1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Vornas

The icy bite of cryostasis fades as my senses slowly awaken. A familiar sterile scent assaults my nostrils, mingling with the metallic tang of machinery. I squint, my eyes adjusting to the harsh white light that floods the room as the steady hum of equipment fills my ears.

Feeling my muscles protest after their long slumber, I slowly stretch. My claws extend and retract instinctively, scraping against the icy surface beneath me. A bitter taste coats my tongue—the lingering remnant of whatever drugs they use to keep us asleep during storage.

Just how long have I been out?

As I push myself up, my gaze falls upon the sleek, egg-shaped drone hovering nearby. Its pristine white surface is marred by a single, jagged scratch, a memento from our first encounter. A low growl rumbles in my chest at the sight of it.

"Hello, Vornas," the drone's artificial voice chirps, devoid of any real emotion.

I bare my fangs in a humorless grin. "Back for more, little egg? Didn't learn your lesson last time?"

The drone remains impassive, extending an appendage that bathes me in red light. "It appears you have recovered well," it states, oblivious to my rising irritation.

My tail twitches behind me as memories of my last defeat in this horrible game flood back. Krakenos, that slippery royal fish, had somehow summoned a tidal wave at the last moment. The taste of salt water, the burning in my lungs, the crushing disappointment as the finish line slipped away…

"All vitals normal," the drone announces, interrupting my brooding.

I let out a sardonic chuckle. "What a surprise." My voice drips with sarcasm as I continue, "I've been drowned, beaten, thrown off cliffs, buried in sand, and yet here I am, ready to entertain you for another round. And for what?"

The drone ignores my question. "You will be transported to the arena momentarily."

My ears perk up at this deviation from the usual routine. "Just like that? Isn't the Host going to speak with me first?"

The drone simply repeats its previous statement, ignoring my question.

I narrow my eyes, my whiskers twitching as I process this information. No pre-game chat with the Host? That prattling bird-bot always loved to preen and posture before each season. His absence is… concerning.

As I dress in the meager clothing provided—a simple loincloth and straps for my knives—a troubling thought occurs to me.

All my rivals from my home planet have won their freedom. Draven, Krakenos… I'm the last one left. What kind of game could they possibly have planned for me now, if I've no long-time enemies to fight against?

But more importantly…

"That female," I call out to the drone as it begins to hover away. "The one with the scar across her cheek—is she still here? Is she participating this season?"

The drone ignores me, simply ordering, "Follow me to the transport pod."

Frustration boils within me as I fall in line behind the floating machine. I'll let them think they've beaten my spirit, but I'm not just going to win their game—I'm going to shatter it entirely.

But first, I need to find her. The beautiful creature the Host had flaunted to me as a potential prize. The human female whose eyes had captivated me with a single glance. The one whose scar mirrored my own, like a sign from the fates themselves.

As we approach the transport pod, I steel myself for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Let them throw their worst at me.

I am a proud Saberkai Jungle King, and I will not be caged any longer.

The transport pod hums to life, its sleek exterior gleaming in the artificial light. As it lifts off, I brace myself against the familiar sensation of weightlessness. Through the small viewport, I watch the Loop unfurl beneath me, a vast artificial ring habitat stretching into the distance, surrounded by nothing but the emptiness of space.

But something's different this time. My eyes narrow as I scan the landscape below. Gone are the varied biomes of previous seasons—the scorching deserts, treacherous mountains, and murky swamps. Instead, a sea of green stretches as far as the eye can see. Endless jungle, covering every inch of the inner ring.

A low purr rumbles in my chest. The jungle is my domain, my birthright. Every leaf, every shadow, every scent is an extension of myself. For a moment, an excited energy runs to my fingertips as my claws extend. Whatever game they have planned, I'll be on familiar ground and at a great advantage.

But suspicion quickly follows. Why would the Host give me such an edge? It doesn't fit with the cruel tricks and impossible odds I've come to expect.

The transport pod begins its descent as we near the starting arena, and I know something isn't right. The Host never makes things easy for us. There must be a catch, a hidden danger lurking beneath those familiar green canopies.

As the pod touches down, I steel myself for whatever lies ahead. The pod's door hisses open, revealing the familiar empty colosseum, a structure that I imagine would be exhilarating to experience with a full crowd of spectators.

But alas, my spectators are watching my battle from afar, safe at home while infernal drones record my every move.

I step out, my paw pads touching the cool stone floor. The drones are already buzzing around, catching me from every angle, and there, in the center of it all, stands the Host.

His mechanical parts gleam under the harsh lights, feathered eyebrows twitching with barely contained excitement. That infuriating grin spreads across his beaked face as he spots me.

"Beings of all species!" the Host begins, not wasting a moment for his on-camera preamble. "Welcome to an unprecedented season of Loop Run!"

I growl low in my throat, but force myself to remain still. Better to learn what I'm up against before making any moves.

The Host's eyes lock onto mine, a mischievous glint in their depths. "Vornas, our most popular Jungle King! The last of our original Mythos contestants, back for one final shot at freedom. But this time…" He pauses for dramatic effect, his metal claws clacking against each other. "This time, we have something special planned for you."

My tail lashes behind me, betraying my agitation. What new torment have they devised? What cruel twist awaits me in those familiar jungles?

The Host grins, as if sensing my unease. "Are you ready, Vornas, to face your greatest challenge yet? To prove once and for all if you truly are the master of the jungle?"

I bare my fangs in a silent snarl. Whatever game they're playing, I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.

"Oh, come now," the Host chides, his tone mockingly playful. "No need to look so grim! After all, we've given you a great advantage. An entire world of jungle, just for you!"

His words only heighten my suspicion.

The Host continues, "But first, Vornas, you have a choice to make. A dilemma I presented to your previous Mythian rivals. They chose wrong. Will you?"

My eyes narrow into slits, and my claws dig into my palms.

I'm different from my rivals.

More cunning. More cutthroat.

I'll make whatever choice I must in order to secure my people's dominance over Mythos.