Level 9

Blaise watched with slight interest as the Noobies raced. He and a few other Pro-Gamers were in a VIP booth. Very few, like him, were actually watching, others were making fun and pointing out very obvious mistakes.

That was what the test phase was for, making sport of the Novices who thought they could easily become the next big thing.

Ten of them would get into the tournament but they'd all eventually strike out because (let's face it) they're going up against the best in the gaming world.

Their presence was just for sport. Blaise watched

North. That red head was different though, he'd admit that. He slowly pulled his eyes away from the boy, why the hell was he so interested, it wasn't his business.

He heard someone talking the empty seat on his left. He didn't bother to look up, the scent of the musky spray was far too familiar not to know who it was.

"I wasn't expecting you here, you usually don't care for Test Phases." A cool deep voice said, a hint of amusement dusting the statement.

Blaise replied without much interest, "Alan said I should come check out the competition. Don't really care cause I'm going to wipe the floor with you all anyway."

"Are you going to keep acting like you hate me forever?"

Blaise glared up into calm, silver gray eyes, "That's because I do hate you. After what you did, I'd prefer you stop trying to talk to me."

The other guy simply smiled, a sad one that no one in the dimly lit booth would easily pick out, he was aware of Blaises glare but he decided it was best not to cause a scene.

Not here and now anyway.

When the time came, Blaise would find out his feelings didn't matter.

Cheers went up.

"And North River is in first once again, racking up point with speed while going neck and neck with Sally. This race is hot." Jenny's ecstatic voice blared from the speakers.

The stranger stopped to look down into the Gauntlet. He spotted who this North River was. He may have to get that one out first.

North growled as Sally passed him again, it was getting hard to keep up with them and the other players for thirty straight minutes but he was determined to see thus through.

He rammed right into another player that tried to overtake him. He didn't knock them out but he got points for the hit. Sally on the other hand, had eliminated two players by totalling their vehicles. They had wanted to do same to him but he was smarter than people gave him credit for.

He stopped his foot in frustratuion as he crossed the finish line second,an few others coming right after him. 'So close.'

He searched the cheering crowd and after returning their excited waves he turned to look for Blaise. He found the Pro looking at him with a look close to disappointment.

North had no idea why it bothered him but it sure as hell did. He was brought back to attention by Jenny Goldstein's voice.

"What a race!" She exclaimed.

The game's end scene was soon replaced by a name board.

"But now it's time to find out who stays and who's out!" She said in a deeper more stern voice that made North almost worry, "Oscar Gale and Dean Acres are out by elimination!"

The words 'Game Over' appeared over they're pictures.

"Peter, Taylor and Matt are out too! Fifteen left."

North knew he was safe but that didn't mean he wasn't nervous. Some part of him still thought this was dream that was too good to be true. He'd wake up any moment only to remember that he had lost the tournament. He listened on as Jenny rattled of more names, the words 'Game Over' appearing almost all over the whole board.

Then she stopped, wide grinned spreading her lips, "I would like to welcome the rest of you to the GGT." She pointed to board, the pictures changed again to show his face with two other girls. "First place goes to Sally Worth with 2080 points."

The picture of the girl in question was surrounded by a digital gold band. She had deep purple hair and dark lipstick was smeared over her lips. Her eyes were narrowed in irritation. I certainly did want to get on her bad side.

"Second place, North Rivera with 1806" His picture was in a silver band, "isn't he cute?" She went on to ask making North want to sink into the ground. She continued as though she hadn't said anything in the first place, "And third place is April Shaw with 1518"

April's picture was modest which a mousy brunette smiling shyly at the audience. Hers was in bronze and much smaller.

"The rest of you gamers work harder because you ten are going up against the Pros in the upcoming first match." She pointed to the VIP booth where the light shone down to show a good amount of the Pro-Gamers looking down at the Novices below with not too much pleasure.

Blaise and North locked gazes once more, a silent agreement between them both. The gloves were off now.

~Check point Reached!

~Achievement Unlocked: First place loser!

~Bonus Achievement: Gold Tag!

North met his friends at the edge of the arena once he had received his new tag. He waved it excitedly, "Neat huh?"

"Good to see my money wasn't wasted." Bethany grinned, giving him a quick hug and smirking.

"Nice work Rivera, but losing to a girl...that's git to hurt." Toby sneered, earning himself a punch from the dark haired girl.

"Never say shit like that near her." Migos advised as he slung a hand around his best friend's shoulders, "You did good buddy, how about we hang back a bit, we can leave if you're tired though."

North shook his head, "I'm okay." He was looking around the Gauntlet, eyes scanning every face until he found who h was looking for. He broke away from Migos, "Sally! Sally Worth!"

The girl in question turned to face him, the look she leveled him with almost made North regret his actions. "Yeah, what do you want?"

"I...I just wanted to say good game." He held out his hand.

She eyed it the same way one would eye a piece of gum stuck to their shoe, "Thanks but if you're hoping to get an alliance that's a no, I work alone."

"Alliance?"

Toby walked up to them, "That's when players team up and help each other up until the finals. It's kind of like in reality game shows or stuff like that. As I said, people take this shit real seriously."

"And why wouldn't they?" She spat, "Its an opportunity to make a ton of cash and get recognition all in one go. All for just playing a bunch of trashy games. I don't need help."

"Games aren't trashy." North shot back, wait that wasn't what he was meant to say. He did a back track, but lucky Beth came to his rescue.

"I'm sure you don't need help, Miss Worth, but you helping each other would be sure to make things easier. I could pay you." Bethany eyed the girl's clothes nothing the wardrobe could definitely use a change.

"I don't sell out as well, Goldilocks. I'm here to win big and prove I'm the best. That's all, I don't give a shit about big names." Sally spun on her heels, about to leave when she spotted someone heading their way, "Well aren't we blessed." Her tone was sarcastic.

North followed her gaze to see the last person he need talk to at the moment. Blaise was just a few feet away, and coming closer.

~Achievement Unlocked: Passed Test Phase!

~Flip page to Next level!