**LOCATION: CYBER COLOSSEUM, NOVA VISTA**
Glenn was growing impatient. "Look, this meeting part is taking a really long time. If this goes on, then I can't wait longer. Just assign the kid to me already!"
"We understand you, Glenn. We don't want to continue with this topic either, but you have to understand something… This is no ordinary kid; he's a possible threat to the entire Trion," Higher 2 explained.
"That's right. We should send a strike squad right now since he's still fresh," Higher 1 suggested.
Glenn walked towards the door.
"Glenn, the meeting isn't over yet," Higher 3 called out.
"I'm going to watch his first match which is about to start and… I'm gonna recruit him as my student, and that's final," Glenn declared.
"Why you-" Higher 1 fumed.
"Glenn, are you trying to stand against us? Do you want to really fight against us?" Higher 4 challenged.
"Do 'You'?" Glenn turned around, his eyes menacing.
"We only eliminated his arrest because you wanted to give a proposal, and you're returning the favor this way?" Higher 1 accused.
"Do you really think you would win against the entire society?" Higher 2 questioned.
"Then bring your entire international support; at least you'll be able to say 'we gave our best,' right?" Glenn retorted.
"Calm down, Glenn. We'll assign this kid to you but only on one condition: He has to be observed 24 by 7. Do you agree?" Higher 5 asked.
Glenn smiled. "Accepted."
---
The Cyber Colosseum stood as a towering beacon in the heart of Nova Vista, its sleek metallic exterior glistening under the neon lights. The stadium was packed with excited spectators.
Are these people for real? It's just an entrance test for god's sake! Saber thought, in shock.
The air was electric with anticipation as the four academy principals and the king himself took their seats in the VIP section. Saber looked up at the VIP area.
Inside the arena, the adaptive nanomaterial floor was set for the matches, ready to transform into various terrains. Holographic billboards displayed the profiles of the aspiring fighters, each one hoping to earn a spot in one of the prestigious academies.
The contestants, a mix of normal mages, warriors, and other class teenagers known as 'builders,' stood nervously at the arena's edge. Among them were the 'core wielders,' those who had awakened and could wield a special handle that transformed into various weapons based on their individual abilities.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Cyber Colosseum! Today, we witness the fiercest contenders battle it out in the entrance exam! With us are the esteemed principals of our four academies and our honored King Arthon!" the announcer's voice boomed through the arena.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the king and the principals waved.
So that's the King, Saber thought seriously.
"May the best fighters prevail and earn their rightful place in our academies. Let the matches begin!" King Arthon addressed the crowd.
The first core wielders stepped into the arena, their handles glowing as they prepared for combat. The adaptive floor shifted, turning into a steel-tiled floor.
"Remember, folks! The people inside the arena are given special cores! When rotated and pressed, the identity of the user registers in the codex! And with the advanced barrier technology, the fighters can go all out without even worrying about getting hurt. Since you'll be in the holo-space sorcery program, the damages will be dealt with this same program and will be displayed on the big screen too!" the announcer continued.
"Look at those handles! They can transform into any weapon the fighter needs. This is going to be a tough competition," Spectator 1 said, leaning forward.
"I've got my eyes on that core wielder. Their control over their weapon is amazing," Spectator 2 added, checking the interactive touchscreen.
The matches began with a flurry of action. Handles transformed into laser swords, energy shields, and projectile launchers. The fighters moved with a blend of athleticism and precision, their every action monitored and analyzed by the arena's AI system.
"You'll have to do better than that to beat me!" Core Wielder 1 dodged an attack.
"Bring it on! My handle's just getting warmed up," Core Wielder 2 grinned.
Core Wielder 2 slashed Core Wielder 1 in one strike. The crowd screamed!
He just… One-shot him! Saber thought in shock.
The crowd's cheers grew louder as the matches intensified. Every move was captured by drones, broadcasting the event to millions.
"This year's kids aren't that bad," Principal 1 noted, and Principal 2 nodded in agreement.
The matches continued.
This is bad. It looks like my end might be near, Saber thought nervously.
---
**Announcer:** Get ready for the next match between another Core Wielders! Number 83 VS Number 25!
---
My turn, Saber thought.
Saber walked forward towards the entry gate.
"Take this," a guard said, giving a core.
"What's this supposed to be?" Saber asked, confused.
"It's a core. You put it on that handle, then rotate the upper ring and press it when it pops up," the guard explained.
"Thanks," Saber said, putting it in the handle.
Saber and his first opponent stood face-to-face.
"What are you looking at?" the opponent asked, confused.
He's way taller than an average teenager. Is he really a teenager? Saber thought, eyes widening. "Hey, can I know your height?"
"The last time I checked, it was around 5'8," the opponent replied.
That's bullshit! Saber thought.
"And when was it?" Saber inquired.
"6 years ago," the opponent said.
Knew it! This guy's probably around 6'5 at maximum, one entire foot away from mine, Saber realized.
---
**Referee:** And begin!
---
The opponent transformed his handle into an axe and swung first. Saber dodged it close.
"And number 25 starts with a powerful swing!" the announcer exclaimed.
That's a close call, Saber thought.
The opponent continued with his swings, and Saber dodged all of them.
Damn it! My stamina is draining at a rapid speed! Saber thought, dodging. Now's my chance! he realized as the axe got stuck in the edge of the tiles.
