The battles on the first day lasted until around ten at night, and the second day's matches were much the same. Only that evening did the gradual elimination of 128 competitors finally come to an end.
Many disappointed people, including those accompanying them, left the once-bustling Athlete Village, making it feel rather empty all at once.
But people did not share one another's joys and sorrows.
When morning came on the third day, the remaining competitors gathered at the drawing venue once again, full of anticipation.
Xia You and Ash approached the same desk as before and once again met the smiling staff member.
Perhaps because they had dealt with each other once and were now acquainted, their conversation was a little more casual. The staff member also offered heartfelt congratulations on their advancement.
"You two really are impressive. So many famous competitors were eliminated, yet you managed to breeze through the first round!"
"That was nothing." Ash adjusted his cap and declared unabashedly, "We're really strong, so we'll definitely keep beating our opponents and advancing to the next round. I think we should at least... hmm... make it to the top sixteen!"
"How ambitious! Well then, keep giving it your all!"
The staff member chuckled, then glanced at the somewhat impatient competitors waiting in line behind them and hurried back to business.
"All right, now that the first round is over, you'll need to draw new battlefields and opponents. Let's get started. But which of you two wants to go first?"
"Me, of course!"
True to his personality, Ash was once again the first to draw an opponent.
He slammed the button down. Once the ring of light stopped, he found that he had been assigned to the Rock Field, and his opponent was a stranger he had never