Like everyone else in the Staples Center, Klaus was mesmerized as Max continued to release arrows in an impressive cadence. Each movement seemed meticulous and at the same time crude, because it was not uncommon for him to miss the target. But even with a seemingly unsteady aim, Max was hitting his targets with above-average accuracy. Max would pull arrows out of his quiver so fast that it was like a chaotic choreography.
As the arrows sliced through the air, hitting the targets and placing Max higher and higher on the table, a wave of murmurs and applause spread through the crowd, all recognizing Max's bold approach and the undeniable technique he had. The commentators on the live stream were also showing fascination.
"This is completely groundbreaking, Peter!" exclaimed one of the commentators. "Max is defying all the conventions of this challenge. His bet on quantity is, surprisingly, paying off."
"Yeah, Caio... Sometimes unconventional thinking can yield surprising results. Max is proving that there isn't just one way to approach a challenge of this kind."
Then, like the narrators of the official broadcast, the crowd in the gymnasium also started to give in, and after less than a minute, the whole place had already surrendered to Max in a euphoric way.
"He's really good!!!"
"I've never seen anything like it!!! Gyaahh!"
"Max has just taken it to a whole new level! No one in his group can score more than, because he shoots twice as many arrows!"
Despite the comments coming from all sides, Max continued to shoot without losing focus. Klaus noticed something intriguing. There was a burning flame in Max's eyes, a determination that transcended the simple quest for points. It was as if Max was out to prove something to himself, to the other competitors, or maybe even to Emma.
While I didn't like Klaus not liking Max, it was undeniable that Max was pursuing excellence in a unique way that not even Klaus had ever thought to attempt. In other words, all he could do was keep sitting back, admiring and learning, because Max would definitely be in the grand final.
As the last arrow hit the target and the fourth round of the first challenge came to an end, Max lowered his bow, flashing a satisfied smile. He was panting and his forehead was beaded with sweat. His countenance reflected the confidence he had in his strategy. The audience erupted in applause and shouts, admiring Max's unique approach, and he reciprocated by opening a wide smile and waving to everyone.
Klaus also clapped reluctantly, joining the others.
After Max's impressive feat, the atmosphere in the Staples Center was electrified. The crowd was completely captivated by Max's unique performance, and murmurs of admiration echoed through the stands. The other competitors watched with wide-eyed gazes, some with expressions of surprise and others with renewed determination.
As the excitement took over the gym, the organizers announced the final round of the first 'Hit the Ducks' challenge. All of the last ten competitors stood again, their bows raised and eyes fixed on the targets moving before them.
The countdown began, and the competitors released their arrows. However, none of them could even come close to being as impressive as the archers from the previous rounds. Thus, the first phase of the challenge was complete, and everyone anxiously awaited the seconds it would take for the leaderboard to be released.
When finally the electronic scoreboard updated, revealing the top 20 finishers who advanced to the second archery challenge. The names glowed in luminous letters, and the audience held its breath as the list was revealed:
[List of Qualifiers for the Second Challenge of Phase 2:
1 - Emma M. Nielsen
2 - Max Benny
3 - Lara Cavalcanti
4 - Heitor Al Thad
5 - Andrew A. McClelland
6 - Abao Liu
...]
The twenty ranked competitors celebrated their placings and exchanged defiant glances with their rivals.
The second challenge promised to be even more exciting and challenging, and everyone was determined to give it their best shot, but little did they know that the real test was yet to come. Suspense was in the air as the competitors awaited the unveiling of the second archery challenge. The tournament organizers kept the nature of this challenge a secret, leaving everyone curious and anxious for what would come next. As the audience waited in anticipation, the tension grew in the gymnasium.
As the crowd cheered for the qualifiers, the competitors prepared for the next challenge, eager to face the unknown that awaited them.
With the excitement of the first challenge still in the air, the organizers quickly prepared the arena for the second archery challenge. All the competitors were curious about what would come next, and murmurs of anticipation filled the gymnasium. Suddenly, a voice resounded through the stadium, the voice of the live narrators.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, competitors and spectators, get ready for the Rotation Challenge! In this new archery test, participants will have to face a moving target while in motion. There is a sphere in the center of the circle, where each competitor will climb one at a time. Then, rings will appear in the air, with holograms, and they will be different sizes, so having different scores as well. Each competitor will have a maximum of one minute to get their arrows through the constantly changing and moving rings."
Klaus arched his eyebrows, curious as to how exactly this would work.
"If that was confusing to you, don't worry, we've prepared a live demonstration for you with one of the highest definition holograms from one of Hónghé Holdings' companies.
Finally, the lights dimmed momentarily, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. Then a spotlight came on in the center of the arena, illuminating the large circle, and then countless ring holograms appeared in the air, each one very different from any other target most of these archers had ever experienced.
A ripple of murmurs and exclamations of surprise went through the crowd as an ordinary man-sized hologram emerged from beneath the rotating platform and the initial demonstration. It soon became apparent that this challenge would require not only aiming skills, but also impeccable timing and unparalleled body stability.