Saber was about to punch but saw his bully image in the opponent. Scared, he jumped back. The opponent pulled out the axe. The audience, the king, and all four principals were confused.
"What was that?" Spectator 1 asked.
"Why did he stop? He had the perfect chance!" Spectator 2 exclaimed.
"Is this a joke?" Spectator 3 wondered.
"Is he getting PTSD… in the mid fight?" Glenn was confused.
Why…? Why… is it happening…now? Saber thought, shaking. I fought Orion and felt nothing. I fought 'THE GALE' in raw shape and managed it. So… why now… of all time?
"I really want to help you but… This is a great chance to see what he's capable of doing," Glenn thought.
Damn it Damn it Damn it Damn it! Saber thought, holding his head.
"You … are a loser," the opponent sighed, disappointed.
Saber felt the pressure.
"You're a loser," his mom's voice echoed.
"You're a loser," his dad's voice echoed.
"You're a loser," a guy's voice echoed.
"You're a loser," a girl's voice echoed.
"You were always and will be a loser," his brother's voice echoed.
"He's having a mental breakdown. This is a waste of time," the opponent said. "Can I end this?" he asked the referee.
"Y-Yeah, go for it," the referee replied.
He's coming closer. He's about to beat me, Saber thought, scared, seeing the opponent walking closer. The opponent swung his axe.
I'm finished, Saber thought, closing his eyes. Huh? Where am I? he wondered, opening his eyes.
"Give me the MONEY!!!" Meet's voice echoed as he kicked a bleeding Arush.
I know this voice. I can never forget this voice… It's Meet's! Saber thought.
"Listen, you damn whore! All I'm saying is to go to the mess and bring me my food. If you can't even do that, then you're indeed the greatest failure to ever exist," Meet threatened, slamming Arush on the dented cupboard.
"I heard he went to the washroom when we ordered food," a bully said.
"Is that so?" Meet had a devilish smile.
"No no no no, I was going to buy it after that, I promise," Arush said, scared.
"That's not what I asked! Is it true that YOU went to take a leak while leaving me to starve? I wonder whom did you ask? And who gave you permission?" Meet pulled Arush by the hair. "You need some discipline. Let's go boys!"
Meet dipped Arush's face in the toilet, pulled him up, and uppercut-kicked his jaw.
That time… Saber recalled Arush struggling.
"Oye pig! Come forward," Meet pointed at Arush during a training session.
Arush came forward.
"Let's have a death match!" Meet dashed at Arush, punching him in the nose.
---
Saber's mind raced. And that time too… I saw them coming... All I wanted at that time was revenge! If I was stronger but… Only if...
His eyes glinted with determination. My eyes are able to see anything, even the fastest movements can't miss me. And somehow, I have full control of my vision.
But his body, bound in chains, felt otherwise. But my body is the complete opposite. I have no control over my body; it's a useless husk! I can't react in time and my reflexes are stopped by my fear. Fear is my everything.
A coin with the word 'Fear' inscribed on one side spun in his mind. I and Fear are one. I am fear. We are the two sides of the same coin.
He found himself standing in a black void. I lived in fear and died in fear. No. That's not right.
Memories flashed before him. He saw himself punching a jacked man, battling Gale, and facing Orion. I died in bravery. The bravery I thought I never had. But it showed its presence, and it changed everything.
How did I do that? he wondered, the coin turning with no visible sides. I have always wondered what lied on the other side of fear. But how can I find it? How WILL I find it?
The axe was about to hit Saber. What happens when the body dies? He bent and jumped to the left, his eyes serious and scribbled. The soul lives on!
The King, Glenn, and all four principals watched in surprise. Saber grabbed the axe. I found it! The coin's face turned to the 'Bravery' side. What lies on the other side is…
With a one-arm handstand, he kicked his opponent in the face. BRAVERY!!!
The black void bloomed with light and a garden of flowers. I have to change!
The scared Arush in his mind transformed into an angry Saber. I'll MAKE that change happen even if it means I have to change my damn body and mind!
"So… you finally were able to overcome that fear?" his opponent asked, wiping his jaw. "You have earned my respect, fellow Wielder!"
"You're just an imitation created by my fear. I'll take the real deal when I'm stronger. And besides…" Saber pulled his hair up, his eyes serious. "I cannot waste a second chance, right?"
System: Shall I enable the 'Battle Mode'?
"Get out of the way," Saber said in a deep voice. "I can finally see clearly, don't get in between."
The crowd screamed and went wild.
"Did you see that move?" Spectator 1 exclaimed.
"How did he pull that off?" Spectator 2 wondered.
"I understand it now," Saber said calmly. He took a stance and smiled. "I see it clearly now."
The opponent smiled too. He jumped at Saber, but Saber dashed to the left.
Finally! I can feel my body! Saber thought.
The axe bounced up. The opponent was about to grab it, but Saber was in front of him.
You want this? Saber thought, tapping the handle with his heel. The handle rotated up, and the blade went down. Take it!
The opponent took his hand back. Saber punched the opponent, but the opponent caught Saber's fist.
"You know something? I didn't use the handle yet," Saber revealed.
The opponent's eyes widened in shock. Saber removed the handle and struck.
The opponent fell, and Saber kept one hand up in victory. The crowd screamed loudly. Glenn chuckled. Saber looked back with flaming eyes.
This was the moment when the world made another random cowardly competitor crumble away, and hence, the city witnessed the birth of a new player.