Trevor pressed. A thin line of red appeared. The simulation registered the incapacitation condition. White light claimed them again.
They stood back on the real platform.
Kael collapsed to one knee, clutching his broken wrist. Medical staff moved in. Lira Voss glanced up from her slate, expression bored.
"047 advances. 048 is eliminated. Next pair."
Trevor stepped off the platform. The hall was already filling with the sounds of other pairs being called. Winners returned looking battered or smug. Losers were carried or limped away under escort.
The numbers above heads began to vanish one by one.
He found a quiet section of the lower seating and sat. The system interface opened privately.
[Phase One complete]
[Victory recorded]
[Essence gain: minor – combat dominance]
[Awaiting Phase Two briefing]
