As the sisterly rivalry came to a close, Pat and Samantha shifted their focus to the next match, following the producer's cue to hype up the audience.

"Samantha, we've finally arrived at the last match of Winner's Round 2. After this, we'll be down to the final four competitors in the winner's bracket," Pat announced, his voice brimming with excitement.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/75/Javier_Morale_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/8/8f/Arjun_Patel_Profile.png]

"That's right, Pat," Samantha continued seamlessly. "Before we lock in the final four, this match will decide who takes the last spot. It's going to be a showdown between Javier Morales, a dominant force whose prowess with padel was on full display in Round 1, and Arjun Patel, whose philosophy of learning from mistakes and moving forward with optimism makes him a formidable opponent with his expertise in cricket."

As Samantha's words echoed through the arena, the LED screens lit up with the competitors' names and portraits, casting a vibrant glow across the colosseum. The crowd erupted in cheers, anticipation building as Javier and Arjun marched onto the battlefield, their respective weapons in hand. Both stood poised at the center of the arena, awaiting the referee's whistle to signal the start of what promised to be a thrilling contest.

Jake, who knew Arjun personally, leaned forward in his seat, silently rooting for his friend. He was well aware that Javier was no easy opponent—his unexpected upset against Chloe in the first round had been a harsh reminder of that.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8f/Net_Charge.png]

"Beeeeeep!" The referee's whistle echoed through the colosseum, signaling the start of the match. Javier wasted no time, launching into Net Charge—a swift, powerful lunge forward with his racket, aimed directly at incapacitating Arjun with a high-speed thrust. The aggressive maneuver mirrored Javier's assertive net approach in padel, forcing Arjun immediately into a defensive stance.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/bc/Bouncer_Block.png]

Reacting instinctively, Arjun countered with Bouncer Block, drawing inspiration from cricket's high-speed bouncer delivery. With precise timing, he used his cricket bat to deflect Javier's assault, the movement mimicking the sharp unpredictability of a deflected bouncer ball.

But Javier's relentless offense wasn't just coincidence. This was calculated. He had carefully studied Arjun's previous match against Taylor Hudson, where Arjun had activated Innings Inspiration early, boosting his stamina and resilience over the course of the battle. Javier wasn't about to let that happen—his aggressive strategy was designed to smother Arjun before he could even gain momentum.

With the gap between them closed, Javier's sudden shift in behavior caught Arjun off guard. Javier flashed a disarming smile—a strange reaction in the heat of battle. Confused, Arjun hesitated for just a moment. That was all Javier needed. A sharp, searing pain shot through Arjun's stomach as he staggered back, dropping to one knee.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2e/Smiling_Drop_Shot.png]

The smile had been part of Javier's deceptive moveset—Smiling Drop Shot—a technique where Javier disguised a delicate yet devastating drop shot with his signature grin. The misdirection lulled opponents into anticipating a powerful swing, only for Javier to deliver a crippling blow at the last second. The move had succeeded, landing an early hit on Arjun.

"What a turn of events—Arjun takes a hit at such an early stage!" Pat's voice rang out, clearly shocked by what had transpired. The crowd mirrored his surprise, murmuring in disbelief. Arjun, who had performed so well in his first match, was already struggling to recover.

"I'm as shocked as you, Pat," Samantha responded, her eyes fixed on the arena. "Javier's aggressive strategy is relentless—he's not giving Arjun a chance to breathe. By using Net Charge, Javier quickly closed the gap between his padel racket and Arjun's cricket bat, forcing Arjun to resort to Bouncer Block. But what really turned the tide was the unexpected Smiling Drop Shot—that deceptive grin lured Arjun into dropping his guard for just a moment."

"It's not over yet," Pat added with cautious optimism. "Arjun's tough. Let's see if he can mount a comeback."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a2/Spin_Serve.png]

Javier watched Arjun kneeling, sensing the moment to end the match. "Forgive me, amigo… it's time for you to rest," he said with a confident grin, twirling his racket as he prepared for Spin Serve. The racket spun rapidly in his hand before he lunged forward, launching a disorienting, powerful strike mimicking the unpredictable spin of a padel serve.

"Twag!", The sharp clash of wood against carbon fiber echoed through the arena—not the sound of a strike landing, but of Javier's racket meeting Arjun's cricket bat.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1e/Crease_Counter.png]

Still on one knee, Arjun had activated Crease Counter, grounding himself in a defensive stance reminiscent of a cricket crease—a sacred zone he vowed to protect. His bat moved with swift, deliberate precision, intercepting Javier's incoming strike just as a cricketer defends against a bowler's delivery.

