The competition continued as Jake stood in the arena, facing Eliza Hart. Meanwhile, his other friends had rushed to the hospital upon hearing the devastating news—Carter was in critical condition due to excessive blood loss, unconscious and requiring a medical transfusion to stabilize him.
Back in the arena, the atmosphere had shifted once again, the energy of the crowd reigniting after the brutal spectacle of the first match. The commentators had finished their introductions, and now both competitors stood ready, waiting for the referee's signal to begin.
Jake, despite his deep concern for Carter, knew he had a competition to focus on. He had to push aside his worries—at least for now. The only way he could see Carter again was by finishing this match first. His opponent, Eliza Hart, remained equally focused, gripping her polo mallet tightly. In the audience, her sister, Veronica Hart, watched anxiously, cheering her on.
Eliza had taken extra precautions after suffering a crushing loss to Naomi West. She had replayed that match in her head over and over again, determined not to make the same mistakes. Jake's performance against Naomi was also on her mind. Unlike her, he had held his own against the reigning champion, meaning there was a real possibility that he was on Naomi's level. She couldn't afford to underestimate him.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/95/Eliza_performs_Calming_Canter%2C_circling_her_opponent_with_a_measured_pace%2C_using_her_calming_presence_to_disrupt_their_focus_and_lull_them_into_a_false_sense_of_security.png]
"BEEEEEP!"With the sharp sound of the whistle, the match officially began as Eliza immediately transitioned into Calming Canter, circling around with a measured pace. Her composed movement aimed to disrupt Jake's focus, lulling him into a false sense of security. Jake, however, stood still, cautious, analyzing Eliza's movements rather than making the first move. A silent battle of patience unfolded between them, each refusing to be the one to act rashly.
Minutes passed. The crowd, growing frustrated with the lack of action, began to jeer and boo. Yet neither competitor allowed the noise to disrupt their composure. Both remained locked in focus, understanding the high stakes of this match.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c4/Jake_Harada_performing_Home_Run_Swing%2C_swinging_his_baseball_bat_with_exceptional_power%2C_aiming_to_knock_out_opponents_or_send_projectiles_back.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]
Finally, Jake was the one who lost patience. Compared to Eliza, who maintained her calm demeanor, he was the first to strike. With a swift swing of his bat, he executed Home Run Swing, striking at Eliza with exceptional power. However, to Eliza, the attack seemed to move in slow motion. She activated Maneuver of Mirrors, expertly anticipating Jake's attack and gracefully sidestepping at the last moment. Jake's bat struck nothing but air, throwing him off balance.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f5/Eliza_performing_Elegant_Strike%2C_delivering_a_powerful_yet_graceful_swing_with_her_polo_mallet%2C_targeting_her_opponent_with_precision.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/01/Fielder%27s_Choice.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/62/Bunt_Block.png]
Seizing the opening, Eliza wasted no time. She immediately followed up with Elegant Strike, her polo mallet arcing towards Jake with a perfect balance of power and grace. But Jake's reflexes were sharp. Instinctively, he activated Fielder's Choice, making a split-second decision to change his combat strategy. Without hesitation, he raised his bat and executed Bunt Block, deflecting Eliza's incoming strike with a quick and precise bunt.
A loud "THANG!" echoed through the arena as the two weapons clashed.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b4/Gallant_Spin.png]
Eliza was impressed by Jake's reaction but not surprised. She had expected him to be able to defend—after all, he had held his own against Naomi West. Not wanting to give Jake a chance to counter, she followed up with Gallant Spin, swiftly spinning with her mallet extended, creating space while launching an aggressive strike.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/98/Slide_Dodge.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/e5/Fastball_Flick.png]
Jake was quick on his feet. Reacting in an instant, he activated Slide Dodge, skillfully sliding under the spinning arc of her mallet and repositioning himself strategically. As soon as he recovered, he scooped up a handful of small sports balls lying around the arena. With a flick of his wrist, he launched Fastball Flick, sending a barrage of projectiles flying at high speed toward Eliza.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/58/Stable_Stance.png]
Seeing the incoming attack, Eliza knew she had no way to evade in time. She immediately activated Stable Stance, planting her feet firmly in a wide stance, mimicking the powerful posture of a horse. Bracing herself, she absorbed the barrage, minimizing the impact. Though she managed to reduce the damage, she was not left unscathed. Breathing heavily, she steadied herself, preparing for Jake's next move.
