The day after Loser's Round 3, Jake, Carter, and Maddie met up as usual for a jog, but the atmosphere was awkward at best. Jake and Carter were still in the tournament, preparing for their next matches, while Maddie was already out of the competition. The tension stemmed from Carter's earlier decision to try and win the tournament on Maddie's behalf, a choice that backfired and led to his loss against Arjun Patel. Maddie had never asked him to do that, and the misunderstanding left an uncomfortable air between them.

As they jogged, Maddie broke the silence. "Are we really not talking?" she asked, her tone light but with a hint of concern. "This feels like a solo jog, not a group one. It's not fun at all!"

"Yeah, we should talk while jogging so it won't be so boring," Jake chimed in, trying to ease the tension. Carter, however, remained silent, lost in his thoughts. He was still searching for the right moment to apologize to Maddie for what had happened.

When they reached their usual resting spot on a nearby bench, Carter finally gathered the courage to speak. "Maddie, I need to talk to you," he said, looking at her with a serious expression.

Maddie, always quick to lighten the mood, grinned mischievously. "What, Carter? Are you about to declare your love for me?" she teased.

Carter blinked, unsure how to respond. "Just kidding!" Maddie laughed, waving off her joke. "What's on your mind?"

Taking a deep breath, Carter began. "I haven't officially apologized to you. I took it upon myself to fight in the tournament and try to win it for you. I'm sorry if I made you upset by doing that." He spoke earnestly, avoiding her eyes as he waited for her reaction.

Maddie was silent for a moment, deep in thought. Then she finally spoke. "Carter... What you did was really sweet, and I truly appreciated it," she said softly. "But seeing you try so hard, putting so much pressure on yourself because of me, and then losing—it hurt me too." She paused, letting her words sink in. "For me, the biggest takeaway from this tournament isn't winning or losing. It's meeting you guys. You both made this tournament fun for me!"

With that, she wrapped her arms around both Jake and Carter's shoulders, pulling them close. "So, Carter, please promise me you'll enjoy the tournament for what it is. Do your best, but have fun, okay?"

Carter nodded silently, realizing the truth in Maddie's words. He had been putting too much pressure on himself, and it had affected his performance. "Will do, Maddie. And I'm glad I got to meet you in this tournament too," he said sincerely.

"Okay, awkwardness cleared!" Jake announced with a grin. "Should we jog to that nearby café and grab some snacks? I'm starving after all this exercise!"

"Let's move, soldiers!" Maddie said with a playful salute. The group laughed, their camaraderie restored, as they jogged happily toward the café, chatting along the way.

The day of Loser's Round 4 had finally arrived, and the atmosphere in the Maxwell Coliseum was charged with excitement and anticipation. Both matches today carried immense significance—advancing would secure a spot in the final four and guarantee at least fourth place in the tournament.

Backstage, Carter and Jake crossed paths, sharing a moment of encouragement before their respective matches. "Hey Carter, remember Maddie's words, yeah? Just do your best and enjoy the tournament!" Jake reminded him with a supportive grin.

Carter nodded, his resolve evident, fueled by the high possibility of facing Jake in the next round. "Sure thing, bro! And good luck to you too! Let's make it to the next round!"

As a show of camaraderie, Carter extended his palm, and Jake slapped it with a firm high-five. The gesture, simple yet meaningful, reflected their friendship and determination as they parted ways, each ready to give their best in the upcoming battles.

"The Loser's Round 4 has finally arrived! Are you all ready for the two exciting matches coming your way?" Pat hyped up the 35,000-strong crowd as they erupted into cheers.

"Pat, I'm just as excited as you are!" Samantha added enthusiastically. "Today's winners will secure at least a fourth-place finish in the tournament. Let's not keep the crowd waiting—let's get the first match started!"

Samantha then transitioned into introducing the competitors. "Carter Brooks, who has been outstanding throughout the competition, is looking to survive this crucial round after his defeat in the last Winner's Round. His raw athleticism, resilience, and strong sense of sportsmanship have brought him this far. Today, we'll see if he can keep his journey alive!"

