Continue the battle.

The Edge is quick, however, and the Entangle spell only managed to barely grab him as he passed by. He claws through the magical tentacles trying to bind him, and just barely, he manages to slip free only missing a boot in the process. He stumbles up to his feet, but you're already prepared with a follow-up move. You knew you couldn't rely on the trap alone.

It's been awhile.

With your sword pointed towards him, the metal of your blade illuminates a hot white as fire flares up around it. You lay it on your arm and aim it like a crossbow, and the moment he stumbles to his feet, you shout, "Flare Bolt!" and a roaring bullet of fire launches out from Lauo and straight towards your foe like an attack from The Legend of Zelda.

It explodes on his chest where a wound was already present. The man roars in pain as he begins to stumble backwards. Then, you continue your ****. The crowd cheers you on as you sprint towards him with your weapon gripped tightly in your grasp. With impressive speed, you reach your stunned opponent, and perform a diagonal slash right over his body. It's a direct hit. There's a spray of blood, and then you slam the flat of your boot directly into his stomach, causing him to fly backwards.

The Edge falls halfway over the boundary of the ring.

As you stand there--smoke rising up from the metal of your blade--the audience cheers for your win. It feels good.

"We have a winner!" the announcer yells. "The conclusion of the Golden Sword's first half is complete, thanks to the glorious victory of Kyle Warren! The next bracket will be revealed when it's time to continue the tournament in one hour from now."

You cast Mending on your clothes and rub your wound as you begin walking towards the exit.

"Oh, sir. Please allow me to heal you," says a soft, kind voice.

You turn to see a sunheart priestess dressed in red and gold robes. She has short hair and a cute face. As she lays her hand on your side, you feel a warmth over your injury as the bleeding and the pain cease entirely. It reminds you of Amara. As the adorable priestess finishes, she curtsies politely and with a smile.

"You haven't seen the last of me!" This voice is less comforting.

As he's being dragged off by healers, The Edge points at you with a bloody finger. "We'll fight again, Kyle Warren, my arch nemesis. Count on it."

Oh no. There's no way I accept this guy being my rival in this world. I absolutely refuse.

"S-Sir. Please don't talk," the priestess begs as she hurries towards him.

You look up to the stands to see Niki, Tom, and Hedi all cheering you on as well. Though they're already hurrying through the stands to meet up with you. It's difficult, as everyone seems to be standing up for the intermission. This is the time to eat, drink, and use the bathroom, before the next batch of battles begin.

As you make it outside, your party catches up.

"Hell yeah!" Niki slaps your back. "I knew you could kick that weirdo's ass."

"Same here," says the gritty voice of Bek the dwarf. He walks slowly, but makes his way over as well. "Wish I could have seen it, but I only caught the end. Damn girl really got me good. It's my fault for underestimating her. Don't you all go do the same, all right?"

"Never," Hedi says. "Whoever we all end up fighting next, don't drop your guard for a second."

"How about we meet up when the fights are revealed?" Tom suggests. "I really need to pee."