Quote Originally Posted by Nitelancer View Post
In the story they make seven "simulacra" to aid you based on your memories using souls.

"Metem informs you that each fighter in the Ascension Arcadia Championship employs the use of feral souls to augment their strength, and the three tiers of the competition are divided by the potency of the souls utilized: the light-heavyweight tier at the lowest level, followed by the cruiserweight tier, and finally the heavyweight tier at the highest level. Your goal is to climb the ranks by defeating the respective champions of each tier and ultimately become the grand champion. To ensure the matches are fair, Metem requires that the souls of seven fighters join you in battle. Should you be victorious in your matches, he promises to set them free."

https://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/w...lenger_Appears
Touche.
I really need to focus more on the story text.
I'm glad there's an in-lore reason for the 8-man fight. I'm just guessing the main character summons 7 other souls from the rift to complete his bidding, similar to trials and raids.