The six fights following Mira's battle unfolded with brutal efficiency. Each combatant faced their opponent with determination, the atmosphere heavy with the urgency of survival.

  433 stepped into the arena, his heart racing as he faced the Earth Awakened. Unlike his peers, he had yet to discover his powers, but he relied on his physical strength and training. As the fight began, he utilized his agility and speed, dodging the Earth Awakened's heavy attacks. With a calculated strike, he delivered a swift blow to his opponent's midsection, sending the Earth Awakened crashing to the ground. The referee's signal confirmed the victory, and 433 felt a rush of adrenaline, a flicker of pride igniting within him.

  Next up was the Water Awakened. In one fight, the combatants unleashed torrents of water, skillfully maneuvering and attempting to outsmart one another. The first Water Awakened showcased his prowess by creating a whirlpool that disoriented his opponent, allowing him to land a decisive blow. The second Water Awakened, however, proved equally formidable, utilizing swift strikes and powerful jets of water to overwhelm his adversary, culminating in a spectacular finish.

  The Fire Awakened's battles were equally intense. In the first fight, the Fire Awakened unleashed a barrage of flames, incinerating his opponent before he could even react. In the second fight, the Fire Awakened utilized tactical moves, setting traps and forcing his opponent into a corner, ultimately leading to a fiery explosion that ended the fight in an instant.

  After each match, the atmosphere grew tenser. Each victory reminded the others of the grim stakes they faced. They could feel the pressure mounting; with each win, they inched closer to the inevitable confrontations ahead.

  The tension on the battlefield reached a fever pitch as the next match was announced: a Wind-Awakened against an Earth-Awakened.

  As the fight began, the Wind Awakened displayed remarkable agility, darting around the arena like a gust of wind. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned powerful gusts that whipped through the air, sending debris flying and creating a swirling vortex around him. His opponent, an Earth Awakened, attempted to ground himself, raising walls of stone to shield against the onslaught.

  “3, 2, 1… FIGHT!” James’s voice echoed through the arena.

  The Wind Awakened launched himself into the air, using the wind currents to his advantage. He soared above his opponent, raining down sharp blades of compressed air. The Earth Awakened tried to shield himself by raising a barrier of rock, but the force of the wind was relentless. Each blast chipped away at his defenses, sending fragments of stone flying.

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  The Wind Awakened then executed a swift maneuver, creating a mini tornado that swept through the arena. The vortex caught the Earth Awakened off guard, lifting him off his feet and spinning him helplessly in the air. The spectators gasped as the Wind Awakened closed in, using the moment to deliver a series of rapid strikes.

  Finally, with a powerful gust, he sent the Earth Awakened, crashing to the ground, leaving him disoriented and unable to continue. The referee stepped in, signaling the end of the fight as the Wind Awakened raised his arms in victory, breathing heavily but triumphant.

  The fight showcased the unique capabilities of elemental manipulation. The Wind Awakened’s victory added another layer of excitement and tension to the tournament, as every combatant began to wonder what strategies they would need to employ in the next round.

  ***

  The remaining Awakened followed the same procedure as they picked papers out of the same jar, their faces a mix of determination and dread. The order of fights matched the previous round, starting with Mira, who drew the name of a Water Awakened. As they stepped into the arena, she prepared herself to rely on her illusions, hoping to outmaneuver her opponent.

  The crowd watched in silence as the fight began. Mira conjured several illusions of herself, confusing the Water Awakened, who struggled to identify the real threat. She used this advantage to distract him long enough to close in and deliver a decisive blow. The Water Awakened was knocked out, his defeat quick and brutal, leaving the audience in awe of her tactical prowess.

  Next up was Vera, who faced another Fire Awakened. The tension in the arena escalated as they both entered the field. Vera, with her commanding presence, quickly asserted control over the Fire Awakened, making him hesitate under the weight of her influence. With a simple command, she forced him to falter, and she swiftly incapacitated him. The crowd gasped at how effortlessly she handled her opponent.

  Following Vera, Flint was called to the arena to battle an Earth Awakened. The ground shook as Flint summoned the elements, merging fire and earth to create a molten lava-like attack. The Earth Awakened tried to defend himself, but Flint’s mastery over Elemental Fusion overwhelmed him, leaving only scorched earth behind.

  Next, it was Shift’s turn. He faced a Wind Awakened, known for their agility and speed. As the fight commenced, the Wind Awakened attempted to outmaneuver Shift, sending gusts of wind his way. However, Shift utilized his telekinesis to create a barrier, redirecting the wind and trapping the Wind Awakened in his attack. With a forceful push, he sent the Wind Awakened crashing to the ground, sealing his victory.

  It was 433’s turn, and he drew the name of a Water Awakened. As they entered the arena, the air felt charged with anticipation. 433 had shown incredible physical prowess throughout the tournament, but now he faced a slippery opponent known for manipulating water with precision.

  The fight began, and the Water Awakened wasted no time. He summoned a wave of water, aiming to overwhelm 433 with a torrent that could drown him. However, 433 was ready. He relied on his speed and agility to dodge the initial attack, weaving through the rushing water with surprising finesse.

  As the Water Awakened tried to control the tide, 433 spotted an opening. He charged forward, using his strength to close the distance. The Water Awakened attempted to create a shield of water to protect himself, but 433’s relentless assault broke through, landing a powerful punch that sent the Water Awakened sprawling back.

  Realizing he needed to adapt, the Water Awakened shifted tactics, using the water to create tendrils that aimed to restrain 433. But 433 was undeterred. With a burst of strength, he broke free from the tendrils, his movements fluid and precise. Seizing the moment, he tackled the Water Awakened to the ground, pinning him and delivering the final blow that secured his victory.

  With the elimination of all the single elemental Awakened, only Mira, Vera, Flint, Shift, and 433 remained, standing together as the final contestants of the brutal tournament. The atmosphere was thick with tension as they awaited the final matches, knowing that only three of them would ultimately survive the upcoming battles.