File: Clone.drone.in.the.danger.zone.v1.3.1.37.... | 2024 |

I seized the opportunity. I sprinted up the shaft of the hammer, leaped into the air, and used a vertical slice. My laser sword cut through the giant's neck joint. Its massive head detached and bounced across the arena floor. The body swayed for a moment before crashing down, shaking the entire stadium. Chapter 4: The Resistance

The human mind is a fragile thing, but a human mind uploaded into a sword-wielding robot is practically indestructible. Or so the galactic arena promoters want you to believe. File: Clone.Drone.in.the.Danger.Zone.v1.3.1.37....

I didn't think; I reacted. I dashed to the right as the arrow whistled past my head, clanging against the arena wall. My metal feet clattered against the floor. I closed the distance, swung my sword in a wide horizontal arc, and sliced clean through the archer's torso. Sparks flew, oil sprayed like black blood, and the robot fell in two pieces. I seized the opportunity

I gripped my sword tightly, ignoring the low-battery warnings flashing in my vision. I looked at the giant mechanical monster, and then up at the Emperor's viewing box. Its massive head detached and bounced across the arena floor

"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!"

"Welcome, Human 402, to your new life!" a booming, synthetic voice echoed from the massive floating screen above. It was the Emperor’s main commentator, a massive floating bot with a penchant for cruel sarcasm. "You have been upgraded! Try not to get sliced in half in the first ten seconds. The crowd hates a short show."