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

[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.

[CKNovel]

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

The WoL even refuses at first until Metem proposes to free the soul if they win.
That said, even if WoL was using Azem's Crystal versus the opponent using their gadget and soul fusing it would remain pretty fair.

The opponents can create copies of themselves or summon bombos/bee workers/tesla cannon.
WoL bringing just 7 normal people isn't a stretch.

[CaptainLagbeard]

The WoL even refuses at first until Metem proposes to free the soul if they win.
That said, even if WoL was using Azem's Crystal versus the opponent using their gadget and soul fusing it would remain pretty fair.

The opponents can create copies of themselves or summon bombos/bee workers/tesla cannon.
WoL bringing just 7 normal people isn't a stretch.

I like to think that the WoL is more or less holding back and fighting them as 8 regular people... Because we fought Zenos 1v1, who is an exceptionally strong Garlean, who not only had his Echo also had all the power of Shinryu.
Compared to Zenos, I don't think most of the fighters in the Arkadion are anywhere near him in terms of power.

[Raven2014]

I like to think that the WoL is more or less holding back and fighting them as 8 regular people... Because we fought Zenos 1v1, who is an exceptionally strong Garlean, who not only had his Echo also had all the power of Shinryu.
Compared to Zenos, I don't think most of the fighters in the Arkadion are anywhere near him in terms of power.

And this is why I hope the writing won't eventually try too hard to make it a power creep in order to give the WoL a challenge. My head cannon is my WoL is not in it for the bloodlust, survival or proper challenge, I'm in it for the theatrics, reward, and a good cause. No different than a champion hosting fight for charity or a sport team going on pre-season tours.

Also with the current structure we probably gonna have one guest appearance each tier, they can use those one for a proper fight. I'm ready for me and my man Eistenien to show the Alexandrian the kind of fight two people can do without regulators.

[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!!!

[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!

[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-"