ZANAYA

My heartbeat matched pace with the beat of the drum, but I felt like it was even stronger. Beads of sweat were forming on my forehead, and my hands were clammy as well. I’ll admit I was feeling nervous. The fate of our academy lies in our hands. It lies on whether we win in this game.

This the point of no return. I always thought I would just live a normal life, not until I got into this Academy. Since then, my life was never the same. I met new friends, discovered more about my self, and learned that the world was not what I thought it was.

Now, standing here in the glass tube, waiting for the signal, I feel like my heart would jump to my throat due to my nervousness. Even before the game started, the screams of the people around us can be heard. From where I stood, I could see all the players here. They have their own desires and motives. I looked at my colleagues who, like me, were also standing in a glass cell and had no choice but to wait for the signal.

My gaze wandered to him. I don’t know how he managed to be calm in such a situation. He gave me a smile as I glared at him. That smile was enough to alleviate the apprehension I was feeling.

Suddenly, a green line enveloped the glass cell where I currently stood. I glanced at the other players and noticed we were just the same. I've been inside a glass tube many times now but this was different. We were doing this to save the students. We were their hope and so we must fulfill that. I was even more pressured when I heard the buzzing sound inside the cell. That was the cue that the tournament was about to start.

To my surprise, a voice echoed throughout the arena. It reverberated around the area and felt like it also echoed through my heart, adding to my nervousness. I inhaled sharply before I heard that voice again.

"Agents, are you ready?"

It was the same robotic voice that I used to hear when we had our training. I never thought that voice could stroke so much in me now.

I tried to find the speaker but I failed. For the last time, I glanced at my companions and they gave me a reassuring smile, one that I don't know how to return so I just gave them a nod before the signal was finally given.

"Let the game begin, in 3, 2, 1....GO!"