MABEL. The break was over, and we were back at the arena first thing in the morning. It was filled like last time, people whispering, murmuring. It buzzed so loudly that my ears were starting to hurt. Only seven of us had advanced, and we were the only ones standing in the sand right now. Myself, Zachary, Beaumont, Jared, Ralph, and Sita. Our gaze was fixed on Elder Bane, who was standing on the raised platform. His gaze lingered for a long time on each and every one of us, as if making sure we were prepared. Not like he would bother to stop the game if any of us wasn't. “Welcome to the second round of the first phase,” Elder Bane announced in a loud voice. Everyone bellowed, clapping their hands so loudly that it drowned out the arena. The sand where I stood was starting to shake, and even the first rose speedily, gaining on my face. I could literally taste the sand on my tongue. They stopped when Elder Bane signalled with his hands. Silence reigned again, louder tha
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