"The match started slow, and up to now, it's still at a standstill—no clear winner yet! Eliza took some damage, but this isn't over!" Pat hyped up the crowd with his usual energetic commentary.
"From the looks of it, Eliza is struggling against Jake's fast-paced and unpredictable style. She's trying to match his pace but hasn't been able to land a clean hit with either her Elegant Strike or Gallant Spin. Instead, she's been forced into a defensive position, absorbing Jake's barrage of projectiles from Fastball Flick with Stable Stance. Let's see how she plans to turn this around!" Samantha analyzed the battle, breaking down Eliza's current disadvantage.
Meanwhile, in the audience, Eliza's twin sister, Veronica Hart, clenched her fists tightly. From the looks of the match, Eliza was having a hard time handling Jake. Veronica knew her sister well—if Eliza couldn't find a way to break through Jake's relentless tempo, she would be in serious danger of elimination.
"Eliza, you can do it! Control the match!" she shouted at the top of her lungs.
Though Eliza couldn't physically hear her sister over the roaring crowd, there was an unspoken connection between them—a twin's intuition. She felt Veronica's encouragement deep inside.
Eliza knew she couldn't match Jake's speed or unpredictable movements head-on. If she wanted to win, she needed to take control of the pace of the match and force Jake to play on her terms.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/64/Calming_Canter.png]
With that in mind, Eliza transitioned back into Calming Canter, circling around Jake with a measured pace, dictating the rhythm of the fight in an attempt to break his tempo and force him to follow her lead. However, Jake had no intention of slowing down. He was deliberately making the match fast-paced for a reason—he wanted to end it quickly so he could join his friends at the hospital to check on Carter as soon as possible.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a2/Curveball_Confound.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c5/Equestrian_Evasion.png]
As Eliza continued her patient approach, Jake opted for another projectile move. He picked up a single baseball and hurled it toward her, activating Curveball Confound. The baseball curved unpredictably in mid-air, forcing Eliza to react. Staying calm and focused, she tracked the ball closely, noticing it veering toward her leg. With a graceful leap, she executed Equestrian Evasion, mimicking the agility of a horse as she effortlessly cleared the ball's trajectory.
But when she landed and looked up—Jake was already in front of her.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/ac/Jake_performing_Stealing_Bases%2C_his_agility_allows_him_to_move_quickly_and_stealthily%2C_evading_capture_or_sneaking_up_on_foes.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/14/Home_Run_Swing.png]
While she had been focused on the baseball, Jake had used Stealing Bases, moving quickly and stealthily to close the distance. Before Eliza could react, Jake swung his bat with Home Run Swing, landing a powerful, clean strike against her arm. The impact sent her polo mallet flying several feet away, completely disarming her.
"BEEEEEP!" The referee blew the whistle and immediately signaled the match's outcome. "Match won—Jake Harada!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, but Eliza stood there in stunned silence. Everything had happened so fast—in just a split second, she had been disarmed, unable to showcase most of her abilities. And most frustrating of all, she was out of the competition.
"Eliza..." Veronica, watching from the audience, felt her sister's sorrow. Jake had been the perfect counter to Eliza's style, and the match had ended before she could fully adapt.
Jake, demonstrating his sportsmanship, extended his hand toward Eliza, offering a handshake.
"It was a good match, but I need to run to the hospital to visit my friend. We can compete again next time!" Jake smiled, hoping to lift Eliza's spirits.
But Eliza didn't react. She remained still, looking down at the ground, completely stunned by her loss. Jake noticed her lack of response, but there was only so much he could do for her at the moment.
"There's always next time! I really need to go now, hope we meet again!" Jake said before quickly exiting the arena, moving toward the hospital to visit Carter. He left Eliza standing there, still processing her defeat.
"The competition has ended for Eliza Hart, unfortunately. She put up a fight, but Jake's tempo was just too much for her to keep up with," Pat said, sounding a bit disappointed. He had personally been rooting for Eliza.
"Yes, Pat, Eliza did her best, but Jake was one step ahead. Her tactics were sound—using Calming Canter to slow the match's pace—but Jake was a technician. He forced Eliza to react by using Curveball Confound, curving the baseball unpredictably. That led her to use Equestrian Evasion, leaping over it to avoid getting hit. But that gave Jake the perfect opportunity to close the distance with Stealing Bases, and in one swift motion, he swung his bat with Home Run Swing, striking her arm cleanly and causing her to lose grip on her polo mallet, ultimately securing his victory," Samantha explained with her usual play-by-play analysis.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
With the match concluded, the commentators moved on to the next segment.
