This made me laugh out loud [RAID SPOILERS]

[tsuchii]

So it is canon. I do love the concept of tournament. But that plot hole of 8 vs 1 is just laughable. I wish the canon is that we fight alone. LOL

[Nitelancer]

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

[Kaurhz]

As much as I hate Zenos,

We should bring him back.

Have our char vs him as a turn, and show them what a real one versus one is without feral souls.

[tsuchii]

As much as I hate Zenos,

We should bring him back.

Have our char vs him as a turn, and show them what a real one versus one is without feral souls.

I would live for that TBH. Zenos is the president all along!!!

[tsuchii]

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.

[Kaurhz]

I would live for that TBH. Zenos is the president all along!!!

Honestly... Yes!

Ah, just so, such a thrilling reunion with my friend, enjoying the thrill of the hunt, the sport. Let us show them a contest of the ages. Embrace your true nature!

[Evergrey]

I'm used to the way of thinking that everyone else in a group are simply "side characters", adventurers just tagging along for the fight in MMO's when the Player Character is "the special one" in a story.
Can't be multiple of "the one" running around.
I know some fights have an explanation for the other party members, but this is my to-go headcannon when playing.

[hydralus]

As much as I hate Zenos,

We should bring him back.

Have our char vs him as a turn, and show them what a real one versus one is without feral souls.

In the 11th fight, we stand victorious over the champions when the announcer goes, "What... a mysterious stranger with a folded chair has entered the ri-" and all you hear is "A TEST OF YOUR REFLEXES-"

[Papayatar]

He called us out for being unfair but he doped up with his special juice right in the middle of the fight.

So I think that made us even lol.

[Nyxs]

As much as I hate Zenos,

We should bring him back.

Have our char vs him as a turn, and show them what a real one versus one is without feral souls.

Yes! Give us another real fight!