The Over-Break System

-Roughly Three Years after the Collapse of the DPZ-

Today was the final day of Classes for the School year, and instead of the VSFA Campus being abuzz with activity, everyone was in their dorms, huddled around their Holo-Tvs, or if they didn’t have one, on their Watcets or Computers, because today was the big day, the day of the inaugural Advancement Strife.

It had been several months since Cynrik’s blowout with Geralt about allowing him to infiltrate the event, and much to his dismay, like everyone else, he too was plopped down in his recliner angrily watching the prestigious event on TV.

Around him, the other members of MyrkLys took their places while wearing comfortable lounge clothing and munching on snacks.

In Cynrik’s lap, her favorite spot to relax, Selene did her best to calm down her fuming husband. She had been by his side through everything, giving her support and even making a handful of appearances in his Zeon videos as the mysterious yet sexy Nanai, a sandy blond woman with piercing hazel eyes and a medium-sized bust.

Like Char, she wore a half mask with a red and black outfit and stood beside him as a pillar in the Zeon organization. Her prim and proper image caused her to become a quick heartthrob for any young man who watched the videos, much like her partner, Char, did for the young ladies of the nation.

With fanfare, everyone’s attention moved away from their snacks and idle chatter toward the Holo-Tv, where the intimidating image of President Lallinstien came into view.

As he stepped onto the prebuilt stage, the camera drones swarmed around him before panning out to the crowd of over three thousand young adults and back to him.

”Youth of my Nation, I welcome you to the inaugural Advancement Strife.”

Applause from the crowd resounded briefly until President Lallinstien held up his hand to cut it off.

”The event you are about to take part in has been the subject of much anticipation, and until now, I haven’t announced what exactly it is. And there is a good reason to put on the best showcase of your talents possible.” Glancing around the crowd, President Lallinstien appeared to look at the youthful excitement with a warm and endearing expression.

However, to Cynrik, instead of warm eyes, he viewed the display as that of a predator looking at its prey, which caused him to lean forward slightly, bringing Selene up with him.

”This event will be a modified version of a classic event called Battle Royal, where competitors will be brought into the Spatial Realm aboard large drop ships in groups of 100.” As he said this, a faint murmur fell over the crowd; however, back in the MyrkLys dorm, Brance and Selene gasped.

”No way…” Brance said as he leaned forward; he was familiar with the term Battle Royal; however, to his understanding, on Vinestra, the event had a different structure.

Brance and even Selene couldn’t help but draw a parallel to a game type from Earth because the President had announced the participants’ entry into the event by way of the dropship.

”Each one of you will receive a single token; this token is your lifeline, and if your life is at risk, it can be crushed to teleport you instantly to safety, where a medical team will be on standby to heal any life-threatening injuries you have sustained.” At his command, a small coin-sized item was displayed in front of over three thousand young adults, giving them enough time to secure it.

”Getting stronger in our world is no easy task; it is something wrought with danger, pain, suffering, and sorrow; as such, the Advancement Strife is no different.” If he didn’t have everyone’s attention, President Lallinstien for sure did now.

”While I have given each of you a life-saving artifact that by no means ensures you will make it through this event unharmed, there is a valid reason as to why. Myself and the other national leaders have decided that in this event, killing is absolutely allowed.”

”Many of you have lived cushy lives, ones where everything has been handed to you on a silver platter, your strength is not your own, and you have been nurtured in environments which, if not dealt with, will make you weak.”

Panic had set in for most of the competitors by this point in his speech. Some were even planning on trying to back out and leave out of pure terror.

”But with risk comes reward, for if you make it out of the Advancement Strife, wealth, power, and fame will be within your grasp.

For one week, every one of you will brave the harsh wilderness we have created, fighting against nature and beasts, and I don’t need to tell you all how great of an opportunity this is.” Wearing a warm smile, President Lallinstien noticed a drastic shift on the faces of the young adults.

”Since this is a competition, there will be a point-based system, which will be determined by your actions, along with how good of a show you put on for those watching.”

From terror to excitement and resolve, with a few simple rewards as a carrot, the overall attitudes change at the drop of a hat.

”That isn’t all; within the Spatial realm, which is over a thousand kilometers wide, are tens of thousands of resources necessary for your advancements to Tier-4, and maybe even onward.” Speaking with an air of mystery, if the youth before him weren’t excited before, now they were practically frothing at the mouth.

Evolution materials were hard to come by, and since most of those present weren’t of age to receive them by ordinary means, this was their singular chance at finally obtaining what they needed to break through Tier-3.

”Apart from the Evolution materials, scattered around the territory are numerous caches of supplies, from weapons to food; everything you could possibly require will be in these caches, and they will vary in Rarity. The Platinum Caches have the potential to house High-Grade Tier-4 weaponry, while the Plastic Caches could have wooden or training weapons.”

”The points I mentioned earlier can also be cashed in by using the artifact I gave you, as it has similar communication abilities as a Watcet; by cashing these points in, you can call down a care-package cache which, depending on how many points you spend, will determine the Rarity, and contents of the cache.”

”I should also mention that the viewers nationwide can also support their respective favorites by sponsoring Care package Caches; however, there will need to be certain requirements filled out before that is allowed.”

”Overall, It comes down to luck…or how crafty you can be for some of you. There is only one rule you must be aware of before entering your dropships: all outside equipment, resources, or materials are strictly forbidden.”

”Upon entering your dropship, the event staff will scan you from top to bottom, and all external items will be confiscated until you leave the Spatial Realm. That includes your clothing and armor; however, we will supply you with a basic outfit.”

With this announcement, the bulk of those youth present became agitated, and some even voiced concerns, throwing around family names or titles.

Unfortunately, those bratty youngsters were all ignored, and soon enough, the President closed his speech before ushering the youths toward their respective dropships.