In the blink of an eye, it was August 21.
10:00 a.m.
The sun shone brightly beneath a cloudless sky.
The main venue of the Multiverse Duel Arena in Duel City.
The Top 16 knockout stage of the third Top 100 Tournament.
It finally began under the watchful eyes of countless spectators.
After seven grueling rounds of Swiss-system points matches.
The sixteen elite fighters who had risen above a hundred contestants.
Would engage in their final battle here for a place in the Top 10.
Inside the venue.
The cheers of more than five hundred thousand live spectators crashed like a tidal wave.
Lifelike holographic projections made the entire arena seem dreamlike and fantastical.
Meanwhile, in their respective waiting rooms,
The sixteen contestants who had successfully advanced waited quietly to take the stage.
Some rested with their eyes closed, while others polished their weapons.
The air was thick with suffocating fighting spirit and anticipation.
"Ladies and gentlemen in attendance, and billions upon billions of friends from different worlds watching through their screens!"
Gatz, dressed like a Dressrosa gladiator, stood on a floating Island Cloud host platform with a microphone in hand. His penetrating, infectious voice ignited the atmosphere throughout the venue.
"After a full seven days of rest, we have finally arrived at the most thrilling moment—the Top 16 knockout stage!"
"Anyone who can fight their way into the Top 10 on this stage will earn the right to make a wish to the World Government!"
Stella, wearing an elegant white gown, smiled as she took over.
Her gentle, intelligent voice flowed by everyone's ears like a clear spring.
"That's right. This is not merely a clash of the contestants' strength, but a struggle for their deepest desires."
"Now, let us reveal the two contestants for the first match of