Arjun's eyes narrowed as he reflected on his earlier mistakes. This time, he stayed calm, learning from Javier's relentless offense. He had no intention of making the same errors twice.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/66/Slice_Cut_Shot.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/0b/Racket_Guard.png]

Javier's confidence flickered into surprise, but there was no time to process it as Arjun immediately shifted into offense, following his block with Slice Cut Shot. With expert timing, Arjun brought his cricket bat down in a sharp horizontal motion, mimicking the clean slice of a cricket cut shot. Javier's instincts kicked in at the last second—activating Racket Guard, he swiftly raised his racket, absorbing the impact with calculated precision and narrowly avoiding a clean hit.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d6/Spin_Shot.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/05/Spinner%27s_Strike.png]

For the first time, Javier’s signature grin faded as his eyes locked onto Arjun with newfound respect, realizing this opponent wouldn’t go down easily. Determined to keep control, Javier pressed forward with Spin Shot—a spinning maneuver that channeled the momentum of his racket’s rotation to amplify the power and unpredictability of his strikes. Confident Arjun had no counter, Javier lunged, aiming to overwhelm him. But Arjun met him head-on, responding with Spinner’s Strike, a technique inspired by the art of spin bowling. As Javier’s racket closed in, Arjun twisted his wrist at the last moment, adding a deceptive spin to his bat swing. The subtle adjustment disrupted the strike’s trajectory, forcing Javier to react on instinct as their weapons clashed in a fierce exchange.

The two weapons clashed with a resounding "Twag!" that echoed through the arena. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement swelling as the back-and-forth battle intensified.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/83/Patience_Punisher.png]

Javier's determination blazed, but Arjun's resolve burned just as fiercely. Recognizing that relentless offense wasn't yielding the results he anticipated, Javier shifted tactics. He transitioned into Patience Punisher, stepping back to wait for Arjun to overcommit or make a mistake—ready to strike with a devastating counter the moment an opening appeared.

But that hesitation cost him.

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

Seizing the lull, Arjun activated Innings Inspiration, harnessing his inner strength and unwavering optimism. His breathing steadied as stamina and resilience coursed through him, reinforcing his endurance for the long fight ahead.

From the sidelines, Jake jumped to his feet. "He's done it!" he cheered, recognizing the shift in Arjun's energy.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/e7/Power_Serve_Smash.png]

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Javier's eyes widened in realization. "Oh no... mistake!" he thought, gripping his racket tighter. He had given Arjun exactly what he needed—a chance to breathe and turn the tide. Recognizing the danger, Javier shifted back into full offensive mode, launching into Power Serve Smash, a devastating overhead swing designed to mimic the force of a padel serve.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9e/Propelling_Helicopter_Shot.png]

But Arjun saw his opening. This was the moment to end it. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he activated his ultimate—Propelling Helicopter Shot. Channeling power through his dominant hand, Arjun swung his bat upward in a fluid arc, striking with precise force aimed directly at Javier's head. The strike mimicked cricket's iconic helicopter shot, delivering a bottom-to-top swing that carried devastating momentum.

The impact was instantaneous. Javier's body flipped through the air in a full 360-degree somersault, spinning like the very move that had struck him. He crashed to the ground with a dramatic "Thump!", his padel racket slipping from his grasp as he lay motionless.

The referee rushed over, kneeling beside Javier to check his condition. After a brief examination, the referee stood and raised his arm toward Arjun. "The winner is Arjun Patel!"

The arena erupted in cheers, the crowd roaring in celebration of Arjun's hard-fought victory. Jake jumped to his feet, clapping loudly with Luna and Akane by his side, while the stadium's LED screens replayed the decisive Propelling Helicopter Shot in slow motion, showcasing the dramatic finish.

"What a turn of events from start to finish! We all thought Javier had this match in the bag after landing the first hit!" Pat exclaimed, still in disbelief at the dramatic conclusion.

"Absolutely, Pat! This was a head-to-head battle where neither competitor held a clear advantage for long," Samantha added. "Arjun's ability to adapt and learn from his mistakes played a crucial role. His use of Crease Counter—establishing a defensive zone with his cricket bat—allowed him to manage his 'crease' against Javier's relentless offense and gave him the breathing room he needed to restrategize."

Samantha continued, "Javier's critical mistake came when he switched to defense with Patience Punisher. By stepping back and waiting for Arjun to make a mistake, Javier inadvertently gave Arjun the space to activate Innings Inspiration. This boosted Arjun's stamina and resilience, reinforcing his endurance for the long game. Had Javier stuck to his aggressive approach, he might have maintained the upper hand. But that moment of hesitation shifted the momentum."

Pat nodded in agreement, leaning toward the mic. "Right—and it all came down to that final blow! Arjun may have only landed one decisive strike, but that's all it took. His ultimate—Propelling Helicopter Shot—connected with pinpoint accuracy, flipping Javier like a spinning top and knocking him clean out. What a dramatic finish!"

