The theme music came over the holoscreen speakers. Pepper had just fixed his plate and sat down on the couch. To his surprise, Marcus had enticed Wilson out of his room. Wilson had still not said anything besides his name but Pepper was at least a bit more excited with the fact that they were finally all together.

  Marcus’s optimism had transferred over, and Pepper was back to believing this was all going to work out well. They were now all gathered around the screen. Pepper couldn’t help but smile as he saw the two familiars coiled up together in front of them.

  “Hello everyone, I’m Nick Bosloe and welcome to our first match of the season. Can you believe it everyone, we are here for the opening match of the Golem League’s eleventh season. I always love the replay we do during the season opener, a chance to remember some of the classic and epic matches we’ve gotten to see over the year. Will today be one of those matches? Who will come out victorious? Well don’t go anywhere, because we are about to find out.” Nick said with a smile and pointed finger towards the camera.

  A quick commercial played and Marcus motioned towards the screen. “Did they say who the match up was between?”

  Pepper was about to answer but was shocked when he was cut off by Wilson. “It is Tylor Christianson out of Canada and Rory Schmidt from Germany.”

  Marcus and Pepper both looked at each other. They each had a stunned look and grinned towards one another. Marcus then turned slightly to Wilson, “Right on, thanks Wilson.”

  The commercial ended a few seconds later and zoomed back in to show Nick, JD, and to their lovely surprise Erika had also joined them. Nick was on the far-left side of the group and wore his traditional business attire. A bright blue tie complimented the sleet grey suit and pants and shined against the pitch-black dress shirt.

  JD took the center and had a business jacket that he wore over top of a pink polo shirt. He wore what looked to be a custom-designed pair of blue jeans. A playful smile was on his face, but both he and Nick were giving the center stage to Erika on the far-right side of the group.

  Nick addressed the viewers once they were given the signal that they were back on the air. “Welcome back everyone. JD and I are always blessed when we are joined by our lovely counterpart Erika Leon-Guerrero. Erika you had a chance to sit down with our two young gladiators, tell us what was that like?”

  Erika smiled and gave a slow head nod. A bright green blouse complimented her smile while the camera zoomed in on her more. “Well thank you Nick and JD. It is always a great time when we get to share the booth together. But, yes, I sat down with both of these young gladiators, and I must say, both are excited and ready for this match up.”

  Erika shifted her gaze from Nick and JD and looked towards the camera. “Tylor and Rory are not new to this league, they’ve been grinding it out for a tough two years but have found some great success. I specifically asked them, what’s the difference like to go from the Immortal League to the Pantheon League? Well, here is what they had to say.”

  The screen faded to a pre-recorded video of what looked to be a living room setting. There was a large glass wall in the background that made it look like a high-end luxury home. The two gladiators were seated individually on the right side of the screen with Erika sitting on the left.

  The camera shot narrowed in on the two gladiators as they heard Erika ask the question from off screen. The blond hair and slightly sage green eyes of Rory looked back in Erika’s direction. He then nodded and his thick German accent remained as he answered. “There is certainly a great deal of pressure that comes along with the promotion. Each level of the league has a very unique and distinct feel to it. The stakes grow with you and the pressure to perform at this high level is one you can anticipate but must adapt to.”

  Erika’s voice than arrived from off camera again. “And how well do you feel you’ve adapted to that pressure?”

  Rory smiled and his reaction looked like he didn’t want to necessarily answer the question. “I am still working on the adapting aspect.” He nervously chuckled. “But, it is good. I feel I am doing good with the change.”

  Rory looked over to his competitor. Tylor had a freshly trimmed beard and longer brown hair. Pepper couldn’t help but notice that both competitors looked like they were magazine models on the side, for each one beamed with charisma. Tylor partially smiled and his rich brown eyes glistened as he finally answered the question.

  “Well now is the time to put up or shut up, am I right? We’re competitors and we have been working up to this point since day one. You know, there’s a lot of work that builds up to this point, and I know I am ready to showcase my abilities on the world stage.” Tylor finished with a confident nod.

  Erika then started with her next question. “So, what can fans and viewers expect in todays matchup?”

  The group laughed and Tylor started first. “Well, that’s part of the excitement. You’ll have to tune in and find out. There aren’t no spoilers here, aye.”

  Rory then followed up. “I would say prepare to be surprised. Yeah, I don’t think anyone will see some of the tricks that are up our sleeves.”

  The screen transitioned back to the three hosts and both Nick and JD still gave Erika the center stage. “It was certainly a great time with these two competitors, and you could clearly tell they didn’t want to wait any longer to clash in the arena.”

