The silence between the two finalists was loud, though only Noah understood the true stakes involved. To the spectators, it appeared to be competitive tension between two exceptional fighters preparing for the match of their lives.
The referee glanced toward the three judges positioned around the arena's perimeter, their elevated seats providing optimal viewing angles for scoring the complex techniques that would likely be displayed during the final bout. Each judge gave him a confirming nod, indicating their readiness to evaluate what promised to be the tournament's most technically demanding match.
With all preparations complete and the formal ceremonies concluded, the referee reached into his pocket and withdrew a single autumn leaf—the traditional signal used to begin the matches.
