After Caden had changed his clothes, he and Zoren decided to take a tour round the place. Throughout the tour, they were fascinated by how many facilities there was in the place. There were various locked doors and also open ones, the locked ones being the majority.
Caden couldn't help but wonder what was behind these doors. There were so many locked ones. But if they were to be staying here, shouldn't they at least know what was in this place? The whole idea of this tournament seemed suspicious to Caden.
But looking at Zoren's super happy grin, he decided to ease up.
At about mid-tour, Zoren's stomach grumbled, signifying hunger. He smiled, clearly embarrassed as he said, " Sorry". Caden shook his head with a smile as he said, " How about we get some food?" Zoren smiled and nodded.
Afterwards, they both made their way to the cafeteria which wasn't hard to find with the door which was larger and simpler than the others and of course, a sign hung above it.
Finally, the hour for the orientation arrived and Caden and Zoren made their way to the orientation chamber.
....
The chamber looked like something out of a simulation — massive, circular, and pulsing with light. Transparent panels floated mid-air, displaying the words UniGames Tournament of Honor in shimmering gold. Hundreds of participants gathered on floating platforms, suspended above a glowing floor that never seemed to end.
Caden stood near the edge of his platform, arms crossed, trying to look smaller than he felt. Zoren hovered beside him, his blue-green skin faintly glowing.
"You nervous?" Zoren asked.
But Caden simply scoffed "I don't get nervous," Caden said, adjusting his gloves. "Just... alert."
A mechanical hum sliced through the atmosphere. The lights dimmed. All conversation halted.
From above, a sleek silver figure descended — tall, faceless, and flawless. The AI Host, known as Omega, assistant to Themus, hovered midair, voice smooth as silk and cold as vacuum. Everyone immediately quietened down and sat.
"Welcome, contenders, to the UniGames Tournament of Honor. You have been chosen not by chance, but by excellence."
"Only the exceptional survive ten trials. Fewer still reach the final challenge. Fewer still... are remembered."
The crowd shifted. Eyes darted. Someone scoffed — it was Ian Lone, smirking arrogantly, already bored.
"You will compete in Ten Trials," Omega continued. "Each designed to test different aspects of your mind, skill, and endurance, Let these rules guide you."
Holographic text circled the chamber as Omega recited:
---
He began, " The Rules of the UniGames are as follows:
1. There are ten trials in total. Each trial is unique. Expect nothing. Prepare for everything. Do not under or overestimate these trials for they are what decide your fate here in the UniGames.
2. Alliances are permitted.
Form or break them as you will — but remember: only three will reach the final challenge.
3. No external communication is allowed. As of the moment you stepped foot in this facility, you no longer have a family or friends.You are now under complete isolation and broadcast surveillance.
4. Trial-specific rules will be given before each challenge.
Know them. Obey them.
5. Failure to complete a trial has consequences. Its nature is determined by your performance.
6. Withdrawal once a trial begins is not possible. If one tries to forfeit or run, which I assure you isn't possible, one shall face the brutal consequences.
7. Glory is optional. Honor is not".
---
As the final line echoed, the holograms faded. A pause hung in the air — not long, but heavy.
"Cryptic much?" Zoren muttered.
"Keeps things interesting," Caden replied. Zoren looked at Caden. Wasn't he supposed to be shaking in his boots? After all, weren't all humans fragile? Maybe not.
---
From the opposite side, Ian Lone yawned dramatically.
Standing up, he yelled at Omega, "Cool speech, metal man. But I didn't come here for poetry!"
Omega ignored him.
Caden didn't. His eyes narrowed.
Ian caught the glance and smirked. "What, silent treatment now? You planning to win by staring me to death?"
Before Caden could answer, someone cut in.
"You'd know about being stared down," Lucy said, stepping forward. Ian narrowed his eyes at her saying,
" You're here too? Didn't see you at the auditorium. Hehe, ah well, that's good, at least I've got someone reasonable here". He gave a chuckle as he looked at Lucy with a smirk.
Lucy simply gave a deep scoff. She scowled as she said, " What do you mean by 'You're here too?'? Or do you perhas think I'm not a good enough gamer to be selected for this wondrous tournament?"
Ian's smile fell. He was about to speak when Lucy cut him off, " You know, you're way too cocky for your own good, Ian. It's exactly why I'm now tired of babysitting a tantrum in a champion suit. If only your brain cells were just as much as the amount of pride you carry, perhaps we won't have to get into trouble every week. Really, I feel like a mother who's raising a spoiled child whenever I'm with you".
Ian frowned, " What did you just say?". His tone was dangerously low, low enough to send chills down one's spine but Lucy didn't flinch. She instead smirked as she crossed her arms.
" What, are you having hearing problems now? I really thought I would be the one having them before you with all of your family's yelling that I had to deal with but I guess having a father like Mr Lone really does change things".
By now, Ian's face was as dark as thunder clouds in the sky. He glared hard at Lucy and gritted his teeth. He yelled, " Shut your mouth!"
But Lucy simply chuckled, her hands covering her mouth, " Would love to, your Highness but I just can't. I guess you aren't used to being declined now, aren't you? Well, you'll get used to it enough, young master. After all, I'm here and I promise to tech you all you need to learn. Both the ones you like and the ones you hate, Tata".
With that, she waved goodbye at Ian as she walked away. Lucy smirked as she walked away from Ian. She seemed confident on the outside but on the inside, she was a mess. She couldn't believe what she just did.
On a normal basis, she couldn't even step on Ian's toe if she wanted to, not to talk of insulting him in front of everyone. His father would surely take action, not against her but her family. She couldn't risk it.
The only thing that reassured her decision was the words of Omega which said that all communication with the outside world had been cut off. That meant Mr Lone had no way of knowing what was happening.
Everything that happened here stays here. She could finally give Ian his retribution without any worries. But that didn't mean he wouldn't react. After all, he was Ian Lone. He had a great influence, even most contestants knew him. Everyone was like his dogs. He would surely use them to get back at her.
But she was ready. After all, it's about time. Plus she had a plan of her own.
Lucy brushed past him, boots clicking sharply on the glass floor. She stopped beside Caden.
"And you," she said, eyes sharp. "Don't expect me to team up with you just because I hate him more."
"Wasn't asking," Caden replied coolly.
"Good. I like knowing where I stand."
They held each other's gaze — both daring the other to blink first. Zoren leaned toward Caden. "So... this is how humans flirt?"
"No," Caden said. "This is how they survive."
.....
Omega's voice returned one last time:
"Your first trial begins at dawn. Instructions will be given. Until then... rest. Observe. Choose your path wisely."
The chamber dimmed as players were led to their living sectors.
Caden glanced back at the now-empty space where the rules had floated.
> Consequences.
The word stuck with him.
He had a bad feeling it meant more than anyone was letting on.
.....