It was one day before the start of Loser's Round 1, and Jake had arranged to meet Carter and Maddie for a jog. Despite competing in the same tournament, their bond as friends far outweighed any sense of rivalry. Carter, who had more time to prepare since he was in Winner's Round 2, took the opportunity to check in on his friends.
"Jake, Maddie, are you guys nervous?" Carter asked, jogging at a relaxed pace beside them.
Jake shook his head with a smile. "Not at all, bro. I'm taking the competition in stride," he said casually, clearly unbothered.
Maddie, on the other hand, wore a dramatic pout, glancing at Carter. "I'm still upset about losing to you," she said with mock sadness, her voice dripping with melodrama. "Honestly, I feel like quitting the competition..."
Carter slowed down, his face filled with awkward guilt. "Ehhh... I didn't mean to—uh, I'm really sorry about—"
Before he could finish, Maddie burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as she jogged. Jake and Carter exchanged a look, raising questioning eyebrows at each other, unsure of what just happened.
"Hahaha! Gotcha!" Maddie finally managed between giggles, her expression lighting up with playful confidence. "I'm fine! Don't worry, guys. I'm ready for the next round—I'll definitely make it through!"
Carter let out a breath of relief, shaking his head. "You're impossible, Maddie."
After their jog, the trio found a bench and sat down to catch their breath. The atmosphere grew more subdued as they considered what lay ahead. Tomorrow, the competition would resume with Loser's Round 1. Four matches were on the schedule, meaning that by the end of the day, at least four competitors would be eliminated. The stakes were higher than ever, but for now, the three friends enjoyed a brief, peaceful moment together.
As the day of Loser's Round 1 arrived, the Maxwell Colosseum buzzed with energy. It was set to be a high-stakes day as competitors prepared to give everything to stay in the tournament. The crowd of 50,000 packed into the arena, their excitement mounting with every passing second. The commentators, Pat and Samantha, took their seats, ready to guide the audience through what promised to be a thrilling and intense competition. They reminded everyone of the arena's unique features: a 94-foot circular battlefield with patches of grass, stretches of sand, and sections of concrete. Scattered across the terrain were sports balls, crates, and obstacles, designed to encourage creative strategies.
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/b/bd/Lin_Xiaoyun_Profile.png]
The day kicked off with the first match: Jake Harada versus Lin Xiaoyun. The large billboard screen illuminated their names and images as Pat and Samantha hyped up the crowd with their introductions.
"In one corner, the slugger with a keen eye, Jake Harada!" Pat announced with enthusiasm.
"And in the other corner, the swift and precise master of shuttlecocks, Lin Xiaoyun!" Samantha added, building excitement.
From the stands, Jake's friends—Carter, Luna, and Akane—cheered him on, their hopes riding high for his victory against Xiaoyun.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9a/Feathered_Finesse.png]
As the whistle blew, the match began in earnest. Xiaoyun wasted no time, employing a strategy similar to the one she had used in her earlier round against Veronica Hart. She relied on projectiles to dominate the field, avoiding direct confrontation with Jake, whose baseball bat made him a formidable close-range opponent. Using Feathered Finesse, Xiaoyun unleashed a series of swift and accurate strikes, sending shuttlecocks hurtling toward Jake with blinding speed.
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 quickly countered. Spotting a baseball on the field, he executed Curveball Confound, grabbing the ball and throwing it with expert precision. The baseball spun unpredictably through the air, meeting one of Xiaoyun's shuttlecocks mid-flight. The two projectiles collided, neutralizing each other and dropping harmlessly to the ground.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a7/Blossoming_Barrage.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1e/Jake_performing_Fastball_Flick%2C_sending_a_barrage_of_small_objects_flying_at_high_speed_towards_his_enemies.png]
Xiaoyun was stunned by Jake's quick reaction to her move. Without giving him a chance to counter, she followed up with another projectile attack, Blossoming Barrage. With a rapid succession of strikes, she unleashed a flurry of shuttlecocks that bloomed like flowers in the air, aiming to overwhelm Jake with both elegance and force. But Jake was ready again. He countered with Fastball Flick, sending his own barrage of small objects picked up from the battlefield hurtling toward Xiaoyun's shuttlecocks at high speed. Once again, their projectiles collided midair, neutralizing each other's kinetic energy and dropping harmlessly to the ground.
