Looking at the footage on his camera, he could not help remarking, "More people are following this game than I imagined. Everyone seems eager to see these two powerhouses clash. I wonder who'll come out on top, Ryonan or Mingpeng Industrial?"
Time marched on without pause. The electronic scoreboard inside the arena began flashing, and soon it was time for both teams to enter. A dull metallic crash suddenly rang out like a thunderclap, instantly spreading through the already buzzing arena.
Before the first echo had fully faded, another dull metallic crash sounded. Two heavy iron doors slowly slid open to either side, the characteristic creaking of aged metal accompanying the turning hinges as the doors parted.
In that instant, the already lively arena erupted. Ryonan's supporters burst into loud cheers, their synchronized chants surging toward the court like a tidal wave.
Almost simultaneously, Mingpeng Industrial's fans refused to be outdone, raising equally powerful cries.
Mingpeng!
Mingpeng!
Mingpeng!
The two waves of sound met and collided in the vast arena before spreading in every direction, making everyone's eardrums tingle.
Amid those two distinctly different yet equally passionate cheers, the players from both teams filed out of their respective tunnels.
Within moments, every player from both teams had made his or her entrance.
They stood on opposite sides of the court, staring across its width at one another in a clear display of opposition.
Ryonan's white uniforms looked crisp and clean, while Mingpeng's green uniforms radiated energy. The contrast between the two colors beneath the lights seemed to dim even the arena's bright illumination, as every gaze locked onto the two teams.
Neither side had made any real move, yet countless invisible bolts of lightning seemed to shoot from both teams and converge at center court.
Their clash seemed to last