Samantha wrapped up her analysis. "Exactly, Pat. In the end, it doesn't matter how many strikes you land. Victory in this competition comes when your opponent is disarmed, forfeits, or is knocked out. Javier just couldn't close the match, and Arjun capitalized when it counted. Congratulations to Arjun on a hard-fought win!"

The crowd's cheers echoed through the colosseum as the LED screens replayed the final clash, solidifying Arjun's victory in what was sure to be remembered as one of the most intense matches of the tournament. Arjun stood tall, lowering his cricket bat with a satisfied but humble smile, raising a hand to acknowledge both the roaring applause and Javier's valiant effort.

Nearby, paramedics knelt beside Javier, ensuring he was alright after the devastating blow. Despite the defeat, Javier waved weakly to the crowd, earning a respectful round of applause for his sportsmanship and resilience.

Arjun remained in the arena, his eyes fixed on the stage as he awaited the next announcement. He knew the next matchup reveal for Winner's Round 3 and Loser's Round 2 was imminent—this would determine his path forward and the opponent he would face next.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at the most anticipated part of today's session!" Pat's voice boomed through the arena, stirring the excitement of the crowd. The atmosphere was electric as fans in the stands, viewers watching from home, and most importantly, the remaining competitors fixed their eyes on the massive LED billboard.

The screen flickered, and the draw for Winner's Round 3 began to roll. The crowd hushed, the soft hum of the screen echoing as names shuffled in rapid succession. Finally, the first matchup appeared.

Arjun Patel vs. Carter Brooks.

"Oh, this is going to be a fascinating clash!" Samantha chimed in, leaning forward as the audience buzzed with interest. "Arjun Patel, now in his second tournament, has shown remarkable experience and adaptability. He's quickly becoming the rising underdog, proving his endurance time and time again."

"And on the other hand," Pat added with a grin, "we have Carter Brooks—a powerhouse built on raw athleticism and relentless offense. His hockey background gives him a hard-hitting, aggressive style that thrives in close-quarters combat. This is going to be intense."

Pat chuckled. "Two boys, two distinct styles—I can’t wait to see how Carter handles Arjun’s resilience."

The camera shifted to Carter, seated with Jake, Luna, and Akane in the audience. As his name flashed on the screen, Carter stood and gave a casual wave to the cheering crowd. Beneath his confident exterior, a quiet sense of relief stirred—deep down, he was grateful to be facing Arjun instead of Naomi.

Jake, sitting beside him, glanced between Carter and Arjun. Both were close friends, and the looming match left him torn. Unable to pick a side, he simply sighed and thought, May the best man win.

Meanwhile, Arjun remained in the arena after his match with Javier, catching his breath as the crowd's energy still lingered. His gaze drifted toward the audience, locking eyes with Carter. No words passed between them, but the exchange carried the weight of mutual respect. Arjun recognized the challenge ahead—Carter wouldn’t be an easy opponent.

A small smile tugged at Arjun’s lips. This isn’t going to be just another match, he thought.

The screen flickered once more, rolling the names for the next matchup.

Naomi West vs. Eliza Hart.

"And there it is," Samantha continued, her eyes narrowing slightly as the two names settled on the screen. "Naomi West—the reigning champion and crowd favorite—will face Eliza Hart, the epitome of grace and precision. Eliza has swept through her matches with unwavering calmness and strategic finesse. Her mastery of elegant and defensive maneuvers makes her one of the hardest competitors to read and counter."

The camera panned to Naomi, standing confidently with her tennis racket slung over her shoulder. She waved to the crowd as they cheered her on.

"Naomi has been nothing short of dominant, effortlessly dispatching her opponents with relentless serves and explosive techniques. She thrives in high-pressure situations and rarely shows any signs of fatigue or hesitation," Samantha added. Her tone shifted slightly as she continued, "This will be a battle between two of the best. The winner will advance to the semi-finals. Will Eliza pull off a major upset and break Naomi’s winning streak, or will Naomi continue her reign at the top? Stay tuned to find out!"

Pat nodded, his excitement building. "Naomi's precision against Eliza's grace—this one's bound to keep us on the edge of our seats!"

And now, it's time to reveal the matchups for Loser's Round 2!" His voice boomed through the arena as the massive LED screen flickered once again. The crowd's attention shifted instantly, eager to see the next set of matchups unfold.

Jake and Maddie sat side by side, their eyes glued to the screen. Having survived Loser's Round 1, they both knew what was at stake. The rules were simple—lose, and you're out. The winners of this round would move forward, but for the defeated, the journey would end here.

"Four matchups coming up," Samantha added, her voice calm but serious. "The survivors from Loser's Round 1 will face those who fell short in Winner's Round 2. The pressure couldn't be higher."

