With a total of 48 participants, there were twenty-four matches on full display for the entire world to see.

Because all of the matches happened at the same time, the broadcast only displayed a few of the more high-profile matches. Those included Aoife from the Nurs Ancifa EmpireThe Empires Princess and highest-ranked member from the Empire.

Caius from the Aetheria Empire. Amell from the Verdant Empire, and Kaelion from the Aurora Empire.

These were the four highest profiles from each Empire, and were known as the big four.

For that reason, the broadcast was fully focused on them.

They all ended in victory. None of their matches lasted longer than a minute with each and one of them ending the fight rather fast.

Because of how fast their match ended, the other participants had time to be displayed in the broadcast.

<Leon Ellert from the Nurs Ancifa is also a participant to deeply watch out for outside of the big four. Some might even argue hes stronger than Aoife, but theres not much information that we can dig through. Each Empire has kept a level of secrecy for its participants. We will see by the end of the Summit if the rankings were correct or not.>

Karl Geneva, the broadcaster, had a husky yet smooth voice that was exceptionally pleasing to the ears, perfect for such a broadcast.

With neatly combed hair, sharp features, and dressed in a well-fitted suit, he looked every bit the professional.

<Hahaha, thatll be an exciting topic of discussion, wouldnt it Johanna?>

Alongside him was a well-dressed woman with black hair arranged in a bun, sharp brows, and plump lips. Her sharp features gave her a heroic and imposing appearance.

Johanna MebsonA Tier 7 Knight.

She was specifically invited for her exceptional strength, allowing her to see and analyze things that Karl might miss.

<It would indeed.>

<Thats great! With you here, things will definitely be exciting!>

Karl laughed lightly while pressing down and changing the broadcast away from Leon who had just won his match.

Unlike the others, his match lasted a little bit longer.

He fought against a higher-ranked opponent from the Aetheria Empire which was why it took him a bit longer.

Nonetheless, his match was still considered fast.

As he changed the broadcast, Karl lightly chuckled. That was because he noticed that the next match had also ended.

<Wow, these matches are ending a little too fast, dont you think?>

<.Its to be expected.>

Johanna answered in a flat tone. She had a serious demeanor and found it hard to joke around.

The audience liked the sharp contrast between the two presenters.

<The order of the fights is selected through the order in which the participants arrived at the Plaza during the First Phase.>

<Oh?>

Though Karl tried to look surprised, he already knew all the information. He was merely putting on an act for the audience that was watching the broadcast.

<So youre saying that those who came out on top during the First Phase are being paired up against those who came last?>

<Yes.>

<Oh, thats really interesting. The First Phase was quite unique, wasnt it? The participants were transported all around the Mirror Dimension>

Because the audience hadnt been filled about what had happened during the First Phase due to it not being broadcast, it was Karls job to do so. He did so in a smooth and fluid manner that made it easy for the audience to understand.

<And so, the contestants that came first were matched up with the ones that came last>

Johanna nodded quietly alongside him.

She then pointed at the screen.

<But dont be fooled by the result of the First Phase. Arriving first doesnt mean that youre the strongest. To some extent, it shows off your strength, but it can also be a display of luck>

<Luck?>

<It all depends on what type of monsters you face. If you end up dropping in a zone filled with lets say Wraiths, then itll be considered bad luck>

<Oh!>

Karl showed a look of understanding.

<That explains why Leon was able to beat his opponent so fast despite ranking amongst the last>

<Correct>

Johanna nodded before pressing down and changing the broadcast.

<While there are cases like that, the order of arrival is a good indicator of ones strength. Take a look at this match.>

Johanna pointed at the new match that was displayed on the screen.

It was a fierce match that shook the entire platform. Bang! Cracks formed with each step the participants took, displaying just how fierce the entire conflict was. However, if one paid close attention, theyd notice that one side was defending while the other was attacking.

In this case, the attacking side looked to be suppressing his opponent.

He was also starting to open up more and more openings.

<In this case, the two opponents fighting ranked quite differently from one another.>

Johanna glanced at the sheet beside her. It displayed the results of the first Phase.

<Carmen ranked quite a bit higher than Julien who was ranked amongst the last people during the First phase. The difference is showing in this match>

<Julien?>

The name rang a bell and Karls eyes lit up.

Johanna answered for him,

<Hes one of the top prospects in the competition. Hes ranked amongst the thirties and was the previous Black Star of Haven>

<Oh? The previous Black Star?>

<Correct. However, from my sources, it appears that he suffered a serious injury and was forced to give away his position. Had he not been injured, hed have ranked higher. Hes a talented prospect who specializes in Emotive Magic>

<Ah, such a pity>

Karl looked back at the match.