As Samantha finished her introduction, Carter marched into the arena to the crowd's enthusiastic cheers. His eyes scanned the audience, landing on Luna, Akane, and Maddie seated together. He waved happily at them, and they waved back with equal energy. Remembering Maddie's words—to enjoy the competition and not put unnecessary pressure on himself—Carter's resolve solidified. He was determined to win this round while embracing the experience.

"And his opponent, the fencing master, known for his mysterious and strategic approach, using intellect to outmaneuver his adversaries. The only representative in combat sports, which gives him a unique edge over competitors from other disciplines—please welcome Olivier Leclerc to the arena!" Samantha introduced Olivier with her usual enthusiasm.

However, the arena erupted not with applause but with a sea of boos. "Boo! Get out of the arena!" The crowd's hostility was palpable, fueled by Olivier's controversial defeat of the fan-favorite influencer Chloe Choi Soo-Min in the previous round. The negativity lingered, carrying over into this match.

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/3/37/Olivier_Leclerc_Profile.png]

Despite the hostile reception, Olivier remained unfazed. He smiled and laughed it off, waving nonchalantly to the crowd as if soaking in their disdain. The LED billboard lit up, displaying both competitors' names and signaling that a fierce competition was about to begin.

The referee stepped between the competitors, conducting a final check to ensure they were ready. With a nod of agreement from both Carter and Olivier, the referee raised his whistle and blew it sharply, officially starting the match.

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] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c7/Strategic_Withdraw.png] 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]

Carter made the first move, scooping up a random baseball from the ground and launching it with Puck Precision—a move executed with incredible accuracy and speed, mirroring the precision of hitting a hockey puck. The projectile forced Olivier to use Strategic Withdraw, stepping away at the perfect moment to avoid the attack. But before Olivier could fully reset, Carter was already closing the distance with Rink Runner's Rush, utilizing his exceptional athletic stamina and speed to maintain constant movement and keep Olivier off balance.

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/9/9d/Slapshot_Smash.png]

Before Olivier could react, Carter executed Hockey Stick Sweep, a wide, sweeping motion with his hockey stick, mimicking a slap shot. The move swept Olivier's legs out from under him, sending him tumbling to the ground with a heavy thump. The crowd erupted into cheers, reveling in the sight of the perceived villain being knocked down. Olivier, still smiling despite his fall, began to rise, only to be struck again—this time with a resounding "Piak!" as Carter landed Slapshot Smash, winding up and delivering a powerful, high-speed strike with his hockey stick directly to Olivier's face. The force sent Olivier crashing back to the ground, drawing an even louder roar from the crowd.

Despite the heavy blow, Olivier was still not knocked out.

"What a hit! Olivier just took two consecutive heavy strikes from Carter—what a showcase of Carter's athleticism and power!" Pat exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

"It seems Olivier can't find a way to match Carter's raw athleticism and agility," Samantha added, breaking down the action. "Carter closed the distance using Rink Runner's Rush in a surprise move, sweeping Olivier down with Hockey Stick Sweep, and then delivered that brutal Slapshot Smash to his face—that's definitely going to leave a mark."

"But Olivier isn't done yet!" Pat chimed in. "Let's see how he plans to turn this around as the match continues!"

Olivier, after taking the heavy hit, rolled his body out of harm's way before standing up. He rubbed his cheek with one hand, his usual smile replaced by a serious expression. The slap from Carter's hockey stick seemed to have wiped away Olivier's earlier nonchalance. Initially, he had underestimated Carter, dismissing him as a competitor who relied solely on raw strength without strategy. Now, he realized he needed a more careful approach.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a5/Lunge_and_Disengage.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7c/Athlete%27s_Agility.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/dd/Carter_performs_Power_Check%2C_Inspired_by_hockey_body_checks%2C_Carter_uses_his_physical_strength_to_push_or_slam_opponents..png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/94/Brotherhood_Guard.png]

Olivier initiated Lunge and Disengage, lunging forward with a powerful thrust before quickly retreating to create space. Carter, however, used his Athlete's Agility to dodge the attack and maneuver around Olivier's strike swiftly. Seizing the opportunity, Carter closed the distance and used Power Check, slamming into Olivier with his physical strength. But Olivier, ever-alert, employed Strategic Withdraw, retreating tactically to draw Carter in and set him up for a counterstrike. Carter anticipated the maneuver and immediately transitioned into Brotherhood Guard, positioning himself strategically to absorb and deflect attacks.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/be/Mirror_Maneuver.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d1/Carter_performs_Athlete%27s_Agility%2C_with_exceptional_agility_and_reflexes%2C_allowing_him_to_swiftly_dodge_attacks_and_maneuver_around_the_battlefield.png]

