Eldric nudged Muscle as they entered the massive arena. "Why's everyone looking at us so awkwardly?"
Muscle shrugged. "Maybe 'cause we look too cool."
A tall man with a deep voice stepped into the center of the field. "Welcome to the argonauts Entrance Exam. Good luck to all of you. To pass, you must fight and win. Now, pick a partner."
Muscle turned to Eldric. "Let's do it."
Eldric grinned. "I got you."
"Good," the man continued. "Now, each team will draw from this bowl to determine their match slot. Remember there is only one rule: no killing. That's all."
Muscle picked a slip and looked at it. "Team V… huh."
The first match was called: Team Z versus Team W.
A boy named Nova and his teammate Loki walked to one side of the ring. Their opponents, Sam and a nervous-looking girl named Julia, stood opposite.
"M-Me? I have to fight?" Julia whispered.
Sam rolled his eyes. "Then why did you even come here?!"
Loki snorted. "They'll be easy to beat."
"Let the match begin!" the announcer declared.
Loki lunged forward, feinting a punch. Sam braced but it was a trick. Loki spun and kicked Sam in the head.
Nova stepped forward, his fists hardening into solid wood. He swung at Julia, landing a brutal blow. Blood splattered. His leg shifted into a thick wooden limb and he launched a crushing kick. Julia slammed into the wall.
Eldric's eyes widened. "His power… he can turn his body into wood?!"
"Yeah," Muscle said. "And he's not holding back."
As Loki and Sam exchanged blows, Nova approached Julia again, charging his fist.
But just as he swung BOOM! Nova was blasted backward at lightning speed, smashing through the wall.
"What the ?!" Eldric gasped.
A second blast launched Loki the same way.
Julia stood silently, her hair covering her eyes, glowing faintly.
The crowd was stunned. Medics rushed in.
"They're out!" the announcer declared. "The winners: Sam and Julia!"
Eldric and Muscle stared in disbelief.
"What kind of power was that?" Eldric whispered.
"No idea," Muscle muttered. "We might be screwed…"
One by one, more teams fought. Some used pure skill. Others unleashed wild kai abilities. Soon, only two teams remained.
"The final match," the announcer boomed. "Team S versus Team V!"
Two boys stepped into the arena Ronan and Ken. Calm. Focused.
On the other side, Eldric and Muscle walked out. Sweat trickled down Eldric's brow, but he kept his stance firm.
"Let's do this," Eldric said quietly.
Muscle grinned. "Hell yeah."