“Did you enjoy that BATTLE? That CONTEST of STRENGTH?”

A seductive purr can be heard from the speakers, Zyra’s pleased reaction eggs on the announcer.

“SO DID I, and I KNOOW that was not enough ACTION, but this is a testing pit. NOT a Colosseum. As Philosophers Always say, the PEN is mightier than the SWORD. So, in respect to that Theory we will play a MIND GAME.”

The announcer lets the crowds laughter and booing wash over the stadium for a minute before continuing.

“Now, now. We’ll make it fun. Some music, and a game that has become VERY popular lately. I heard the young people nowadays compete in something called the Human Benchmark test. So, we have generated 8 different quick little tests that hopefully have enough SPICE not to BORE everyone. Yaawn. Those tests will now be showing up on the screen in front of you.”

He lets the crowd take a moment to find the screen sent to them, then clears his throat.

“Place your bets on whoever will get the highest score. YAWN. And if you get too bored, you can now watch the previous pit tests. I’m sure some of them will catch your interest. OH, but don’t FORGET. It wouldn’t be FUN to have a TEST without people trying their hardest. An incentive… HMMM. Let’s SAY, the 30 people with the LOWEST score, have their HEADS BLOWN OFF. Let the TESTING. yaawn. BEGIN.”

Music fills the stadium, bass vibrating the sand of the pit as the cleaners brought devices to the testers. As soon as everything was handed out holograms appeared in front of them.

Soon the pit was covered in octagonal holograms hiding the test takers. Colors would be shown based on their rankings.

Clicking on the octagons at their screens would give the spectators a clearer view of what was currently going on for each test. The tester the audience was currently on would be shown clearly. Cursors clicking and hesitating when the test taker realized they forgot the patterns previously given.

“I didn’t know my audience was such brainiacs. Having your attention CAPTURED by PUZZLES of ALL THINGS. I can SEE the amount of clicks going on. Congratulations, you guys are smart.”

The voice booms over the music, interrupting the show and mocking the gathered group. In return the crowd boos the announcer. Obscenities pointed towards him were boosted to the forefront of the procession, causing him to laugh.

“I HEAR YOU BOOING ME, I’LL KILL YOU. THE DELTA will FLOW with BLOOD!” Laughs the Announcer.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“SIKE!!” The audience quiets a little.

“I LOVE smart people. If you WEREN’T smart, You NEVER WOULD HAVE COME. THIS!!! THIS is the TESTING PIT!!!”

Cheers go up, and this time instead of obscenities, praises are called for the announcer.

“I know SOME of you have been waiting for more ACTION. Coming down not to look at SCREENS, but a RAW show. We’ll get to THAT in a minute. For NOW, give a warm welcome to our LOCAL War Hero… SHAAANK!!!”

“YEAAAAAHHHH!!!” The audience shouts, excited to have a slightly less obnoxious announcer.

“HELLO EVERYBODY, and thank you for the warm welcome. It’s always nice being home, and being able to explain to everyone what is going on in the pit is a pleasure. That being said, it seems like most contestants are either on, or nearing their final intelligence tests. Let’s take a look at how they are faring.”

The brightest green, nearing blue octagon begins to rise and grow. It covers the rest of the octagons and turns clear. Inside, an athletic woman is handed a gun which she then shoots targets almost as fast as they appear, earning an ooooh from the crowd.

The octagon stays capturing her for a few moments then switches to an orangish green octagon, showing a man on the final test, dodging around as the panels around him make buzzing noises and a whistling sound crosses the screen.

Next the Octagon turns red, showing someone just failing at a memory game, grief clear on his face, like he had just lost his life. Little does he know, he basically just did. The octagon switches between all of the fifty remaining test subjects until only one is left, a green octagon with a man struggling to dodge the whistling darts flying towards him. As the audience watches, a dart hits him in the shoulder, and soon the last of the octagons disappears.

“It looks like all the test subjects have completed their tasks. Let’s see who survived, and who won their bets. Let’s work our way from the bottom of the survivors list, shall we?”

The crowd hoots and hollers, laughing at those in the audience who lost their bets, praising those who won the minor bets, and having a good time as the survivors' names were listed. Everything goes quiet as the top 3 contestants are about to be named.

“And in third place, Anetta Bloom, first in all subjects until the accuracy test, where she fell behind by 6 points. Unable to make up for it in the final room, she will stay where she is.”

The woman with the octagon approaching blue stands on the raised platform in the center of the pit, a fake smile painted on her face.

“Now, I would save the best for last in any other case, but I know that would kill everyone. So I’m going to ruin the surprise.” Two lights appear on Mac and the man from Birdies cell.

“In FIRST place, DRUM ROLL PLEASE.” The audience stomps their feet.

“In First place, our lovely man, BILL KNOX.” Half the audience boos as their bets were lost, most having bet on Mac, the long time champion.

“Sadly Mac came in second place, sorry for your loss everyone. Looks like the house is making a lot of money today.” The man chuckles as more boos are screamed.

Bill and Mac stand on the podium. Mac sneers at Bill, while Bill just stands there stunned, surprised he won, and wondering what it cost him. The audience opinion was all that mattered here, and he did NOT have their favor.

“Now, Now, I know it’s disappointing to lose to the house, so we’re going to give you 1 shot to make back your money. We will be having a spike run, and since I have an appointment to go to, Preston will be taking back over. BYE!!!” The crowd cheers for Shank, goodbyes dispersed throughout the cheering. Along with their goodbyes, 30 booms could be heard from the pit, everyone in the crowds seemed to enjoy the flying gore.