The stadium was alive with energy. The roar of the crowd shook the walls, spotlights swept across the arena, and the announcer's voice boomed with enthusiasm:
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, the first round of the Amateur Tournament begins!"
Axamu stood across from his opponent — a boy with spiky brown hair and a confident grin, clutching his launcher with practiced ease.
His palms sweated as he loaded White Cobalt Dragoon onto his launcher. This is it… my first battle in this world.
"Contestants ready?" the referee called out.
The crowd leaned in, chanting along with the countdown.
"Three…"
Suddenly, the system burst to life before Axamu's eyes, blocking out the arena.
[URGENT QUEST!]
WIN THE BATTLE!
And beneath it, glowing in blood-red:
[IF YOU LOSE, YOU WILL DIE!]
Axamu's breath caught. His vision shook. "…Die…?"
The word echoed in his mind like a gunshot.
"Two…!"
His grip on the launcher weakened. The world around him slowed, the voices of the crowd stretching into an indistinct hum.
Why?
"One…!"
His chest heaved. His golden eyes went wide. His thoughts spiraled.
Why?
It's Beyblade… it's just Beyblade!
Why do I have to die if I lose?
Isn't this supposed to be fun?
A game for kids?
Why is my life on the line for a spinning top?!
"Go—!"
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? WHY?!
The words battered him like a drum, pounding harder with every heartbeat. His knees wobbled. His throat tightened.
"—Shoot!!"
The opponent launched, his Beyblade screaming across the stadium floor.
But Axamu couldn't move. His body locked in terror.
The crowd roared, but to him it was only noise.
Then, his stomach twisted. His vision blurred. And suddenly—
"UURRRGHHHH—!!"
He doubled over and vomited onto the arena floor.
Gasps erupted through the crowd. The announcer's voice cracked in confusion.
"What—?! Contestant Axamu… are you okay?! Somebody—!"
Axamu collapsed to his knees, clutching his stomach, his chest heaving in panic. His eyes were wide, fixed on the glowing system only he could see.
[IF YOU LOSE, YOU WILL DIE!]
"No… no… no…!" he muttered, his voice breaking. His whole body shook, drenched in sweat.
And in that moment — his first battle in this world, his first step toward the Tower — had already become a nightmare.