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Olivier, expecting Carter's defensive stance, executed Mirror Maneuver, deflecting Carter's hockey stick with a calculated and precise motion. Using the momentum generated from the deflection, he transitioned seamlessly into a lightning-fast riposte, aiming to exploit the momentary opening. Carter, however, remained composed and relied on his Athlete's Agility, swiftly dodging and maneuvering away from the riposte with sharp reflexes, maintaining his balance under pressure.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/54/Phantom_Footwork.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d4/Icebreaker_Strike.png]

At this point, Olivier shifted tactics, employing Phantom Footwork. His deceptive movements created the illusion of being closer than he truly was, enticing Carter into an overextended attack. Instead of striking, Olivier moved closer to Carter, leaning in to whisper something inaudible into his ear. Carter froze for a moment, his face turning red with visible anger. Triggered, he shouted, "You bastard! I'll make you pay!" Fueled by rage, Carter unleashed Icebreaker Strike, a powerful move designed to break through defenses with the force of a player charging through opposition on the ice.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/26/Riposte_Roulette.png] 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]

Olivier's signature smile widened as he read Carter's next move effortlessly. Parrying with practiced ease, he countered with Riposte Roulette, unleashing a barrage of rapid, unpredictable strikes. Carter was forced to stay on the defensive, relying heavily on Brotherhood Guard to absorb and deflect the relentless assault. However, his body wasn't unscathed—each graze and strike from Olivier's epee left its mark, draining Carter both physically and mentally.

In the audience, Luna leaned forward, her voice filled with concern. "What's going on with Carter? He's not acting like himself."

"I don't know either," Maddie replied, equally worried. "He looks… angry and unfocused. This isn't like him."

Akane, quiet as always, observed intently, her sharp eyes tracking the shifts in Carter's demeanor. Meanwhile, backstage, Jake watched the live broadcast, gripping his bat tightly. "Carter, what are you doing? Stay calm!" he muttered under his breath.

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

Back in the arena, Olivier's confidence soared as his taunting smirk grew more pronounced. Raising his free hand, he taunted Carter further, gesturing with his fingers for him to attack. "Come on," Olivier said mockingly. "Show me what you've got."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5a/Justice_Jab.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/98/Oliver_performs_En_Garde_Enigma%2C_seemingly_assuming_a_defensive_en_garde_stance%2C_manipulates_his_epee_behind_his_back%2C_then_unleashes_a_swift_and_unexpected_backhanded_strike.png]

"You scumbag! You shouldn't even be in this tournament!" Carter shouted, his rage blinding his judgment. He charged forward, launching Justice Jab, a straightforward and forceful series of jabs with the end of his hockey stick, embodying his sense of justice. But Olivier, anticipating the move, activated En Garde Enigma, unleashing a swift and unexpected backhanded strike. The epee's blade grazed Carter's back, catching him off guard and sending a wave of frustration coursing through him.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/cd/Calculated_Clip.png]

As Carter seethed with rage, Olivier maintained his composure, his smirk unwavering. With a quick motion, he used Calculated Clip, grazing Carter's hockey stick with the tip of his epee. The move disrupted Carter's grip momentarily, leaving him vulnerable for a decisive thrust. Yet, instead of ending it, Olivier held back, savoring the moment and further teasing Carter.

