The event continued, energy building in the arena as matches played out.
Each duel brought cheers and gasps, some over quickly with decisive strikes, others dragging on with sweat-soaked determination.
Rhian and Nia stood together, shoulder to shoulder as they watched the board update with new names, each one followed by a swell of noise from the crowd.
Finally, a pause. The announcer's voice boomed out, carrying across the packed stands and echoing off the high walls.
"RHIAN LOCKE VERSUS RANDY CRUDE!"
A wave of excitement washed through the air. Rhian felt it settle in his bones, a shiver that wasn't nerves, but anticipation.
He pumped his chest once, a steady breath pulling in the roar of the crowd. A pat on his back made him glance over, Nia stood there, her lips quirking up.
"Good luck," she said, her voice low but firm, a small smile on her face.
Rhian nodded once, his mouth pulling into a faint grin. "Thanks."
