Level 5

The Glitches Gaming Complex looked grander in real life than it did on TV.

He bolted out of the car so fast he stumbled and almost fell face first into the ground, but he regained his composure quickly. He wasn't going to make a fool of himself here of all places. The closer he got to the building, more he could hear the noise from within calling to him.

"Relax buddy." Migos held him by the shoulder before he tripped again and joined North in studying the banners of the various organizations that had come together to make this possible and boy were there a lot of big names. Migos wasn't a big fan of video games but they presented a challenge and he simply adored the amount of coding and hard work put into them.

Bethany stepped out and popped a lolipop into her mouth as well as some sunshades onto her face while studying cosplayers, especially the females, with disinterest, "Geek-fest." She muttered under her breath.

"Do not insult this, I beg of you." He said not really paying attention as he was already racing yours te entrance. The moment he stepped through those automatic glass doors, he felt like he had died and finally ascended to the one through place he belonged.

Booths of various types were scattered around in their own version of organized chaos. Colorful lights blinked from various sources, be it screens or bulbs or even the floor.

Not to mention...

So many games.

Even the snack booths were game themed.

"I've always dreamed of this." He said quietly looking around and holding back the urge to blow up or something along the same line, "Its so perfect."

"You can simp all you want later, right now we have to find the sign up booth." Migos pointed out.

Bethany surveyed the area before she spotted a worker wearing a pole shirt with the event name in front and right below that was the word 'staff.' She approached and made quick work of getting their information before returning to the boys, " Come on, let's go."

They started their journey through the spacious hall.

"You." She gestured to North, "Have to get your silver tag and be listed among the Noobies. If you pass the Test Phase you'll get your gold. I am not spending any more money on you if you fail."

"You wouldn't have to, you'd just give me yours." North said and pretended he did not hear the evil chuckle she let out.

They got to the Sign-up booth and the redhead moved forward, he could take things from here. He took the form the lady held out and filled it out quickly. She stamped a seal on his form before taking his silver tag. She then pulled out a mini camera, took a quick picture and disappeared into the back of the room only to return several long minutes later.

"Congratulations, Mr. Rivera, you are now Noobie number 19. I wish you luck." She beamed.

North felt faint at realizing how quick he had been to missing out on this once I a life time chance. "Oh thank God."

"Thought you were atheist?" Migos snickered.

He flipped the other off before turning to the woman, "Uh...can I please know what tournament will be like?"

She nodded enthusiastically, he guessed she must really love her job, "The Test Phase comes up in four days, 4pm sharp. If you do survive that you'll be allowed into the main tournament and we're planning to premiere with a bang. Several stages of the tournament will be a bit... virtually physical so I advise you start working on that as well."

"That's all?"

"That is all I can reveal."

He sighed his thanks and turned back to his friends. "Did you guys hear all that?"

"Yeah, sounds like you're about to face hell." Bethany said knowing how much of a couch potato her ex-boyfriend could be.

"The first prize is a boost in career opportunities for both Pros and Newbies, not to mention gaming tournaments are worldwide entertainment now, they have to keep it interesting." Migos pointed out.

North shook his head in effort to get rid of the slow feeling of anxiety coming over him. This was suddenly feeling like a lot of pressure. Today was for him to have some fun before he truly threw himself into the competition that would change his life forever.

He just didn't have an idea of how much change awaited him.

"Autograph collection waits for no man." He said pulling his favorite of Migos's controllers out of his bag before running in the the direction of the stall of one of his favorite games.

Beth and Migos chuckled while watching him hound the man behind the counter with question after question. The day was going to quite long.

North played every game he could get his hands on. Bless Bethany Sparks for being rich. The only thing that would have made his day complete was if they had been allowed onto the third floor to see the arena where he would compete.

The Glitch Gauntlet.

He wanted to get in so badly, if only to get a brief feeling of what it would be like. Alas, the staff weren't budging. He checked the time to find out it was way past noon already. He should really be heading home.

But he didn't want to, not when he knew what awaited him.

He was still contemplating what to do when he spotted the Wiccan 'n' Warlords booth. The thoughts of home took a back seat as he walked over to it instead. It was a two player setup and it was his absolute favorite. He had played the latest release at another friend's house. A very selfish friend who put him under a lot of pressure to be quick and leave.

He turned to Migos about to ask the dark haired boy to play against him when a commotion not far in front caught their attention. Then he heard a voice that they both knew very well.

"No need to cheer Fury-heads, I deserve to be here."

He peered past the crowd to see, Blaise Fury approaching.

And that wasn't all. The guy was wearing a gold tag which he twirled easily between his fingers.

~Check point Reached!

~Flip page to Enter Next Level!