"And Samantha, that means both Hart sisters are officially out of the competition! We are now down to the final four!" Pat announced.
"That's right, Pat. After countless matches, this is it. We're just four more matches away from crowning the grand champion!" Samantha added as the billboard lit up, displaying the updated tournament bracket.
"We're going to have both the Loser's Round 5 and Winner's Semifinal on the same day. Take a look at the matchups!" Pat announced excitedly.
🔥 Loser's Round 5
🔹 Olivier Leclerc vs. Jake Harada
🏆 Winner's Semifinal
🔹 Arjun Patel vs. Naomi West
"Whoever wins Loser's Round 5 will proceed to the Loser's Grand Final. Meanwhile, the loser of the Winner's Semifinal will also drop down to the Loser's Grand Final. The winner of that match will advance to the Grand Final to determine the ultimate champion of the Atheneum Games!" Samantha explained, breaking down how the tournament brackets would play out.
"I'm getting excited, Samantha! We are so close to the Grand Finals now! It's been an incredible journey, with competitors from different backgrounds and sports coming together to battle it out!" Pat said with growing enthusiasm.
"Absolutely, Pat. And we have a special guest joining us for the upcoming rounds—one of our sponsors and esteemed philanthropists, Mr. Bastien Laurent. He will personally congratulate the top four competitors and, in a generous act of goodwill, will be donating an extra $50,000 to each competitor's charity of choice!" Samantha revealed.
Pat looked visibly surprised. "Wow, that's incredible! What an honor to have Mr. Laurent here! I can't wait to see him in person!"
"My name is Pat Sampson!" Pat said. "And I'm Samantha White!" Samantha chimed in.
Together, they closed the show. "Signing off from the Atheneum Games after Loser's Round 4! We'll see you next time for both Loser's Round 5 and the Winner's Semifinal!" With that, the broadcast faded to black, bringing the day's competition to an end.
As Jake arrived at the hospital, his immediate concern was Carter's well-being. Rushing to the nurse's counter, he asked urgently, "I'm looking for my friend, Carter Brooks. He was sent here from the Atheneum Games. Do you know where he's warded?" In his mind, qualifying for Loser's Round 5 meant nothing—there was no celebration, only worry for his friend. The nurse quickly checked the records and responded, "Carter Brooks is in the intensive care unit, Ward 10. He's currently awaiting a blood transfusion." Upon hearing this, Jake wasted no time, sprinting toward the ICU to see Carter.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/00/Maddie_dressed_in_a_green_patient_gown_in_a_a_hospital_bed_with_wheels.png]
When he arrived, he found Akane and Luna standing outside the ward. While it was expected that Carter was inside, one person was missing—"Luna, where's Maddie?" Jake asked, sensing something was off. Luna sighed before explaining, "Jake, Carter is in critical condition due to severe blood loss, and the blood bank doesn't have enough of his blood type. Maddie happens to have the same blood type, so she volunteered to donate blood to save his life." Just as Luna finished, the nurses pushed a hospital bed with wheels carrying Maddie, who was already dressed in a green patient gown, down the hallway toward the ward. As she passed by them, Jake looked at her with gratitude. "Maddie, thank you for saving Carter." Maddie, exhausted but determined, gave him a small smile and replied, "It's natural for me to help Carter..." before the nurses wheeled her inside, leaving Jake, Luna, and Akane watching in silence.
As Luna, Akane, and Jake waited outside the intensive care unit for hours, the atmosphere was heavy with worry. They could only hope that Carter would pull through. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the emergency light outside the ICU turned off, and the doctor in charge stepped out. The trio rushed toward him, desperate for an update.
"Doctor, how did the operation go?" Jake asked anxiously.
The doctor gave them a reassuring nod. "Everything went fine. The operation was successful. However, Carter is still unconscious for now. When he wakes up will depend on his will." His words were hopeful yet uncertain, leaving the trio with no choice but to pray for Carter's recovery.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8a/Carter_dressed_in_a_green_patient_gown%2C_lay_unconscious_on_the_hospital_bed%2C_an_oxygen_mask_over_his_face.png]
After the operation, they were allowed to visit Carter. He lay unconscious on the hospital bed, an oxygen mask over his face. It was heartbreaking to see their usually energetic and team-spirited friend so silent and motionless.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/38/Maddie_dressed_in_a_green_patient_gown_looking_sad_and_weak.png]
"Why was Carter so foolish to risk his life for a competition? It really wasn't worth it!" Maddie, still weak from the blood transfusion, spoke in frustration, her worry for Carter evident.
