The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow from the television illuminating the expressions of Allysa and John. As the recap played, a sudden change overcame their faces when the montage transitioned to Zero's intense battle with the Celestial academy leader. The scene where Zero broke the leader's hand left an undeniable mark on the parents' faces.
Allysa, her eyes widened with a mix of surprise and concern, turned to John, "Darling... Zero is a little bit scary in this, don't you think?"
John sighed, looking just as startled, "A little bit... Maybe it was the heat of the battle. I'm sure he didn't mean it..."
Allysa's gaze never left the screen, "I hope so. I don't want him to be hurt as well."
John gently put his arm around Allysa, pulling her close, "Don't worry, Allysa. Zero is strong, we can trust him," trying to reassure his worried wife.
***
Liam, along with several other students from NSE academy's fifth floor, sat rigidly, eyes glued to the screen. The intense moments of Zero's fights had everyone on edge. Close by, Camila and Kayla, also from the NSE, exchanged nervous glances, fingers intertwined as if drawing strength from each other.
"He's playing with fire," Liam whispered, concern evident in his voice.
Camila nodded, "He might be too overconfident. It's worrying."
Kayla, always the optimist, tried to bring some positivity, "Zero knows his limits. He won't push too far."
***
The atmosphere here was very different from the worried pockets of NSE students. As the crowd witnessed Zero's remarkable feats, taking on multiple opponents and the dramatic moment with the Celestial academy leader, they erupted in cheers and excitement.
A tall man with a crew cut, sporting a jersey of an unknown team, exclaimed, "Did you see that?! Look at how he maneuvered those opponents!"
A young woman, with colorful streaks in her hair, laughed, "He's a beast! Celestial didn't know what hit them!"
An older gentleman, adjusting his glasses, commented, "It's not just brute strength. The strategy and precision are unmatched. He's a prodigy."
A group of teenagers high-fived each other, shouting, "Go Zero! Show them what you're made of!"
The crowd's reaction was a testament to the unpredictability and thrill of the tournament. For many, Zero was fast becoming the highlight of the competition.
A trio of college students debated among themselves. One, with a ponytail, argued, "It's not just about strength or skill. Look at his tactical sense. The way he lured the Celestial team away, that's masterclass strategy."
The third, sipping on a beverage, smirked, "Celestial Academy's going to have nightmares about him tonight."
As the highlights reached their climax, spontaneous chants started erupting from various sections of the stands, "Zero! Zero! Zero!" It was evident that this young contender had captured the imagination and admiration of the vast majority present. The electric atmosphere was charged with anticipation for the next moves in this gripping competition.
From the lofty vantage point of the private booth, the arena below seemed like a giant chessboard, teeming with movement and color. The booth itself was nothing short of opulence. Sumptuous red velvet curtains framed the large viewing window. Crystal chandeliers, emitting a soft ambient glow, were suspended from the ceiling, their light dancing off the gold trimmings. Walls adorned with exquisite art pieces showcased the tastes and wealth of those present.
Amidst the plush leather chairs and tables holding an array of gourmet dishes, sat a man whose very presence commanded respect and attention. Adrian Asher was no ordinary attendee.
Beside him, a slightly younger man in a similarly sharp suit leaned over with a glass of aged whiskey in hand. After taking a deliberate sip, he chuckled, "Look at that child. He has the same fire, the same... audacity you had at his age, doesn't he?"
Adrian's gaze, previously lost in thought, shifted to the screen that showcased Zero's highlights. He took a moment to assess the young competitor, observing the raw skill and unbridled confidence. "That smile isn't from mere youth or inexperience," he remarked quietly, almost to himself. "He's toying with opponents clearly older, more seasoned than him."
Without breaking his gaze, he signaled subtly to his secretary – a woman with sleek black hair, dressed impeccably in a pencil skirt and blazer. She approached, notebook in hand.
"Find out everything there is to know about him," Adrian ordered succinctly.
She nodded, jotting down a quick note, "Yes, Sir." The directive was clear. By the end of the day, a detailed dossier on Zero would be on Adrian's desk.
***
"Folks, we're down to the last 15 minutes! This is where legends are born and heroes rise!" He took a dramatic pause, letting the weight of the moment hang. "From what we've seen so far, Team 1, currently holding the lead, seems to have opted for a defensive formation. An intelligent move, given their current lead, but will it hold up against the relentless pursuit of their rivals?"
As the camera panned over the members of Team 1, fortifying their position, the commentator added, "It's a game of strategy and patience now. The next 15 minutes will decide the champions! Will we witness a thrilling chase, or will the clock run out with Team 1 safeguarding their lead?"
He took a sip from his water glass, then continued, "Hold onto your seats, folks. Because if the past hours have taught us anything, it's that anything can happen, and it usually does!"
And as if on cue, the crowd responded with a deafening roar, a symphony of cheers, jeers, and eager anticipation, each person waiting with bated breath for the next twist in the tale. The air grew thick with suspense, promising that the climax of the festival was going to be one for the history books.