Chapter 24 - Round One

After introducing the combatants to the audience, a box was brought into the arena.

"You are to pick only one lot and whoever picks the lot with number zero, will automatically advance to the next stage. Now come forward according to the number on your tag and you are not allowed to open your lot until you are instructed to do so" instructed the elder.

After the instructions, they begin to move forward to pick their lot according to the number they are wearing. When it got to Jason's turn, he couldn't help but hesitate since there are only two lots left on the box.

"Just take a look at that kid, he is so scared that he couldn't even pick a lot and let the next person pick his lot" said Dennis out loud so that everyone can hear.

And the audience responded with a laugh and began to comment on the word, which put a smile on Andrew's face since they were able to cause Jason a little problem before the fight.

"Come on kid, just pick one already and stop making a fool of yourself" said the bracelet.

Taking a deep breath, Jason finally picked a lot before going back to where he stood before. After everyone has made their pick, the box was taken away before the elder came forward with his hand behind his back.

"Now you can open your lot" said the elder.

They begin to open their lot and they begin to search for their opponent except for Jason who just stood there stunned as he looked at the number that was written on his lot.

"You are truly lucky kid, now you don't have to worry about fighting now so take this time to study all their fight" advises the bracelet.

"Is that really necessary I mean, they can still change their fighting method in the next round so I don't see a reason why I should study them" reply Jason.

"You are naive if you think you don't need to study them. Let me asked you this question if you are being attacked by a technique you know about, wouldn't you be able to counter it with a move" asked the bracelet.

"Of course I will, it is only an idiot that will be hit so easily" reply Jason.

"And you are that idiot since you have the opportunity to know their every move but refuse to" said the bracelet.

"Hey will you stop insulting me, I never knew that was what you are implying" reply Jason.

While Jason was speaking with the bracelet, the elder voice rang out.

"Now you may be wondering who you are up against and I believe you all are mentally prepared since you have been preparing for the event cause your match starts now. But before we begin, who is holding the zero lot" asked the elder as he begins to look at the combatants before him.

"I have the number zero with me elder" reply Jason as he raised the lot for them to see.

"Congratulations kid for making it to the stage level" said the elder with a smile as he gestured for Jason to go sit outside the arena.

Jason was so happy that he made it to the next round as he begins to walk toward where was prepared for those that have made it to the next round.

"Now those of you holding the number one, come forward" said the elder.

Two young men came forward which the audience was familiar with.

"I can't believe brother Oliver and brother Todd will be going toe to toe with each other".

"Yeah I wonder who is going to win since they are equally matched"

"I don't care about those two since brother Austin will be the one to win the tournament. I wonder why his half brother didn't participate too"

Everyone begins to give their opinion about the combatant they favor most.

"You already know the rules, if you can knock your opponent off the arena or get them to forfeit, will count as your win and you advance to the next round" said the elder after examining the two.

The two young men smile at each other before bowing to the elder as they create some distance between themselves while waiting for the elder to announce the start of the match as brilliant light begins to shine in their eyes.

Seeing that they are ready for their face, the elder announced the start of the match and they begin to fight with booming sounds of battle begin to ring out with the elder standing not far from them just in case one was in a situation that could cause his life, he will be able to act on time. Meanwhile, Jason was fully focused on watching the two fight as he tries to learn about their technique so that he will be prepared for what to happen if he went up against anyone of them.

The battle continues for a long time as both Oliver and Todd were struggling to outdo the other as their energy continue to decline until eventually, Todd was able to come on top after Oliver made a slight mistake which led to him being open as he was punched in the chest leading to him being unconscious after spitting a mouthful of blood. Todd was given a pill that will help in recovering his lost energy before the start of the second match while Oliver was being taken away to get treated by the family physician.

"Wow that fight was really intense, I can't believe brother Todd won and I was rooting for brother Oliver"

"Hahaha, I knew for the start that brother Todd will be victorious, congratulations brother Todd"

There were many audiences who were cheering for Todd after witnessing his fight while others were not happy about him winning the fight. After Oliver was taken out of the arena, the elder step into the arena as he said while turning to the combatants that are yet to fight.

"Those of you holding the number two, step forward".