Rules Of The Game

"Okay, okay" Drake boomed from the speakers once again, he had to get the crowd to calm down so he could continue with the introduction of the event.

"And now we are gathered today to find the new champion of this year's event. The title of this year's event has been titled 'The rise of the Champions'" Drake continued. This announcement generated another brief round of applause from the crowd.

"We have gathered a number of promising prospects for this year's competition, my co-host Nicki is going to explain the rules and nature of this year's competition. Let's give it up for Nicki" Drake pointed to his left.

A bright light focused where his hand pointed, revealing a slender female in red combat trousers and long sleeve black blouse which had tiny stones glittering under the reflection from the lights.

"Hello Bayland" Nicki announced. Most of the students cheered very loudly, Derek guessed that some of them must know her.

"Without wasting much time, I will go straight to the nature of this year's competition and after that. I will announce the rules for the competition."

"A group of two people each selected by a random draw by the AI will go against each other. Each winner will advance to the next stage until there are only two contestants left."

"Thirty-two contestants have been confirmed for the competition" The screen at the top of the arena systematically brought up a set of empty pictures, arranging them in the nature they will go up against each other.

"For the first three rounds, the contestants are only allowed to make use of weapons. The contestants can pick any weapon of their choice, all weapons will be provided by the school" As if in reply to Nicki's statement, light came on at the four corners of the stage and revealed different kinds of weapon each arranged behind a transparent glass.

"After the third round, another announcement will be made on how the competition will continue. Now to the rules…"

"Contestants are not allowed to use any other weapons except it is provided by the school."

"Contestants must not attack after a knockout. Attacking after a knockout will be seen as an attempt on opponent life and will not be tolerated"

"Match is declared as lost if a contestant steps out of the ring after a fight has begun"

"Any other information to be passed on will be broadcast on the screen" Nicki concluded. Looking around the arena, she saw that the VIPs were already settled in the glass box and she knew it was her cue to start.

"According to the random shuffle conducted by the AI" Nicki announced while taking a dramatic pause to turn and look at the screen. As if on cue, the empty boxes on the screen indicating the number of contestants supposed to participate began to shuffle a couple of pictures.

After three seconds, all the boxes were filled with images of the faces of the contestants with their names under the boxes.

"For the first pair up, we have--" the crowd erupted in another round of cheers before Nicki could complete her speech. The image of David DuPont with a streak of lightning flashing on the screen was clearly visible.

"We have David DuPont" Nicki continued after the noise had died down "versus Lin" Nicki announced. DuPont's opponent was as good as a nobody so Nicki didn't even bother mentioning his last name.

Following the cheers that had erupted from all around the Citadel, Derek had made sure to get a good look at David DuPont. At this point, he was beginning to get tired of this crowd. The way they had cheered for the DuPont, as if they had made him their idol.

They were also digital screens outside of the arena, even on the streets on billboards and stalls. So those that were unable to get into the Citadel were also watching the competition live thereby making it impossible to escape the sound of the cheers regardless of where you were.

After the announcement had been made, Lin was almost immediately inside the stage. Derek couldn't tell if it was out of excitement or how strong he was.

David on the other hand could be seen walking down from the area, with the way he took his time, walking majestically to the arena one could easily tell he was full of confidence.

Amidst the cheers from the crowd, David slowly walked to the stage, enjoying every moment of the hype. His first stop before heading to the center of the stage was the weapons section, his opponent had picked a sword.

David took a single glance at his opponent and ran his hands along the weapons on the rack, stopping at the end, he picked up a staff and went straight to the center.

Drake and Nicki had already moved to a separate booth from where they would make analysis on the matches that were taking place at the moment.

Since they were only a dozen stages, the sixteen match-ups that were to take place were divided into two.

Eight stages were already occupied with two contestants each and a referee making sure to give the fighters enough space, with the other eight matches scheduled to take place right after.

"Our contestants are ready and gearing for battle, so without further ado" Nicki's voice filtered through the speakers

"Fight"

Throughout the occupied stages weapons could be seen clashing, as contestants went up against each other, no one was going to let up so easily.

Most of the cameras in the arena were focused on the fight with the DuPont in it, almost every screen in and outside the Citadel showed the face of David Dupont. Everyone wanted to see what the defending champion had up his sleeve in this competition and everyone had quite high expectations of him.

But as soon as the fight started, Lin rushed at David waving his sword in the air. As soon as Lin was within striking distance, Lin was suddenly on the floor with a staff pointing at his neck