The applause was deafening, especially from the sectors where supporters of the royal family were located. Larissa accepted the ovation with grace, though anyone watching closely could notice that she remained standing more from pride than from her almost nonexistent remaining energy.
As she withdrew from the arena, she exchanged a glance with Liora from the opposite entrance. The cousins shared a smile of mutual understanding: unfortunately, tomorrow they would have to face each other as their brackets were so close together.
"The girls are really something special," commented Min as they watched Larissa disappear through the tunnel. "If they hadn't faced each other, they all could have reached the final, right?"
"It's very likely," answered Ren. "But I suppose luck is also an important factor... I myself didn't want to face Taro so soon, but tomorrow..."
"Will you have mercy on me?" asked Taro, his voice betraying a bit of concern.
Ren observed his friend for a moment.
