At the back of Maxwell Colosseum, in the preparation area, Preston Montgomery stood silently, clutching his cue stick. His thoughts were heavy as he fidgeted with the polished wood, his mind a whirlwind of pressure and self-doubt. With Jake having won his earlier match against Xiaoyun and Carter and Naomi still comfortably seated in the winner's bracket, Preston felt the weight of being the only Starlight University representative still teetering on the brink of elimination.
To him, it wasn't just about survival—it was about pride. The very thought of being the first from his university to be knocked out of the tournament filled him with dread. He couldn't bear the idea of losing to competitors he deemed beneath his social and intellectual standing. The stakes were higher than ever, and every moment of waiting gnawed at his nerves.
"Preston, you're up next!" a staff member called out, snapping him from his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he gripped his cue stick tightly and rose to his feet. His nerves bubbled beneath the surface, but he forced a calm expression as he made his way to the arena. This was his moment, and he couldn't falter now.
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/7/77/Erik_Andersson_Profile.png]
As Preston emerged into the arena, the bright spotlights washed over him and his opponent, Erik Andersson, illuminating the intensity of the moment. The billboard screen lit up, displaying their names in bold: Preston Montgomery vs. Erik Andersson. The crowd roared in anticipation as the competitors stood at opposite ends of the arena, their weapons in hand.
Pat, seated in the commentator's booth, leaned forward excitedly. "Ladies and gentlemen, here comes the third match of the day! Two competitors fighting tooth and nail to stay in the tournament!"
Samantha added, "That's right, Pat. Preston Montgomery, known for his calculated precision with the cue stick, will face Erik Andersson, whose fearless and unorthodox style has made him a force to be reckoned with. This is going to be a battle where strategic calculation faces off against unpredictability. Stay tuned, folks!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6a/Erik_performing_Glacier_Rush%2C_utilizing_his_speed_and_agility%2C_dashes_forward_with_his_ski_poles_extended%2C_delivering_a_rapid_series_of_jabs_and_strikes.png]
As Samantha finished her sentence, the referee blew his whistle. Erik wasted no time, activating Glacier Slide. Using his ski poles to propel himself, he slid across the battlefield with incredible speed, moving as if the concrete floor was slippery ice. Preston, however, remained unshaken by Erik's aggressive approach, waiting calmly for him to close the distance.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/56/Preston_performing_the_Precision_Strike%2C_uses_his_cue_stick_in_combat.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/e9/Icy_Impasse.png]
As Erik neared striking range, Preston made the first move, locking onto Erik's trajectory. Leveraging the length of his cue stick, he launched Precision Strike, targeting precise points on Erik's body, reflecting his preference for calculated precision and control. Forced to halt his advance, Erik quickly countered with Icy Impasse, slamming the bases of his ski poles together to create a temporary barrier resembling an ice wall, deflecting Preston's blow with a resounding "Thang!" as the cue stick met the reinforced poles.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/15/Blindside_Blitz.png] 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]
"Woah! You're good! I guess I have to rethink my strategy," Erik said with a smirk. Without warning, he threw his weight back before lunging forward with Blindside Blitz, a powerful pole thrust aimed at Preston's blindside. Preston, quick to react, used Bank Shot Block, angling his cue stick to redirect the force away from him, much like a billiard ball rebounding off a pool table's cushion.