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

"You'll pay for this!" Carter roared, his anger consuming him. Without hesitation, he unleashed his ultimate move, Final Buzzer Blitz, an all-out offensive that mirrored the intensity of the final moments of a hockey match. Carter's movements were swift and relentless, his strikes imbued with raw power and determination. For a moment, it seemed as though he might turn the tide of the match.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c7/Strategic_Withdraw.png]

But Olivier remained calm and calculated, as though anticipating Carter's move. With a measured step backward, he deployed Strategic Withdraw, retreating just outside the reach of Carter's hockey stick. As he stepped back, his lips moved in a deliberate whisper, delivering a three-syllable taunt designed to unnerve Carter further. The subtle distraction worked as intended, pushing Carter's anger to its breaking point.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/ab/Opportunist%27s_Onslaught.png]

Exhausted and breathing heavily from expending his energy in the ultimate attack, Carter's body was vulnerable. Olivier seized the moment, activating Opportunist's Onslaught with surgical precision. "You are just as helpless as your friend, and you are out of this competition!" Olivier's taunt echoed through the arena, adding to the psychological blow. With a devastating strike from an unexpected angle, Olivier's épée pierced Carter's midsection, drawing blood and sending him crashing to the ground.

The crowd gasped as Carter collapsed, bleeding heavily. Olivier, convinced he had secured victory, turned his back on Carter with his signature smirk, confident the referee would soon blow the whistle to end the match. But the sound of the whistle never came. The referee bent down to check on Carter, who, against all odds, began to push himself back up, his hands trembling as they gripped the ground.

Though his body was in no condition to continue, Carter refused to stay down. His voice, faint but resolute, broke through the silence. "I... will not lose to someone like you..." His determination shocked the arena, as the crowd, commentators, and even Olivier watched in disbelief.

Seeing Carter rise once more, Olivier's smile twisted into irritation. "You're a fool. Stay down, barbarian!" Olivier taunted, his tone dripping with disdain. Wasting no time, he charged with Lunge and Disengage, aiming for Carter's arm to disarm him for good. But Carter's grip on his hockey stick was unrelenting. Even as the blade grazed his arm, opening another wound, he refused to let go.

Blood dripped from Carter's midsection and arm, his body trembling with pain, but his eyes never wavered. "Do you want to forfeit?" the referee asked, his voice filled with genuine concern for Carter's wellbeing.

Carter shook his head weakly, refusing to yield. Olivier, now visibly annoyed, raised his épée once more. "Since you're so stubborn, I'll make sure you never stand again!" he declared coldly, preparing for a final strike.

Before Olivier could deliver the blow, a white towel flew into the arena, landing near Carter. The referee, noticing the towel, immediately blew his whistle. "The match is over! Olivier Leclerc is the winner!" he announced.

The crowd erupted in shock, and Carter, still struggling to stand, looked up in confusion. His eyes scanned the stands until they landed on Maddie, who had moved closer to the front rows. She was the one who had thrown the towel, her expression a mixture of worry and relief.

Maddie had dashed through the audience, frantically asking, "Excuse me, do you have a white towel?" After finding one, she rushed to the front row and hurled it into the arena, unable to bear watching Carter take another blow.

Carter stared at Maddie, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and gratitude. "Maddie..." he whispered, his voice barely audible, his spirit unbroken but his body pushed beyond its limits. His legs gave way, and with a heavy thud, Carter collapsed to the ground. Despite his unconscious state, his hand clung tightly to his hockey stick, a testament to his unwavering determination.

"Paramedics! Quick!" the referee shouted urgently, waving for assistance. The paramedics rushed into the arena, their movements swift and efficient as they began tending to Carter's injuries. "Carter!" Maddie's voice echoed from the stands, her face stricken with worry as she tried to move closer but was stopped by the officials. Luna and Akane, equally desperate, attempted to push forward, but they, too, were restrained, unable to do anything but watch helplessly.

Jake, standing in the backstage area and moments away from his own match, froze as he watched the scene unfold on the live feed. His fists clenched, his worry evident, but he knew he couldn't leave his position. All he could do was silently hope that the paramedics would stabilize his friend in time.

Meanwhile, Olivier stood at the edge of the arena, watching the medics attend to Carter. His expression remained indifferent, void of sympathy. To him, everything that had unfolded was a direct consequence of Carter's refusal to back down, not his actions. The boos from the audience grew louder, cascading over him like a tidal wave of disapproval, but Olivier remained unfazed. With his signature smirk, he turned his back to the scene, strolling confidently off the stage as if the crowd's negativity was nothing more than a fleeting annoyance. To Olivier, their outrage was amusing, a far cry from the weight of his victory.

