(Sky-God Arena — Group A Preliminary Round)
The next morning, the Rodova team took their place high in the stands, surrounded by a sea of roaring spectators.
Compared to the opening ceremony yesterday, the difference in crowd size today for the preliminaries was staggering.
Every seat, from the front rows to the highest balconies, was packed, with only a few scattered vacancies where latecomers had yet to arrive.
The air was electric. Flags bearing academy crests waved from every direction, while merchants on the walkways sold limited-edition merchandise and commemorative food packs.
For the average citizen, this wasn't just a tournament — it was a once-in-a-year spectacle and the universal government seemed to try hard to keep the atmosphere as energetic as possible, providing the guests with the best view and ambience.
On the field below, 15 minutes before the fight began, the massive arena floor rumbled as it began to shift.
And at that moment—
