POV: Otto Moorland

The training center transformed for the challenge.

Chairs ringed the main sparring mat, every seat filled with students who'd come to watch the Omega fight the Beta. I stood in the challenger's corner, wearing training gear and trying not to throw up from nerves.

Across the mat, Cassio stretched and warmed up. He looked miserable, his usual easy smile replaced by grim determination.

Principal Lear stood at the center of the mat, his expression stern. "This ...