NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 49 : 1 Year, 8 months till Portals
Inside, the arena was nearly three-quarters full, buzzing with excitement and curiosity. The camera panned across the sea of spectators, capturing the anticipation of the fans who had managed to snag a ticket. They waved banners and wore freshly minted merchandise, their faces painted in the black and red colors of the Portal Crushers.
“Well, folks, here we are at Portal Crusher Arena,” the announcer’s voice boomed over the loudspeakers, resonating through the vast stadium. The excitement was intoxicating, and the second announcer chimed in with equal enthusiasm.
“Yeah, it’s great to have a look at this hot new team,” he said. “But look at that! We’re definitely not the only ones excited. Just look at that crowd!”
The camera switched to a live shot of the fan chat on the big screen:
**GogoAtlas:** Are u guys as excited as I am?
**Isabellaismyqueen:** I’m live! Can you see me in the stands?
**Imissmyfriends:** Can’t wait till I can afford a live ticket. #sad
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**Supportmybook:** Yeah, tix were cheap, bro. Surprised you couldn’t get them.
**Berlinismycat:** Meow meow
**Imissmyfriends:** I could have gotten the $20 nosebleeds, but the Crusher fan club bought the $40 seasons, and that sh*t was way too expensive.
**Atlasteamlover:** Yum. Haha, I got Isabella’s autograph and pic at the fan meet, pre-game.
**Isabellaismyqueen:** Jealous! *Angry emote.*
The chat was just as electric as the live audience, and both groups fed off each other’s energy.
“I’m surprised, really,” the first announcer continued. “I can’t believe this is from a team that nobody had heard of a couple of months ago.”
“That’s right,” the second announcer agreed. “The Society of Creative Battles had never fielded a team before, and frankly, I’m amazed at the level of quality they’ve got—especially with a captain like Atlas leading them.”
“Well, let’s get into the details.” the first announcer said, turning to his partner.
“Sure, Bob. Tonight, the Portal Crushers will be facing another wildcard newbie team for their first match—the Rogue Stand.”
“Yeah, I’m excited for this one, Cotton,” Bob replied.
Cotton asked, “So, what kind of match are you expecting?”
“Well,” Bob mused, “both teams are new. But with Atlas and the Portal Crushers, it’s definitely going to be in their favor.”
“Right, but you can’t dismiss Rogue Stand. Even though they’re a newbie team, they did pretty well in Season five,” Cotton said thoughtfully. “And, you know, I actually heard from a little birdie that this is going to be a grudge match.”
“Oh?” Bob raised an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”
“Well,” Cotton explained, leaning in as if sharing a secret, “there are two team members from Rogue Stand who actually used to be on the Portal Crushers. They got cut after that legendary week-long tryout.”
“Yeah, that tryout sounds insane,” Bob agreed. “Most teams only have a three-day combine, but a week? I don’t even know what they test for.”
“Well, based on what I’ve seen on social media,” Cotton said, “it seems like they’re looking for some crazy—uh, let’s say beasts.”
Bob chuckled. “Yeah, so who did they cut?”
The giant holographic Jumbotron flickered to life, displaying the stats of one of the Rogue Stand players. “Well, there’s Archie—he’s the one with the two shields,” Cotton pointed out.
The camera zoomed in on Archie, a towering figure standing with two massive shields strapped to his arms. His stats, impressive by any measure, were highlighted on the screen.
“And then there’s Bolt,” Cotton continued, as the Jumbotron shifted to show another player. “He’s known for his quick speed. Both of them were cut during the week-long tryout.”
“Interesting,” Bob said. “So it’s personal for these guys.”
“Definitely,” Cotton nodded. “They’re out to prove something tonight.”
“Well, let’s see how this match plays out,” Bob said, the anticipation in his voice clear. “How’s the setup for tonight?”
“Of course, it’s regular season play, so we’ve got the standard three matches,” Cotton explained. “Three fights. The first one is going to be a single fight. The second will be a three-on-three chain match, and then the big one—the 5v5 team match. Remember, they can’t duplicate fighters.”
