[How much longer is this going to take?]
After the team names were posted, the moustached man began talking and hasn't stopped for the past half hour. It has something to do with past champions and the origins of the tournaments but Dimas can't be bothered to pay attention. Lilee, on the other hand, was engrossed in his speech.
As was nearly everyone viewing the judge. It is a story they, the citizens of Terrama, have heard countless times growing up. However to many of them, it's a story that'll never lose its luster. Even those who aren't interested in hearing the story again know it by heart.
"And may the stars watch over us as we continue this great legacy." The crowd applauds. Some of the claps come from the other underground rooms.
[Finally…]
"This year the field will be the spitting image of Onaq before it was settled." The moustached man nods to a woman nearby.
The woman nods in return and raises her hands before closing her eyes. Slowly the field begins to change as if molded by giant invisible hands. The grass recedes leaving only scattered patches. Small rocks and pebbles appear all throughout the field. Rock pillars jut out of the ground some are about waist height with the biggest a few feet taller than a full grown adult.
Witnessing the transformation gives Dimas a slight headache. Dimas is still not used to watching the impossible be done with the wave of a hand. He looks away from the display and rubs his eyes.
[That would've been useful during yard work.]
"Here is the lineup for this year's tournament." The moustached man says.
The display switches to a fighter's bracket. It shows team Corvus going up against a team calling themselves "The Dark Assault".
"Our first fight is against Dark Assault, are you nervous?" Lilee asks.
"Not with a name like that." Dimas says. "If they're trying to sound intimidating, it's a stupid attempt."
"I think it sounds kind of cool."
"Of course you do."
"Hmph." Lilee reads the rest of the names. "I don't see Scott's name, they must've gone with a team one."
The screen switches back to the moustached man. "The lucky fighters who have the honor of starting us off are…" The moustached man reaches into a bag. Inside of the bag are marbles labeled with matchups from the bracket. He pulls out a marble and announces the results. "Scott from the team 'Rookies' and Jack from the team 'The Berets'. Fighters, please make your way to the arena."
Two large pink rings appear facing one another in the arena. Scott steps out from one ring and Jack from the other. The rings disappear once the fighters step out safely.
Jack is slightly taller than Scott but much more muscular. He wears a tight tunic proudly displaying his arms.
The moustached man pulls out a single Crild from his pocket and waits for the fighter. Scott gestures for Jack to call it. Jack calls 'Head' and the judge flips the coin, a small section of the display follows the coin as it drops to the floor showing that Jack is the winner of the coin toss.
Jack gives a smug grin as if he's already won the match. Dimas gets annoyed seeing it but Scott simply smiles.
"Jack has the support advantage. Fighters, the rules are simple. Fight until your opponent can longer continue or until they have given up. The bell will signal the start and conclusion of the match."
Almost immediately audience members begin choosing the fighter they'll be rooting for. Some make bets for the match outcome betting goods or Crild. A few have already placed their bets for the winner of the tournament based on nothing more than rumors and team names. It would infuriate Dimas if he knew nearly everyone betting on his match were rooting for Dark Assault.
The bell rings once. Everyone goes silent. All eyes are on the fighters.
Jack offers Scott a handshake.
"It's a trap." Dimas says.
"How do you know?" Lilee asks.
"The guy looks like an ass. What's Scott's and Jack's Brío Arts?"
"I have no idea. The tournaments don't display that information, it's usually up to the fighters to figure it out. It makes the matches that much more exciting!"
Scott walks forward and takes the man's hand.
"Scott fell for it." Lilee says.
"I don't think so." Dimas sits down at the table. The match began to peak his interest. "He's pretending to lower his guard. He knows something…"
In an instant, two extra arms pop out of Jack's back and they reach for Scott. Scott lands a headbutt before they can reach him. Jack stumbles back, he's surprised by how fast Scott reacted. He's not the only one, the entire audience is left amazed. Those who bet on Jack were already doubting their choice.
"Wow! Scott has some reflexes." Lilee watches the fight in utter excitement.
"Yeah..." Dimas begins tapping his index finger above his upper lip.
[There's something else though. But what?]
Scott begins to slowly walk over to Jack. It's almost as if Scott doesn't see him as a threat, Jack takes this as an insult. Jack waits, ready to strike once Scott is within range. Scott stops just a few inches away from Jack's reach. Scott puts his arms up and gestures for Jack to come forward. Jack doesn't hesitate. He's ready to pound Scott into the dirt. However, Scott blocks every hit with ease. Jack is fuming but begins to lose steam. It causes his strikes to slow down giving Scott the opportunity he's been waiting for. During one of Jack's punches, Scott grabs Jack's arm and flips Jack over his shoulder. As soon as Jack hits the floor, Scott brings his fist down on Jack's head causing him to lose consciousness.
The bell rings and the crowd cheers.
"The winner of this round is Scott!" The moustached man says.
Scott waves at the crowd before helping Jack to his feet and returning to his locker room.
"I can't believe Scott took him down before the 5 minute mark! That's gotta be one of the fastest matches during a Capricornus tournament!" Lilee exclaims. "And without even using a Brío Arts!"
"Seems that way." Dimas says.
[But is that really the case?]