  Nick then gave a professional nod to Erika. “Well, who can blame them? Gladiators live for the arena and I know I am ready to get this match started. But first, JD, what are your thoughts on today’s matchup?”

  JD arched an eyebrow and had a playful grin on his face. He tilted his head and then rotated his hand back and forth. “Nick, this match could go either way. Both gladiators clearly have the skills and talent to be here. The thing I love is that young gladiators, they sometimes can be the most innovative when it comes to tactics. Though they have earned their way up to the highest tier, they seem to take bold risks. Go all in with trying out an approach we have or have not seen before. So, it will be awesome to see what tricks, as Rory said, just might be up a sleeve or two.”

  All three turned towards the camera and Nick pointed his finger towards the camera. “Well, we’re not getting any younger. And I know our fans are just as excited as us to get this match under way.”

  The screen then faded to showcase the sprawling landscape of sand dunes. Nick’s voice continued while the drone footage proceeded to fly over the rolling waves of sand. “A congratulations to Africa for winning the bid to open season eleven. The desert field arena is not one to underestimate. The environment itself is just as much a part of the match as the golems themselves. The sands of time can shift and just when you think victory is within reach, your footing slides from under you. Just as the fine particles of sand can slip through your fingers, so can victory.”

  The camera view shifted to a split screen which showed both gladiators. They stood on their platforms and slowly glided into their starting positions. The gladiators then initiated their interfaces.

  “Gladiator Arena command interfaces. Nice choice.” Marcus said.

  Pepper was about to agree with his roommate, but to his surprise Wilson interjected. “That is the Gladiator Arena Y2Y Model to be precise.”

  The two roommates both slowly turned to gaze upon Wilson, but he merely remained staring blanking ahead at the match. Pepper saw as Marcus dashed a glance over to him, but a split second later turned his attention back. “Does it really make a difference?”

  Wilson still refused to look at Marcus, but didn’t hesitate in providing his answer. “The Y2Y model provides an extra 20 degrees of viewable screen within the heads up display. Additionally, the advanced 3D technology allows for better special awareness and has proven to have a 20% better depth of field interpretation to the user. The heads up display modules were also coded to allow for a more customizable feature which allows for unlimited potential and user experience. The overall feedback immediately caused Gladiator to begin designing their Carnage Operator Interface module, set to be released later this year.”

  Pepper could feel his eyes were as wide as the room itself. But he wasn’t the only one as Marcus slowly turned to him. A furrowed lip of shocked surprise was plastered on his face. Marcus huffed slightly “Well, okay then. I guess there is a difference between the two models.”

  “Quiet the difference.” Wilson added without delay.

  Marcus then mouthed, okay then, over to Pepper. The two softly chuckled and turned back just in time to see Tylor’s golem enter the arena. His golem was carved out of sheer granite rock. The head carved down into the likeness of a Northen grizzly bear.

  The hair ran down the ridge of its neck and continued down the upper portion of its back before it tucked inside metal armor. The golem carried a customized metal chest and back plate of armor. A green shine radiated off the armor which carried a fantasy feel as intricate patterns made Pepper imagine it was forged by elves.

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  Two massive carved arms which bulged with sculpted muscles. The green armor was plated across the bears hands. A long massive naginata staff was clutched in the bears left hand. The bladed end was turned backwards and dragged just enough in the sand that it cut a small line into the earth. It was at the waste of the bear that the lower torso transitions into the shape of a man. Two carved legs which were covered in the same metal plated armor as the chest and hands.

  “Dude, that bear looks sick.” Marcus added.

  Pepper smiled but kept his gaze focused on the screen. The thought of a giant battle bear in everyone’s mind, but then they were hit with the complete opposite. Rory’s golem faded into view as the camera shifted over and Pepper’s eyebrow arched upward in confusion. Is that, a giant blob? He thought to himself.

  The German’s golem waddled in as if it was a glutton of food and drink. With every step the golem titled from one side to the other and left Pepper re-imaging some of the drunk homeless people he had seen scattered throughout the downtown area. The golem was ash grey in color, and didn’t have any distinguishable theme that Pepper could think of.

  Pepper then noticed that it wore some kind of article of clothing. Is that a robe? Poncho? Dress even? He continued to question what exactly it was that the golem was wearing. There is no way that small… burlap sack is going to protect it from anything. He thought.

  The golem continued to move into position and that was when the camera zoomed in a little closer to show that there was a very odd and distinct pattern etched into the golems build. All over its body was a distinct six-pointed shape. The pattern repeated itself over and over again. Pepper could then see that the design was even layered, and that left him even more baffled than before.

