Vikram spent two full days resting.
His body still ached from the brutal beating, but his mind was sharper than ever. On the third day, Devaraj finally arrived.
That evening, the two sat inside a luxurious restaurant overlooking the city lights. Soft music played in the background as expensive dishes were served.
Devaraj calmly wiped his hands and looked at Vikram.
"It's time," he said. "Your second stage begins now."
Vikram looked up.
"Second stage?"
Devaraj leaned back.
"This stage will take place on a completely isolated island. No cities. No escape."
He paused.
"You must survive there for four days."
Vikram listened carefully.
"There will be many contestants," Devaraj continued. "Every participant has two types of badges—one red and one blue. You will receive only one badge at the start."
"If you get a red badge, you must obtain a blue one from someone else before the four days end. On the fourth day—February 19th, before 5 PM—you must reach the central mountain with both badges. That is the only way to pass."
Vikram frowned.
"And if I fail?"
"You're eliminated."
Then Devaraj revealed something unsettling.
"Most people on the island weren't trained in gyms like you. They were trained directly under mountain clans. They despise gym-trained fighters."
"So if they discriminate against you," Devaraj said coldly, "ignore it."
Vikram nodded—until Devaraj added something worse.
"You don't have powers yet."
Vikram looked confused.
"Then how am I supposed to survive?"
Without warning, Devaraj pulled out an injection and drove it into Vikram's arm.
Vikram screamed.
"What are you doing?! Are you insane?!"
Devaraj stood calmly.
"You'll understand when it activates."
"Are there side effects?" Vikram shouted.
Devaraj didn't answer.
The Island
On the day of departure, a helicopter dropped Vikram onto the island.
Dozens of contestants stood nearby—most of them around his age.
Suddenly, a massive screen lit up.
A man appeared on it.
"I am Kartik," he announced. "The overseer of Stage Two."
"If you survive this stage, only then will you advance."
He explained the rules again—badges, survival, the mountain deadline.
Then Kartik added something chilling.
"Every year, people die here. That does not violate the rules."
Vikram's chest tightened.
"Fatal cameras are installed across the island. Every fight will be monitored."
"If someone willingly gives you their badge or becomes unconscious, you are not allowed to kill them."
"But," Kartik said coldly, "killing during an active fight is legal."
"If your badge is stolen, you are not disqualified. Even with zero badges, you may still continue—until the four days end."
A pouch was thrown to Vikram.
Inside it was a red badge.
Discrimination
As Vikram looked around, people began whispering.
Three fighters approached him, smirking.
"You trained in a gym, didn't you?" one laughed.
"We trained under powerful mountain clients," another said. "You're weak compared to us."
"When the match starts," one warned, pulling out a sword, "come begging for your life and hand over your badge."
Vikram stared at them.
"No chance," he said calmly. "If you want it—try taking it."
The three grew furious.
Suddenly, a hand landed on Vikram's shoulder.
"Leave," a voice said firmly.
The three turned pale.
"This guy is stronger than you think," the man warned them.
They backed away, hiding their fear.
The man smiled at Vikram.
"You answered them well. From now on—you're my friend."
They introduced themselves.
"My name is Jack Synthial."
"People disrespect gym fighters," Jack said, "but proper training always creates strength."
"But remember," he added, "inside the battlefield—we won't be friends."
Behind the Scenes
Far away, Devaraj watched everything through CCTV screens.
Beside him sat several powerful leaders, laughing, drinking, and observing the chaos like entertainment.
Devaraj turned to one man.
"Is Jack your younger son?" he asked.
The man smiled.
"Yes. My other sons are stronger—but he is still my blood."
He revealed that the three fighters threatening Vikram were trained by the Synthial Clan as well—which explained their fear.
The Beginning
Each contestant was led to a separate door.
When Vikram stepped forward, he realized—he was completely alone.
A loud announcement echoed across the island.
"THE TOURNAMENT BEGINS."
The gates opened.
And Stage Two had officially started.