Everyone stood solemnly around his bed, unsure of what to say. Only Jake had an idea of what had truly happened. He had seen Oliver whisper something to Carter before his outburst in the match, but he chose not to tell the others. The exact words Oliver had used remained a mystery—one only Carter and Oliver knew.
Jake clenched his fists, looking down at his unconscious friend. "I'll find out what Oliver said to you, Carter. No matter what, I'll make him tell me." With his next match set against Oliver, Jake saw it as the perfect opportunity to confront him and uncover the truth behind Carter's rage.
It was two days before the tournament, and Oliver had arranged a secret meeting with someone from the competition. He had a sinister plan in mind to gain an advantage over his upcoming opponent, Jake Harada. Dressed in a black gentleman's suit, he arrived at a café with outdoor seating. A familiar figure was already seated, waiting for him—wearing circular, transparent rimless glasses and black finger gloves, sipping tea with an air of sophistication. His cue stick rested beside him. The person was Preston Montgomery, a fellow student from Starlight University, who had been eliminated from the Atheneum Games by Jake.
Preston looked visibly impatient. Oliver had requested this meeting, yet he had the audacity to be more than 30 minutes late. Though annoyed, Preston decided to hear him out, as he saw Oliver as someone sophisticated and socially refined—someone on his level.
"You are late, Mr. Olivier Leclerc!" Preston made his displeasure known.
"I apologize, it was merely 30 minutes. You know how the traffic is," Oliver responded with a casual smile, brushing off the irritation.
"So why did you call me here? You know my time is precious too." Preston tapped his fingers on the table as he sipped his tea.
"Relax," Oliver said, waving down a waiter. "Let me get my beverage, and then we can talk." He ordered a cup of flat white, taking his time as Preston huffed in annoyance.
When his coffee arrived, Preston had slightly cooled down. As Oliver stirred his drink, he finally spoke. "You know, it's such a shame that you lost to Jake Harada. I was hoping to meet you in the arena—a battle between two sophisticated minds. That would have been a match worth watching. Instead, you lost to that rascal." Oliver lifted his cup to his lips, almost concealing his face, as he observed Preston's reaction with a subtle glance.
His words struck a nerve. Preston's face turned red with anger. "Do you have to remind me of my embarrassing loss to that redneck?" he snapped. "It was pure luck that he won! If there were a rematch, I definitely wouldn't lose to him!" He slammed his teacup onto its saucer, spilling some tea onto the table.
Seeing how enraged Preston was, Oliver knew this was the perfect moment to present his proposition. Using the sudden outburst to his advantage, he leaned in slightly, his smile calculated. "Why don't I offer you an opportunity to ensure Jake doesn't make it past the next round?"
Preston didn't respond immediately, but Oliver could tell he was listening intently.
"I need a comrade like you, Preston," Oliver continued smoothly. "Someone capable and precise. All I need is for you to ambush Jake before the tournament day. Injure him—enough to put him at a disadvantage, or better yet, make sure he doesn't make it to the tournament at all."
Oliver's plan was clear. If Preston agreed, Jake would be too injured to fight, giving Oliver an easy path forward.
With a confident smile, Oliver added, "I know I can trust you, Preston Montgomery." He leaned back, fully expecting Preston to accept his offer and carry out his bidding.
Preston, however, remained silent. He continued sipping his English tea, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. His expression was unreadable—neither confirming nor rejecting Oliver's proposal. Oliver, confident in his manipulation, believed he had successfully preyed upon Preston's hatred and embarrassment over losing to Jake.
Then, without a word, Preston stood up. He tugged at his golden vest, straightened it, and grabbed his cue stick, appearing ready to leave.
Oliver, caught off guard, chuckled. "No need to hurry. I know you're eager to deal with Jake, but there's no rush. You can take action tomorrow. Meanwhile, I'll finish my coffee." He smirked, assuming Preston was heading off to attack Jake immediately. "The tab's on me," he added, offering to pay for Preston's tea as a gesture of appreciation for what he believed was Preston's cooperation.
But then, Preston finally spoke, his voice calm yet firm. "I'm sorry, but I'm leaving—and I have no intention of assisting you."
Oliver's smirk faded.
