The next day, after a sleepless, restless night, it was finally time to take the field.
In the competitors' dressing room, I changed in silence, dark circles still hanging beneath my eyes. My mind was filled with worries about the match, but at least that meant I cared less about how I looked. For ease of movement, I wore a skin-tight bodysuit that clung to my entire body. Its fabric resembled fine, tightly woven stockings, allowing a hint of the flesh beneath to show through. It was rather provocative. Ordinarily, you couldn't have paid me to wear it, but right now, with my nerves wound so tight, who had time to care?
"Be careful, Liu Ye. According to the clan tournament rules, competitors can't be told anything about their opponents' abilities before the match. You'll have to figure things out on your own as best you can. And don't rule out the possibility that your opponent has a hybrid ability. Understand?"
"Understood..."
"Don't get too nervous, either. If you're too tense, you won't be able to fight at your best."
"I know... Hopefully, once I'm in the thick of battle, I'll forget to be nervous."
"The twelfth match is about to begin. Competitors, please enter!"
The announcement blared without warning. I picked up my Charging Blade, silently rose to my feet, and headed into the competitors' passageway. My legs felt as soft as taffy.
"Good luck, Xiao Ye! I'm rooting for you!"
Leaving Si Nan Ying's blessing behind, I drew closer and closer to the exit until I reached the end of the passage. I pushed open the heavy iron door, and the afternoon sunlight poured in, blinding me for a moment. Once my eyes adjusted—
People, people, people—people everywhere! There were even more spectators than yesterday! Countless faces gathered