  It was then that Pepper finally summed up the golem of being a sumo wrestler more than anything else. “This has got to be the most oddly designed golem I have ever seen.” He finally added.

  “Same here. I mean, I know my golem is unique, but I can’t ever imagine doing a design like this.” Marcus followed while mumbling his response over his mouth full of taco.

  The countdown timer appeared and once it counted down the match began. There was an instant command from Rory which sent an instant surge of red light throughout the intricate design. But the large sumo like golem remained still.

  Tylor on the other hand brought his northern bear forward. The gladiator looked hesitant as he tried to read and decipher what plot Rory was working towards. Tylor finally started to pick up some speed, but still dragged his naginata staff behind him.

  The northern bear’s eyes glowed with a green light. An effect that Pepper always loved to see during a match. The green energy then began to glow within the hand that held the ranged weapon. The shaft then started to emit the same intensity and looked to start the imbuement process.

  The giant blob finally started to move. Pepper watched as the creature reached up with once of its hands and clutched the robe like material it wore. In one fluid motion it ripped the garment off and flung it forward. A small wisp of wind caught the fabric and it whipped across the battlefield and directly towards the northern bear.

  With a flick of the wrist and a half twist of its hips, the bear snapped his weapon up in an arch. The blade sliced the fabric in half and both pieces blew off each side of the goiem. The bear had before its movement with snap precision and stood there in picture perfect form. But, that was when Tylor saw what he was facing and he froze in shock.

  Pepper was now on the edge of his seat. The six star shapes of the sumo golem where… moving. The golem’s figure now fully exposed to the camera view allowed them to see the golem was covered head to toe in the distinct shape.

  “There must be a thousand of those shapes!” Pepper said in mesmerized disbelief. One by one the shapes began to peal off. The first layer of the golems stomach began to separate, each finger of the six tentacle arms pealed backwards. One by one they dropped to the ground. Their six arms plopped into the desert sand and immediately started to scurry across at a blazing speed.

  The small gusts of wind kicked up sand which drifted all across the arena floor. The only way Pepper could keep track of the dozens of panels was the small glow which came from the red light illuminating from its center.

  A quick close up view from one of the drones showed the panel creature moved like an extraterrestrial spider. Each tentacle arm scattered across the sand and propelled the creature forward. But, Rory’s golem didn’t stop. Panel after panel began to detach itself and send wave after wave towards the northern bear.

  Tylor now appeared panicked. He brought his northern bears free hand up and started to launch green fire balls at the approaching threat. A few explosions surged upward from the arena floor. Sand and smoke intertwined and the only effect it seemed to do was create a veil for the spider like creatures to conceal themselves as they continued to close the distance.

  The bear roared and brought its naginata around. A mighty initial slash which sliced through three of the spiders. Three small fire ball explosions burst out as the blade severed their bodies in half. But… it only helped for a second.

  The northern bear was now back peddling the reality had now set in that, they would not stop. The spiders kept coming and when they got in close enough, their small frames leapt upwards at their opponent. A flash of red energy surged outwards and then a massive explosion erupted.

  The concussive blast, though small, was still powerful enough that the camera allowed them to see tiny shockwaves that sprang outward. The kamikaze spiders pelted the bear mercilessly. It was clear Tylor was trying to readjust his approach with the measely half seconds he had available before the next wave arrived.

  The bear activated a defensive wall. An attempt to buy him some time, but all that did was allow the spiders to cluster closer and begin to encircle him. The spiders even began to dig into the desert sand and crawl underneath the shield while the rest flanked the bear’s position.

  “Great Scott JD! There is no end to this onslaught!” Nick cried out into the broadcast. The entire event was leaving everyone on the edge of their seat.

  Tylor tried another salvo of fire balls while performing a power leap. The gravity rune activated and the norther bear caught some more distance, but it still wasn’t enough to truly be effective. The wave after wave of spiders didn’t stop.

  The defensive shield now gone and the Tylor watched as the main wave of the swarm attack struck. The explosions began to ripple across the golem with such speed that Pepper could have sworn it was a military cluster munition. The only difference… it wasn’t ending.

  Pepper watched as Rory’s golem was still unloading layer after layer. The Pantheon rules allowing the greatest height and weight, allowed Rory to construct a massive amount of spider panels. Pepper didn’t even attempt to guess how many spiders were still seen scurrying across the desert sands. But as he quickly looked over the golem, he felt it had shed at least half of its body.