Indeed, Julien was currently getting suppressed by his opponent who was launching relentless attacks in his direction.

Each time, hed display a new set of movements and techniques that even Johanna had no choice but to praise.

<His control over his body is extremely refined. To be able to control his body to such a degree He has the makings of an exceptional knight>

From the way he twisted his body mid-motion, to how he was also able to alter the course of his fist. Johanna as a Tier 7 knight could do nothing but show praise for him.

<Carmen is slowly taking control of the fight. He seems to have Juliens gravitational skill figured out>

Johanna went on to explain as Carmens body twisted and the back of his fist launched and directly aimed for the startled Julien.

The Audience watching looked at the scene with bated breaths.

It was an incredibly tense fight, and those from the Aetheria Empire cheered loudly as Carmen started to take control of the fight.

<By altering the course of his fist, and launching several attacks, he slowly got a picture of how Juliens skill works and its limitations.>

As they cheered, Johannas cold voice continued to echo through the speakers.

<This is also mainly Juliens fault. By repeating the same pattern he allowed Carmen to get a better idea of how his skill works and helped him figure out how to proceed>

Johanna lightly sighed.

Karl looked at her for a brief moment before asking,

<.Is the fight winner decided?>

<No, of course not>

<Then>

<I was just thinking about how Julien could use his Emotive Magic to turn things around until I remembered that Carmen is from the same Empire as Caius. Its highly likely that hes waiting for Julien to use his Emotive Magic>

<Ah!>

Karl came to the realization as he smacked his hand against the table.

<This is dangerous! Is there a way things can turn around for Julien?>

<Of course>

Johanna answered calmly, pointing in Carmens direction. Or more specifically, his heavy breaths.

<Carmen is tired>

<.!>

With an exaggerated expression, Karl zoomed in on Carmens features. Indeed, he was panting heavily.

They had all been so mesmerized by his control over his body that they had forgotten just how straining such actions were.

Karl clapped his hands in delight.

<This match will depend on whether Carmen will be able to figure out Juliens defense before he runs out ofWow!>

A sudden shift occurred in the middle of Karls speech.

Out of nowhere, Carmens body underwent a subtle shift. His body trembled, and his face turned pale. He froze for several seconds, unable to move. Julien seized the opportunity, springing forward and launching a swift attack directly into Carmens stomach.

The expression of those from the Aetheria Empire grew pale and silenced reigned over.

Thump!

Carmens body fell shortly after that, marking the end of the match.

Karl stood excitedly as he looked at Johanna.

<Hahah! Indeed you were right! He lost due to his exhaustion! What a terrific match! If only he had a little bit more stamina then hed have won the match!>

He seemed very excited about the entire thing. The audience was too. Some sighed in disappointment while others were excited. There were also a few who shook their heads.

It was a good match.

<As always, its such an honor to have the insights of an expert like you! I wouldve never have picked it up!>

While the result of the match sunk in, Johannas expression remained firm. She replayed the last moments of the fight before frowning.

Did Carmen really lose due to exhaustion?

***

..That hurt.

As soon as the match ended, a glowing cube materialized before my eyes. I reached out and grasped it, and in that instant, my surroundings shifted.

I found myself back in the main Plaza, standing beneath one of the shadows cast by the platforms above.

There were already several people waiting beneath.

They sure were fast.

None of them seemed to be in the mood for talking, sitting down with their eyes closed and trying their best to recuperate their energies. Nobody knew when the next match would start so it made sense.

Another thing that I noticed when sitting down was how the number of people present was a lot lower than before.

Almost half of us got eliminated.

There were still some that were competing so it wasnt for certain.

I sighed for a moment and sat down. Rubbing my arm, my face twitched.

It still hurts.

The fight had been pretty hard.

There were many ways that I couldve finished the fight and I was confident in defeating him, but one thing became clear to me.

With my current strength, I might not win this.

My opponent, as far as I knew, lagged quite a lot in strength compared to their top-ranked prospect. While I did win, I didnt think I was a whole gap stronger than him.

I was stronger, but not to the extent where I could completely disregard him.

I was confident in my Emotive Magic, but everyone was probably prepared for it. Not just for me but for the number-one ranked prospect.

He was also an Emotive Mage.

I needed to be careful about displaying the extent of my Emotive Magic.

No, even if I do that I dont think its enough.

I needed more.

Something that would truly push my strength to the next level.

But what?

Clench.

What can I do?