The commentators fell silent momentarily, struggling to process the aftermath of the match. The producer cued them to speak, prompting Pat to address the crowd. "I want to apologize for the moment of silence. We were trying to gather our thoughts about what just happened. We also deeply regret the brutality of this match," Pat said, his usual jovial tone replaced by a somber demeanor.

"Yes, it was truly unfortunate for the match to end in such a way," Samantha added, her voice equally solemn. Despite providing a play-by-play analysis, even she struggled to pinpoint the exact moment things had taken a turn. "For some reason, I can't fully explain why Carter, who had the upper hand at the start, suddenly lost his composure and began rushing his attacks. If he had maintained the momentum and strategic approach he started with, I firmly believe he could have won. That rush to attack proved to be his undoing."

Samantha continued, transitioning to the specific sequence of events. "Carter's decision to unleash his ultimate, Final Buzzer Blitz, seemed like a desperate attempt to end the match quickly. But Olivier, ever the tactician, anticipated this move. Using Strategic Withdraw, he created the necessary space to evade Carter's barrage, and then seized the perfect opportunity to counter with Opportunist's Onslaught, delivering a devastating and precise blow to Carter's midsection. That attack was a fatal turning point, and while Carter's determination was incredible, it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the odds."

Pat chimed in with a heavy heart. "Carter Brooks showed immense grit and heart in this match, refusing to give up even after taking such a brutal hit. But the toll on his body was evident, and his friends noticed it too. When Maddie threw in the white towel, it was clear they were prioritizing his safety over the competition. Carter, even though your journey in this tournament ends here, your resilience and spirit will not be forgotten. We wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back stronger."

As the commentators concluded their reflections on the match, they shifted their focus to prepare for the next showdown: Eliza Hart versus Jake Harada. The gravity of the previous match still lingered in the air, but the tournament had to continue.

As Olivier arrived backstage, he immediately noticed Jake staring at the TV screen, worry etched on his face. On the screen, paramedics were seen placing an oxygen mask on Carter and lifting him onto a stretcher. Jake’s hands were clenched tightly as he tried to stay composed, knowing he couldn’t rush out to be by his friend’s side—his own match was moments away, and he needed to focus.

Olivier had a clear path to avoid Jake entirely, but instead, he chose to approach, his every step calculated. As he neared Jake, his expression shifted to one of false remorse. "Jake, I’m so sorry for what happened to your friend, Carter," he said, his voice dripping with feigned sincerity. "I really didn’t want to hurt him, but this is a tournament. I had to do what I had to do."

Jake turned to face him, his usual cheerful and optimistic demeanor replaced by a serious and intense gaze. He studied Olivier for a moment before speaking, his voice low and controlled. "What did you say to Carter that made him so angry?" Jake asked, his tone cutting through Olivier’s act. Olivier raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. He hadn’t expected anyone to pick up on the subtle manipulations he’d used during the match.

"I’m sorry, what do you mean? Whisper to Carter? I have no idea what you’re talking about," Olivier replied, maintaining his mask of confusion. But Jake wasn’t buying it. His sharp eyes stayed locked on Olivier. "Cut the act," Jake said firmly. "I saw you whisper something to him when you got close, and again when he was about to use his finisher. Whatever you said triggered him to lose focus and act irrationally."

Olivier’s smirk slipped for a fraction of a second, but then he leaned in slightly, his expression shifting completely. The fake remorse melted away, replaced by a cold sneer. "Well, I must admit, I’m impressed," Olivier said mockingly. "I didn’t think anyone would notice. Not even the commentators caught it in their analysis."

Jake’s glare only hardened. "What did you say?" he demanded, his voice edged with anger. Olivier’s smile widened as he leaned back, shrugging casually. "Oh, what I said to your barbaric friend? That’s for me to know... and you to find out," he said with a smug tone, refusing to divulge anything.

Before Jake could respond, Olivier added with a mocking grin, "Oh, and good luck with your match. If—" he paused for effect, "you make it, I’ll see you in the arena next."

With that, Olivier turned his back on Jake and strolled away, raising a hand in a mocking wave as he disappeared down the corridor. Jake watched him go, frustration simmering beneath the surface, but he forced himself to let it go. He couldn’t dwell on Olivier now—he had to focus on his match against Eliza if he wanted any chance to settle things with Olivier later.