  The rippling volley of explosions continued to the point where the northern bear was now covered in smoke and debris. The naginata staff still tried to slash its way and cut through the onslaught, but it just wasn’t enough. A few thunderclaps and shockwaves pounded out and then the final destructive flash of green energy sent rays of energy outward. The beams pierced the smoke for a half second before a giant explosion rumbled across the arena floor and the victory horn blared for Rory.

  “And there you have it people! There you freaking have it! I, I, I just don’t know what to say JD.” Nick exclaimed. The camera shifted back to show the two commentators, as Erika had left the booth. Nick’s mouth was wide open as the expression of amazement remained. He quickly pressed his hand up to his ear. “I’ve just received word that an instant and thorough review has been conducted and the Golem League official ruling stands that Rory is the winner. The question being about the use of the explosive devices being a part of the golems actual construct.”

  “Well, it certainly puts a whole new meaning to blowing your load. Am I right or am I right?” JD said with a slight sinister expression on his face.

  Nick dropped his microphone down to his side. Pepper was stunned when he saw Nick lose his composure enough to lightly backhand JD’s shoulder. “JD! Come on now mate, we’re still a family show.”

  “Well of course, we’re a family show. You can’t have a family without the birds and the bees though. Besides, there are plenty of others ways you can blow your…”

  “Okay now!” Erika said as she cut off JD. The camera immediately changed to show her standing in what looked to be a random, undescriptive tunnel. There was no doubt in Pepper’s mind that the production crew made a hasty setup to immediately change the topic of conversation.

  “I don’t know about you fans at home, but I know for me. Getting to see a swarm attack used as a tactic was nothing short of electrifying. As of right now, our initial reports are coming in saying that Rory is the first gladiator to use a swarm attack. Now granted, there are a lot of matches that need to be reviewed, but as of right now… Rory now holds a new Golem League record!”

  The camera then transitioned back to showing JD and Nick. It was clear as day that whatever had been said during the distraction had not been a pleasant one. JD’s expression looked like he had just spent an hour in a principal’s office. The two played it off professionally though and picked up right where they had left off.

  Nick gave a respectable nod towards the camera. “Outstanding work from our research division. An entire team working tirelessly to record all of these fascinating details.” Nick then slowly turned and motioned with his had for JD. “Now JD. Our first ever swarm attack. A massive success in causing confusion, panic, and overall mayhem upon your opponent. How does one counter that?”

  JD gave a slight tilt of his head and quickly rebounded back to his normal self. “Tactics, tactics, tactics. I don’t think I can say it enough when it comes to a match like this. You know? Tactics are everything when you get up to the Pantheon.”

  JD quickly turned from looking at his counter part towards the camera. “What did we say at the beginning of this matchup? These young gladiators like to take massive risks!” JD then turned back and faced Nick while his hand motioned all about in front of them.

  “Now, psionic runes are rarely used in an offense why. Why? Because all it takes is a psionic defense rune to protect you from those attacks. But… That is where these things could have saved you. Let’s go to the board!”

  The screen transitioned to show a still image of the beginning of the match. An aerial view which looked down at the two golems standing on either side. A red squiggly line appeared and Pepper couldn’t help but chuckle at the fact that it reminded him of his dad watching old football matches.

  “Rory’s golem is over here. All these little spiders are coming off and crawling their way over to you. Now… the initial wave are explosive charged. The second wave are actually imbued with energy. That is the reason Rory could get so many off and going so quickly, then, he is just syphoning every ounce of energy from his power core into the next layer.

  “Remember, psionic runes can effect your communication array as well as many other things. A strong psionic wave, or psionic beam, any of those types of attacks immediately will shockwave these puppies like an electro magnetic pulse. You still tracking with me?”

  “I certainly am JD.” Nick replied.

  “Okay, so the other thing… that a gladiator can do is work with gravity. Now a powerful gravity rune can pull these suckers down into the sand. Immediately slowing them down. Or! You crank out a negative gravity rune where it forces these things to float. What do you think happens when these things can’t crawl towards you in their swarm wave attack? They’re sitting ducks and it’d be more fun than playing dodge ball with a bunch of toddlers. You just whack those things right out of existence!”

  By the time JD was done the entire screen was filled with wavey red lines crisscrossing all over the display. The camera feed faded back to showing the two hosts and Nick had a very optimistic demeanor. “Well, I hope you were paying attention Pantheon gladiators. Because Mr. Glasscock certainly gave you the grand strategy on what to expect when facing Mr. Rory Schmidt.”