Somehow, I slipped through—probably because the clerk, now clearly a guard of sorts, was overwhelmed by the number of people.
So this boutique wasn't just a souvenir shop. It was the entrance to the real Arena.
We descended the narrow, dim hallway. At the end, a burst of brilliant light blinded me. When my eyes finally adjusted, I had to close them again, just to be sure I wasn't hallucinating. Before me stood the largest underground structure I had ever seen. It was a stadium—vast, filled to the brim with spectators. At its center stood a massive caged dome, where all the action would unfold.
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed throughout the arena, silencing the crowd with its thunderous authority.
"Good evening and welcome to the Arena! If you've come for action, you're in the right place. The Arena is the premier cyber-human combat stadium. Every champion fights here, and many dream of one day standing on this stage. Thank you for making the journey. We hope you enjoy the show!"
The stadium roared back. The fans could barely contain their excitement.
"The fighters will now make their entrance! Make some noise for LightningStrike!"
"With three wins in three fights, his career is off to a lightning-fast start. He's quick, deadly with his spear, and the rising star of this tournament!"
The crowd erupted as LightningStrike entered. I was far from the dome, but strangely, I could see every detail. His spear-arm gleamed, and his prosthetic legs moved with precision and power—clearly not off-the-shelf tech.
"Now entering from the other side, give it up for WarHammer!"
"With seven fights and six victories, he's proven himself. One blow from his hammer could end it all!"
The noise reached a fever pitch. This wasn't just a fighter. This was the champion. WarHammer was even more impressive in person than in the posters—over two meters tall, built like a wrestler, his metallic hammer-hand a slab of death.
They both entered the dome. The doors behind them were locked, and a deep voice began the countdown: "Three, two, one, fight!"
LightningStrike charged at WarHammer, his spear held forward. WarHammer turned to the side, raised his hammer, and swung it down. However, LightningStrike sensed the blow coming and dodged at the last moment. The hammer struck the concrete floor, cracking it. The two opponents quickly regained their positions and exchanged defiant glares. They began to circle each other. LightningStrike attempted a few quick jabs that missed their mark. To throw his opponent off balance, he spun around him faster and faster. Soon, WarHammer could no longer keep up and stood still in the center of the dome. LightningStrike was using his advantage—speed and agility—against WarHammer. Several light strikes began to land: on his leg, arm, and torso. But these wounds were far from enough to take down the giant. Constantly having to stay alert to avoid the hammer, LightningStrike could only land light hits. However, if the fight continued like this, he would wear WarHammer down slowly and claim victory.
WarHammer, not new to combat, had also understood the situation he was in. He played passively, enduring LightningStrike's assaults without attempting to counter, simply trying to minimize the damage as much as possible. He needed to move. LightningStrike's movements had become predictable, and WarHammer was able to recognize a pattern. He charged at his opponent's trajectory and swung his hammer once more. LightningStrike, coming in too fast, could no longer turn in time, and was about to be struck directly by the hammer.
Just as everyone expected the impact, LightningStrike leapt more than two meters high, evading the hammer blow. Then, using the dome's wall for leverage, he propelled himself behind his opponent.
The crowd was stunned. He had never made a jump like that before. He must have been saving that trick for a desperate moment like this.
The audience went wild, and even I could tell how incredible it was.
WarHammer's facial expression tightened even further. Full of adrenaline, LightningStrike didn't pause to catch his breath and continued to harass WarHammer. This was one of the only strategies possible against such a disparity in size, and for now, it was working. For the next five minutes, LightningStrike attacked while WarHammer defended as best as he could.
Despite everything, LightningStrike began to tire, more so than WarHammer, who remained static in the center. If the fight dragged on, he would lose his advantage. He had to end it quickly. He changed his direction, landing a few more blows before attempting a surprise attack. Using the same technique as before, he leapt horizontally toward his opponent, aiming his spear at WarHammer's chest. If WarHammer didn't see it coming, it would be over for him. His theory was correct. WarHammer couldn't predict the strike and couldn't defend with his hammer. However, he too had a secret move he had kept hidden...
As LightningStrike's spear was mere centimeters from WarHammer, he executed a move no one had anticipated. His artificial leg rotated at lightning speed from his hips and slammed into LightningStrike full force. The latter was sent flying several meters before crashing against the dome's fencing. Dazed, LightningStrike tried to lift his head, but it was too late. His opponent had seized the opportunity he had been waiting for since the beginning of the fight. A black mass descended on him, and then... nothing.
The bell for the end of the match rang, and the crowd erupted in cheers. After more than fifteen intense minutes, WarHammer had finally imposed his strength by knockout. However, when he stood up to celebrate his victory, a pool of blood began flowing from his abdomen. Just before losing consciousness, LightningStrike had extended a leg, and a blade had emerged from his prosthetic. Another secret move.
With the fight over, the medical team entered the dome to tend to both fighters. Despite his injuries, WarHammer raised his fist in victory while lying on a stretcher, and was taken backstage amid the applause.
The deep voice officially announced the winner and thanked the audience. As everyone began to leave, smiling from ear to ear, I remained seated, staring at the now empty dome. It was the first time I had seen a fight like this. I didn't even know such a thing existed, and I was in awe. There were so many possibilities. Besides physical traits, equipment played a major role in securing victory. Fighters had to display imagination, engineering, strategy, and adaptability.
The vibration of my phone pulled me from my daydreams. I grimaced. It was from Homhance: the first exam would take place tomorrow…