The day of Winner's Round 3 had arrived, and Carter sat alone in the locker room, tightening the grip on his hockey stick. The echoes of Maddie's unfortunate disqualification still lingered heavily in his mind. His friends told him not to put too much pressure on himself, but Carter couldn't help it. He needed to win—for Maddie. The weight of that self-imposed goal pressed down on him like an anchor.

A knock broke the tense silence.

"Come in," Carter called out, his voice low.

The door creaked open, revealing Jake, and beside him stood Arjun Patel—Carter's next opponent.

"Carter," Jake started, stepping inside, "I wanted to introduce you to Arjun. He's the guy I told you about—the one from the exchange program who visited our school."

Before Carter could respond, Arjun stepped forward with an easy smile, extending his hand. "Hi Carter, I'm Arjun Patel. Jake's told me a lot about you." His tone was warm, carrying no trace of hostility despite the impending match between them.

Carter met his handshake, though his response was hesitant. "Hi…" he mumbled, his voice restless, unable to hide his inner turmoil.

Arjun didn't seem fazed by the lack of enthusiasm. "I'm looking forward to our match. Let's have a good, clean fight out there!"

"I guess so…" Carter replied, though his words felt distant. His grip on Arjun's hand lingered only for a second before he pulled away, returning his focus to the hockey stick he now clutched tightly.

Jake caught the tension immediately but said nothing. He knew Carter too well—something was off.

"I'll head back to prep too. See you in the arena, Carter!" Arjun gave a light wave before exiting the locker room, leaving Jake and Carter alone.

The silence that followed felt heavier than before.

"Carter…" Jake began cautiously, stepping closer. "Are you alright? You've been acting strange since—"

"I'm fine, Jake." Carter's response was curt as he cut Jake off mid-sentence. "I just need to focus. I have to win this match against Arjun." His eyes hardened with a look Jake hadn't seen in a long time. "I know he's a good guy, but I can't afford to be friendly with him right now."

Jake hesitated, unsure of how to respond. His usual laid-back demeanor didn't seem appropriate.

The Maxwell Coliseum was at full capacity, with 50,000 spectators roaring in anticipation. Though only two matches were scheduled for the day, the significance wasn't lost on anyone—the outcomes of Winner's Round 3 would determine who advanced to the Winner's Semifinal. The energy crackled through the arena as fans waved banners, chanted names, and eagerly awaited the next showdown.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/0e/Pat_doing_commentary_with_his_Satirical%2C_Comedic_and_comedic_style.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/02/Samantha_doing_commentary_with_her_Detailed-Oriented%2C_Analytical_and_Play-by-Play_Expert.png]

Behind the announcer's desk, Pat Samson and Samantha White received their cue from the producer, ready to kick off the event.

Pat's voice boomed over the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are LIVE from Maxwell Coliseum for Winner's Round 3 of the Atheneum Games!" The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement echoing across the massive venue.

"And today," Pat continued, "we've got two critical matchups that will shape the rest of the tournament. The stakes? A direct path to the Winner's Semifinal."

Samantha nodded, her tone composed but charged with excitement. "That's right, Pat. After countless intense matches, we're down to this. The victors today will advance to the Winner's Semifinal, guaranteeing at least a third-place finish, while the defeated will face the survivors of Loser's Round 3 in Loser's Round 4. Every move matters from this point forward."

Pat grinned, hyping up the crowd further. "The road narrows, the pressure builds—and everything's on the line! Are you ready for the action, Maxwell?!"

The coliseum shook with the deafening response.

"Then let's get this started—the Atheneum Games continue NOW!" Pat's fist pumped into the air as the LED screens illuminated, showcasing the first matchup of the day.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8f/Arjun_Patel_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/f6/Carter_Brooks_Profile.png]

The massive LED screens flickered to life, revealing the first match of Winner's Round 3—Arjun Patel vs. Carter Brooks. As the names flashed in bold letters, the crowd roared in excitement.

From opposite ends of the arena tunnel, Arjun and Carter emerged, their silhouettes drawing cheers from thousands of spectators. Arjun strode confidently, waving to the crowd with a relaxed but focused demeanor. His calm, sportsmanlike aura radiated even under the coliseum lights.