The crowd erupted into cheers, appreciating the skillful exchange between the two competitors. Jake and Xiaoyun locked eyes, not with hostility, but with mutual respect. Both smiled warmly, clearly enjoying the spirited competition.
"What a competition! Projectiles after projectiles!" Pat exclaimed, his voice full of excitement as the crowd cheered. "Projectile exchanges from both competitors, neutralizing each other's moves. There's no clear advantage yet, but from my analysis, the next phase of this battle will likely move to close-range combat," Samantha added, her tone steady as she provided her insight into the match's progression.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/ac/Jake_performing_Stealing_Bases%2C_his_agility_allows_him_to_move_quickly_and_stealthily%2C_evading_capture_or_sneaking_up_on_foes.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c4/Jake_Harada_performing_Home_Run_Swing%2C_swinging_his_baseball_bat_with_exceptional_power%2C_aiming_to_knock_out_opponents_or_send_projectiles_back.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/23/Echoing_Empathy.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/36/Harmony_Spin.png]
True to Samantha's prediction, Jake rushed forward with Stealing Bases, moving swiftly toward Xiaoyun to close the distance and attempt a surprise attack. Closing in, he swung his baseball bat with exceptional power, using Home Run Swing in a calculated strike. However, Xiaoyun, with her Echoing Empathy, sensed Jake's intentions and emotions, allowing her to anticipate the incoming attack. She countered skillfully with Harmony Spin, spinning her badminton racket to deflect Jake's bat and redirect its momentum, sending his swing off course.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a6/Sunrise_Smash.png]
Seeing the perfect opportunity, Xiaoyun decided it was time to end the match. Determined not to repeat her previous mistake against Victoria Hart, she raised her badminton racket high and unleashed her ultimate move, Sunrise Smash. The powerful strike arced through the air like the rising sun, her racket glowing with a radiant light that symbolized hope and renewal. Xiaoyun believed Jake had no way to counter this move after being thrown off balance.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/fb/Jake_Harada_performing_Batter%27s_Intuition%2C_allowing_him_to_read_his_opponents%27_movements%2C_giving_him_the_ability_to_react_swiftly_and_strike_with_precision.png] 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]
But Jake, far from being defeated, relied on his Batter's Intuition. His sharp reflexes kicked in, and he read the trajectory of Xiaoyun's ultimate attack as if time had slowed down. Reacting instantly, he executed a Slide Dodge, sliding just beneath the descending arc of Xiaoyun's racket. The audience gasped as Jake evaded what could have been a decisive strike, repositioning himself behind Xiaoyun with fluid precision.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/67/Jake_harada_performing_Grand_Slam%2C_powerful_leaping_swing%2C_bringing_his_bat_down_in_an_arc_that_deals_heavy_damage_to_anything_in_its_path.png]
With an opening in sight, Jake leaped into the air and activated his ultimate move Grand Slam, bringing his bat down in a powerful arc aimed at Xiaoyun's back. She tried to turn and defend, but it was too late. She closed her eyes, bracing for the heavy blow. After a moment, however, she realized there was no impact. Opening her eyes, she saw Jake's bat mere inches from her face, motionless. He had deliberately stopped his attack short, sparing her from harm.
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Xiaoyun immediately understood Jake's intention. A mix of emotions flickered across her face—relief, respect, and acknowledgment of her defeat. She looked toward the referee, dropped her racket, and said, "我弃权比赛," declaring her forfeit in Chinese. The referee raised his arm, pointing toward Jake. "The winner is Jake Harada!"
"What a battle! Unfortunately for Lin Xiaoyun, her journey in the competition ends here, but what a fantastic display of sportsmanship from Jake Harada!" Pat's voice rang out with admiration as the crowd erupted in applause.
"Absolutely, Pat," Samantha chimed in, her tone reflective. "Xiaoyun, still carrying the weight of her first-round defeat against Victoria Hart, went for her ultimate move, Sunrise Smash, a bit too early while Jake was still sharp and alert. His ability to read her attack, dodging beneath the arc and positioning himself for his own ultimate, Grand Slam, was impeccable. But what really stood out was his decision to hold back the final strike, showcasing the spirit of true sportsmanship."
In the arena, Jake extended his hand toward Xiaoyun with a warm smile. "It was a great match; you did amazing," he said, his tone sincere.
