The ground trembled beneath my opponent's footsteps. Every blow I landed, every spell I cast, was effortlessly parried. I had no time to look anywhere else, no glance at the stands, no idea if anyone was watching. Only this, only the fight.

"You're stronger than I thought" I gasped, hurling fire spell after fire spell. My opponent dodged, countered with a blow that sent me flying. The force struck me like a hammer, and my breath caught in my throat.

My magic flickered, the heat of my own spells mingling with the adrenaline of battle. I felt my muscles burning, my strength waning, but I couldn't give up. Not now. Not in front of my team, who stood behind me, feverishly watching my every move.

From somewhere above the chaos, I sensed a presence, even though I couldn't see it. Gildarts sat in the stands, composed, but with that unmistakable glint in his eyes that said, "I see you." But I couldn't look. My entire focus was on my opponent, every move he made, every spell he cast.

Another blow landed, hard. I staggered, stumbled, and the spell I'd gathered in a desperate last-ditch effort fizzled out. Defeat was inevitable. My opponent seized the opportunity, pushing me back until I was on my knees.

The field blurred before my eyes, tears of disappointment and exhaustion stung. I had given it my all, and yet it wasn't enough. My team wouldn't get any points for this match, but they still had a chance to win the tournament.

"Don't give up so easily..." A deep, familiar voice made me stop and listen. Gildarts stepped onto the field, his presence immediately palpable. The crowd fell silent as he walked the last few meters toward me. His eyes rested on me, serious yet warm, and somehow comforting.

He knelt beside me and placed a strong but gentle hand on my shoulder. "Hey... chin up. You gave it your all, and that's worth more than any point."

I sobbed softly, feeling the exhaustion and disappointment, and could barely speak.

"You know" he continued "losing is part of the game. But that doesn't make you any less strong. Your team still has a chance. And you... you showed courage, more than many who win."

He helped me to my feet, supporting me gently against him as we took a step away from the action. The stands, the spectators, the chaos of the tournament everything faded into insignificance. Only this moment mattered.

"So... don't let your head hang low," he said with a mischievous but reassuring grin. "We'll do better next time. I promise."

I nodded, still trembling, but with a spark of hope. In the midst of defeat, for the first time, it felt as if all was not lost. Not really. Not as long as Gildarts was here.