Dawn broke over the high school courtyard as a shimmering amber haze settled across the cracked pavement of the outdoor basketball court.
"Look at the way the light bends around the center circle," the dark-haired striker observed, leaning casually against the bleacher railing.
"The celestial patron is projecting an arena boundary directly onto the court."
"It is a localized spatial tether designed to prevent either duelist from retreating outside the boundary lines," the First Player explained, checking the mounting ring of his acid spear.
"Once both fighters step inside the perimeter, the barrier seals until a victor is decided."
"The surrounding bleachers are already packed with over one hundred and fifty students from every surviving wing," the frost mage reported, pointing her staff toward the crowd.
"Even the students hiding in the vocational classrooms came out to watch."
