The stadium did not quiet so much as reorganize its noise.
The chaos of the first phase had burned itself out, leaving behind a thinner, sharper tension that clung to the air like smoke after a fire.
Above it all, the crowd remained.
Forty-eight.
That number glowed high above the arena in massive floating runes, steady and unmistakable.
Only forty-eight students still stood on the field.
The rest were gone.
The stadium lights shifted, dimming slightly, drawing focus toward the central platform. A familiar figure stepped into the spotlight, boots clicking against polished stone.
The host.
He looked entirely too pleased with himself.
Dressed in a sharp, dark suit threaded with subtle silver patterns, he lifted the mic-like artifact to his mouth and grinned broadly at the crowd, waiting just long enough for the anticipation to curdle into impatience.
"Well," he said brightly, voice amplified across the stadium, "that was… educational."
A wave of laughter rolled through the stands.
"Oh, don't look so offended," the host continued, spreading his hands. "If you're watching from the infirmary right now, think of this as a learning experience. Preferably one that doesn't involve getting knocked unconscious next time."
The crowd laughed again. Some booed. A few students on the field shot him murderous looks.
He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.
"Give them a round of applause, everyone. They tried their best. And by 'their best,' I mean some of them made excellent distractions."
More laughter.
The host let the noise swell, then raised a hand. The stadium responded, the sound gradually tapering off into expectant silence.
"Now," he said, tone shifting just enough to signal importance, "let's talk about Round Two."
The runes above the arena flickered.
The number 48 split apart, reorganizing into glowing clusters before dissolving entirely.
"Congratulations," the host said, turning toward the remaining students. "You've survived the free-for-all. Which means the Academy, the sponsors, the royal court, and our very attentive guests have decided you're worth watching a little more closely."
He paced slowly along the edge of the platform, eyes sweeping across the field.
"But individual strength only tells us so much," he continued. "After all, power without coordination is just expensive noise."
A ripple of approval passed through the stands.
"So for Phase Two," he said, tapping the artifact lightly against his palm, "we'll be testing something far more dangerous."
He smiled.
"Teamwork."
A low murmur spread among the students.
The host snapped his fingers.
At once, the bracelets around the students' wrists began to glow.
Runes flickered across their surfaces, shifting rapidly before settling into numbers.
"Take a look at your bracelets," the host said cheerfully. "You'll notice a number displayed on each one. That number is your team designation."
The murmurs grew louder.
"Students with the same number," he continued, "will form a team. No exceptions. No reshuffling."
He paused, then added, "Yes, that means fate—or whatever algorithm the Academy uses—has decided who you'll be trusting your life with."
The crowd laughed again.
"Each team will consist of four members," the host said. "You will be transported to designated combat zones throughout the arena complex. Your objective is simple."
He raised a finger.
"Defeat the opposing teams."
A second finger.
"Outlast them."
"And a third," he finished, grin sharp. "Don't get eliminated."
The runes above the stadium reappeared, forming diagrams of enclosed battlefields, terrain shifting and rearranging in holographic projections: ruined structures, forested zones, elevated platforms, narrow corridors.
"Points will continue to matter," the host added. "Eliminations earn points. Team eliminations earn bonuses. But be warned—points are now shared among teammates while losing and are gained individually."
A beat.
"If one of you messes up," he said lightly, "you all pay for it."
A ripple of tension passed through the remaining students.
"And remember, this is not a ladder phase where you have to fight through every team. In this, you will only fight two teams, and from the points you gain individually, the top 16 people will advance to the final round"
He straightened, lifting the artifact once more.
"Phase Two will begin shortly. You'll have a brief window to locate your teammates before transport. Use it wisely."
His grin widened.
"And try not to kill each other before the match starts. That paperwork is a nightmare."
Laughter and boos crashed together across the stadium.
As the host stepped back into the shadows, the arena filled with motion once more.
Students turned, scanning the field for matching numbers.