"So," Jefferey began as he watched Even and Callum disappear through opposite arena walls, "about you feeling like The Werewolf was going to win…" He turned with a grin to his friend.
"Don't even start. Just take your coin," Drift muttered, rubbing his face as though the loss physically pained him. With a reluctant hand, he passed a small stack of coins over.
"Thank you very much," Jefferey said smugly, sliding them into his pocket. "Can't wait for tomorrow. I already know who I'm betting on. What about you?"
"I've already chosen mine as well, for both matches," Drift replied with a long sigh. "One of them might…surprise you."
Elsewhere in the stands, X stretched lazily in his seat. "This has been fun. Two more days of this, and then we'll deal with your Demon Lord problem."
"You better," Sarandel said, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "No more distractions after this."
Somewhere else in the stands, Clara sat with her attention half-absent, her voice little more than a murmur. "I wonder if Xain's gone back to normal…" Her usual enjoyment of the battles dulled, as the excitement of the matches couldn't erase the image of what she had seen him do and become.
"We'll check on him after this, at the Raging Eagle," Elsa assured her, resting a hand gently on Clara's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm sure he's back to normal."
In one of the VIP stands, Samwell leaned back, his words slow, deliberate. "Simple…as expected. But I suppose it was effective." He really had to drag those last words out of himself with a significant amount of effort. His eyes narrowed faintly. "His next match is against that blue-haired barbarian…one who's somehow managed to win two matches he really shouldn't have." His finger tapped steadily against the armrest.
*He beat The Werewolf so easily, so quickly,* Matthew thought as he watched his older brother vanish back through the section of arena wall he had entered from, the stone shifting closed behind him. *I want to talk more with him...* He lifted his gaze toward his father, who wasn't paying him the slightest attention. *But I don't think he will fall for the same trick twice. Maybe after the finals… yes. After he wins the finals, that's when we'll talk again.*
In another VIP stand, Prince Mark blinked, caught off guard by how fast the match had ended. "That was…over very quickly. Did that even last a minute?"
"No," Zara replied, shaking her head. "Only about thirty-eight seconds." She let out a sigh.
Mark arched a brow. "Why the sigh? Were you rooting for The Werewolf to win?"
Zara hesitated before admitting quietly, "No, Mark. It is nothing. I am simply being petty—still thinking about how Calvinel won."
Mark betrayed nothing outwardly, though inwardly his thoughts flicked sharp. *She's still thinking about that!? Just how badly did Sir Calvinel reject her!?*
Elsewhere, in yet another VIP stand, the Emperor of Aeruna rested his chin on one hand, a small smile tugging at his lips. "The end is drawing near for the Tournament of Greatness. It has been…most enjoyable. I am glad you convinced me to attend."
"I am glad you are enjoying yourself, my Emperor," Tianteng replied smoothly, bowing with flawless grace before rising again. "I will be honest—this year's tournament has surpassed even my expectations. Especially with all the…surprises." Her tone never wavered, smooth and elegant, but behind her flawless composure frustration gnawed. So many events had fallen outside of her vast store of knowledge, things she had not accounted for despite years upon years of careful study. She could not show it. She would not show it. To the world, she remained perfect, alluring, and composed, as if she knew everything.
Suddenly, Quincy soared high above the arena, arms spread wide. "I hope you all enjoyed today's battles!" she cried, her voice carrying over the stands. With a sweeping motion, she gestured to the entire crowd. "Thank you for coming to the fifth day of the Tournament! Of! Greatness!" Her voice rose higher with each word, booming with ceremony. "Tomorrow, the semi-finals begin! Do not miss either of the incredible matches we have in store! Until then—travel safe, and take care!"