1 Prologue

A large screen appears and starts broadcasting Mastodon Daily News. At first, there is only an aerial view of a stadium. The view splits and shows a slightly overweight green-skinned Goblin wearing glasses and fancy clothes sitting behind a desk on the right side of the screen.

"Ladies and Gentle Beings, we come to you live from the Rotcutien Stadiums where students from the Royal Protection Academy, the Currie University of Security, and the Auscu Corp Guardian Program will show off their skills in a glorious quad-tournament. Before we get started, here's a quick message from our Sponsors."

-Three boring commercials later-

"And we are back. Would you mind explaining what is about to happen for all our viewers out there, Govolrul?" The Goblin adjusts his headset as he asks a bearded blue-skinned Titan who is wearing formal clothing. 

"Certainly, Tiki-Taki. The first part will be a challenge of Strategy wherein the teams will be presented with several theoretical scenarios that may happen when defending fixed objects such as planets and moving objects like spaceships." Govolrul explains as he clips a mic to his tie and walks around the field.

"And how will the scoring be determined?" Inquires Tiki-Taki.  

"The contestants will be judged by how effective their theoretical defense would be and the estimated amount of damages it would cause or prevent." Govolrul replies with his hands behind his back and continues speaking. 

"This competition is very important because the way in which they answer will influence the decisions of the scouts and contractors in attendance about who to hire first. Plus, there is a cash prize of one million credits for the team that scores the highest." 

Tiki-Taki gasps. "Did you hear that folks!? The top team of this challenge will get one mil creds! Keep in mind that this is just the first of the four challenges, so I'm sure the prizes will just get better and better!" 

Govolrul grins. "That's right Tiki, it gets even better. The second challenge is one of Guts, in which the contestants will be given outdated equipment and a small crate of supplies and then left in a broken base that will be continuously attacked by increasing waves of Space Bugs until they are killed, give up, or survive the entire two years the simulation lasts. Now, before you guys complain about it lasting two years, you should know that the sim is set so that one year in the sim only takes one hour out here."

Tiki-Taki writes something down before he speaks up again. "And the prize?" 

"The prize is two years' worth of the highest grade supplies on the market. Estimates place that at around roughly five million credits!" Govolrul starts to walk towards his announcer booth as he answers Tiki's question.  

"Why, that's more than I make in four years!" Exclaims Tiki-Taki.

"Ah yes, your infamous salary," Govolrul says and chuckles. 

Tiki-Taki covers his face with his hands. "Let's not open that can of worms."

Sighing dramatically, Govolrul says, "Alright… I guess we shouldn't get sidetracked."

Tiki-Taki looks up at the camera again. "So what's the third challenge?"

"Well, the third challenge will be a trial of their Finesse, which will test their skills in piloting spaceships and other assorted vehicles, as well as multiple extreme obstacle courses that will perfectly gauge their abilities no matter what race they are." Govolrul sits down in his booth.

Looking thoughtful, Tiki-Taki asks, "What is the prize for first place?" 

"A brand new Riphath-class Corvette valued at four million credits with all the proper licenses, plus enough warp crystals to make two hundred jumps. If they were bought at the market price, they would be worth two million credits." Govolrul states proudly. 

"So six mil creds all together?" Tiki-Taki asks. 

"Correct," Govolrul replies as he leans back in his chair. 

Rubbing his hands together, Tiki-Taki says, "Well, I'm sure the audience out there is eager to find out what the fourth challenge will be. Why don't you go ahead and tell us about it?"

Grovolrul takes a sip of his coffee. "My pleasure. So, the fourth challenge will be one of their Brawn. This will be tested via team battles, more in line with traditional tournaments." 

"Will this also be in the sims or will it be in the actual arena?" Tiki-Taki queries.  

"We know people are watching this to see real blood and guts spilled, so this challenge will be in the Arena. Of course, since there is more risk in this challenge, the prizes will be greater," answers Govolrul. He licks his lips as he releases a little bloodlust, causing the dark red gem embedded in the center of his forehead to shine.  

"I see, so... What can the winners expect?" Tiki-Taki asks after calming down. 

"Well, not only will they get a complete set of cutting-edge equipment and the required licenses to use them, but they will also be given a grand cash prize of ten million credits!" Govolrul states enthusiastically, waving his hands around as he speaks.

Tiki-Taki pushes his glasses up as he exclaims. "Wow, ten mil? And… how much is the equipment valued at?"

"Oh, about nine million altogether," Govolrul says with a gleam in his silvery-blue eyes.  

"So the winners of this challenge will get about nineteen million credits!?" Asks Tiki in shock.

"That's right, Tiki," Govolrul says evenly.

He glances at the clock before he continues. "Well it looks like it's about time for the interview with the judges and some randomly selected teams after which is the opening ceremony so I'll see you in a little bit."