Chapter 19: Ch 19: The Championship- Part 4
The arena buzzed with a crackling tension. The crowd had barely recovered from the last match when the announcer’s voice echoed again, amplified through the booming speakers.
"Next up in our top four bracket... a crowd favorite from the wastelands of Kraz’ak! The undefeated brute! The lizard with lightning reflexes—KORRAN THE RIPPER!"
The crowd exploded into cheers, stomping their feet, scales, hooves, and claws against the arena floor.
Dozens of fans waved glowing banners lit by aether trails. Some banged metal cups together, chanting Korran’s name with fervor.
"And facing him..."
The announcer paused, letting the tension hang for dramatic effect.
"...a newcomer to Verizon’s stage. A humanoid hybrid... masked, unknown, and already surrounded by controversy... NOVA!"
The reaction came fast. Boos thundered from every corner, mixed with scattered cheers.
A handful of watchers who had witnessed Nova’s earlier match raised fists in support, but they were drowned out by the jeering majority.
"He used an aether gun!"
"Coward’s weapon!"