Xiaoyun smiled back, her eyes glinting with mutual respect. "谢谢你的赞美,有机会我们再比一次!" she replied in Chinese, which translated to, "Thank you for the compliment. If there's a chance, let's compete again!" Though their words were in different languages, the understanding between them was clear, their goodwill bridging any language barrier.
As Xiaoyun exited the arena, she waved to both the audience and Jake, her expression filled with optimism. Though her journey in the competition had ended, she left with a valuable lesson and a newfound friend. The crowd cheered loudly, appreciating her grace in defeat and the mutual respect shared by both competitors.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/33/Natalia_Ivanova_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]
As the first match of the day concluded, the commentators eagerly introduced the second match, setting the stage for a clash of contrasting styles. The billboards lit up, displaying the names Natalia Ivanova and Madison Thompson.
"Two competitors with completely different approaches," Samantha remarked. "One embodies grace and artistic precision, while the other thrives on raw athleticism and unyielding enthusiasm."
The referee's whistle signaled the start of the match, and the audience erupted in cheers. From the crowd, Carter's voice could barely be heard as he shouted, "Go Maddie!" His support, though drowned by the noise, was heartfelt as he hoped to see his friend advance.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/df/Lash_of_Elegance.png]
As soon as the whistle blew, Natalia moved into action with calculated elegance. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed Lash of Elegance, her six-meter ribbon snapping toward Maddie with surprising speed and force. The ribbon, though seemingly delicate, lashed out with precision, demonstrating Natalia's skill in merging artistic grace with raw power. Her strategy was clear: use her range to keep Maddie at bay.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1a/Playful_Parry.png]
Maddie, caught off guard, was forced into a defensive stance. With her characteristic energy, she used Playful Parry, deflecting the ribbon strikes with her ringette stick. "Hey, we're just getting started!" she called out, her tone light-hearted and playful despite the pressure.
Unfazed by Maddie's taunts, Natalia began a captivating performance, weaving her rhythmic gymnastics routine into the match. The crowd watched in awe as she danced across the arena, her ribbon swirling in mesmerizing patterns. Maddie, momentarily distracted, hesitated, unsure of what Natalia was planning.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/29/Ensnaring_Dance.png]
Unbeknownst to Maddie, Natalia's Ensnaring Dance was already in play. The swirling ribbon had subtly entangled Maddie's ankle without her realizing it. When Maddie finally attempted to move offensively, she stumbled and looked down, noticing too late that her ankle was bound. Natalia gave a sharp tug, pulling Maddie off balance and causing her to crash onto the grassy patch with a heavy "Thump!"
"What a display by Natalia!" Pat exclaimed, clearly impressed. "She's a completely different competitor from her first-round performance."
"Absolutely, Pat," Samantha agreed. "Her seamless combination of rhythmic gymnastics and combat strategy is catching Madison completely off guard. By utilizing her ribbon's range to keep Maddie at bay, Natalia has taken early control of this match. Let's see if Madison can find a way to overcome this and mount a comeback!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f7/Twirling_Disarm.png]
The crowd's cheers swelled as Maddie picked herself up, rubbing her backside with a wince. "Ouch, that hurts!" she muttered, trying to shake off the fall. But there was no time to dwell on the pain—Natalia was already poised to end the match. Maddie's eyes widened as she noticed the ribbon spinning toward her wrist at high speed. Natalia had deployed Twirling Disarm, her ribbon whirling with such speed and precision that it aimed to rip Maddie's ringette stick from her grasp. The success of this move could spell the end of Maddie's competition.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/29/Maddie_performing_Playful_Parry%2C_deflecting_incoming_attacks%2C_accompanied_by_light-hearted_taunts%2C_frustrating_her_opponents.png]
Forced to react quickly, Maddie relied on her trusty Playful Parry, using her ringette stick to divert and deflect the incoming ribbon strikes. "Hey, chill, girl! I haven't even shown you what I can do yet!" she taunted with her trademark humor. But internally, Maddie knew the stakes. If she didn't close the distance between them soon, Natalia's superior range would give her the upper hand and likely seal the match.
