Counterplay

One of the closest pairs, Zack and Sia, had already begun their match with explosive energy. Zack dashed forward, swinging his twin swords in a sweeping arc, aiming to overwhelm Sia.

Sia, however, remained unimpressed. She parried his attack with practiced ease, twisting her blades to redirect his momentum. "Predictable," she said, smirking.

"Shut up," Zack muttered, quickly adjusting his stance.

Meanwhile, Carole and Mirek's duel was playing out at a slower, more tactical pace.

"You rely too much on barriers," Mirek noted as he struck at Carole's defense, his staff glowing faintly. "A good counterplay isn't just blocking—it's knowing when to let an attack almost land so you can strike back immediately."

Carole frowned, absorbing his advice as she adjusted her grip.

On the other side of the grounds, June and Mei exchanged spells in rapid succession, testing each other's reactions.