The air felt charged as Adam and his team stood at the edge of the arena, the noise from the crowd growing louder with each passing second. The blinding lights above cast long shadows, and the electric hum of the energy around them buzzed in Adam's ears. He could feel the weight of every eye in the audience, even though he couldn't see them clearly through the sea of faces. Every person, every moment, was part of the game—and Adam was determined to play it on his own terms.
As the first match was announced, the team's focus sharpened instantly. They didn't need to look at each other to know they were all on edge, feeling the tension building.
Adam could hear the announcer's voice echo across the arena: "First match of the second round—combatant Adam, prepare to face your opponent."
Max snorted, barely suppressing a grin. "Guess it's your turn to entertain the crowd."
Adam shot him a sidelong glance, a small, tight smile tugging at his lips. "Keep your head in the game. This isn't a show."
Before he could get another word in, the platform beneath him activated, rising to the center of the arena. The crowd's roar intensified, and Adam steadied himself. His fox cloak swirled around him, the blue flames flickering with anticipation. It wasn't just his power that he needed to control today—it was his nerves, his focus, and the unknown factor of the audience's gaze.
As Adam's platform reached the center, a sudden burst of energy shot out from the opposing side of the arena. A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and imposing. They were covered head to toe in sleek black armor, the edges glinting ominously in the spotlight. The helmet obscured their face, leaving only the cold, mechanical sound of their breathing as a hint to their identity.
Adam's eyes narrowed. The person before him wasn't just another opponent—they were prepared for something more. The armor wasn't just for show. This was a fighter, a strategist. And they were here to win.
"Let's get this over with," the announcer's voice rang out once more. "Combatants, prepare for battle!"
The horn sounded, and just like that, the fight began.
The armored figure wasted no time, charging forward with unnatural speed. Adam barely had time to react, raising his hands to summon a defensive barrier of blue flames. But the figure was already upon him, their movements swift, their strikes precise. The first blow hit Adam's shield with a crash, the impact sending shockwaves through his body, nearly knocking him off balance.
[System Notification]Combat Mode EngagedEnergy Use: ModerateShield Integrity: 92%
Adam gritted his teeth, feeling the pressure of the fight increase as the figure closed in again. He had to stay focused—his cloak flared around him, the blue flames growing stronger as he attempted to push back. He lashed out, sending a wave of flame toward his opponent, but the figure dodged with agility that didn't match the bulk of their armor.
This opponent wasn't just physically strong—they were quick, and they were thinking. It was as if they knew exactly how to counter every move he made.
The crowd roared as Adam's attack missed its mark, and for a moment, his mind wandered. He couldn't afford distractions. This wasn't just a fight—it was a test. His thoughts flickered to his teammates, still waiting in the wings. They were watching too, but they weren't the ones in the arena.
The armored fighter lunged again, but this time, Adam was ready. He darted sideways, dodging the strike and retaliating with a rapid burst of plasma. It hit the opponent square in the chest, but the armor absorbed it, the blast fizzling out harmlessly.
[System Notification]Energy Use: HighCombatant Resistance: HighOpponent Armor: Reinforced
"Great," Adam muttered under his breath, frustration creeping in. His attacks weren't landing. The armor was too strong. He needed a new strategy, fast.
As the armored figure closed the gap once more, Adam's eyes darted around, searching for any weakness. That's when he noticed it—the figure's left arm was slightly slower in its movements, the joints of the armor there a little more rigid than the rest. It wasn't much, but it was enough for Adam to latch onto.
He exhaled slowly, calming himself. The flames around him flickered, and he allowed his energy to flow into his fox cloak with purpose. He wasn't just fighting with power anymore—he was fighting with precision.
With a swift move, Adam leaped into the air, flipping over the oncoming strike. As he landed, he twisted, launching a concentrated blast of blue flame directly at the figure's left arm.
[System Alert]Targeting Weakness DetectedCritical Hit – Armor Integrity Breached
The blast hit its mark, and the armor on the figure's arm cracked, a small but significant fracture appearing. Adam grinned, feeling the energy surge through him. That was the opening he needed.
The armored fighter hesitated for the briefest moment—just enough for Adam to press the attack. He dove forward, channeling his flames into a powerful strike aimed at the newly exposed gap in the armor.
The figure attempted to block, but it was too late. The flames engulfed their arm, sending them stumbling back, their footing faltering.
[System Notification]Opponent: Critical Damage DetectedCombatant Victory – Round One Complete
The crowd erupted into applause, but Adam barely heard it. His focus was still locked on the downed figure. There was no time to celebrate—not yet. They were still in the game, still being watched.
As the armored figure staggered to their feet, Adam's thoughts once again turned to the bigger picture. The tournament wasn't just about fighting—it was about survival, about being tested, and about controlling them. Whoever was pulling the strings wasn't done with them yet.
"Stay alert," Adam murmured to himself, eyes scanning the arena. "This is only round one."
The figure bowed their head slightly, acknowledging the fight, before retreating from the arena floor, leaving Adam standing alone, his cloak flickering as the energy within him continued to pulse.
And in the back of his mind, one question burned brighter than the rest:
Who is really behind all of this?