The coliseum still buzzed with chaotic energy when the announcer's voice boomed across the arena once more.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"
The crowd slowly began to settle. Screams faded into murmurs. The crystal screens flickered, displaying the final results of Round One in glowing letters.
Round One Complete
Participants- 228
Remaining- 2
Duration- 57 minutes
"WHAT A ROUND! WHAT A HISTORIC, UNPRECEDENTED, JAW-DROPPING ROUND!"
The announcer wiped sweat from his forehead, grinning wildly.
"BUT EVERY WARRIOR NEEDS REST! EVERY CHAMPION NEEDS RECOVERY!"
He spread his arms wide.
"THE NEXT ROUND WILL BEGIN IN—" He paused dramatically. "—THIRTY MINUTES!"
The crowd groaned and cheered simultaneously.
"THIRTY MINUTES, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! USE THIS TIME TO CATCH YOUR BREATH, PLACE YOUR BETS, AND PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR ROUND TWO!"
