The stadium was packed with people, and all of them had the same expression.
Excitement.
Around 150,000 people were sitting on stadium stands, while a lot more were watching from TV.
The tournament is broadcasted everywhere in Winterlight and on the internet as well.
Usually, the Battle of Cities isn't as popular as the Battle of Countries.
But the top 4 countries are different.
A lot of people watch them, including Winterlight's Battle of Cities.
Like in a Middle School tournament.
Only citizens from Gensa watched Ramu's tournament.
No one really cared before the rigging scandal.
There are hundreds of cameras filming everything happening in the stadium.
But then suddenly… Everyone in the stadium stood up.
Because… Their mayor appeared.
Irwin with slow, yet powerful steps, approached his seat.
Every high-ranking officer was sitting behind Irwin while he sat in the main seat, overseeing everything happening in the stadium.
Once Irwin sat down, everyone else did as well.
Even children who were in the stadium knew how to pay their respects.
Irwin then clapped his hand, which made a powerful sound.
*Creak*
Four gates around the stadium opened, and a swarm of people with fighting uniforms appeared.
Fighters are here!
*CHEER*
The stadium erupted in cheers instantly, making the ground shake slightly.
There were over 600 teams, and every team had their own seats prepared.
Soon, the few thousand fighters sat down on their seats, and the stadium calmed down.
A figure walked to the middle of the center arena.
He had a medium-sized body frame with a long beard and haircut. He wasn't attractive, slightly below average.
He is Winterlight's Snowland's Martial Association's Chairman - Martial King, Lyon.
''Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen!'' He shouted powerfully.
*CHEER*
The stadium erupted in another round of cheering.
Lyon smiled and said, ''Today is the welcoming ceremony and the First Round! There are over 600 teams, 621 to be more precise. But we need to lower that to 512, so 109 teams will be disqualified in the first round!''
*CLAPS*
*CHEERS*
''First Round is special as always. This time… The First Round will be Battle Royale!'' Lyon roared loudly.
*CHEERS!*
The citizen's excitement level went up to the roof.
''Every team needs to choose 1 fighter, so there will be 621 fighters simultaneously. 109 fighters first to be knocked out or given up will be disqualified with their team. The battlefield will be the entire bottom of the stadium, but not the area of stands.''
''Choose your team member, and send him to the center arena where I am standing. When everyone has chosen their team member, the Battle Royale will start.'' Lyon smiled and said.
He started waiting patiently.
Everyone started discussing loudly.
Some of the teams decided to send their strongest instantly.
In the stands of High School of Fighting.
Giron crossed his arms and decided to let others decide.
Richard smiled and looked at Four Kings.
He didn't want to choose either.
Michael, Sariel, and Rafael looked at each other.
While Ichiro wasn't paying attention.
He was trying to see if Avery was joining the Battle Royale.
Which is very unlikely.
More and more fighters started appearing on the center arena, and only them and a few others hadn't chosen yet.
''I will go!'' Michael roared and stood up.
''Why you?'' Sariel angrily asked.
''I didn't fight in the Practice match!''
Rafael snorted, ''Neither did I!''
Michael gritted his teeth.
But then Ichiro interrupted, ''Michael, you go.''
Michael and others looked at him in surprise.
''Why him?!'' Rafael shouted.
''Because it doesn't matter who goes, and we are the last one remaining,'' Ichiro said calmly.
Rafael saw everyone waiting for them to choose; he sighed and sat down on his seat.
Michael smiled and ran towards the center arena.
*CHEERS*
The stadium was shaking in excitement.
''FIRST ROUND, BATTLE ROYALE! BEGINS!'' Lyon roared and jumped towards the sky.
Instantly disappearing from the view.
*BAM*
*SMACK*
The fighters started fighting against everyone blindly.
But few smart ones decided to team up.
And their target was… Michael.
Michael crossed his arms and saw a group of 5 surrounding him.
''Hmph.'' Michael snorted and uncrossed his arms, ''Bring it on weaklings!''
The group of 5 faces went red in anger.
''KILL HIM!'' One of them roared and rushed towards Michael.
Michael was standing calmly.
''RAA!''
[Cyclone of Arms!]
The first person who attacked Michael was not weak.
He twisted his arm at an inhumane speed, and his arm looked like a small tornado.
''Oho.'' Michael was impressed.
The young man punched with his tornado-like arm, but Michael, with ease, dodged it.
Michael took a low stance and punched!
*SMACK*
The fist hit the young man in the cheek, which sent him flying towards the group of hundreds of fighters.
But Michael didn't have time to relax.
Two individuals appeared behind him.
Michael simply used his elbow and hit one of the individuals straight in the nose, which broke it instantly.
''ARGHH!'' The young man who got his nose broken cried in agony.
The second individual already unleashed his punch, but Michael simply blocked it and didn't even move an inch backward.
The second individual was shocked.
*SWISH*
But then, Michael's fist appeared in front of his face.
*SMACK*
The second individual's figure flew in the air and crashed into one of the arena's.
He lied on the ground lifelessly; he was knocked out.
Michael saw two individuals who were supposed to be part of their group running away.
''Hmph, cowards.'' Michael was displeased.
''You are indeed strong.'' Michael heard a noise behind.
He turned his head and saw the familiar blond-haired young man.
''Liam… wasn't it?'' Michael asked with a slight smile.
'I guess this won't be as boring as expected.' He thought.
''Correct, Michael, the First King,'' Liam replied and went into his fighting stance.
Michael smiled, ''Why are you in the First Round?''
Liam clicked his tongue, ''My teammates are too weak. But that doesn't matter. I don't need strong teammates in this format.''
''I am curious… Why didn't you come to Coldland? You could have become one of the Kings.''
Liam snorted, ''Everyone has different ambitions. Mine is to show that weaker cities are not to be underestimated and insulted.''
''Well then… Show me.'' Michael grinned.
Liam grinned and unleashed his punch which Ichiro had to spend the entire night to find a way to defend!