Preston's mind raced as the battle unfolded. While fighting Erik, he noted numerous weaknesses in his opponent's techniques, recognizing exploitable gaps in his relentless offense. However, Erik's aggression and unyielding attacks were mounting significant pressure, forcing Preston to stay on the defensive.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/60/Glacier_Rush.png] 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]
Erik continued with Glacier Rush, utilizing his speed and agility to dash forward, delivering a rapid series of jabs and strikes with his ski poles, overwhelming Preston with sheer speed. Preston, finding himself under unrelenting assault, activated Cushion Escape, using his cue stick to aid his movements by leveraging it against surfaces, swiftly repositioning himself to evade Erik's relentless attack zone.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/99/Avalanche_Strike.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Cue_Vault.png]
Erik's confidence grew as it seemed Preston had no answer to his relentless assaults and hot pursuit. Turning up the aggression, Erik launched another Avalanche Strike, using his momentum to deliver a powerful downward swing with his ski poles, mimicking the sheer force of an avalanche. Preston, however, still had an answer. Using his cue stick, he performed a Cue Vault, vaulting gracefully over the low, crushing swing, showcasing his agility and tactical awareness.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/30/Preston_performing_the_Spin_Control%2C_the_fluidity_and_unpredictability_of_his_movements_with_the_cue_stick.png]
"How long are you going to run? You think you can outpace my attacks?" Erik shouted, frustration evident in his voice. Preston, unfazed, spun his cue stick with finesse, applying Spin Control, a deceptive move designed to confuse and distract Erik with unpredictable spinning movements, much like a billiard shot with precise spin.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/14/Alpine_Leap.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2a/Cushion_Escape.png]
"You think you're funny? Let's see you dodge this!" Erik retorted, leaping high into the air to execute Alpine Leap. With a fearless approach, he came down hard with his ski poles, aiming for a devastating pinpoint strike from above. Preston narrowly escaped yet again by activating Cushion Escape, leveraging his cue stick against the wall to swiftly reposition himself, leaving Erik's ski pole to smash heavily into the ground, missing him by inches.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/34/Preston_performing_the_Strategic_Feint%2C_executing_a_deceptive_maneuver%2C_faking_an_attack_to_draw_the_opponent%27s_defense.png]
Erik turned around just in time to see Preston appearing poised for a strike from behind. Moving to the side, Erik easily avoided the incoming attack—but it was all part of Preston's plan. Calmly and methodically, Preston had been setting up this opportunity. The strike was a Strategic Feint, mimicking a deceptive billiards play. The move had been carefully orchestrated to guide Erik into a vulnerable position—the sharp corner of the arena, reminiscent of a billiard table's pocket point.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7a/Final_Rack.png]
Preston's eyes gleamed with focus as he lined up his cue stick for this pivotal moment. "Clear!" he declared, his voice carrying the weight of finality. With a calculated motion, he unleashed Final Rack, his ultimate move. Combining his deep knowledge of angles and momentum, he delivered a decisive and powerful strike, aiming to symbolically "clear the table."
The impact sent Erik flying across the arena, crashing into the corner wall with great force before collapsing to the ground, his body motionless like the final ball sinking into the pocket of a billiard game. The referee blew the whistle, signaling the end of the match after confirming Erik was unconscious and unable to continue.
The crowd erupted into cheers as Preston stood tall, cue stick in hand, finally proving his mettle under the intense pressure of the Loser's Round.
The crowd erupted into cheers as Preston stood tall, cue stick in hand, his other hand adjusting his transparent, rimless glasses back into position. Inside, he let out a sigh of relief, the tension finally dissipating after proving his mettle under the immense pressure of the Loser's Round. Walking out of the arena, he remained unaffected by the adulation of the crowd, maintaining his composed demeanor and air of superiority.
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"What a match! But Erik's personality might have been his downfall," Pat commented with enthusiasm.
"That's right, Pat," Samantha agreed, adding her insight. "Erik's aggressive approach, with relentless moves like Blindside Blitz, Glacier Rush, and Avalanche Strike, gave the impression he was rushing to end the match quickly. Unfortunately, it left him vulnerable to Preston's calculated counter-strategies."
Samantha continued, highlighting Preston's composed performance. "Preston, on the other hand, stayed calm and strategic throughout the match. Using mobility techniques like Cushion Escape, Cue Vault, and Spin Control, he expertly avoided Erik's barrage of attacks. He bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to execute Strategic Feint, luring Erik into a corner where he couldn't escape. Then, with precision and elegance, Preston ended it all with Final Rack, a perfectly angled strike to secure his victory."
Pat nodded in agreement, chiming in. "It's a shame we didn't get to see Erik unleash his ultimate in this big match, but he gave it his all. We wish him the best and hope to see him return stronger in the next Athenaeum Games."
As the commentators wrapped up their analysis of the third match, the crowd buzzed with anticipation for the final match of the day. Pat and Samantha leaned in to hype up the audience for the fourth and last elimination round of the day, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown.
