Albert Fowler was stood on the landing deck of the facility, the wind whipping his coat around him as a transport vessel touched down. The roar of the engines drowned out any other sound as the massive craft settled onto the platform, its landing gear hissing as it absorbed the weight of the vehicle.

The other officers stood in a line behind him, their postures stiff and formal. Fowler's piercing gaze never wavered as the ship's ramp lowered, and a figure emerged from within.

Accompanied by two other officers, the figure strode down the ramp with an air of absolute authority. The man was tall, with broad shoulders and an almost regal posture. His face was sharp, angular, and cold, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to cut through anyone they landed on.

His black uniform was pristine, adorned with silver accents that gleamed under the harsh light of the deck. A white fur collar draped over his shoulders, adding to the imposing presence of the man.

Albert straightened, acknowledging the figure with a subtle nod. The man didn't return the gesture but continued his approach with measured steps, his gaze scanning the officers around him before finally settling back on Albert.

"Welcome, Governor Vance. It’s a pleasure that you could grace us with your—"

Vance put up a hand in front of him. "Let’s skip the pleasantries Albert. I’d rather not this take all day again."

Albert's expression remained unchanged as he lowered his hand. "Of course, Governor," he said coolly, his voice steady. "Please, if you could come with me."

Vance gave a brief nod. "Lead the way."

Albert turned on his heel and began walking toward the entrance of the facility. The officers behind him fell into step, forming a tight escort around Governor Vance and his entourage.

The group moved briskly along the landing deck, and as they passed through the wide entrance into the facility, Albert slowed his pace so that he could fall in step beside Vance. The governor's cold gaze flickered briefly toward him, but he said nothing.

The corridor they entered was tall and utilitarian, its white metallic walls gleaming under the sterile light. The sound of boots against the metal floor echoed in the space.

"We have prepared today’s event for your enjoyment, Governor," Albert said. "Later today you will see the brilliant power we have fostered into the floor ten inmates."

"I’d rather not watch weaklings squabble amongst themselves," Vance said as he clasped his hands behind his back. "This competition will only prove that the floor ten inmates are superior, if you have been training them properly."

"Yes, Governor," Albert replied smoothly, his tone carefully measured. "But that’s exactly what I want to show you. The difference in power between the ruffians that come in here to be trained, and the end products of our program. This won’t be a standard competition Governor, it’ll be a showcase."

Vance glanced at Albert, his expression unreadable. "Results are all that matter. I don't care for the unnecessary spectacle. If your 'showcase' doesn’t live up to my expectations, then you know what that means for your position."

Albert resisted the urge to swallow hard. "Understood, Governor. I assure you, the results will speak for themselves."

***

The morning passed in tense preparation. The sprawling facility buzzed with activity as officers and staff scurried to ensure everything went as planned. Albert had spent the last hour personally inspecting the alteration platform, a massive, circular stage at the top of the facility.

With its advanced tech, the platform had a unique ability to transform into any environment, from barren landscapes to lush, dense jungles, and even urban cityscapes. It was a piece of equipment where the governor invested a lot of money into building it.

Now, with the stage set and everything in place, Albert could only hope that Owen would meet his match in the competition. If he could get him under his control, this would solidify Albert’s credibility in the governor's eyes.

Albert looked down at his watch and noted the time. It was almost noon, and the showcase was set to begin in less than thirty minutes. So he moved towards the edge of the platform, with the floor opening up beneath him, and a sleek elevator rising to meet him. He stepped inside and descended below.

***

The sound of inmates murmuring and shuffling echoed through the halls of the facility. The anticipation in the air was palpable, an electric charge that seemed to vibrate through the cold, sterile walls.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

They were heading to the staging area, a massive chamber just beneath the alteration platform. Isaac was in the midst of the moving crowd. He was ushered onto a moving platform that transported them towards the top of the facility. Then he was directed into the staging area, a cavernous room where the bright lights above illuminated the space.

To the left of Isaac, a huge screen, that was split into two halves, was displaying a live feed from both sides of the alteration platform above. The images were showing a lush, forest environment set up for the first match of the competition.

To the right of him, were rows and rows of seats stretching all the way to the farthest corners of the chamber, that were being filled in by inmates. He looked up, and could see the seats reaching up to the high ceiling like a theatre.

At the top, a box overlooked the entire area. Isaac figured that it was reserved for the high ranking officials.

Putting his hands in his pockets, he searched for a vacant seat. He spotted one near the center of the room, just a few rows from the front. The seats around it were occupied by a mix of prisoners, some talking quietly among themselves, others staring ahead with a hard, focused look in their eyes.

