Chapter 63: That One Archer

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Arena A: Main Stage] 

The hush over the arena felt unnatural, as the two competitors faced each other across the white expanse of the platform.

"Three!" roared the announcer, his voice carrying the weight of the moment. Jae Yoona, hair pulled into a neat ponytail and fingers resting lightly on the surface of her bow exuded an air of serene focus. Every part of her was stillness, an unsettling calm in the face of the storm to come.

"Two!" On the other end, a flicker of impatience warred with the cocky, hungry look in Bazz's eyes. His stance was loose, almost feral – fists wrapped in brutal-looking iron gauntlets. 

"One!"

Then, like a dam breaking, the countdown reached zero, and the energy of the fight shifted. Not even the roaring cheers of the audience could pierce the bubble surrounding Jae and Bazz as they locked in.