The booming voice lingered for a moment after the announcement, allowing the weight of the numbers to sink in.
Eleven teams. Nine eliminated.
Just as the announcer drew in a breath, preparing to continue, a sudden movement caught everyone's attention.
An instructor rose from the lower platform and hovered swiftly toward the announcer's stand. He leaned in, shielding his mouth with one hand, and whispered something into the announcer's ear.
The exchange lasted only a few seconds.
Then the instructor straightened, nodded once, and departed as quietly as he had arrived.
The announcer hesitated. He then cleared his throat, adjusted the crystal amplifier beside him, and spoke again, his tone noticeably more measured. "There has been… a change regarding the next round," he announced. "For now, please remain in the resting area. The details of the second trial will be announced shortly."
A moment of silence followed.
Then...
The arena erupted into puzzled murmurs.