"Even if I don't like Jake, I would never stoop as low as you," Preston continued. "Winning through such low-class tactics? That's beneath me."
He turned his back on Oliver, preparing to leave. "We are not on the same level, and I refuse to associate myself with the likes of you. Keep your money—I don't need anything from you."
Oliver's face twitched with anger. His smirk was gone, replaced by a deep scowl. His pride wounded, his face flushed red with fury.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/28/Oliver_in_a_suit_performing_nge_and_Disengage%2C_lunging_forward_with_a_powerful_thrust%2C_then_quickly_disengages_and_retreats%2C_creating_space_between_him_and_his_opponent.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/72/Preston_performing_the_Bank_Shot_Block%2C_ability_to_strategically_use_his_cue_stick_to_deflect_attacks.png]
As Preston took a step forward, Oliver could no longer contain himself. Without hesitation, he grabbed his Épée and lunged forward, executing Lunge and Disengage, a powerful thrust aimed straight at Preston's back. Sensing something was off, Preston instinctively turned just in time. With precise movement, he angled his cue stick and countered with Bank Shot Block, redirecting the incoming attack like a billiard ball rebounding off the table's cushion. The impact sent Oliver skidding back, creating space between them.
The café erupted in murmurs as bystanders stood up from their seats, forming a circle around them. In a world where weapon-based combat was normal, public duels weren't uncommon. The audience eagerly awaited how this battle would unfold.
Preston, now seething with anger, tightened his grip on his cue stick. "Is it a fight you want? Then I shall give you one!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/56/Preston_performing_the_Precision_Strike%2C_uses_his_cue_stick_in_combat.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d5/Oliver_in_a_suit_performing_Strategic_Withdraw%2C_strategically_retreats%2C_drawing_his_opponent_in_and_setting_them_up_for_a_well-timed_counterstrike.png]
With swift precision, Preston followed up with Precision Strike, targeting Oliver's weak points with calculated accuracy. However, Oliver anticipated the attack and quickly executed Strategic Withdraw, stepping back into the crowd with a smug grin. Smirking at Preston, he knew that engaging in a full fight now would be reckless—he had no intention of risking injury before his tournament match. With that, he subtly maneuvered through the bystanders, disappearing into the crowd.
Preston, lowering his cue stick, exhaled sharply, watching the space where Oliver had vanished. "Good riddance," he muttered, relieved that he wouldn't have to associate with someone as despicable as Oliver ever again.
As the day of the tournament arrived, Jake walked toward the stadium, gripping his trusty baseball bat. His upcoming fight with Olivier was secondary in his mind—what truly mattered was uncovering what Olivier had said to Carter that had made him so agitated, pushing him into a reckless state where he refused to give up. Jake hoped that by winning this fight, he would get the answers he needed.
Before he could enter the stadium, he had to walk past someone—a familiar face. Leaning against a wall, cue stick in hand, was Preston Montgomery. Jake remembered his last encounter with Preston at the tournament—the hatred and anger in his expression after losing. Not wanting to provoke an unnecessary confrontation, Jake decided to ignore him and walk past.
But before he could, Preston suddenly lifted his cue stick to Jake’s chest level, blocking his entry like a gate. Jake stopped, unsure of Preston’s intentions—was he looking for a fight?
"Not even a greeting for your schoolmate?" Preston asked, his tone unreadable.
Jake hesitated, not sure how to respond.
Preston exhaled and spoke in a more serious tone. "I just want to warn you about Olivier. That guy is a low, underhanded cheat who relies on mind games and despicable tactics to win." His gaze was sharp as he continued. "Don’t fall for his tricks. Stay focused on your own strategy and skills. Fencing is mostly a sport fought in a straight line, but be aware—he might use unorthodox strikes to make himself unpredictable."
Jake was taken aback. Preston, of all people, was giving him advice on how to defeat Olivier?
"Thanks, Preston. I honestly thought you wouldn’t even want to talk to me, let alone—"
Before he could finish, Preston lifted his cue stick and held up a hand, cutting him off. "Stop. I am not your friend." His tone was firm but not hostile. "I just don’t like people who win through underhanded tactics."
With that, Preston rested his cue stick on his shoulder and turned away. "Good luck in the tournament." His voice was calm as he walked off, his back to Jake.
Jake watched him go, then called out, "Thank you, Preston!"
Without turning around, Preston simply waved a hand in acknowledgment, a small smile forming on his face as he disappeared into the distance.