Jake, Luna, Akane, and Maddie arrived at Maxwell Colosseum to support Carter, who was competing today. The energy in the air was electric, with the crowd buzzing in anticipation for the Winner's Round 2 matches.
"What do you think of Carter's chances?" Maddie asked Jake as they found their seats. She was curious about his opinion, knowing he had known Carter longer than she had.
Carter would be facing Lukas Müller, a competitor renowned for his expertise in Hornussen, a traditional Swiss sport. Lukas's innovative use of the Träf as a weapon reflected both his respect for tradition and his ability to wield it with strength and versatility.
Jake flashed Maddie an optimistic smile. "Carter will do great! I believe in him!" he said confidently. Though deep down, Jake wasn't entirely sure. He wasn't the type to overanalyze opponents or strategize too far ahead. His approach was more instinctive—adapting and finding solutions on the fly. Still, today was a chance to relax and support a friend, a rare moment of relief for both him and Maddie after their victories in Loser's Round 1 kept them in the tournament.
The schedule for Winner's Round 2 promised an exciting day, with four matches lined up:
Naomi West vs. Olivier Leclerc
Carter Brooks vs. Lukas Müller
Veronica Hart vs. Eliza Hart
Javier Morales vs. Arjun Patel
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]
The commentators, Pat Samson and Samantha White, were already in their seats, hyping up the crowd. Pat's booming voice carried over the noise of the excited audience. "Welcome to Winner's Round 2! Today's matches are sure to be unforgettable as these competitors give it their all to secure their spot in the next round!"
Samantha chimed in with her signature analytical tone. "Indeed, Pat. The lineup is stacked with talent. We'll see a blend of innovative tactics, raw athleticism, and calculated strategies today. Let's dive into the action!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/22/Naomi_West_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/3/37/Olivier_Leclerc_Profile.png]
The first match of the day featured Naomi West versus Olivier Leclerc. The large LED board illuminated their names, signaling the highly anticipated match was about to begin. Naomi, the reigning champion from last year, faced Olivier, a skilled combat sports representative. Despite Olivier's reputation, the odds were heavily in Naomi's favor. However, many in the crowd believed he had a fighting chance, making it one of the most talked-about matches of the day.
The energy in Maxwell Colosseum was hyped, with cheers for Naomi dominating the air. As both competitors marched into the arena, the crowd erupted in applause. Naomi walked in with unwavering confidence, her hazel eyes focused and her tennis racket gripped firmly in both hands. Olivier, on the other hand, strode in calmly, his Épée glinting under the arena lights. Both competitors took their positions, ready for the referee's signal to begin.
"Samantha, what a way to start the day with such a high-profile match! The crowd is going wild, and the bar is set high for the rest of the competitors to keep this energy going," Pat said, hyping up the audience.
"That's true, Pat, but I wouldn't underestimate the rest of the lineup," Samantha countered with a smile. "We're in for a show today—every competitor is bringing their best!"
The referee raised his whistle and placed it in his mouth. The sound of the whistle echoed across the arena. Both competitors stood poised, their eyes locked, waiting for the other to make the first move. Naomi shifted her weight slightly, her grip on her tennis racket tightening. Olivier mirrored her readiness, his Épée held firmly, ready to lunge.
Then, in an utterly unexpected move, Olivier stood straight. His body relaxed, and he let the Épée slip from his hand, the weapon clattering onto the ground. A stunned silence fell over the arena as Olivier looked calmly at the referee.
"I forfeit," he said, smiling slightly.
The referee froze, momentarily unsure of how to react. Realizing what had just happened, he raised his arm and pointed toward Naomi, signaling her as the winner.
The crowd erupted—not with cheers, but with gasps and murmurs of confusion. The commentators were stunned. Even Naomi stood frozen in place, her determined expression replaced with bewilderment.
"What just happened?" Pat's voice broke the silence. "Olivier Leclerc has chosen to forfeit against the defending champion! Samantha, I don't think anyone saw this coming."
"No one did, Pat," Samantha replied, equally shocked. "For Olivier to forfeit like this… it raises so many questions. Why give up without even trying? Was there a strategic reason, or is there something going on behind the scenes?"
Naomi's expression was a mix of confusion and frustration. She had prepared herself for a battle against a worthy opponent, only to have the fight taken away before it even began. The crowd buzzed with speculation, some fans visibly upset while others debated Olivier's motives.
