The referee's announcement echoed through the stadium, setting the stage for the intense semifinal match between the twin siblings, June and Jade Snow. The audience's anticipation was palpable as the holographic screens displayed their names in bold letters.
June, with her long white hair cascading down her back, stood poised on one side of the arena, holding a slim sword that gleamed under the vibrant stadium lights. Her determined gaze and graceful demeanour conveyed a sense of readiness for the impending battle.
On the opposite side, Jade, with his short white hair, exuded a calm and collected aura. They both shared lots of command similarities in their facial features one could easily see they were twins. Jade was calmly standing unarmed with his hands in his pocket.
As the referee raised his hand to signal the beginning of the match, the siblings faced each other, locked in a silent acknowledgement of the impending confrontation. The countdown began, and the atmosphere crackled with energy.
However, to the audience's surprise, June, with a sudden and unexpected move, raised her hand and calmly declared, "I surrender."
A collective gasp swept through the stadium, and confusion clouded the faces of the spectators. The referee hesitated for a moment, processing the unexpected turn of events. On the other hand, Jade maintained a composed expression, his smirk growing more pronounced.
Without uttering a single word, Jade accepted his sister's surrender, and with a subtle nod, he exited the stage. The holographic screens declared him the winner, marking his advancement to the finals.
The audience erupted into a mix of cheers and bewildered murmurs. June, held her sword tightly in her right hand, her head low as she exited the stage. The unexpected conclusion of the match left everyone contemplating the intricate dynamics between the twin siblings, setting the tone for the remaining semifinals and the imminent finals of the tournament.
Inside the stadium, Ahiro sat in stunned silence, his eyes fixed on the holographic screens that displayed the result of the first semifinal match between June and Jade. The shock was evident in his expression, as he couldn't fathom why June, who had exhibited impressive strength in her previous matches, would choose to surrender so easily.
"Why would she do something like that?" Ahiro voiced his perplexity, seeking an answer from his friends.
Emily, ever the geek, stepped in to offer her insights. "Um... well, Ahiro, Do you know about the Royal Family of Snow"
"What Snow is a Royal Family, isn't it McAllister the Royal Family" asked Ahiro
"They both are royalty, McAllister family belong to Neometroplolis, our city," said Emily, as she continued "and outside our city to the north, there's a city called 'WhiYork'—the White City. It's covered in snow for most of the year, and the ruling family of this city is the Snows. Which makes June and Jade technically Prince and Princess."
"That means there are 3 royal people in our department this year" Ahiro gasped.
" Yes, and according to their customs, men are treated superior to women. So, she must have surrendered, respecting her culture, I think." Emily completed.
Ahiro pondered Emily's explanation, acknowledging the influence of diverse cultures on individuals' actions. However, a lingering doubt gnawed at him. Why did it seem like June harboured a desire to do more, yet something held her back?
"Well, what can we do? Even if it might be culture to not oppose men of their own family. Nevertheless, that arrogant Jade got a free win in the semifinals," John interjected, expressing his disapproval.
Curiosity sparked in Sia's eyes as she turned towards John. "How do you know Jade?"
"I met him at the introduction ceremony and said a small hi, but that rude little..." John's voice carried a tinge of irritation. "He replied that he can't communicate with commoners."
"He's the same in class. All our classmates tend to ignore him, and due to him, even June has no friends till now," Melvin added. "Oh, speaking of June, I think she came to see you at the infirmary after your match, Ahiro."
Ahiro got confused by the sudden statement by Melvin.
"Why would she visit me?" Ahiro inquired, genuine confusion in his tone.
"Well, I don't know. I just saw her once outside your infirmary room, so I thought maybe she visited you," Melvin replied casually.
"I don't remember," Ahiro stated, his memory failing to recall any such encounter.
"I get it, Ahiro is mad because his girlfriend surrendered so easily," John teased, a playful smirk on his face.
Ahiro, caught off guard, retorted, "What girlfriend? What are you saying? I just... I thought... Emily, say something."
Emily joined in the teasing with a mischievous grin. "Well, all the best impressing a royal."
The group erupted into laughter, revelling in the good-natured banter as they continued to watch the next match that will be going next. Everyone was busy discussing about the next matchup, but Ahiro was still unsettled about the whole surrender. There were many times Ahiro had seen her practising covered in sweet.
From the first day June was talented in sword art compared to others and was the only one who was praised by the Master, but it never got to her head. Whenever Ahiro practised till late in the practice hall he would see June practicing and honing her skills, seeing her always motivated Ahiro. And seeing someone like her just giving up so easily didn't sit well with him.
On the other hand, the stadium buzzed with anticipation as the next set of contestants prepared to take the stage for the semifinals. The towering figure of John Evershield entered from one side, his stoic expression revealing the determination that had brought him this far. On the other side of the arena, Serena Swiftwind, a lithe and agile figure, made her entrance. The contrast between their appearances hinted at a clash of different strengths and styles.
As the two contenders faced each other, the air seemed to crackle with energy, and the audience hushed in anticipation for the battle to come. The referee, positioned at the centre of the stage, raised the microphone to announce the beginning of the match. "Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for an electrifying encounter between John Evershield and Serena Swiftwind!"