Isaac made his way through the aisles, careful not to bump into anyone. The room was alive with hushed conversations and low murmurs, each voice carrying a sense of expectancy.

As he settled into the seat, Isaac's heart began to race. His friends were going to be on the platform soon, and the tension was starting to build. He couldn't help but glance nervously at the screen. Who was going to appear first?

As his mind wandered, a voice came from the side.

"Long time no see, Isaac."

Isaac turned toward the voice. A young woman with striking ginger hair, that fell just below her shoulders, and freckles that dotted her pale skin smiled at him brightly. Her green eyes were mixed with specks of blue.

Isaac blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by the familiar face.

"Marie?" he said, his voice a mix of shock and disbelief.

Her smile widened. "It’s been a longtime since we’ve talked to each other face to face," she looked down at Isaac's inhibitor bracelet. "How’s May doing?"

Isaac looked down and stroked the bracelet. "She’s doing fine. How about you?"

"I’m good," she pointed to the empty seat next to him. "Can I sit down?"

Isaac nodded, "Of course."

Marie slid into the seat beside him, her posture relaxed. She glanced up at the screen. "This Owen guy you have been telling me about, is he going to be the first one that fights?"

Isaac shook his head. "No idea, but probably not."

Marie leaned back in her seat, her gaze lingering on the screen as the images shifted. "I wonder if your friends can hold their own against the floor ten guys."

Isaac let out a slow breath, his eyes fixed on the lush forest projected above. "That’s what I’m wondering too. But the thing is, maybe there is something more I could have done to help them."

Marie glanced at him. "Like what?"

"I don't know. Trained with them more, pushed them harder, or maybe even… joining them."

"You know you couldn’t have done that. You’d risk revealing your true abilities."

Isaac frowned. "Maybe," he admitted. "But sitting here while they’re up there, fighting… it feels wrong."

Marie didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she turned her attention back to the screen. She then spoke after a moment of silence. "Have you given it some thought Isaac? About us escaping?"

Isaac could hear the tone of her voice becoming more serious. "With both of our insignia abilities, we could easily get out of here."

Isaac looked at her. They had arrived at pretty much the same time at the facility, meeting on floor five. But while he was demoted from floor to floor, Marie was moved up for her exceptional behaviour. But she wasn’t only moved up because of that. Her insignia ability, the death insignia, had the potential to be one of the strongest insignia powers in the facility. The ability to control the concept of death was a very sought out power.

"Give me more time to think about it," Isaac said, his voice low. "I’m not sure if now is the right moment."

Marie didn’t seem upset by his hesitation. Instead, she just nodded, her eyes flicking toward the screen again.

"Alright. I need to go back home, but I’ll wait till you’re ready."

A voice came over the loudspeaker, cutting through the noise of the room. "Attention all inmates. The first match will begin shortly."

Isaac's stomach tightened. The atmosphere in the room shifted, the murmur of voices gradually dying down as every eye turned toward the screen. Beside Isaac, Marie straightened in her seat.

"Get ready," she whispered. "It's about to start."

***

Owen was sat in a room with Will, Grace, Jason and Kenneth. In front of him was a screen showing the forest environment. To the left of him, near the back wall, was an elevator that would take them up to the platform.

They had been assigned an order In which they would come out in. The first to fight will be Will. Then Kenneth as the second, Jason as the third, Grace as the fourth, and finally Owen as the last one.

Owen leaned forward in his seat, his fingers tightening into fists. The heavy silence in the room was oppressive, and the anticipation gnawed at his nerves. He glanced at Will, who was staring down at the floor. A bead of sweat ran down the side of his face.

"Are you nervous?" Owen asked quietly, in a calming voice.

Will’s face snapped to his. He was about to shake his head no but paused, his eyes locking with Owen's.

"Maybe…" Will started, his voice low and almost strained. "Maybe a little."

Owen smiled. "It’s alright to feel that way. We all get nervous, but you’ve trained for this. Just remember everything we’ve worked on."

Will nodded, though it was clear his mind was racing. He took a deep breath, and for a moment, the room was filled with nothing but the quiet hum of the screen.

But then a robotic voice sounded from the speaker above. "The first contestant, step into the elevator."

Will’s blood ran cold as the elevator doors slid open with a soft hiss.

Will stood up slowly, wiping his palms against his pants. His heart hammered in his chest, but he took a deep breath, pushing back the flood of nerves. He could do this. He had trained for this.

"Good luck, Will," Owen said, his voice steady but carrying a weight of encouragement.

Will gave a weak nod, his eyes not meeting Owen’s as he stepped into the elevator. The elevator doors closed behind him, and the platform beneath him rumbled to life.