As Olivier calmly walked out of the arena, a slight smile still on his face, the tension in Maxwell Colosseum remained high. Why had he chosen to send himself to the Loser's Bracket rather than compete for a chance at the next Winner's Round? The mystery lingered, leaving competitors and spectators alike wondering what his true intentions were.
With the most anticipated match of the day ending without a single move exchanged, the pressure was now on the organizers and commentators to regain the crowd's enthusiasm. The abrupt forfeit had left an uneasy tension in the air, and the organizers knew another disappointment would spell disaster. Murmurs of frustration rippled through the stands, and the audience's excitement teetered on the edge of discontent.
"Stay tuned, folks! The next match promises to be full of action!" Pat announced, his energetic tone cutting through the uneasy atmosphere.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f6/Carter_Brooks_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/0/0c/Lukas_M%C3%BCller_Profile.png]
The LED billboard quickly transitioned to the next match announcement. Carter Brooks and Lukas Müller's names and images flashed across the massive screen, accompanied by dramatic visuals. Seeing Carter's face on the display, Jake and his companions erupted into cheers.
"Go Carter!" Luna shouted, her enthusiasm drowned out by the roar of the crowd as excitement began to rebuild.
"And now, let's welcome the competitors for our next match—Carter Brooks versus Lukas Müller!" Pat hyped, raising the energy further.
"Our next match is starting earlier than expected," Samantha added smoothly. "Let's show our competitors some support as they take the stage!"
In his locker room, Carter was mid-stretch, warming up at his own pace. He assumed he had plenty of time before his match, unaware of the earlier drama between Naomi and Olivier. The abrupt knock on the door snapped him out of his rhythm.
"Carter Brooks! You're up next. Please hurry!" a staff member called out, their voice urgent.
"What? Already?" Carter asked, straightening up, a puzzled expression on his face. "I just started warming up."
The staff member opened the door slightly, gesturing hurriedly. "Yes, your match is happening now. We need you in the arena immediately!"
Carter frowned, feeling rushed but knowing he couldn't argue. He swung his hockey stick once, testing his grip, then sighed. "Here goes nothing!" he muttered as he grabbed his gear and followed the staff out of the room.
As he walked through the corridor toward the arena, the sound of the roaring crowd grew louder with every step. Emerging into the bright lights, Carter took in the sight of the massive crowd, their cheers now fully reignited after the earlier disappointment. Across the battlefield stood Lukas Müller, calm and composed, gripping the Träf—his traditional weapon—with an air of confidence.
"Let's hear it for Carter Brooks and Lukas Müller!" Samantha's voice rang out, sparking another wave of cheers.
Carter stepped into position, glancing briefly at the stands where Jake, Luna, Akane, and Maddie were cheering him on. Noticing Carter looking their way, his friends waved enthusiastically, their cheers rising above the noise of the crowd. Carter waved back with a smile, a flicker of warmth cutting through the tension of the moment.
He then turned his focus back to Lukas, his expression hardening as determination took hold. His gloved fingers tightened around his hockey stick, the black leather creaking slightly under the pressure. Locking eyes with Lukas, Carter felt the weight of his friends' support behind him. "Alright, time to prove myself," he muttered under his breath, his resolve firm.
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Though unsure of what was to come, Carter quickly analyzed the situation. Lukas's Träf was a ranged weapon, giving him a clear advantage in keeping opponents at bay. However, Carter knew his own athleticism and muscular build could be the deciding factors. If he could close the distance, his strength and speed might turn the tide in his favor.
