The doubt of many

   There was complete silence in all parts of the stadium. It wasn't that people had nothing to say but what could they say that could explain what just happened before their eyes? 

   They just watched as the referee ran in to confirm the outcome. It took longer than usual as the referee also had his doubts but in the end he had no choice but to declare Cal unable to continue.

   The silence broke immediately he stood up to declare Orie the winner. The doubt of many began to flow out in words.

   "IT'S A LIE!!"

   "THIS IS BULLSHIT!!"

   "THIS GAME IS RIGGED!!"

   There was no word of doubt that was not spoken at that moment. Even when the medics came out to put Cal on a stretcher, people still thought it was an act.

   What could Orie do? He had just won a match and no one believed it. There was hardly anyone cheering for him, all the loud voices expressed nothing but doubt, hate, and disbelief. Despite all the hate he was getting, he just cracked a smile and walked out of the arena.

   Natsumi knew that Orie would win but she was caught off guard with the way he did. There was no critical hit, no moment of turnaround, there was not a a single moment in the entirety of the fight that Orie landed a hit that looked like it did any significant damage. The only impressive thing he did in the eyes of the crowd was his nimble evasions but that was not doing anything to damage his opponent. Both friend and foe found it hard to understand how the match ended the way it did.

   The confusion grew worse after Cal woke up and told his side of the story. The press wasted no time in swarming round him as soon as they heard he was awake.

   "That man took a hit from me and smiled"

   "I've never seen anyone do that before"

   "It was like everything went according to his plan and I was just wasting my time"

  "You may not have seen it but all hit hits were critical"

  "I didn't notice until all that was in front of me went dark"

  "Be careful"

  "He is strong"

   After hearing Cal's words, many that believed the match was planned began to assume that their suspicions were confirmed. 

   "They're both in on it" some said

   "The school might even be part of it"

   Orie was able to evade all the reporters, or so he thought. As he shut the door of the changing room behind him, he looked forward and saw a young girl with a camera. It was apparent that she was waiting for him.

   "I had my bets on you from the beginning" she said as she moved away from the locker she was leaning on.

   "But you seem to have a way of messing with the minds of people"

   "Tell me something" she said in a curious tone

   "Why didn't you make it quick?"

   "Looking at you now I can tell that you had a way of making it happen"

   "So why didn't you?"

   Orie kept silence for a short while, then he heaved a sigh and replied "no one likes a boring fight"

   "So I expect more surprises in the matches to come?" She asked

   "Sure thing, Ellie" he replied

   "I'll save the best for last" he said as he opened the door to leave

   "WAIT!!" Ellie called out

   "How do you know my name?" She asked and Orie turned back with a smile and said "Can't you tell?"

   "I'm a fan"

   

    Although Ellie had a low follower rating, her video interview with Orie was the most view all over the world. Many were shocked by the kind of confidence he had in himself. There was no media platform that didn't cover it and there was no end to the amount of criticism it got.

    "Man got lucky now he thinks he's a god"

    "I could even take him"

    "He wouldn't last a minute in the next round"

    "Weak ass n**ga thinks he strong"

   In the heat of all the controversy, no one had any idea how time moved so quickly to the day of Orie's next match. His opponent this time was "Chris Vanadium"

   SHIN SEKAI SECRET: the first fights of the new world tournament are not known to be entertaining or attract much attention, the real crowd comes on the second match.