The random verse counter froze mid-spin, and the entire stadium held its breath. Silence settled over the crowd before the big screen lit up, flashing three names in bold, glowing letters:
Benzoh Silver vs. Murata Kaizen vs. Jennie Masashi.
A roar erupted from the stands, shaking the air with excitement.
"Step into the arena!" the commentator's voice boomed, his enthusiasm electric.
In the waiting room to the right, Ben, leaning against the wall with his fan folded and tucked neatly in his hand, slowly opened it, spreading its delicate panels just above his nose. His movements were calm, calculated, almost theatrical, a stark contrast to the mounting tension outside. He glanced sideways, his sharp green eyes catching the light for a moment, then began to walk out.
Jennie, still seated on one of the benches, shot to her feet, her chair scraping against the floor.
