The morning air in Mira was alive with anticipation, carrying an undercurrent of tension that rippled through the sprawling grounds as the finalists made their way toward the towering arena. It was colossal—an imposing structure of polished stone and marble that gleamed under the sunlight, surrounded by a sea of spectators who filled the stands in vibrant, lively clusters. Banners of the seven cities waved in the wind, adding flashes of color to the bustling scene, each one bearing a different emblem. The electric energy was almost palpable as the crowd, eager for the clash of skills and powers, cheered on their hometown heroes.John, Alex, Gordon, and the rest of the Stronghold team filed in alongside teams from other cities, all gathered at the arena entrance. The atmosphere was tense, with each competitor sizing up their potential opponents, mentally preparing for the battles that lay ahead. John cast a quick glance toward the Mira team, where Collin stood, a mix of confidence and readiness evident in his stance. He caught John's gaze and gave a nod, one of respect but also challenge, an acknowledgment that the time for games was over.Alex took a deep breath, his usually calm demeanor giving way to a nervous energy. He looked to his side, where Lila from Unit 3 was among her own team members, their gazes occasionally meeting in silent encouragement. The weight of the tournament had settled heavily on them all, and even the friendships they had built felt the strain of rivalry in these final moments before the competition began.The final team from Veilstead, cloaked in dark robes that barely revealed their faces, stood off to one side. They were mysterious as ever, their silence adding an extra layer of unease to the arena. Few had seen them in action before, and their very presence seemed to cast a shadow over the grounds. Gordon shot them a curious, almost challenging look, intrigued by the secrecy that surrounded their techniques.Suddenly, the sound of a voice over the loudspeaker pulled their attention."Ladies and gentlemen! Competitors, gather round!" boomed Jimmy, his voice echoing across the arena with the infectious enthusiasm that had become his trademark. "The time has come! You've all fought your way through the preliminaries, tested your mettle in every way possible, and now it's time to put those skills to the ultimate test. This is what you've all been waiting for—the Duel Tournament begins now!"The crowd erupted into a frenzy, cheers and shouts ringing out as Jimmy continued, his tone dropping with a hint of drama. "Our competitors will face each other one-on-one, testing strength, strategy, and skill! But remember, victory is achieved only when one competitor can no longer fight or chooses to forfeit. Anything goes—except, of course, maiming or fatal blows. Play fair, fight hard, and may the best Bender win!"He gestured toward a tall podium where a set of gleaming brass slips sat inside a crystal bowl, each one etched with a number. "Each competitor will draw a slip from the bowl, and that number will determine your match order. When your number is called, step up, and prepare to give it your all!"John exchanged a tense nod with Alex, their usual banter absent as the reality of the tournament hit them both. Gordon, standing slightly off to the side, cracked his knuckles, already mentally preparing for whatever awaited him in the arena. The roar of the crowd fueled his anticipation, and for a moment, a smirk crept onto his face.Anne, who'd been quietly observing the teams around them, took a deep breath, her expression calm and focused. She nudged John, a rare, reassuring smile softening her features. "No matter what, we're going to give them one unforgettable show."They each approached the podium in turn, reaching into the bowl to draw their numbered slips. John's fingers brushed over the smooth metal of his slip, a shiver running down his spine as he pulled it out. He glanced at it, his heart pounding as he saw his number."Looks like we're really doing this," Alex muttered as he looked down at his own slip, his expression a mix of excitement and apprehension.Gordon barely glanced at his number before stepping back, his gaze already fixed on the arena, as though he were already visualizing his battle. This was what he had been waiting for, and nothing was going to hold him back.Jimmy's voice rang out again. "To the competitors who stand before us—remember, this is more than just a fight. This is the chance to make history. To prove not only to your city but to yourself what you're capable of. Now, get ready, because Round One is about to begin!"With that, the atmosphere intensified, a collective tension and thrill settling over the arena as the competitors held their slips close, ready for the moment their number would be called. The Duel Tournament was underway, and each fighter knew that by the end of the day, only the strongest would stand victorious.