offered her hand to help Preston up after her victory. However, Preston, clearly upset by his loss, refused the gesture, rising on his own and retrieving his cue stick. Maintaining his elegant posture, he bent the cue stick over his knee, snapping it in half, and threw the pieces aside. Without a word, he silently exited the arena, his displeasure with the outcome evident in every step. Meanwhile, Eliza bowed elegantly to the crowd, her poise intact, acknowledging their support with a wave. Backstage, her twin sister Veronica watched with a smug expression, proud of her sister's achievement, despite their competitive relationship.

Pat, still processing the upset, turned to Naomi for her take. "What a big surprise! Another Starlight University student has been knocked into the loser's bracket! Naomi, do you have anything to say to your schoolmate?"

Naomi, keeping her response diplomatic, replied, "I wish Preston the best and hope to see him perform better in the loser's bracket."

Samantha quickly followed with her detailed analysis. "It was unfortunate for Preston, as Eliza appeared to be his perfect counter, effectively neutralizing his key moves. Preston's Break Shot Rush, with its rapid strikes, was absorbed by Eliza's Stable Stance, like a horse firmly planted in the ground. His Double Hit, though a clever successive strike, was deflected by Eliza's Distancing Drive, where she maintained her distance with a leaping backswing. And finally, the combination of Equestrian Charge and Symphony of Steed and Steel on an exhausted Preston sealed the match—Eliza's timing and execution were flawless."

The crowd continued to buzz, acknowledging Eliza's tactical brilliance. "Everyone, please put your hands together for our guest commentator. It’s her first time as a guest, and I have to give it to her!" Pat encouraged the audience, clapping alongside Samantha to show their appreciation for Naomi. Smiling awkwardly, Naomi waved back, knowing her performance as a commentator had been subpar but played along, pretending to enjoy the praise.

As the atmosphere settled, Pat and Samantha moved on to wrap up Day 2 of the Athenaeum Games, summarizing the day's results. "Samantha, Day 2 has been full of surprises!" Pat began. "The only representative from China, Lin Xiaoyun, the influencer with more than a million followers, Chloe Choi Soo-Min, and the last Starlight University student, Preston Montgomery, have all been knocked into the loser's bracket. They’ll need to be careful because if they lose again, they're out of the competition for good."

Samantha followed up, providing a quick recap. "For the winner's bracket in Round 2, we have the black horse, Javier Morales, along with the Hart sisters, Veronica and Eliza, advancing to the next round. Everyone, please give a round of applause to all the competitors who fought hard today!"

Pat chimed in with a final motivational message, "Whether you win or lose today, you’re all winners! Stay hungry and stay positive, as no one’s out yet!"

Before signing off, Pat prompted Samantha for a preview of Day 3. "Samantha, help us out—what can we look forward to tomorrow?"

"Day 3 will feature two exciting matches:

Arjun Patel versus Taylor Hudson

Lukas Müller versus Erik Andersson

," Samantha announced. "Not only will these matchups be thrilling, but all the competitors will also be present for the round 1 wrap-up. Afterward, we'll have the draw for Winner's Round 2 and Loser's Round 1, revealing the next exciting matchups! Day 3 is going to be action-packed, so make sure to tune in!"

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]

Pat nodded in agreement, "I’m Pat Samson," he said.

"And I’m Samantha White," she added with a smile.

"Signing off from Day 2 of the Athenaeum Games!" they both declared, perfectly wrapping up another day of exciting competition.