"Hey, fans! Are you ready for the thrill of the first battle?" the announcer exclaimed with infectious enthusiasm.

"Yes!"

The crowd's resounding roar shook the arena, echoing their anticipation and excitement.

"Great! Allow me to introduce the two formidable swordsmen about to clash. On the left side, hailing from the esteemed Storm Guild, we have Jake. A seasoned veteran of the sword, his blade is long and lethal. Renowned for his precision and power, his calm and collected nature strikes fear into his opponents."

"Go, Jake! You're unbeatable!"

"Jake! Jake! Show them what you're made of!"

"And on the right side, representing the esteemed Flame Guild, we have Alex. A young prodigy of the sword, his weapon of choice is short and curved. Famed for his lightning-fast, agile maneuvers, his fiery passion ignites every duel."

"Go, Alex! Show them what you're made of!"

"Alex! Alex! Light up the arena with your skill!"

"The rules of engagement are straightforward. The match will endure for 10 minutes or until one of you concedes, is incapacitated, or worse. The referee will oversee proceedings and intervene if warranted. The victor shall progress to the next round, while the vanquished will exit the tournament. Are the rules clear, swordsmen?"

Jack and Alex nodded in affirmation.

"Excellent. Now, step into the arena and salute one another."

Jake and Alex strode into the arena, taking their positions on opposite ends. With a respectful nod, they exchanged salutes and awaited the referee's cue.

"Are you ready, fans?" the announcer's voice boomed through the arena.

"Yes!" The crowd responded with fervor.

"Are you ready, swordsmen?" the referee inquired.

"Yes," Jake and Alex affirmed simultaneously, their determination palpable.

"Great! Let the battle commence!" The announcer's proclamation echoed through the arena.

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With the announcer's signal, the two swordsmen surged toward each other, their blades meeting in a symphony of sparks and clashes. They engaged in a flurry of strikes, parries, and evasions, each striving to exploit their opponent's weaknesses.

Jake wielded his long sword adeptly, leveraging its reach to keep Alex at a distance. His strikes were calculated and powerful, aiming for Alex's vulnerable points with precision. With a combination of strength and speed, Jake sought to overpower Alex and bring the match to a swift conclusion.

Alex deftly wielded his short sword, parrying and deflecting Jake's relentless assaults with precision. Patiently waiting for an opening, he countered with calculated strikes, exploiting any lapse in Jake's defense.

With agile movements and flexible footwork, Alex navigated the arena's obstacles and traps, utilizing cunning and creativity to outmaneuver his opponent.

The match unfolded as a testament to the skill and experience of both swordsmen, each displaying their mastery in combat. Moving gracefully around the arena, they engaged in a display of mutual respect and honor, their blades clashing with a symphony of steel.

The crowd was captivated by the intensity of the match, witnessing the swordsmen's intricate maneuvers and techniques with awe. Gasps and applause filled the arena as the duel progressed, with spectators eagerly expressing their support, admiration, and excitement for their favored combatant.

Meanwhile, on the VIP platform, Ethan and Raon observed the match with disinterest, their attention focused elsewhere, consumed by their own motives.

"So, Ethan, what are your thoughts on this match?" Raon inquired casually, reclining in his chair with crossed arms. He cast a sidelong glance at Ethan, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he attempted to provoke a reaction.

"I find it to be nothing more than a futile display of pointless violence," Ethan replied icily. His gaze remained fixed on the arena below, his expression twisted with disdain and anger as he witnessed the clash of the swordsmen.

"Why do you say that?" Raon questioned, his feigned interest evident in his tone. He tilted his head, raising his eyebrows as if to challenge Ethan's perspective. His mocking gaze bore into Ethan, daring him to defend his stance.

"Because these swordsmen are pawns in a game they don't even understand. They're sacrificing their lives for the hollow pursuits of their guilds," Ethan retorted bitterly, his voice laced with contempt.

"You're right, Ethan. This tournament may seem meaningless on the surface, but do you know why they're all willing to risk everything for it?" Raon countered, his tone challenging. Leaning forward, he pointed a finger at Ethan, his expression smug and arrogant as if he held the key to enlightenment.

Ethan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the arena below. Despite his stoic demeanor, a pang of pity and sympathy tugged at his heartstrings as he witnessed the swordsmen's relentless struggle.

The match dragged on for several grueling minutes, neither swordsman gaining a decisive advantage. Their bodies bore the marks of their fierce battle, adorned with cuts and bruises, yet they displayed no signs of pain or fatigue. Driven by an unwavering determination to emerge victorious, they fought on, refusing to concede defeat.

"Because we, humans, can never be satisfied. We always crave for more. We want more attention, more love, more fame, more power. We want more of everything. To be honest we are the true beast." Raon remarked mockingly, his tone dripping with disdain. He chuckled derisively, shaking his head in disbelief. Casting a contemptuous and superior glance at Ethan, he sought to belittle him with his words.

Ethan remained steadfast, his focus unwavering on the arena below where two players teetered on the edge of violence. Witnessing the desperation and madness gleaming in their eyes, he felt a surge of hatred and rage course through him, his heart heavy with disgust at the sight of the swordsmen's willingness to kill.

"The match reached its climax as Jake unleashed a powerful and decisive strike aimed squarely at Alex's chest. With unwavering confidence, Jake poured all his strength and speed into the blow, certain of victory.

"And that's precisely why I established this tournament and guild—to unleash the primal instincts within us all," Raon proclaimed proudly, his voice laced with conviction. He smiled with satisfaction, his gaze fixed on Ethan, a silent challenge in his eyes.

But Alex, keenly anticipating Jake's maneuver, narrowly evaded the fatal blow at the eleventh hour. With lightning reflexes, he countered, driving his short sword into Jake's heart with lethal precision, ending the match in a swift and decisive manner.

As the life drained from Jake's eyes, Alex raised his sword high, unleashing a victorious roar that reverberated throughout the arena. With a savage gleam in his eyes, he surveyed the crowd, basking in the adulation of his triumph.

"Go, Alex! Yes!"

"Unbelievable!"

"A victory for the Flame Guild!"

The audience's shouts of exhilaration echoed off the walls, their excitement palpable as they witnessed the dramatic turn of events.