“Yeah, that’s definitely going to hurt them, Cotton,” Bob said, shaking his head. “Not being able to duplicate fighters. If they could just put Atlas in all three teams, it would be a clear sweep.”
“True, but that wouldn’t make it much fun for the viewers at home, would it?” Cotton laughed.
“So, how do you think they’re going to set up?” Bob asked, leaning forward in his chair.
“That’s the big question on everyone’s mind,” Cotton replied. “And we’re about to find out.”
***
Meanwhile, in a private box overlooking the arena, the president of the Society of Creative Battles (SFB) sipped on a glass of expensive champagne. The noise from the crowd below was barely audible from his plush vantage point, but he could feel the energy reverberating through the walls. He glanced at the numbers on his tablet and grinned widely. The TV ad buys were rolling in, the ticket sales were through the roof, and the online stream had already set a new record for concurrent viewers.
*This is going to make us so much money,* he thought, his fingers absently tapping against the glass. *And to think this is just the first match of the season. Every seat filled. Merchandise flying off the shelves. Sponsorships crawling out of the woodwork, begging to slap their logos on everything we touch.* He looked around the lavish suite, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. *I knew this was the right move. Who needs those traditional sports leagues anymore? This is where the real action is—fast-paced, unpredictable, bloody. People don’t want to watch millionaire athletes play by the rules. They want a show. They want chaos. They want survival.*
His eyes flicked back to the crowd, where banners and face paint in the Portal Crushers’ colors dominated the stands. *And Atlas... what a find. He’s the perfect face for this league. A born leader, dangerous, ruthless—but still marketable. People eat that up.* He chuckled to himself, swirling his champagne. *Once this season’s over, we’ll be looking at expansion.*
He leaned back in his seat, a satisfied smile on his face. *By the end of this, the Society of Creative Battles is going to be the most powerful entertainment company in the world. No one’s going to stop us. Not the government, not the other leagues. We'll own the future of combat sports. And the money... oh, the money.*
*Atlas and his team better deliver. If they do, we’re all going to be gods. This type of show would be popular anywhere on the world, hell I bet it would be popular across the universe*
If only the president knew how true his views were across entire universes, not just on Earth, he would have definitely patted himself on the back.
***
Back on the arena floor, the teams were preparing to enter. Atlas stood at the head of the Portal Crushers, his eyes focused and determined. This was their moment. The crowd roared in anticipation, and the first match of the season was about to begin.
**TeamAtlas:** Nice, the team selection is starting. What are your picks?
**Sweetmoonpie:** Definitely Isabella for the 1v1.
**Onthefence:** Why not Atlas?
**Professorxxx:** That mentally makes sense. I’d tell you if I had mind reading powers.
**Berlinismycat:** Meow meow.
**Womenkitchen:** But Isabella is a chick. Come on. 1v1 is a big disadvantage for her.
**Isabellaismyqueen:** No. She’s the best.
**Ihateatlas:** Dudes, stop fanning. It’s not like the other team's are no good. Lol.
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**Wangboasiarules:** Come on. Did you not see Wang Bo and his staff work? #bo4bo
**Berlinismycat:** Meow meow.
**Swordsrule:** Dude, Portal Crushers ain’t sh*t—all hype.
**Bellaisabeauty:** Support strong women. Bella for 1v1.
**Baller666:** These VIP box seats are nice. You can see everything, and they got a massive in-room fridge. #angkorbeer
**Cambodiacheapbeer:** Watching it on TV in Cambodia! Come on, pick Wang Bo for 1v1! #asia
**Berlinismycat:** Meow meow.
*****
The buzz in both the arena and the live chat continued to grow, reaching a fever pitch as the lights dimmed, and the announcers' voices echoed throughout the stadium.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Cotton began, “welcome to the first match of the Portal Crusher season! The fighters are ready, the crowd is pumped, and we’re about to witness some epic battles!”
“Let’s get ready to crush some portals!” Bob added with a laugh.
The crowd, both in the arena and online, erupted in cheers as the fighters made their way to the center of the arena, ready to begin the first battle of what promised to be a thrilling season.
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