The first round ended faster than anyone expected.
Just like Ron, Lia, Aurelian, Arin, Torren, and Lirael all finished their matches with ease. Their opponents were tossed out of the ring before they could even muster proper resistance. The crowd roared at each quick victory, yet it was clear—these six stood on a level far above the rest.
One after another, the remaining battles concluded, until the final whistle echoed across the vast arena.
The losers were promptly escorted out, their dreams cut short in the very first round. Ninety candidates remained.
Rumble—!
Half of the massive dueling platform sank back into the ground, the stone folding in upon itself until the arena's floor returned to its normal shape. The air shifted, tense and heavy, as the instructors' voices boomed out.
"Next bracket! Prepare yourselves!"