"Beeep!" The referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling the start of the match. The energy in the arena surged, the crowd erupting into cheers. Unlike the earlier match, there was no hesitation or forfeiting this time. Both competitors were here to fight—for their pride, their standing, and their tournament lives.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b6/Carter_performing_the_Puck_Precision_move%2C_showcasing_his_ability_to_throw_with_incredible_accuracy_and_speed.png]
Carter wasn't letting Lukas's range advantage deter him. From the start, he spotted a football on the field and immediately activated Puck Precision. With a powerful swing of his hockey stick, Carter struck the football with incredible speed and accuracy, mimicking the precision of a hockey puck shot. The football hurtled toward Lukas like a missile.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b8/Bernese_Guard.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5f/Rink_Runner%E2%80%99s_Rush.png]
Lukas held his ground, unfazed. He quickly shifted into Bernese Guard, drawing inspiration from the protective techniques of Hornussen. Using his Träf, he deflected the incoming projectile with practiced ease. However, in the split second Lukas focused on the football, Carter had already closed the distance with Rink Runner's Rush. His relentless athletic stamina and speed kept Lukas off balance, as Carter constantly moved to maintain the pressure.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/da/Swiss_Glide.png]
Seeing the opportunity, Carter swung his hockey stick in a wide arc, executing Hockey Stick Sweep, a move resembling a powerful hockey slap shot aimed at knocking Lukas off his feet. But Lukas, ever-alert, countered with Swiss Glide, leveraging his agility and knowledge of the terrain. With a swift, graceful maneuver, Lukas repositioned himself, evading the strike and demonstrating the calculated poise of a seasoned athlete. The crowd erupted into cheers, thrilled by the flurry of moves at the start of the match.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/25/Herder%27s_Call.png]
Both competitors pressed on, giving each other no chance to catch their breath. Lukas maintained his distance, ensuring that Carter's hockey stick couldn't reach him. He then performed Herder's Call, a move that harkened back to his farming roots. Swinging the Träf in a wide, sweeping arc, Lukas controlled the battlefield like a shepherd managing his flock. The move dictated the flow of combat, forcing Carter to stay on the defensive and preventing him from closing the gap.
Lukas's focus sharpened as he sought the perfect opportunity to strike with the hard edge of his Träf, aiming to secure a decisive blow and claim victory. Meanwhile, Carter realized that his earlier strategy would no longer work. Lukas was now fully aware of his tactics, and breaking through the Swiss competitor's precise control of the arena would be even more challenging.
Carter tightened his grip on his hockey stick, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he quickly reevaluated his approach. The match was far from over, and he knew that finding a way to counter Lukas's newfound control was the key to turning the tide.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9a/Alpine_Strike.png]
Noticing that Carter was unable to close the distance, Lukas seized the opportunity to go on the offensive. He unleashed Alpine Strike, a powerful swing of the Träf, reminiscent of striking the nouss in Hornussen. The move combined the momentum of Lukas's entire body, showcasing both raw power and precision. The strike mirrored the pinpoint accuracy required in his sport to hit distant targets.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/fa/Carter_performs_Brotherhood_Guard%2C_drawing_on_his_sense_of_camaraderie_and_team_spirit%2C_Carter_can_protect_his_allies%2C_positioning_himself_strategically_to_absorb_or_deflect_attacks.png]
Carter saw the strike coming but had no time to evade. Bracing himself, he activated Brotherhood Guard, drawing on his sense of camaraderie and team spirit. He positioned himself strategically to absorb the attack, his hockey stick angled defensively in front of him. The hard edge of the Träf collided with Carter's side, the force of the blow causing him to stagger slightly, a clear indication of its immense power. Though Brotherhood Guard mitigated the worst of the damage, it was evident that Carter hadn't emerged unscathed.
In the stands, Jake, Akane, Luna, and Maddie watched with growing concern. Their cheers quieted momentarily as they exchanged worried glances, unsure of Carter's chances to turn the match around.
"Ouch! That hit is definitely gonna hurt!" Pat exclaimed, wincing sympathetically.
"Lukas has taken the upper hand," Samantha analyzed, her tone measured but firm. "After controlling the battlefield with Herder's Call, he followed up with Alpine Strike, hitting Carter with incredible power and accuracy. While Carter managed to absorb the blow using Brotherhood Guard, that kind of hit doesn't come without consequences."
Pat nodded, adding his insight. "Carter's got to find a way to shift the momentum back in his favor. Lukas is keeping him at range, and there's only so much punishment Carter can take before it catches up to him."
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/38/Valley_Sweep.png]
Lukas, determined to maintain his advantage, attempted to sweep Carter off his feet with Valley Sweep. Mimicking the sweeping landscapes of the Swiss valleys, he executed a low, wide arc with the Träf, aiming to destabilize Carter and knock him to the ground. If successful, this would leave Carter vulnerable to a barrage of follow-up attacks.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7c/Athlete%27s_Agility.png]
However, this proved to be a critical misstep. As the Träf swept toward Carter's legs, its range gave him enough time to anticipate the move. Activating Athlete's Agility, Carter's exceptional reflexes kicked in. With a nimble dodge, he leaped over the sweeping arc, maneuvering himself closer to Lukas. The sudden counterattack caught Lukas off guard—he hadn't yet retracted his weapon, leaving him open and defenseless.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/79/Power_Check.png]
Carter seized the opportunity. Using his own body weight, he performed Power Check, a move inspired by hockey body checks. With a burst of momentum, Carter slammed his shoulder into Lukas, sending him sprawling to the ground. The impact was forceful, creating an opening for Carter to take control of the match.
