The morning of the semi-finals arrived cold and grey over the Grand Arena. A light snow had begun to fall during the night, dusting the iron spires with white, and the city of Caldmore woke to a silence that felt heavier than usual. The rest day had come and gone. The quarter-finals were behind them. Four fighters remained, and by the end of the day, two would advance to the championship match.
Dorian Hale's voice rolled across the stands as the first spectators filed in, their breath misting in the cold air. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the semi-finals of the Grand Trials. Four fighters remain. Our first match is a clash of opposites, the untouchable duelist who hasn't been defeated in five years, and the shy girl who's been shattering expectations since Phase One. Pembroke versus Lysandra Li."
The crystal displays flickered. The match appeared. The crowd erupted.