On the other side, Carter Brooks stepped out, his grip tightening around his hockey stick. His eyes burned with determination, though his face betrayed the internal weight he carried. Luna and Maddie cheered loudly from the stands. "Let's go, Carter!" Maddie shouted, her smile bright and unknowing of the silent promise Carter had made—to win this match for her.

Akane clapped softly beside them, while Jake's eyes remained fixed on Carter, sensing the shift in his friend's energy.

As the two competitors approached the center of the arena, Arjun glanced over with a warm smile. "Let's have a good match, Carter!" he said, extending a hand in friendly acknowledgment.

Carter merely gave a curt nod, avoiding eye contact. His focus was sharp, his heart set not just on victory, but on proving something greater.

The referee stepped between them, signaling the final checks. He glanced at both fighters, receiving affirming nods from Arjun and Carter.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5f/Rink_Runner%E2%80%99s_Rush.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d4/Icebreaker_Strike.png]

With a sharp raise of his hand—"BEEEEEEP!"—the whistle echoed through the arena signalling the match has begun. Carter exploded into action the moment the whistle blew. Rink Runner's Rush propelled him forward in a blur, his relentless pace and athleticism closing the gap between him and Arjun before his opponent could even react. Arjun's eyes widened in shock, but by the time he considered a counter, Carter was already mid-swing with his Icebreaker Strike, a devastating, head-on blow with Carter's hockey stick—crashed into Arjun's side with the force of a freight train, sending him sprawling across the arena floor. The crowd erupted, stunned by the swift and aggressive opening assault.

"What a quick hit right at the start! Carter means business today!" Pat exclaimed.

Samantha leaned forward. "Carter's approach is much more aggressive than usual. Look at how quickly he rushed in with Rink Runner's Rush to shorten the distance. That Icebreaker Strike was heavy and direct—Arjun didn't have time to react." She paused, narrowing her eyes at the arena. "But Arjun's not out yet. His cricket bat's still in hand—he can turn this around."

Arjun, though rattled, couldn't shake the feeling that Carter's intensity felt unusually personal. "Why is he coming at me like this?" he thought, gripping his bat tighter as he stood up, stunned by Carter's sudden aggression. Though he understood this was a competition, the attack felt personal. In reality, Carter was simply trying to end the match as quickly as possible—driven by his desire to win, not just for himself but for Maddie as well.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d7/Carter_Brooks%2C_equipped_with_a_hockey_stick%2C_dynamic_persona_and_his_athletic_prowess%2C_ready_for_action.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png]

Carter wasted no time maintaining the pressure. He activated Rink Runner's Rush again, closing the distance as Arjun struggled to his feet. This time, Carter performed Hockey Stick Sweep—a wide, sweeping motion with his hockey stick, similar to a slap shot, aimed at knocking Arjun down once more.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/4e/Sweep_Shot_Surge.png]

But Arjun was ready. Seeing the move coming, he activated Sweep Shot Surge, utilizing his cricket bat in a defensive sweep that mirrored Carter's strike. With precise timing, Arjun deflected the low attack and destabilized Carter's leg, sending him to the ground.

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

Seeing Carter down, Arjun attempted to activate Innings Inspiration, a move that had carried him through the winner's bracket by boosting his stamina and resilience. But Carter wasn't about to let him recover. Before Arjun could fully harness his energy, Carter struck with Justice Jab—a flurry of quick, direct jabs with the end of his hockey stick aimed at Arjun's midsection. Embodying Carter's straightforward nature and sense of justice, the jabs connected, cutting off Arjun's momentum.

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

Arjun, too focused on boosting himself, failed to block or dodge the attack. He gasped silently, the wind knocked out of him as the jabs found their mark. Carter saw the opportunity to finish it and win the match once and for all. He wound up for Slapshot Smash, delivering a powerful, high-speed strike with his hockey stick—reminiscent of a hockey slapshot, effective even at long range. The stick hurtled toward Arjun, milliseconds away from sealing Carter's victory.