The crowd erupted in cheers, thrilled by Carter's swift and decisive counterattack. The unexpected shift in momentum electrified the atmosphere, and Carter's friends jumped to their feet in excitement.
"Go Carter!" Maddie shouted, her voice ringing out among the cheers as she and the others waved enthusiastically.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/88/Edelweiss_Spin.png]
Knocked down but not defeated, Lukas quickly attempted to recover, pushing himself to his feet. He knew the match wasn't over yet. As long as he wasn't disarmed or knocked out, he still had a fighting chance. Determined to regain control, Lukas initiated Edelweiss Spin, spinning rapidly with the Träf extended outward. The move, inspired by the resilience and beauty of the Swiss alpine flower, symbolized Lukas's ability to remain steadfast and vibrant amidst the chaos of battle.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9d/Slapshot_Smash.png]
However, Carter wasn't about to let up. Using his close-range advantage, he executed Slapshot Smash, winding up his hockey stick and delivering a powerful, high-speed strike. The move, reminiscent of a hockey slapshot, aimed directly at Lukas's hands. This time, Carter's precision paid off—the force of the strike knocked the Träf clean out of Lukas's grasp, sending it skidding across the arena floor, far out of reach.
The referee immediately blew his whistle and raised his arm. "Match point! The winner is Carter Brooks!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their energy filling the arena. The loudest voices came from the section where Jake, Maddie, Luna, and Akane were seated. "Great job, Carter!" they shouted, their excitement echoing above the noise. Even Akane, usually reserved, clapped politely for her friend, a small smile on her face.
Carter raised his hand in acknowledgment, waving at the crowd. But his attention quickly shifted to Lukas, who sat on the ground, head lowered in disappointment. Carter walked over and extended his hand. Lukas looked up, surprised at first, then smiled faintly and accepted the gesture. Carter pulled him to his feet.
"You did great out there," Carter said, smiling warmly. "If I hadn't closed the distance, I'd have probably lost."
Lukas chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You too. You showed incredible athleticism. It was an honor to face an opponent like you."
The two competitors exchanged a firm handshake, their mutual respect evident. The crowd, moved by the display of sportsmanship, erupted into another round of applause, this time for both fighters. Their cheers celebrated not just the victory, but the camaraderie and respect that elevated the competition beyond just a game.
"I love this type of ending! This is what the Athenaeum Games should be about—friendly competition and mutual respect," Pat said, dramatically rubbing his eyes as if wiping away tears.
"Me too, Pat," Samantha agreed, nodding. "This is exactly the spirit we should hope to see in every competition." She then transitioned into her play-by-play analysis. "At the start of the match, Lukas was firmly in control. The fight was playing to his strengths—controlled, methodical battles where he excels in precision, resilience, and tactical understanding. Moves like Herder’s Call allowed him to dictate the flow of combat, showcasing his mastery in battles that reward patience and positioning.
"But unfortunately, his critical mistake was attempting Valley Sweep to rush Carter and knock him off his feet. Carter saw the opening and used Athlete’s Agility to swiftly dodge the attack and close the distance. Once within range, he capitalized on the moment with Power Check, slamming Lukas to the ground and disrupting his ability to maintain control.
"From that point, Carter had the advantage. Lukas’s style thrives on maintaining control, but once that element was removed, he became vulnerable to Carter’s superior power and speed. Lukas tried to recover and regain control with Edelweiss Spin, but it was too late. Carter delivered the decisive blow with Slapshot Smash, knocking Lukas’s weapon out of his hands and securing the victory."
With the match ending in a way that exceeded the crowd’s expectations, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. The commentators, Pat and Samantha, shifted their focus to the next two matches, each promising to deliver unique excitement.
"Up next, we have a thrilling lineup," Pat announced with enthusiasm. "First, it’s sister versus sister—Veronica Hart against Eliza Hart—a match filled with personal stakes and sibling rivalry!"
"And following that," Samantha added, her tone sharp and analytical, "we’ll see a clash of sports and styles as Javier Morales, representing padel, faces Arjun Patel, the cricket prodigy. These two competitors bring vastly different skills to the table, which should make for a fascinating battle."
The anticipation in the Maxwell Colosseum grew as the crowd eagerly awaited the next round of action, the buzz of excitement building with every passing moment.