Épisode 13 : Opening Ceremony
The air was charged with electricity, the atmosphere vibrating with the impatience of spectators who had gathered to witness one of the most anticipated events of the year: the regional qualifiers for the Hyper Dash World Championship in the central region. The futuristic, gigantic, and immersive stadiums were packed to capacity, with floating seats orbiting the main arena like satellites.
This was the day the Nexus Shards would take their first steps onto the big stage. After months of preparation, Ren's team was ready to face formidable opponents. Spectators eagerly awaited the debut of the rising stars of the sport
Ren and his team who were about to test their mettle against some of the strongest teams.
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[Competition Day]
Inside a futuristic team bus painted in their colors, Ren observed his teammates, each engaged in their own mental preparation.
Zane adjusted his exosuit, checking the calibration of his thrusters while stealing furtive glances at the arena. His relaxed posture betrayed a slight tension, masked by a confident smile.
"We're going to show them what we're made of," said Zane, trying to lighten the mood. But he wasn't fooled
this match would be a real test.
Mira was focused on the holographic simulations projected in front of her, scrutinizing real-time data on the opposing teams' exosuits with laser-like precision.
Darren, the team's Defender, was doing warm-up exercises. His gaze was determined, but his face remained calm, almost impassive. He was never one for unnecessary words, but his resolve spoke volumes. He knew that if he wasn't at his best today, the team would be in danger.
Meanwhile, Lyra, as usual, maintained her calm and serious demeanor.
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A few minutes later, the bus arrived at the competition venue, and the floating megacity of Neo-Paris sparkled under colorful light beams, its rooftops transformed into a spectacular stage for the opening of the Hyper Dash regional qualifiers. Illuminated drones formed hypnotic patterns in the sky, while giant holograms displayed images of the competing teams. The adrenaline was palpable, and millions of spectators in the arena and online waited eagerly.
Each team was quickly guided to their designated area to prepare.
Ren could already imagine the roar of the crowd, the chants, the cheers… His heart pounded, each beat resonating in his chest. He never imagined his dream would become reality so quickly. But there was no more time for dreaming. the long-awaited moment had finally arrived.
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[An Enthusiastic Commentator]
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the opening ceremony of the Central Region's Hyper Dash qualifiers!"
The energetic voice of Kellen Varn, the iconic Hyper Dash commentator, echoed throughout the arena, accompanied by electronic drumbeats.
K. Varn: "Tonight, the best Dashers in the region will face off for one goal: glory and one of the two spots in the World Championship! And believe me, you're about to witness an unforgettable show. But first, let's meet the teams that will make history this season!"
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A beam of blue light illuminated the stage as holographic images of Paris floating above the Seine appeared. The crowd erupted in cheers.
"From Paris, a rising team that has captured the world's attention with their fast, creative style and their rising stars… The Nexus Shards!"
Ren and Darren entered at a run, executing fluid movements to showcase their agility. Zane, imposing and determined, raised his fist, followed by Mira, whose calculated gestures radiated unshakable confidence. Finally, Lyra gave a solemn nod, symbolizing the team's discipline.
"With Ren, the lightning-fast Collector, and Zane, the Guardian that no obstacle can surpass, the Shards are ready to shake up the big teams. Get ready to be amazed!"
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Next, a silver flash illuminated the arena, and patterns of ancient Rome were projected. An almost mystical aura surrounded the Azure Phantoms as they entered slowly, their immaculate white exosuits shimmering.
"From Rome, feared for their technological finesse and unmatched coordination, a symbol of success and consistency… The legendary Azure Phantoms!"
The team captain, Ryu Kazama, stepped forward first, his piercing gaze captivating the crowd. Behind him, his teammates remained stoic, like silent shadows. The intensity was palpable.
"Ryu Kazama, the embodiment of cold precision. With surgical analyses and a team so well-oiled they seem nearly invincible, the Phantoms promise a terrifying competition."
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Purple lightning streaked across the arena as the Vortex Specters appeared in a flash of bright light. Their arrival was sudden, almost theatrical.
"And now… from London, a team known for their ferocity and unpredictable tactics. The Vortex Specters!"
Talia Voss, the Strategist, stepped forward with an enigmatic smile, followed by Axel, the colossal Defender whose every step seemed to shake the ground. The rest of the team, equally intimidating, followed closely behind.
"With Talia, the queen of bold strategies, and Axel, an unstoppable brute force, they embody controlled chaos. The Specters have only one goal: domination."
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The Electric Titans (Berlin, Germany)
A burst of yellow light lit up the arena, and bolts of lightning streaked across as the Electric Titans made their entrance. Their imposing charisma and evident power were undeniable.
"A team synonymous with raw power and technological innovation, warriors without equal from Berlin. The Electric Titans!"
Lukas Weiss, the former world champion, stepped forward with icy confidence. Behind him, his teammates marched in formation, their exosuits projecting electromagnetic fields.
"With Lukas at the helm, they're not here to win. They're here to crush. A team to watch… and to fear."
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The scene shifted, and a hologram of the world map appeared, dividing the regions.
"Now, here are the teams that have already qualified in other regions."
Southern Region: The Dawn Flames (Madrid) and the Sand Serpents (Marrakech), renowned for their speed and endurance in extreme conditions.
Northern Region: The Arctic Wolves (Stockholm) and the Ice Guardians (Moscow), teams with icy, calculated strategies.
Eastern Region: The Golden Dragons (Hong Kong) and the Jade Hearts (Seoul), masters of agility and innovation.
Western Region: The Scarlet Hawks (San Francisco) and the Black Pumas (Mexico), known for their explosive and spectacular style.
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As the introductions ended, the arena plunged into darkness. Then, a holographic Nexus crystal appeared, floating above the field.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over. The teams are ready. The arenas are ready. ARE YOU READY?"
The crowd erupted in cheers. Drones launched fireworks into the sky, and the Hyper Dash anthem resounded through the arena. The players headed to their respective zones, ready to enter the arena.
"Let the Hyper Dash regional qualifiers begin! May the Nexus guide us all!"