The semifinal matches were called at nine precisely.
William entered the arena at 9:04, just after the first semifinal — Brightwater versus Ironveil — ended with a surprising outcome that shocked the crowd.
Ironveil had lost, which meant their team captain was out, which meant the bracket had already produced its first significant deviation from expectation.
Aldous was already on his side of the arena when William arrived.
He was shorter than his bracket listing indicated — compact, with the solid build of an earth affinity practitioner and the smooth posture of someone whose water techniques had truly integrated, not just sitting separately.
He stood with his weight centered and low, which was earth. But his hands were slightly open at his sides, which was water — the readiness position for flow technique.
William met his eyes across the arena space.
Aldous nodded in recognition, showing a professional acknowledgment.
William acknowledged back.