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

But Arjun wasn't finished. In the final moment, he activated Bouncer Block. Drawing from the high-speed delivery of a cricket bouncer, Arjun swiftly used his bat to deflect the incoming strike. The hockey stick ricocheted away, mimicking the unpredictable path of a deflected cricket ball, buying Arjun precious time to regroup.

Carter remained unfazed, already preparing to unleash everything he had left. "Forgive me, Arjun… I need to win this tournament."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/11/Final_Buzzer_Blitz.png]

Channeling his relentless drive, Carter launched Final Buzzer Blitz—an all-out offensive that combined his hockey skills and athletic prowess. His rapid barrage of strikes mirrored the intense final seconds of a heated hockey match. The crowd watched in awe as Carter's stick became a blur, each strike hammering down with unrelenting force.

"Carter has gone full offensive, unleashing his ultimate! I believe he's about to seal the win!" Pat shouted, excitement lacing his words.

"Carter's offensive push has been relentless," Samantha added, analyzing the fast-paced exchange. "His Slapshot Smash delivered heavy, punishing strikes, but Arjun managed to deflect it with a well-timed Bouncer Block. That defensive maneuver may have saved him for the moment."

Pat leaned forward, eyes locked on the arena. "But now Carter's pulling out all the stops! Final Buzzer Blitz—his ultimate! I don't think Arjun can recover from this barrage. Carter's not holding back. This could be it for Arjun!"

Samantha's voice shifted, eyes narrowing. "Wait a minute… what's happening?"

Carter stood panting, sweat dripping from his brow as the dust settled. He was certain the match was his.

But as the haze cleared, Arjun remained standing. He was battered but unbroken, still gripping his cricket bat tightly. Carter's eyes widened in disbelief.

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

During Carter's ultimate, Arjun activated the Crease Counter, forming a defensive zone with his cricket bat, effectively managing his "crease" to fend off the onslaught. While several of Carter's strikes landed, Arjun's defense was strong enough to prevent a knockout or disarmament. Though visibly shaken and bruised, Arjun steadied his breath. He wasn't done yet.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

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

Noticing Carter catching his breath, Arjun seized the perfect opportunity to reactivate Innings Inspiration. This time, Carter—drained from the exhaustion of his ultimate—couldn't stop him. Arjun's stamina and resilience surged, giving him a significant advantage in prolonged combat. Carter could only watch, frustration flickering in his eyes.

"What must I do to put you down?" Carter's thoughts raced as he struggled to comprehend Arjun's sheer endurance.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/79/Power_Check.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a3/Boundary_Blast.png]

Digging deep into his last reserves of strength, Carter attempted a Power Check, aiming to slam into Arjun with brute force. But Arjun, now reinvigorated and focused, saw the move coming. With his strength and determination at full capacity, Arjun countered with Boundary Blast. Channeling all his energy, he swung his cricket bat in a powerful, overhead arc—a strike designed to reach far beyond his immediate vicinity, much like a batsman driving the ball for a boundary.

The bat connected cleanly with Carter before he could make contact, sending him crashing to the ground with a heavy "Thump!"

Carter lay there, breath ragged but unbroken. He gritted his teeth, slowly pushing himself up. "I have to make it to the winner's semi-final..." he thought, straining to stay conscious.

"Carter..." Jake's voice carried a worried tone from the sidelines. He could see his friend's condition more clearly than the roaring crowd, who remained unaware of how badly Carter was struggling.

"Carter! Carter! Carter!" The spectators chanted relentlessly, urging him to stand and fight.

Arjun, however, knew better. He could see the strain in Carter's eyes—the exhaustion that lingered even as Carter forced himself upright. He's at his limit, Arjun thought. There was no need to prolong the inevitable.

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

With a powerful flick of his wrist, Arjun executed his Propelling Helicopter Shot—a decisive strike powered by his dominant bottom hand. The cricket bat spun in a full arc, striking Carter squarely on the head before circling overhead in a graceful flourish.

Carter collapsed, his hockey stick falling from his grip and skidding across the arena floor. This time, he didn't move.

