(A couple hours later, Geneva Academy Locker Room, Sky-God Arena)
Following Rodova's dominant 5–0 sweep in the first semi-final, Geneva Academy answered with a commanding performance of their own—dispatching Thumba Academy with a confident 5–1 victory to secure their place in the finals.
And yet—despite the scoreline—there was no eruption of celebration within the locker room.
No cheers.
No boasting.
Just a low hum of tension.
Because this year… Rodova was different.
In previous tournaments, a win over Rodova felt inevitable—an eventuality, not a gamble. But now? With Su Yang, Leo Skyshard, and Yu Shen in the lineup, there was no longer an easy path forward.
Five Grandmasters versus four.