For a long moment after the elder's declaration the square remained almost silent, as though the crowd needed time to accept what they had just witnessed. Then a single pair of hands began to clap. The sound was soon joined by others, spreading outward in uneven waves until most of the spectators were applauding. Above the growing noise a clear, proud voice cut through everything.
"That's my big brother right there!"
Hannah stood on the bench again, both arms raised, face shining with fierce delight. The sight of the small girl openly claiming the bloodied outsider seemed to tip the remaining hesitation; the applause strengthened. Only one cluster of seats stayed still. Andrew's jaw was locked tight enough that the muscles jumped. Dennis and the others wore matching frowns.
"Todd just… lost," Andrew said through clenched teeth.
Dennis shook his head. "He must have used some underhanded method. No other explanation."
Andrew's fist came down hard on the arm of his chair. "I don't care what method he used. I only care that he doesn't leave this tournament standing."
"Don't worry, boss. As long as he draws my brother next, he'll leave with more than bruises."
Andrew's eyes stayed fixed on the arena. "Todd was strong and still fell. What makes you certain your brother won't do the same?"
Dennis's answer was immediate. "Todd holds back when he thinks the opponent isn't worth full strength. My brother never does. He'll treat the outsider like a real threat from the first exchange and finish it."
Andrew gave a short nod, not entirely convinced, and returned his attention to the platform.
Jason remained seated on the packed earth, watching two attendants carefully lift Todd's unconscious form and carry him away. The officiating elder approached, expression neutral but not unkind, and held out a small porcelain vial.
"Congratulations on the win. This is a rejuvenating pill. I suggest you recover as much as possible before the third match finishes."
Jason accepted the vial with a respectful nod, pushed himself to his feet, and left the arena under his own power. He found an open space among the other advanced fighters, swallowed the pill, and closed his eyes. The medicine's cool energy spread through battered muscle and bone, knitting the worst of the damage at a steady pace while he quietly circulated Heaven's Law to assist it.
The third match of the second round began almost at once. Larry stepped onto the platform against his remaining opponent and established complete dominance from the opening exchange. Heavy, precise strikes forced the other fighter backward without pause. The match ended in less than two minutes. Larry left the ring without celebration, pausing only long enough to fix both Jason and Austin with a flat, measuring stare that carried clear intent before taking his place among the final three.
The elder returned to the center of the arena and raised his voice over the restless crowd.
"Three fighters remain. I know many of you are eager to see the semi-final pairings. Before we draw lots, the combatants will be given a short period to recover from their injuries."
In the seats Andrew's expression darkened further. "That old man is inventing excuses so the outsider can heal."
Dennis shrugged, still confident. "It won't matter. Whether he faces my brother or Larry, the result will be the same."
"I know their strength," Andrew muttered. "I just don't like the way the rules are being bent while the family head says nothing."
Jason kept his eyes closed, the pill's energy still working through him, and spoke inwardly.
*You were right about the last fight. Listening kept me alive.*
*Of course I was right,* the bracelet answered. *Keep listening and you'll stay that way. These next two are a different level from Todd or the earlier rounds.*
Jason opened his eyes just enough to glance at Austin and Larry. *I can feel it. They're both sharper. Heavier.*
*If the lots fall a certain way you might not even have to fight in the semi-finals,* the bracelet said, a thread of amusement in its tone. *Those two look like they would happily tear each other apart.*
*I wouldn't count on that kind of luck twice.*
*Luck is unreliable. Your training isn't. Remember that.*
The recovery interval ended. The elder called the three remaining fighters back onto the platform and had them draw fresh lots. When the tokens were opened, Jason found himself staring at the number one.
*You said I'd be lucky this time,* he sent, not bothering to hide the irritation.
*I said it was a guess. Guesses are allowed to be wrong.*
*So you were just messing with me.*
*Relax. Whether you face Larry or Austin, the work you've put in is enough to give you a real chance. They're stronger than the others, but strength alone doesn't decide everything.*
Larry turned between the other two, token already checked. "Who am I fighting?"
Austin's expression remained calm, almost bored. "Don't look at me. I didn't draw the short lot this time."
Jason closed his fingers around the wooden tag and met Larry's gaze directly.
"You're fighting me."