The referee quickly approached, kneeling beside Carter and checking his condition. After a moment, the official rose and pointed toward Arjun, raising his arm.

"The winner is Arjun Patel!" The announcement echoed through the coliseum as the crowd erupted in cheers.

"I thought Carter had this in the bag, but Arjun made an incredible comeback!" Pat exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Yes, Pat. I was sure Carter's Final Buzzer Blitz would end it," Samantha replied. "But Arjun's composure and well-timed Crease Counter managed to fend off the onslaught. While some of Carter's strikes landed, they weren't enough to bring him down. With Carter's stamina depleted, Arjun seized the opportunity, activating Innings Inspiration to restore his energy and resilience. From there, things took a turn for the worse for Carter."

Pat nodded. "That's right, Samantha. Arjun's ultimate Propelling Helicopter Shot was the final blow. A direct hit to Carter's head knocked him out cold, securing Arjun's victory."

"But credit where it's due," Samantha added. "Carter gave a valiant performance, pushing hard with the relentless offense. Unfortunately, that aggressive approach left openings for Arjun to execute his strategy and turn the tide. Still, Carter isn't out of the tournament yet. He'll drop to the Loser's Round 4, where he'll face one of the two winners from Loser's Round 3."

Pat leaned closer to the mic with a smile. "The competition is heating up, and the road to the finals isn't over for Carter. Let's see how he bounces back!"

After the match, Carter was brought to the medical room backstage at Maxwell Colosseum. Jake, Luna, Akane, and Maddie were there to see him. Arjun, who had won the match, was also present, concerned about Carter's well-being.

Carter regained consciousness and looked at them. The first thing he did was look at Maddie and apologize. "Maddie... I'm sorry I didn't win the match or make it to the winner's semi-final. I was hoping to have a better chance to win the competition for you. I'll do better in the loser's semi-final..."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/46/Maddie_tearing_up%2C_due_to_anger.png]

Suddenly, Maddie slapped Carter across the face. Tears welled up as she grew angry. The tournament was supposed to be fun—something she hadn't taken seriously—but Carter had changed that for her.

"Who do you think you are?! Did I ask you to win the competition for me? I'm just someone you met at this tournament. You don't have to do this for me!" Maddie's voice trembled with emotion. She didn't understand why Carter had gone to such lengths. They were friends who met at the Atheneum Games, and she never wanted him to bear this burden. That's why she was so upset.

She leaned on Carter's shoulder, hiding her tears.

"Maddie..." Carter whispered, shocked.

Everyone in the room was silent, stunned by Maddie's reaction. No one knew what to say or how to respond.

At the front stage of the arena, the mood was electric as the commentators continued to hype up the crowd for the next highly anticipated battle. The reigning champion, Naomi West, was set to compete. So far, she had only participated in the opening round against Jake Harada. In the second round, she received a free pass after Olivier Leclerc forfeited before the match began.

"Naomi! Naomi! Naomi!" The crowd chanted in unison, eager to see her in action this time.

"The clash of two ladies with contrasting styles—this match is going to be one to remember!" Pat's voice boomed as he fueled the excitement.

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/7/74/Eliza_Hart_Profile.png]

"The match will showcase explosive athletic ability, strategy, and innovation against elegance, precision, and grace. Naomi West, wielding her tennis racket, will face Eliza Hart with her polo mallet. Tennis versus equestrian—who will prevail? Who will stand tall? We'll find out now!" Samantha profiled the competitors as the LED screens lit up, displaying their names and images. The crowd erupted in cheers as the match was about to begin.

Naomi was the first to emerge, greeted by roaring cheers and chants from her fans. Calm and focused, she knew that unlike her previous round, this time there would be no free pass—she was ready to fight.

On the opposite side, Eliza stepped out to a smaller but steady cheer. She remained composed, her mind fixed on victory. In the stands, her sister Veronica watched intently. Eliminated earlier in the tournament, Veronica clenched her fists in quiet support.

"Eliza, you can do this," Veronica thought, silently rooting for her sister to take down the reigning champion and send Naomi to the losers' bracket.