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]
Natalia, however, remained composed, keeping a safe distance and twirling her ribbon with graceful ease. The swirling patterns created by her ribbon were hypnotic, drawing both Maddie's focus and the crowd's admiration. Seeing an opportunity, Maddie lunged forward with Lively Lunge, aiming a powerful thrust of her ringette stick toward Natalia's midsection. But when she arrived at the target, Natalia was nowhere to be seen—only her swirling ribbon remained.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/bd/Mystify_Illusion.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/29/Ribbon_of_Retribution.png]
The intricate patterns were part of Natalia's Mystify Illusion, a masterful technique where she manipulated the ribbon to create mesmerizing visuals, confusing her opponent about her true location and movements. This dazzling display highlighted Natalia's creativity and psychological acumen, using misdirection as a powerful tactical advantage. Now at Maddie's blind spot, Natalia struck with Ribbon of Retribution, channeling her discipline and artistry into a powerful sequence where the ribbon became an extension of her will, lashing out toward Maddie with unerring precision.
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/3/3b/Maddie_performs_Cheeky_Feint%2C_faking_an_attack_to_draw_her_opponent%27s_guard%2C_then_quickly_shifts_her_position_to_deliver_a_surprise_strike_from_a_different_angle.png]
But Maddie wasn't caught off guard. Her Lively Lunge had been part of a greater strategy, a setup for her Cheeky Feint—a clever ploy where she faked an attack to draw Natalia's guard before swiftly repositioning to counter from an unexpected angle. As Natalia's ribbon struck air, Maddie's ringette stick found its mark, landing a blow on Natalia's side.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/46/Ballet_of_Grace.png]
Having been struck by Maddie, Natalia felt the sting of nervousness creeping in. She knew her constitution wasn’t built for prolonged physical endurance or direct clashes, as her strength lay in grace and flexibility rather than brute force. Seeking to regain her footing and create some distance, she initiated Ballet of Grace, blending her gymnastic agility with the fluidity of her ribbon. Each step and leap resembled an intricate ballet, her movements coordinated with the swirling ribbon, as she sought to reposition herself advantageously.
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/5/59/Spiral_Deflect.png]
"Hey, don’t move away!" Maddie exclaimed, determined to keep up the pressure. She charged forward with Cheery Charge, a burst of energy propelling her straight at Natalia. With her ringette stick poised, Maddie aimed a powerful upward strike. Natalia, seeing the oncoming attack, was forced to shift into a defensive stance, using Spiral Deflect. The ribbon spun around her in a protective spiral, deflecting Maddie’s initial strike with its fluid yet forceful motion.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/22/Maddie_performing_Heartbreaker_Shot%2C_with_a_playful_yet_focused_expression%2C_twirling_her_red_ringette_stick_with_incredible_speed_and_precision%2C_spiraling_strike_aimed_directly_at_her_opponent%27s_heart.png]
But Maddie wasn’t done yet. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she twirled her red ringette stick at incredible speed, building momentum. With a playful but focused expression, she channeled her energy into her ultimate move, Heartbreaker Shot. The spiraling strike surged forward, aimed directly at Natalia’s core. The combination of raw power and precision created a shockwave that rippled through the arena, disorienting and destabilizing Natalia.
Caught off guard by the intensity of the attack, Natalia was unable to react in time. The force of the Heartbreaker Shot knocked her to the ground, her ribbon stick slipping from her grasp. The crowd gasped as Natalia lay motionless, unconscious from the impact.
"Match ended!" the referee declared, blowing the whistle and pointing at Maddie, signaling her as the victor.
"Way to go, Maddie!" Carter shouted from the audience, his voice full of excitement and pride. The spectators erupted into applause and cheers, celebrating Maddie’s stellar performance. Maddie, her breathing heavy but her grin unwavering, raised her ringette stick triumphantly, basking in the crowd’s adoration as she secured her place in the next round.
As the competition continued, the energy in the Maxwell Colosseum remained electrifying, with the crowd eagerly anticipating the next two matches of the Loser's Round 1 bracket.
As the competition continued, with two more matches remaining in the Loser's Round 1 bracket, the four remaining competitors understood that this was their final chance to stay in the running. The weight of the stakes added an intense atmosphere to the arena, as every move they made could determine their fate. The pressure and tension was there, and the tension in the crowd mirrored the competitors' mounting anxiety. Meanwhile, the commentators prepared for the upcoming match, hyping the audience for the battles that would soon unfold.