Lord of The Stars

The voice emerged with its stern, indifferent tone:

"Congratulations on reaching the final stage. As I see, sixteen competitors have reached the finish line out of fifty. Naturally, only the exceptional ones made it. Now I will distribute the points you have earned, but before this, I must tell you about the final test. It will be a one-on-one combat. You have one fight to win, and if you lose, we will see if your points qualify you to become one of the eight who advance. For those wondering how many fights they must endure, I tell you it is only one fight, and this test ends. However, it may become two fights if your points tie with someone else for one of the eight positions. Now proceed to the circular building before you; the gate will open now."

The competitors protested and began whispering and consulting among themselves. This test seemed more difficult than the previous one, as it would make you lose friendships formed during these circumstances, and your luck might pit you against a frightening opponent.

The competitors advanced toward the new gate, which opened wide to reveal an arena resembling the Colosseum that the Romans used long ago to enjoy watching humans kill each other for the entertainment of masters.

The arena was circular, with some spectator seats, a dirt field surrounded by dense trees for hiding, and a small stream running through it. In the center, among the trees, was an open space for direct combat.

Everyone climbed the stairs and stood in the stands waiting for what would come. They saw massive three-dimensional display screens hovering in the air above the arena, capturing all its angles. Then the voice said:

"Now the screens will display each person's name along with their points and beside it the name of who they will face."

The names appeared on the screens, and tension began to flow strongly in the atmosphere, as if the air carried in its folds many turbulent emotions from everyone present. Some began making excuses when they saw their names matched with some of the frightening characters in this competition.

Jean said happily:

"I got one hundred and twenty points."

Noor rejoiced, saying:

"I got one hundred and fifty."

Jean furrowed her brows, saying:

"Why did you get a much higher number than me? That's unfair!"

"I honestly don't know."

Akira sighed in relief, interrupting them:

"One hundred and forty. That's good."

Jean said with increasing jealousy:

"This is unfair. Why am I so far behind you both? I helped you a lot."

Both Noor and Akira shook their heads in confusion, and Noor said:

"Maybe because we reached the end of the race before you!"

"Maybe, it doesn't matter. What matters is that I get out of here."

Keno received one hundred and sixty points, Sairi one hundred and eighty, and Ivanov following with one hundred and seventy; Torres only one hundred points. The fast boy got one hundred and sixty five. Ares received one hundred and twenty, Nadir only one hundred, and Yassin one hundred and sixty. Li Kang got one hundred and twenty, and Youssef one hundred and fifteen.

The first battle was between: Sairi and Torres.

Torres felt terror upon learning he would fight Sairi, having been on the same team and knowing the extent of his savagery.

The contestants advanced into the great arena and stood facing each other, poised to begin combat. Despite his fear, Torres saw an opportunity because of his special ability.

Along the wall of the arena stood crates filled with weapons of every kind, from swords to cannons and pistols. Torres approached and took a machine gun and pistol, while Sairi remained motionless, waiting for him. After Torres returned to the starting position, he heard the voice announce:

"Let the battle begin."

Torres, aiming his weapon at Sairi and attempting to boast while concealing his nervousness, said:

"Fighting you may be extremely difficult, but remember that I can read minds. For every move you make, I will be waiting. Surrender now if you wish to survive."

Sairi released a small, barely audible laugh and, staring at Torres with terrifying black eyes, replied:

"It's good that you can read thoughts, so you may know what runs through my mind now. But I warn you—you shouldn't read what circulates in my consciousness. It isn't beneficial for your psychological and mental wellbeing."

Torres felt tension from these words and began to perspire. He raised his pistol and started firing. Sairi lifted his left hand, stopping the bullets mid-air where they hovered frozen before him. Torres grew more anxious.

Sairi extended his right hand toward the weapon crates, and a katana sword flew from the box to settle in his grip. He then diverted the suspended bullets to the left where they embedded in the ground, and charged toward Torres to cut him with his sword.

Torres employed his power to prepare for the confrontation, but remained troubled by the thoughts in this monster's mind. The moment he immersed himself in the current of Sairi's thoughts, his heart began pounding violently. Sweat poured abundantly from his brow and body. He felt as though he had entered a den of demons without permission. He witnessed the darkest, most hideous and atrocious thoughts of his life, all revolving around what Sairi would do if he caught him.

His body trembled powerfully and he collapsed to his knees, immobilized. Suddenly he screamed like a madman, begging Sairi to stop. The audience watched with concern, their anxiety towards Sairi intensifying, while Ivanov laughed boisterously. Sairi halted his advance.

Torres's eyes bulged and reddened horrifically, as if all the blood in his body had rushed to them. His body shook with greater force as he screamed incessantly, until with great difficulty he managed to disconnect his mind from Sairi's. He fell to the ground mumbling unintelligible words.

Sairi laughed ferociously, saying:

"I warned you. Some things should not be approached. They should remain sealed forever."

Everyone felt revulsion and fear toward Sairi, while the announcer's voice declared:

"Sairi has won this battle."