The final match of Loser's Round 1 was undeniably the most anticipated of the day. The arena buzzed with electrifying energy as the crowd roared in unison, chanting for their favorite competitor, Chloe Choi. Her fans dominated the stands, holding colorful signs that read, "If Chloe loses, we riot!" and "Chloe Choi is the best!" The atmosphere was deafening as they performed her iconic chant with unwavering enthusiasm:
"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 commentators, Pat and Samantha, exchanged a cautious glance, fully aware of Chloe's immense popularity and the potential backlash from her devoted fans if their words weren't chosen carefully. Pat adjusted his microphone, keeping his tone neutral yet enthusiastic. "Samantha, the energy in here is off the charts! How do you feel about this upcoming competition?"
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/f/f8/Taylor_Hudson_Profile.png]
Samantha, equally careful in her response, maintained an even-handed approach. "Pat, the excitement is noticeable. This is shaping up to be an incredible showdown between two talented competitors. Chloe Choi will be going up against Taylor Hudson next, and we wish both girls the best of luck in what is sure to be a thrilling battle!"
As the arena lights dimmed and the spotlight illuminated the competitors, the crowd's energy reached a fever pitch. Their favoritism was blatant, with deafening cheers for Chloe Choi and resounding boos directed at Taylor Hudson, unfairly casting her as the villain of the match. However, Taylor, resilient and strong-willed, stood unfazed. She refused to let the negativity affect her morale, fully aware of the stakes and determined to give it her all to bring down Chloe, no matter the odds.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/aa/Taylor_performs_Quick_Pass%2C_using_her_lacrosse_stick_to_quickly_scoop_up_any_foreign_object_or_weapon%2C_either_passing_it_to_an_ally_or_launching_it_at_opponents_as_a_surprise_missile.png]
The referee's whistle cut through the noise, signaling the start of the match. Wasting no time, Taylor made the first move, executing Quick Pass, using her lacrosse stick to scoop up a random ball from the arena and launch it at Chloe with missile-like precision. The attack was meant to catch Chloe off guard, but Chloe remained cool and composed, embodying the poise of a seasoned golfer.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1b/Stylish_Parry.png]
With a practiced stance, Chloe swung her golf club in a perfect arc, performing Stylish Parry, deflecting Taylor's projectile with elegance and control. Her movements were fluid, almost like a performance, as she maintained her balance and grace throughout. The crowd erupted into cheers, chanting her name in unison: "Chloe! Chloe! Chloe!"
Taylor gritted her teeth, recognizing the crowd's clear bias but refusing to let it deter her focus. She realized that Chloe's powerful golf club was a far greater threat than her own lacrosse stick. A single hit from the club head could mean instant elimination, so she needed to play smart and avoid Chloe's strikes at all costs.
"Are you going to move or not?" Taylor snapped, her frustration breaking through her composure as she glared at Chloe. The crowd roared behind her, their chants of impatience fueling the tension. Yet, Chloe remained still, standing her ground with a serene, unreadable smile that left Taylor questioning whether it concealed bad intentions or was simply dismissive. The silence was maddening, Chloe playing the wait-and-see game with a calmness that only added to Taylor's irritation.
"Fight, Chloe, you coward!" the crowd jeered, their voices cutting through the arena like daggers. Taylor gritted her teeth, feeling the hostility gnaw at her mental defenses. Slowly, she advanced, closing the distance with measured steps. She was determined to act first and put an end to Chloe's passivity.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f8/Taylor_performs_Lacrosse_Strike%2C_delivering_a_powerful%2C_sweeping_strike_with_her_lacrosse_stick%2C_using_the_full_length_of_the_stick_to_maximize_impact.png]
Taylor gripped her lacrosse stick tightly, channeling her frustration into a powerful Lacrosse Strike, a sweeping attack designed to leverage the full length of her stick for maximum impact. The move was decisive, a testament to Taylor's raw athleticism and fighting spirit.
