One Break to Lead Them All

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."