It'll be fun!

Damien leaned back in his chair, eyes half-closed as he quietly listened to the announcement blaring from the holo-screen mounted above the cafeteria hall. 

Beside him, Elly, the newly-named fox girl, now dressed neatly in Pearl Institute's uniform, swung her legs cheerfully, munching on a sweet bun.

"...The governments of China and the European Empire have agreed to end the decade-long conflict with a decisive, high-stakes battle," the announcer declared gravely. "Seven against seven. No participant older than twenty-five. China stakes Mongolia while Europe stakes the entirety of Russia."

The cafeteria erupted in shock, surprise, and excitement all at once.

"They're putting national borders on the line in a single duel?" Fatty shouted, eyes wide. "That's insane."