Kain stood at the edge of the arena, peering into the slightly shimmering barrier that kept the battlefield isolated from the crowd. The referee gave him a nod from the side podium.
"Group 2, Match 1: Rank 2, Kain Newman versus Rank 42, Desmond Slate. Begin when ready."
Desmond, a lanky student with a shaggy haircut and nervous smile, stepped onto the other side of the field. He took a deep breath, then exhaled sharply.
"I-I'll be going all out from the start! Please don't hold back!"
Kain gave a noncommittal shrug.