Celebration

The tournament grounds were still buzzing with energy, the air filled with a mixture of cheers, murmurs, and the occasional flare of magic as lingering spells dissipated into the evening sky. The announcement had just been made—the final sixteen had been decided, and the real battles would begin tomorrow.

Cruzer exhaled slowly, crossing his arms as he stared at the giant floating screen displaying the matchups. His name was among the top contenders, alongside Elara's. There were no weaklings left. Every remaining fighter had fought their way through the blood and sweat of the previous rounds, proving themselves worthy of standing at this stage.

"Final sixteen, huh?"

A familiar, confident voice pulled him from his thoughts. Cruzer turned to see Charlotte approaching, her hands tucked into her coat pockets, a smirk playing on her lips. "Not bad. Then again, I expected nothing less."

Cruzer chuckled. "Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment."