The Game Begins

Chapter 47: The Game Begins

The air in Pinnacle Academy's stadium crackled with anticipation. Holographic displays flickered to life above the court, casting a soft blue glow over the gathered crowd. Zed Mac, his face partially obscured by the familiar phoenix-emblazoned mask, stood at the edge of the court. His eyes, usually sharp and focused, seemed distant as he gazed at the sea of faces in the stands.

A gentle vibration from his wrist caught his attention. Zed glanced down at the sleek, metallic band encircling his arm -- a gift from Jadyn. The nanochip [microscopic electronic device] embedded within pulsed with a soft red light, warning him of elevated stress levels. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. As he did, he felt the Dimensional Fluid [mysterious substance enhancing physical abilities] coursing through his veins, a cool, tingling sensation that seemed to ebb and flow with his heartbeat.