The Lunar Combat Arena buzzed with restless energy, the air thick with the scent of ambition and unease. I stood near the front, arms crossed.

Ronan slouched beside me, his usual grin replaced by a sharp focus as he stared at his phone. The screen’s glow reflected in his face, showing his rank—Rank 92, a solid Alpha Tier score.

My own phone weighed heavy in my pocket, but I didn’t need to check it to know I’d be near the top. I always was.

That’s what it meant to be the golden ...