At the Ring:
The Assassin from Team Red vanished instantly, reappearing near Team Blue's Support. He was about to strike—but a wall of fire blocked his attack. The Mage from Team Blue had reacted just in time.
The Assassin clicked his tongue and retreated.
Seizing the opportunity, the Blue Team's Marksman loosed three arrows—aimed at the Red Team's Mage, Damage Dealer, and Support. The Damage Dealer and Support dodged, but the Mage took a hit to the arm.
"Tch. Heal!" the Red Support ordered.
The Healer began casting while issuing rapid instructions. Their Tank moved in to protect the others while the Assassin and Swordswoman rushed forward.
Blue's Swordsman and Marksman moved to intercept. The Mage provided cover fire, and the Tank shielded the Healer.
"They're both playing aggressively right from the start," the male commentator said.
"Team Red is using the 2-3 battle formation, usually seen in small-group skirmishes," the girl added.
"Team Blue seems to be using a 3-2 tactic—normally used in single-opponent fights. Strange choice."
"In this situation, I'd suggest a 4-1 tactic. It can overwhelm the opponent quickly."
They turned their attention back to the fight.
•••
The duel between the Swordsmen intensified. Blue's Marksman, backed by their Mage, was steadily pushing back the Assassin.
"Need help!" the Red Assassin called.
The Red leader nodded, directing their Mage to assist. The Tank was also sent to support their Swordswoman.
"Red is switching to a 4-1 formation. Not looking good for Blue," the commentator noted.
Blue didn't change their tactic. Their Healer focused on maintaining the front lines, while the Mage and Marksman struggled to hold off their foes.
Red's Tank and Swordswoman launched a coordinated assault against Blue's Swordsman. A horizontal slash paired with a shield bash hit hard—dust exploded from the impact.
Thinking their target was down, they began to retreat. But moments later, Blue's Tank charged out of the dust, tackling both and throwing them out of the ring.
The crowd gasped.
Blue's Swordsman emerged, bruised but standing.
"That was amazing!" the male commentator exclaimed.
"They anticipated the attack and turned the tables perfectly," the girl added.
But things were not going well on the other side of the ring.
The Assassin of Team Red was badly injured, his right arm and left shoulder bleeding. The Blue Marksman had taken heavy damage to her arm in return.
The Red Mage, though hurt, was faring better than Blue's exhausted Mage.
"This is turning into a war of attrition," the commentator said.
Then...
"We give up!" The Red Team's leader raised a hand.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes."
The crowd murmured in surprise.
The Blue Leader nodded and ordered his Healer to tend to the Red Assassin.
"Team Red has surrendered! Team Blue is the winner!" the announcers declared.
Cheers erupted from the stands.
The infirmary team arrived to treat the wounded. Leaders from both teams met at the center of the ring.
"Good fight. You really pushed us," the Red leader said.
"Same to you. You nearly had me."
"Next time, we'll win."
"We'll be ready."
—
"And with that, we conclude today's event. Please return to your classes and enjoy the rest of your day!"
••••••••
To be continued...