The referee approached both competitors, ensuring they were ready. Naomi and Eliza exchanged silent nods, their gazes locked.

With a sharp lift and drop of his hand, the referee blew his whistle—the match had begun.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/76/Cross-Court_Dash.png]

In the blink of an eye, Naomi surged forward with Cross-Court Dash, her athletic speed carrying her swiftly across the battlefield, positioning herself strategically for an immediate strike. Eliza barely registered Naomi's rapid movement before the champion was already closing in.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/25/Backhand_Blow.png] 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]

Before Eliza could brace herself, Naomi followed up with Backhand Blow—a powerful, sweeping strike with her racket, channeling the full force of her body. Eliza instinctively reacted, activating Maneuver of Mirrors to sidestep gracefully at the last second. However, the tip of Naomi's racket clipped her side, the partial contact enough to send a jolt through Eliza's frame.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/55/Topspin_Slice.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/58/Stable_Stance.png]

As Eliza attempted to reposition, Naomi was relentless. Without hesitation, she executed Topspin Slice, delivering a precise, slicing motion aimed at Eliza's midsection. With limited options, Eliza shifted into Stable Stance, planting her feet wide and firm, mimicking the posture of a steady horse to absorb the attack. Though the maneuver dulled the strike, Naomi's slice still left a mark, causing Eliza to stagger slightly.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b4/Gallant_Spin.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/00/Naomi_performing_Cross-Court_Dash%2C_utilizes_her_athletic_speed_to_quickly_dash_across_the_battlefield%2C_positioning_herself_strategically_for_the_next_attack.png]

Determined to counter, Eliza retaliated with Gallant Spin, twirling fluidly with her mallet extended in an elegant, sweeping arc. But Naomi had already anticipated it. As the mallet cut through the air, Naomi had vanished from its path, darting out of range with another Cross-Court Dash, this time circling behind Eliza.

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

In one seamless motion, Naomi launched into Smash Strike, raising her racket high before swinging down with tremendous force, mimicking a devastating tennis smash. Eliza, unable to react in time, took the full brunt of the blow, the impact sending her crashing to the ground.

The crowd erupted as Eliza hit the arena floor, the pace of the match unfolding at lightning speed, leaving the audience at the edge of their seats.

"The match is so one-sided now—Eliza just can't find an answer to Naomi's explosive offense," Pat said, in awe of Naomi's performance.

"Naomi has been relentless, pressuring Eliza without giving her any openings. Even though Eliza executed her defensive moves perfectly with Maneuver of Mirrors and Stable Stance, she couldn't avoid Naomi's attacks entirely. Naomi's Cross-Court Dash is just too fast for Eliza to react in time, allowing Naomi to land a full-force Smash Strike. This is why she's the reigning champion," Samantha analyzed. "But it's not over yet—let's see if Eliza can mount a comeback."

Lying on the ground, Eliza felt her nerves creeping in. She recalled watching the replay of Naomi's match against Jake. Somehow, Jake managed to keep up with Naomi's pace. Is Jake Harada really that good? she wondered. Even though Jake had lost, he hadn't been at such a disadvantage as she was now.

In the crowd, Veronica's worry deepened. Her hands gripped the railing as she silently urged her sister to get up.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/e7/Power_Serve_Shot_Projectile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/62/Power_Serve_Shot.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/db/Court_Control.png]

As Eliza began to push herself to her feet, a high-velocity tennis ball suddenly struck her face, shattering her glasses. Naomi had unleashed Power Serve Shot, channeling her energy into a blistering serve aimed directly at Eliza. It was part of Naomi's tactic she called Court Control, using strategic positioning to maneuver her opponent into vulnerable spots, keeping them off-balance.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6c/Naomi_performing_Ace_Finisher%2C_and_channels_all_her_strength_and_focus_into_a_single%2C_powerful_strike_with_her_racket.png]

With Eliza disoriented and grounded, Naomi seized the opportunity. She dashed forward, closing the gap in an instant. As Eliza struggled to rise, Naomi unleashed her ultimate move—Ace Finisher. Channeling all her strength and focus, Naomi delivered a decisive, devastating strike with her racket. The blow connected cleanly, sending Eliza sprawling unconscious to the arena floor.

