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.

I had survived twenty waves. I was missing an arm, my chassis was scorched black, and my optical sensors were flickering. But I was still standing.

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.

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.

"Ooh! A clean cut!" the commentator laughed. "Let's see how he handles a crowd!" Chapter 2: Upgrades and Gravity