A wave of applause rolled through the room, starting rough and uneven, but building fast. Cheers erupted. Hoots. Laughs.
Even Little Liz, Yushou Ya'er's pet lizard beast, joined in the fun - stomping his tiny feet and letting a puff of smoke burst from his nostrils.
Someone shouted "For the Oolong!" while another raised a can of Lime Fizz.
Hao let out a breath.
Finally.
The tournament had begun.
He went over the arrangement of matches - who would be facing who, in what order, how the rounds would move forward.
Not a single person spoke.
Every ear in the room was tuned in. You could hear a snack bag being opened across the room if someone dared.
"And." Hao ended, scanning the crowd. "Anyone got questions?"
He paused.
Looked around.
Not a hand. Not a sound.
"Alright." He nodded once. "Since there's no question…"
"We'll start with the first match."