The referee knelt beside Eliza, checking her condition. After a brief assessment, he raised his hand, signaling the match's conclusion. "Eliza Hart is unable to continue. The winner is Naomi West!"

As the announcement of Naomi's victory echoed through the arena, the audience erupted in cheers, chanting her name as she raised her racket triumphantly. The majority of the crowd celebrated, thrilled to witness the reigning champion's dominance once again.

Amidst the applause, Veronica's heart sank as she saw her sister, Eliza, lying unconscious on the ground. Wasting no time, she rushed down from the stands, pushing past the officials to check on her. "What are you doing? Get her to the medical room immediately!" she demanded, ordering the paramedics as if they were her attendants. One of the paramedics placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone firm yet kind. "Miss, please step aside. We know what we're doing." Reluctantly, Veronica agreed, stepping back to let them work, though her eyes never left her sister.

Meanwhile, Preston Montgomery sat with his arms crossed, a deep frown across his face. He had expected more from Eliza—the very opponent who had knocked him down to the loser's bracket. Watching her fall so decisively to Naomi left him visibly frustrated.

Arjun Patel remained silent elsewhere in the crowd, his gaze locked onto Naomi. His knuckles tightened around the handle of his cricket bat as he watched her celebrate. The realization of what lay ahead settled heavily in his mind.

"This... this will be the toughest match yet," Arjun thought, feeling his heart pound. Unlike his previous battles, this wasn't just another round—it felt like the grand final.

Watching Naomi's performance was like staring up at a towering mountain he had to climb. Arjun knew that facing her would demand more than just skill. There could be no mistakes, no hesitation. He had to approach this match with unwavering focus and meticulous preparation if he wanted to stand a chance.

With the match concluded between Naomi West and Eliza Hart, Pat and Samantha prepared their closing remarks. However, before wrapping up, they shared their insights on the match. "Naomi's performance was exceptional today, but let's not forget Eliza. She gave it her all, even though it just wasn't her day," Pat said, encouraging the crowd to clap for Eliza despite her loss.

"Absolutely, Pat," Samantha agreed. "Eliza showed resilience, but Naomi executed her strategy perfectly. When Eliza was grounded, Naomi used Power Serve Shot, a high-velocity projectile attack, which not only hit Eliza from a distance but shattered her glasses. That wasn't random—it was part of her Court Control strategy, forcing Eliza into a vulnerable position. Naomi then capitalized with her Ace Finisher, leaving Eliza with no escape from her ultimate move."

Pat nodded, adding, "But it's not over for Eliza. She'll now compete in Loser's Round 4 against one of the winners of Loser's Round 3. Speaking of which, let's reveal the line-up for Loser's Round 3." As he spoke, the LED screen lit up with the match-ups.

Loser's Round 3:

Olivier Leclerc vs. Chloe Choi Soo-Min

Jake Harada vs. Preston Montgomery

The winner of this match will face Eliza Hart or Carter Brooks in Loser's Round 4.

Loser's Round 4:

The winners of these matches will face each other in Loser's Round 5 to determine who will advance to the Loser's Semifinal against the loser of the Winner's Semifinal, guaranteeing at least fourth place.

Winner's Semifinal (guaranteeing fourth place):

Arjun Patel vs. Naomi West.

With the line-up revealed, Preston sat back in his seat, casually removing his glasses and wiping them with a cloth. A sly smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he thought to himself, "This is my chance to eliminate Jake from the tournament. I won't be the first one from Starlight University to be knocked out." Confidence radiated from him—his upbringing and social standing made him feel assured that he held the upper hand over Jake.

As the camera panned back to the commentators, Pat’s energetic voice filled the arena. "My name is Pat Sampson!"

"And I’m Samantha White! Thank you for joining us live at Maxwell Coliseum for Winner’s Round 3!" Samantha added with a smile.

"We’ll see you in Loser’s Round 3—until then, ciao!" Pat chimed in, signaling the end of the broadcast as the screens faded to black, concluding the coverage of the day’s matches.