File: Clone.drone.in.the.danger.zone.v1.3.1.37.... -

"Welcome, Human 402, to your new life!" a booming, synthetic voice echoed from the massive floating screen above. It was the Emperor’s main commentator, a massive floating bot with a penchant for cruel sarcasm. "You have been upgraded! Try not to get sliced in half in the first ten seconds. The crowd hates a short show."

I was launched backward, flying straight toward a pit of lava. In a panic, I triggered my new jetpack. The thrusters roared to life, halting my momentum just inches above the molten rock. Using the vertical boost, I flew over the Kick Bot, flipped upside down, and brought my blade down on its head. Chapter 3: The Armor and the Giant File: Clone.Drone.in.the.Danger.Zone.v1.3.1.37....

By Wave 15, I didn't feel like a human anymore. I felt like a finely tuned instrument of death. I had acquired a bow, maximized my arrow deflection, and added a layer of heavy plating to my chassis. I needed it. The arena was now throwing MK-3 Swordsmen at me—heavy bots with armor that required multiple hits to break. "Welcome, Human 402, to your new life