Chapter 103: The Stage of Champions
Chapter 103: The Stage of Champions
The stadium roared to life as the opening ceremony for the Greenridge League finals began. Bright sunlight bathed the arena, casting a golden glow on the thousands of spectators filling the stands.
Streamers waved in the air, and colorful banners of the 32 finalists rippled with the wind. The atmosphere was electric, excitement buzzing through every inch of the massive venue.
From the top rows to the arena floor, the crowd's energy was contagious. Cheers and applause echoed in waves, building anticipation for the matches to come.
People of all ages, from seasoned beast masters to eager young fans, watched in awe, eyes wide with wonder, for the beginning of the region's greatest tournament.
The chairman of the league, a tall man with silver hair slicked back, dressed in a deep blue tailored suit, stood at the center of the massive arena.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Greenridge League Finals!" his voice boomed across the stadium, amplified by the speakers surrounding the arena. The crowd erupted again, but quickly fell silent to hear his words.
"Today, we celebrate the culmination of skill, strength, and perseverance. Throughout this league, these beast masters have shown us the power and wonder of their abilities, dominating every challenge in their path." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle in. "But this is only the beginning."
The chairman's gaze swept over the crowd, his voice steady and filled with pride.
"This tournament is not just about the competition. It's about the bond between beast masters and their creatures. It's about pushing past limits, about standing in the face of fear and daring to overcome it. The Greenridge region is known for producing some of the finest beast masters in the world, and today, we witness the strongest among them."
With that, the crowd cheered again, their excitement at a fever pitch as the chairman gestured to the tunnel on the far side of the stadium.
"And now, I give you...the 32 finalists of the Greenridge League!"
The roar of the crowd returned, and then the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.
The gates to the arena opened, and the 32 finalists entered together. The sound of footsteps and cheers combined in a wave of excitement as each fighter strode confidently into the spotlight.
Kaida led the way, her expression stern and intense, eyes forward, her sharp gaze unbothered by the noise around her. Catarina followed, flashing a wide grin, her tail swishing playfully as she waved to the crowd, clearly enjoying the attention.
Sia walked with a cold, composed demeanor, her icy stare fixed ahead. Gabriel, the youngest of the finalists, looked around in awe, almost swallowed by the grandeur of the stadium. The tiny creature perched on his shoulder chirped, matching his astonishment, and the crowd seemed to adore him instantly.
Eratz walked with quiet confidence. His eyes scanned the battlefield, the soon-to-be stage of chaos, and a slow, widening smile spread across his face. He was ready.
As the finalists moved into formation in the center of the arena, the crowd's excitement hit a fever pitch. Among the public, Cassie and Roger were beaming with pride as they watched their nephew and Mercury stand among the best. Colin and Milo cheered loudly, waving their arms as if they could somehow reach them in the sea of faces.
At the same time, Genova's people sat with mixed reactions. Some of the students, wide- eyed, whispered to one another about how incredible the arena was, their hopes and dreams of reaching such a prestigious tournament someday growing stronger.
Kenny sat in silence, his jaw clenched, his fists tight on his lap. As he watched Eratz among the finalists, a bitter fury began to stir within him. He couldn't believe how far Eratz had come, how quickly he'd surpassed them all, and something deeper ignited in him.
- Why him, and not me?
Nearby, Lisa sat with her hands clenched tightly on her knees. She watched Eratz walk with the other finalists, and her heart twisted painfully. She bit her lip, her frustration and regret boiling under the surface as she stared at him.
A girl beside Crystal murmured.
"Eratz looks even more handsome than before. Maybe I'll ask him out after the tournament."
Crystal gave the girl a sharp side-eye but said nothing.
In the center of the arena, the chairman raised his hand for silence once more. The crowd quieted instantly, their focus locked on the 32 finalists standing proudly before them.
"Now, without further delay," he said, his voice filled with anticipation, "I declare the start of the Greenridge League Finals!"
The cheers that followed were deafening. The stage was set, the competitors ready, and the region watched eagerly as the tournament of a lifetime was about to begin.
The tension in the air was palpable, a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and the knowledge that only the strongest would advance. As the noise of the crowd began to settle, the massive screen displayed the names of the competitors in order:
1. Sia Verizion vs. Nyx
2. Gabriel vs. Cassius Alden
3. Kuro vs. Vanya Roth
4. Mercury Banks vs. Zera Ardent
5. Catarina vs. Flint Hawk
6. Jaden vs. Ellis Marrick
7. Cyril Haven vs. Talia Brin
8. Kaida vs. Iris Vallon
9. Bastian vs. Ophelia Winters
10. Alaric vs. Leona Greaves
11. Fenris vs. Amara Solis
12. Ren vs. Titus Voss
13. Ryder Crow vs. Kobayashi Raya
14. Eratz Pandora vs. Darian Kross
15. Ari Dales vs. Xyla Nore
16. Viktor vs. Lila Wynne
The excitement in the stadium built as the crowd took in the matchups, murmurs and cheers rippling through the stands. The announcer's voice cut through the air once more, capturing everyone's attention.
"And now," the announcer continued, his voice rising in anticipation, "we begin the first match of the Greenridge League finals! Entering the arena... Sia Verizion!"
A hush fell over the crowd before erupting into cheers as Sia stepped into the spotlight, her long black hair trailing behind her like a shadow, and her icy blue eyes locked on the
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She wore sleek, dark blue and silver gear that gleamed under the lights, embodying the cold precision she was known for. The crowd erupted in cheers
Her presence was as chilling as her abilities, her aura exuding a calm, untouchable strength that sent a shiver of excitement through the audience.
"And her opponent... Nyx!"
Then came Nyx. Her confidence radiated as she strode in, her sharp crimson eyes scanning the battlefield with dangerous calm. Dressed in black and red, her short hair barely shifted as she moved, a smirk playing on her lips.
Though the crowd clearly favored Sia, there was an undeniable tension in the air, Nyx was not
to be underestimated.
The crowd roared, the energy in the arena escalating as the two competitors faced each other across the battlefield, each preparing for the intense battle that was about to begin.
The announcer's voice boomed once more.
"Let the first battle of the Greenridge League finals... BEGIN!"