The tension in the waiting room grew unbearable as the screen displayed the pairings for the upcoming fights. Leo and Samantha watched, tense, as names began appearing in pairs, with pictures flashing alongside them. Leo's pulse quickened as he saw their names flash up on the screen—paired against none other than Anton and Zara.
Samantha crossed her arms, expression unflinching as she studied the match-up. "I expected this," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the screen. "The audience wants to see us finish what started in the first test."
Leo nodded, a chill creeping into his veins as he thought of Anton. That smirk from the hall echoed in his mind, and he knew the muscular man was eager for a rematch. There was no question that Anton was strong, ruthless even—but Leo also sensed something else: the man's need to prove his dominance.
Samantha gave Leo a measured look. "It's best if you're the one to fight him. This round favors raw power, and I won't take unnecessary risks." Her tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Leo felt a sense of relief and resolve. "Right. He'll probably expect me anyway." He clenched his fists, determination igniting within him. "I won't let him beat us."
Across the room, similar decisions were being made among the other pairs. Most teams had chosen the male partner to fight, and for a simple reason: brute strength would give them a better chance in this round. Yet, a few pairs had women stepping up instead, either because they had the physical edge or because their male partner lacked the same intensity or skill.
As names flashed onscreen, it became clear that Leo and Anton's bout would be the last match of the day. Vale's voice crackled over the speakers, pulling all attention back to the present.
"Congratulations, players. You all have your opponents now, and you know what that means…" She paused, letting her words linger as if savoring the tension. "It's time to entertain. The audience is eagerly waiting for some real action, so give it all you've got!"
The screen switched to a live feed, showing glimpses of the eager, watching crowd. The audience's excitement was palpable, with people watching with anticipation, some holding snacks and drinks, clearly settled in for a good show. The atmosphere buzzed with a hunger for action, tension, and spectacle, and Vale's voice returned with a final command.
"Make them remember you. Today, you're not just fighting for survival; you're fighting to put on a show. We'll start with the first pair, and let's see who has what it takes to knock their opponent out and move one step closer to freedom."
Leo glanced at Samantha, who gave a small nod, her gaze unreadable but steady. "Be smart about this," she said in her calm, measured way. "Anton won't fight fair. Expect him to use everything he has."
Leo gave her a determined smile, feeling more confident with her support. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he regrets underestimating us."
Samantha's eyes flickered with a brief hint of approval. "Good. Then let's give them the show they want."