But Chloe was ready. She had learned from her defeat against Javier Morales. That loss had pushed her to re-evaluate everything, driving her back to her professional coaches to dissect her mistakes and adapt her strategies. They had studied Taylor's fighting style meticulously, noting her boundless enthusiasm and competitive drive. While inspiring, Taylor's impulsive decisions in heated moments were a vulnerability Chloe was prepared to exploit.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/50/Bunker_Blast.png]
As Taylor's attack neared, Chloe's smile widened, her mind already a step ahead. She reacted swiftly with Bunker Blast, slamming the clubhead of her golf club into the ground. A spray of dirt and debris erupted into Taylor's face, creating a close-range explosion of chaos. The sudden attack forced Taylor to stagger back, rubbing her eyes in a desperate attempt to clear her vision.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/14/Chloe_Choi_performs_Silver_Flash%2C_each_move_executed_with_lightning_speed_and_precision%2C_overwhelming_her_opponent_with_sheer_agility.png]
Chloe wasted no time. With Taylor momentarily vulnerable, she launched into Silver Flash, a dazzling display of speed and precision. Her golf club became a blur as she delivered a rapid series of strikes, each one calculated and executed with pinpoint accuracy. The relentless assault overwhelmed Taylor, sending her sprawling to the ground as the crowd erupted in shock and awe.
Taylor tried to stand, but her body refused to cooperate. She hadn’t yet shown her full potential in the tournament, but now she was struggling just to stay upright. Her lacrosse stick was the only thing keeping her from collapsing, as she pushed it against the ground to support herself.
"It’s not over until I say it’s over!" Taylor declared, her voice loud and determined. The crowd could feel her grit as she directed her words toward Chloe, making her determination clear.
Chloe tilted her head, watching Taylor with a mix of confusion and disbelief. It was obvious she was the one winning—so why was Taylor still fighting? "I’m sorry," Chloe said, though her tone betrayed no real remorse. "This is a tournament, and my standing is on the line. You have to lose." A small, smug smile crept across her face, showing she wasn’t apologizing at all.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9b/Iron_Phoenix.png]
With her words hanging in the air, Chloe activated her ultimate move: Iron Phoenix. Swinging her golf club in rapid succession, she heated the clubhead with the friction of her movements, transforming it into a fiery, makeshift branding iron. With a swift and calculated strike, she aimed at Taylor’s midsection. The impact sent Taylor flying momentarily, the force seemingly defying gravity.
"Arghh!" Taylor cried out in pain before collapsing, unconscious. This time, she didn’t get back up.
The referee blew the whistle, signaling the end of the match. Chloe’s fans erupted into cheers, their voices echoing across the stadium as they celebrated their idol’s victory.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1e/Chloe_Choi_taking_a_selfie.png]
"Chloe! Chloe! Chloe!" the crowd chanted, their excitement reaching a fever pitch. Chloe, basking in the glory, waved to her supporters with a triumphant grin. She signaled to her manager, who handed her a phone. Removing her white cap, she posed for a selfie, her expression confident and radiant.
"A reward for my supporters! IOIO!" she posted on social media, delighted with her performance and the overwhelming response from her fans.
"What a match!" Pat exclaimed, his voice tinged with both excitement and sorrow. "Chloe may have won, but I have to give it to Taylor for her grit and determination. It’s just unfortunate that she couldn’t show us everything she’s capable of."
Samantha nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Pat. Taylor has so much potential, but today just wasn’t her day. Chloe, on the other hand, played a calm and strategic game. Unlike her earlier tournament rounds, she capitalized on Taylor’s impulsive decisions. Blinding her opponent with Bunker Blast—sending dirt into her eyes—Chloe followed up with precise strikes using Silver Flash. Then, she delivered the finishing blow, Iron Phoenix, combining heat and raw strength to end Taylor’s run in the tournament."
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f8/Taylor_Hudson_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/77/Erik_Andersson_Profile.png] 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/b/bd/Lin_Xiaoyun_Profile.png]
The commentators reflected on the day as the crowd began to settle. "And with that, the Loser’s Round bracket concludes," Pat said solemnly. "Four competitors—Taylor Hudson, Erik Andersson, Natalia Ivanova, and Lin Xiaoyun—are heading home. While their journeys in this tournament may be over, this is far from the end of the road for them."
Samantha’s tone softened as she added, "These young athletes have shown incredible promise. Though this chapter closes, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them, whether it’s in the Athenaeum Games or in their personal sports careers. They have bright paths ahead."
With those final words, the day’s tournament drew to a close, leaving the audience eager for the next chapter of competition.