File: Clone.drone.in.the.danger.zone.v1.3.1.37.... Today

"It seems Human 402 is getting cocky," the Emperor's voice cut through the arena. "Let's see how he handles the final challenge of this sector. Unleash the Spidertron!"

When I dropped back into the arena for Tier 2, the ground was different. Giant rotating saw blades rose from the floor. Massive gaps opened up, leading to a bottomless abyss. "Wave 6! Bring out the Kick Bots!" File: Clone.Drone.in.the.Danger.Zone.v1.3.1.37....

By Wave 15, I didn't feel like a human anymore. I felt like a finely tuned instrument of death. I had acquired a bow, maximized my arrow deflection, and added a layer of heavy plating to my chassis. I needed it. The arena was now throwing MK-3 Swordsmen at me—heavy bots with armor that required multiple hits to break. "It seems Human 402 is getting cocky," the

Suddenly, the announcer's voice changed. It wasn't mocking anymore. It sounded... annoyed. Giant rotating saw blades rose from the floor

I was launched backward, flying straight toward a pit of lava. In a panic, I triggered my new jetpack. The thrusters roared to life, halting my momentum just inches above the molten rock. Using the vertical boost, I flew over the Kick Bot, flipped upside down, and brought my blade down on its head. Chapter 3: The Armor and the Giant

The giant raised the hammer and brought it down. I dashed backward using my jetpack just as the weapon slammed into the floor, sending a shockwave that cracked the arena tiles. The hammer was stuck in the floor for a brief second.

After surviving the first five waves of basic swordsmen and archers, I was granted access to the Upgrade Room. This was the only moment of peace in the Danger Zone. A blue tractor beam pulled me up into a pristine, white laboratory.