268 Bracket E

"Stop! The round is over! Give a round of applause to these 5 contestants that have made it to the next round!" The announcer said as he indicated for the round to be over.

Clap Clap CLAP

The audience clapped and cheered as they looked at the five contestants with respect and awe. Of course, they would, anyone who passes the first round can already be considered better than most. And the winner would be a prodigy of prodigies.

"Hello there, what is your name?" The boy asked her as he came over to her.

"Maal," Maal stated her name as she continued walking back towards the group.

"My name is Tate, nice to meet you." The boy said as he introduced himself.

"Nnh, why'd you help me nya?" Maal asked him.

"Because you're strong. I only want to face strong people in the later rounds so I can get stronger myself." The boy said as he looked at Maal.

"Oh, okay nya," Maal said as she got back to Lance and the others.

"Good job Maal! And who's the guy behind you?" Maria asked her.