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

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

"It seems Human 402 is getting cocky," the Emperor's voice cut through the arena. "Let's see how he handles the final challenge of this sector. Unleash the Spidertron!"

In my right hand, a laser sword buzzed with violent energy. Across the checkered floor of the arena, a port opened. Out stepped a Archer-1 unit. It raised its bow, the red targeting laser dot painting a bright circle right on my chest plate. File: Clone.Drone.in.the.Danger.Zone.v1.3.1.37....

I didn't think; I reacted. I dashed to the right as the arrow whistled past my head, clanging against the arena wall. My metal feet clattered against the floor. I closed the distance, swung my sword in a wide horizontal arc, and sliced clean through the archer's torso. Sparks flew, oil sprayed like black blood, and the robot fell in two pieces.

When my consciousness was transferred into the chrome chassis of a Sword-1 unit, I was given no time to adjust to my metallic limbs. There was only the roar of a thousand spectators and the looming shadow of the commentator ship above. This is the story of my struggle to survive the brutal gauntlet of . Chapter 1: The First Spark I was launched backward, flying straight toward a

I was in the Danger Zone. And I was going to fight my way out.

From the ceiling, a massive, multi-legged mechanical spider dropped down. It bristled with bomb launchers and laser turrets. Using the vertical boost, I flew over the

I gripped my sword tightly, ignoring the low-battery warnings flashing in my vision. I looked at the giant mechanical monster, and then up at the Emperor's viewing box.