One week later;
The city of Graena pulsed with excitement.
Hovercams zipped across the sky, reporters broadcast updates every minute, and thousands filled the seats of the colossal Grand Arena.
Orion and Fiona stepped into the vast, marble-floored waiting hall, its ceiling high enough to fit a battleship. The room buzzed with energy. 64 fighters, who can be considered the cream of youth from across the world, stood in silence or making hushed conversations, all trying to size each other up without revealing their cards.
Orion exhaled slowly. His eyes wandered, stopping at a pair that made his chest twist. It's Selene and Zion
As radiant and confident as always, they spoke in low tones. Selene wore a calm smile. Zion, the favorite to win the tournament, exuded the grace of nobility and dominance, drawing curious glances from nearby participants. A sharp spike of jealousy stabbed through Orion's gut.
