"Let the Countdown… Begin!!"
Patrick's voice echoed loudly from the arena speakers as the four Holographic Screens immediately changed.
The images of Vera and Diane disappeared, replaced by the large countdown numbers hanging above the Combat Festival platform.
"THREE!!"
The crowd shouted the countdown together.
Hundreds of thousands of voices merged into one as the number appeared across the screens. Some spectators leaned forward in anticipation, while others raised their hands and shouted along with the countdown.
The atmosphere that had been filled with cheers only moments ago became more focused.
Everyone was now counting down the numbers together.
Back on the fight platform…
Vera continued looking at Diane plainly.
Diane stood several steps away from her, her half-closed light-blue eyes carrying the same tired look she had shown when she first entered the platform.
Vera tilted her head slightly to the right.