The first names to appear on the screen were Veronica Hart vs. Preston Montgomery.

"A battle of pure power versus a sophisticated approach," Samantha remarked as the arena buzzed with anticipation. "This will be an interesting matchup, especially considering that both competitors were sent to the loser's bracket by none other than Eliza Hart. Now, we get to see if Preston, who fell to the elder sister's precision, can hold his ground against the younger Hart sibling. Veronica's aggressive, croquet-based combat style contrasts sharply with Preston's strategic finesse, blending the calculated art of billiards with martial prowess."

Pat chuckled. "It's almost poetic, isn't it? One sister already bested Preston—now he has to go through the other."

Samantha nodded. "And Veronica won't pull any punches. She thrives on relentless pressure. Preston's ability to stay composed and turn defensive positions into opportunities will be tested like never before."

The screen flickered again, revealing the next matchup — Lukas Müller vs. Chloe Choi Soo-Min.

"Oh, this will be interesting!" Pat chimed in, his tone rising with excitement. "Chloe has exceeded expectations so far. As an influencer, many doubted whether she was here just to entertain or if she could truly hold her own in the arena. But after eliminating Taylor in Loser's Round 1, she's proven she's not just a pretty face—she's a legitimate contender. Lukas would be wise not to underestimate her."

Pat shifted his focus to Lukas. "Now Lukas, on the other hand, has been nothing short of impressive. His respect for tradition and the strength of simplicity shine through his combat style. His innovative use of the Träf blends the discipline of Hornussen with the raw demands of battle. If he can keep Chloe at a distance with the reach of his weapon, it might give him the upper hand."

Samantha smiled. "So essentially, it's a battle of golf versus Swiss golf?"

Pat laughed. "Exactly! And I can't wait to see how this matchup unfolds!"

As his words hung in the air, the screen flickered once more, revealing the third match:

Olivier Leclerc vs. Madison Thompson.

"I’m not sure what Olivier’s plan is," Pat commented, his tone laced with doubt. "During Winner’s Round 2, he forfeited without even trying. Honestly, that left a sour taste."

Samantha nodded, sharing his sentiment. "Yes, Olivier essentially handed Naomi a free pass to the next round. But now in Loser’s Round 2, if he repeats that, he’ll be eliminated from the competition entirely. I hope he doesn’t make the same decision."

Her tone shifted slightly as she transitioned to the other side of the matchup. "As for his opponent, Madison Thompson—her energetic, high-tempo style has proven effective, as we saw in her victory over Natalia Ivanova. The question is whether that same approach will work against Olivier, who’s the only combat sports representative left in this bracket… if he doesn’t forfeit again."

The camera cut to Maddie sitting in the audience beside Jake and Carter. Maddie immediately stood up to applause and started doing cute poses for the audience while talking to Jake and Carter.

"I wonder if I’ll get a free pass too if this Olivier guy forfeits," she mused aloud, imagining the possibility of a quick and easy advancement.

Jake shook his head and warned Maddie, "Don’t count on it. Just be ready. You never know what this Olivier guy’s up to. He’s a combat sports rep for a reason—he’s dangerous."

Carter chimed in, "Yeah, better to assume he’ll actually fight. If he does, you’ll need to be at your best."

The three of them laughed, but beneath the lighthearted banter, Maddie couldn’t shake the curiosity surrounding Olivier’s next move.

"And finally, for the last matchup of Loser’s Round 2—Jake Harada vs. Javier Morales! A clash between the boys as baseball meets padel," Pat announced with excitement, his voice amplifying the anticipation in the arena.

"Samantha, what do you make of this matchup?" he asked, turning toward his co-host.

"This one is going to be explosive and action-packed," Samantha replied without hesitation. "Javier’s competitive spirit and adaptability make him a formidable and versatile opponent. His aggressive style forces his opponents to stay on their toes. On the other hand, Jake thrives on strategy and agility. His resourcefulness and quick thinking make him unpredictable—this fight will be just as much about tactics as it is about raw strength."

Pat grinned, nodding. "I couldn’t agree more, Samantha. I’m sure the crowd will be on the edge of their seats for this one!"

The screen transitioned to display the full lineup for Winner’s Round 3 and Loser’s Round 2, locking in the matchups.

"And that’s a wrap, folks! That concludes the matchups for Winner’s Round 3 and Loser’s Round 2. We’ll see you soon for the next round of intense battles!" Pat’s voice carried the closing energy of the session.

"My name is Pat Samson!" he declared proudly.

"And I’m Samantha White! Signing off from Maxwell Colosseum—see you next time!" Samantha added with a smile as the camera faded out, leaving the arena buzzing with anticipation for the next stage of the tournament.