The announcer''s voice boomed across the arena, amplified by the microphone that showed his energy. His excitement surged through the crowd like a wave.

    "Ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer yelled, his voice echoing through the coliseum. "We''ve just received incredible news—Seraphine, one of the most talented warriors in this tournament, has made a miraculous recovery! Yes, you heard that right! The beloved Seraphine who we just saw getting beaten to death is back in action!"

    The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound deafening as it filled every corner of the massive arena. Seraphine, blushing under the attention, made her way across the railing and stopped beside me. Her shoulder brushed against mine, and she gave a shy glance in my direction.

    "Look at you, basking in all this glory," I teased, popping my bubble gum with a loud snap. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

    Seraphine turned even redder, elbowing me gently. "Stop teasing me! This is serious!"

    "Serious?" I raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You''re acting like you didn''t just jump out of bed and hug me like a kid with a new toy. You''re loving this, admit it."

    "I am not!" she said, with the small smile on her lips.

    "Alright, alright," I said, leaning back casually. "Go soak it in. The crowd has started to love you. I''m just here to enjoy the show."

    The announcer''s voice cut through the noise again.

    "And now, moving on to the next round of this tournament! The battle we''ve all been waiting for: Alex versus Rui!"

    The crowd roared once more, the energy electric.

    "First, let me introduce our first competitor—Alex!" the announcer bellowed. "A dashing swordsman with a reputation for precision, power, and unyielding determination! Let''s hear it for Alex!"@@@@

    A tall, strikingly handsome man stepped onto the battlefield, his sword resting casually on his shoulder. His yellow hair gleamed under the sunlight, and his confident smile earned him an extra wave of cheers from the audience.

    "Looks like someone''s got fans," I muttered.

    "He''s good, though. I''ve seen him fight. He''s not just a pretty face." Seraphine said.

    "And now, his opponent!" The announcer''s tone shifted, taking on a slightly ominous edge.

    "The mysterious Rui! A dark sorceress whose abilities have left even the bravest warriors trembling! Will her magic prevail today?"

    "Caught you," Rui said softly, her voice almost playful.

    Alex smirked despite the pain. "Not for long."

    With a surge of strength, he pulled against the strands, breaking free in a burst of energy. Rui staggered slightly, her hair recoiling to .

    The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement renewed.

    "Alex is free!" the announcer exclaimed. "But at what cost? Look at those cuts on his arms!"

    I narrowed my eyes, noticing something odd.

    Alex picked his sword and fought again but his movements were slowing down, and his breathing had become labored. He clutched his arm briefly, and a faint purple hue spread across the cuts.

    "He''s been poisoned," I said quietly.

    Seraphine''s eyes widened. "Poisoned?"

    On the battlefield, Alex dropped to one knee, using his sword for support as he tried to steady himself.

    Rui tilted her head. "You''ve fought well," she said, her voice almost kind. "But it''s over now."

    "Alex might lose. She''s too strong." Seraphine whispered beside me.

    Rui raised her hand, her hair coiling around her like a predator preparing to strike. Alex remained kneeling, his head bowed. His hair fell over his face, obscuring his expression.

    "Say goodbye, swordsman," Rui said, her voice dripping with finality.

    The crowd watching with anticipation, the tension unbearable.

    "Will Alex make a comeback?" the announcer asked, his voice a mix of excitement and dread. "Or is this the end for our dashing swordsman?"

    The scene froze in that moment—Rui poised to deliver the final blow, Alex kneeling with his face hidden.